Electrocatalysis: Computational, Experimental, and Industrial Aspects

Electrocatalysis applications are employed in a large number of industries worldwide, ranging from old technologies such as galvanoplasty to the most up-to-date deployments involving ultracapacitators. Recognizing electrocatalysis as a useful interfacial approach to a dynamic interdisciplinary science, Electrocatalysis: Computational, Experimental, and Industrial Aspects focuses on important developments in the field that are the most relevant to new technologies.Gathering the experiences of a collection of experts who have worked on the basic principles of electrocatalysis as it applies to theoretical physics and theoretical chemistry, the book gives readers a clear view of the problems inside electrocatalytic reactions, presenting both the limitations of electrocatalysis in the laboratory along with its possibilities in industry. Topics discussed include: The current uses of electrocatalysisFuture perspectives on the fieldSurface physical properties and surface relaxation on noble and non-noble surfacesThe quantum nature of the electron transferMüller-Calandra, Srinivasan-Gileadi, and instantaneous nucleation-growth overlap modelsThe production, storage, use, and delivery of hydrogen in industrial electrochemistryTheoretical approaches to current distribution on rough surfacesThe use of microradiology to study electrodepositionPrinciples of electrochemical engineering, fuel cell reactors, and electrocatalytic reactor designElectrocatalysis of electroless platingFundamental aspects of the corrosion of metals The book reviews four main electrochemical processes (hydrogen production, oxygen electrochemistry, energy conversion/production, and fine electroplating). Surface modified non-noble metal substrates and natural minerals as well as nobleTable of ContentAbout Electrocatalysis Until 2000. Fundamental Aspects of Electrocatalysis. Quantum and Theoretical Electrocatalysis. Overview of Semiempirical Methods. Density Functional Theory. General Considerations of Periodic Crystals. Electrode Catalysis versus Enzyme Catalysis: Theoretical Modeling of a Biological Enzyme. Electrochemically Formed Film Layers of Importance in Electrocatalysis. Surface Physical Properties and the Topology of Single Crystals: Atomic Rearrangements. Problem of Surface Relaxation and Atom Rearrangement on Electrode Surfaces. Surface Chemistry of Bimetallic Catalysts. Surface Modifications of Ferrous Metals and Alloys Induced by Potential and Thermal Perturbations. Principles of Electrochemical Engineering. Energy Balances and Hydrodynamic Conditions in the Electrochemical Reactor. Current Density and Electrode Potential under Different Operating Conditions on Smooth and Rough Surfaces. The Electrochemical Fuel Cell Reactor. Diffusion-Convective Systems in Electrochemical Reactors. Electrocatalytic Reactor Design. Electrocatalysis of Electroless Plating. Fine Electrodeposition. Electrode Modification: Application in Organic Electrocatalysis. Fundamental Aspects of Corrosion of Metals and Semiconductors. Production, Storage, Use, and Delivery of Hydrogen in the Electrochemical Conversion of Energy. Index.Biographical NoteCarlos Fernando Zinola earned his undergraduate degree in chemistry at the Universidad de la República in 1987, a master’s degree and doctorate in chemistry at the same university in 1991and 1994, and post-doctorate in electrochemistry at Universitaet Bonn in 1996. His main topics of interest are electrocatalysis and industrial applications of electrochemistry and electrochemical engineering. He has written three books, earned three patents, and published more than 60 articles.