Modern Aspects Of Electrochemistry No 20

Starts with the most fundamental aspects of the subject and work to the more complex. Topics treated include the electron overlap contribution to the double layer potential difference; the electron transfer theory; farzdaic rectification; photoelectrochemical reduction of CO 2; aluminum in aqueous s

Covering both the theoretical and applied aspects of electrochemistry, this well-known monograph series presents a review of the latest advances in the field.

Recognized experts present incisive analysis of both fundamental and applied problems in this continuation of a highly-acclaimed series. Topics discussed include: The way in which electrochemical systems may function as on a single electrode; The foundational area of voltaic measurements at liquid interfaces; Direct methanol fuel cells, which would avoid the unpleasant necessity faced by the current general of fuel cells - namely, using hydrogen; Dynamic processes in molten salts; Electrochemical techniques and Microbial Induced Corrosion (MIC).

This volume analyzes and summarizes recent developments in several key interfacial electrochemical systems in the areas of fuel cell electrocatatalysis, electrosynthesis and electrodeposition. The six Chapters are written by internationally recognized experts in these areas and address both fundamental and practical aspects of several existing or emerging key electrochemical technologies. The Chapter by R. Adzic, N. Marinkovic and M. Vukmirovic provides a lucid and authoritative treatment of the electrochemistry and electrocatalysis of Ruthenium, a key element for the devel- ment of efficient electrodes for polymer electrolyte (PEM) fuel cells. Starting from fundamental surface science studies and interfacial considerations, this up-to-date review by some of the pioneers in this field, provides a deep insight in the complex catalytic-electrocatalytic phenomena occurring at the interfaces of PEM fuel cell electrodes and a comprehensive treatment of recent developments in this extremely important field. Several recent breakthroughs in the design of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anodes and cathodes are described in the Chapter of H. Uchida and M. Watanabe. The authors, who have pioneered several of these developments, provide a lucid presentation d- cribing how careful fundamental investigations of interfacial electrocatalytic anode and cathode phenomena lead to novel electrode compositions and microstructures and to significant practical advances of SOFC anode and cathode stability and enhanced electrocatalysis.

In the last decade, the evolution of electrochemistry away from concern with the physical chemistry of solutions to its more fruitful goal in the study of the widespread consequences of the transfer of electric charges across interphases has come to fruition. The turning of technology away from an onward rush, regardless, to progress which takes into account repercussions of techno logical activity on the environment, and the consequent need for a reduction and then termination of the injection of CO into 2 the atmosphere (greenhouse effect), together with a reckoning with air and water pollution in general, ensures a long-term need for advances in a basic knowledge of electrochemical systems, an increased technological use of which seems to arise from the environmental necessities. But a mighty change in attitude needs to spread among electro chemists (indeed, among all surface chemists) concerning the terms and level in which their field is discussed. The treatment of charge transfer reactions has often been made too vaguely, in terms, it seemed, of atom transfer, with the electron-transfer step, the essence of electrochemistry, an implied accompaniment to the transfer of ions across electrical double layers. The treatment has been in terms of classical mechanics, only tenable while inadequate questions were asked concerning the behavior of the electron in the interfacial transfer. No process demands a more exclusively quantal discussion than does electron transfer.