Multifunctional Phase Change Materials

Multifunctional Phase Change Materials: Fundamentals, Properties and Applications updates on phase change materials (PCMs) used for the storage of thermal energy as sensible and latent heat. This class of materials is the subject of intensive research, both fundamental and applied, as they substantially contribute to the efficient use and conservation of waste heat and solar energy. Different groups of materials have been investigated as PCMs, including inorganic systems (salt and salt hydrates), organic, e.g., paraffins or fatty acids, polymers, and finally, hybrid materials. Recent developments are focused on multifunctional PCMs that provide functional features apart from energy storage, such as desired optical or antibacterial properties. This book presents various synthesis approaches for functionalized materials, as well as specific interactions and self-organization effects in polymer/functionalized (nano)particle systems. It reviews the current state-of-the-art in multifunctional phase change materials for thermal energy storage applications by describing the fundamentals of energy storage, the main classes of PCMs, functionalization protocols, encapsulation methods and shape stabilization procedures. Covers the most important developments in PCMs that have expanded rapidly over the last few years, including thermochromic and thermoelectric PCMs, as well as fluorescence-functionalized phase change materials Includes the newest solutions in PCMs related to functionalization and shape stabilization, e.g., nano-encapsulation and electrospun ultrafine phase change fibers Provides a multidisciplinary, comprehensive work that will be of interest for a wide readership active in various disciplines, from materials science to environmental engineering

Today, the application of phase change materials (PCMs) has developed in different industries, including the solar cooling and solar power plants, photovoltaic electricity systems, the space industry, waste heat recovery systems, preservation of food and pharmaceutical products, and domestic hot water. PCMs use the principle of latent heat thermal storage to absorb energy in large quantities when there is a surplus and release it when there is a deficit. This promising technology has already been successfully implemented in many construction projects. The aim of this book is to assist the scientists and to provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of the properties that characterize the phase change materials from theoretical and experimental perspectives with a focus on their technological applications. The present status and future perspectives of phase change material are discussed.

Functional oxides are used both as insulators and metallic conductors in key applications across all industrial sectors. This makes them attractive candidates in modern technology ? they make solar cells cheaper, computers more efficient and medical instrumentation more sensitive. Based on recent research, experts in the field describe novel materials, their properties and applications for energy systems, semiconductors, electronics, catalysts and thin films. This monograph is divided into 6 parts which allows the reader to find their topic of interest quickly and efficiently. * Magnetic Oxides * Dopants, Defects and Ferromagnetism in Metal Oxides * Ferroelectrics * Multiferroics * Interfaces and Magnetism * Devices and Applications This book is a valuable asset to materials scientists, solid state chemists, solid state physicists, as well as engineers in the electric and automotive industries.

The development of nanomaterials plays a fundamental role in current and future technology applications, particularly nanomaterials that have multiple functionalities. This book provides a broad overview of the effect of nanostructuring in the multifunctionality of different widely studied nanomaterials. This book is divided into four sections constituting a road map that groups materials sharing certain types of nanostructuring, including nanoporous, nanoparticled, 2D laminar nanomaterials, and computational methods for characterizations of nanostructures. This structured approach in nanomaterials research will serve as a valuable reference material for chemists, (bio)engineers, physicists, nanotechnologists, undergraduates, and professors.

In terms of design, multifunctional requirements are becoming the rule. While previous decades were driven by the development of new materials, this new engineering approach calls for the development of 'tailored materials'. Very often, contradictory requirements cannot be met by a single material. Fortunately, various innovative strategies are possible -associating different materials, playing with materials architectures (such as foams and truss lattices), or developing microstructural gradients. While these strategies open a whole new range of materials and properties, where structural requirements and functional properties can be combined, they also reveal additional challenges. New processes must be implemented. Appropriate constitutive equations must be developed. Interfaces must be engineered. And bioinspired hierarchical structures must be developed and modeled, to name just a few. This book brings together researchers to review recent advances and address the list of challenges. Topics include: basic concepts in architecture materials; cellular and fibrous materials; processing challenges; towards structures and multifunctional materials.

The Frontiers in Materials Editorial Office team are delighted to present the inaugural “Frontiers in Materials: Rising Stars” article collection, showcasing the high-quality work of internationally recognized researchers in the early stages of their independent careers. All Rising Star researchers featured within this collection were individually nominated by the Journal’s Chief Editors in recognition of their potential to influence the future directions in their respective fields. The work presented here highlights the diversity of research performed across the entire breadth of the materials science and engineering field, and presents advances in theory, experiment and methodology with applications to compelling problems. This Editorial features the corresponding author(s) of each paper published within this important collection, ordered by section alphabetically, highlighting them as the great researchers of the future. The Frontiers in Materials Editorial Office team would like to thank each researcher who contributed their work to this collection. We would also like to personally thank our Chief Editors for their exemplary leadership of this article collection; their strong support and passion for this important, community-driven collection has ensured its success and global impact. Laurent Mathey, PhD Journal Development Manager

Ultra-High Temperature Thermal Energy Storage, Transfer and Conversion presents a comprehensive analysis of thermal energy storage systems operating at beyond 800°C. Editor Dr. Alejandro Datas and his team of expert contributors from a variety of regions summarize the main technological options and the most relevant materials and characterization considerations to enable the reader to make the most effective and efficient decisions. This book helps the reader to solve the very specific challenges associated with working within an ultra-high temperature energy storage setting. It condenses and summarizes the latest knowledge, covering fundamentals, device design, materials selection and applications, as well as thermodynamic cycles and solid-state devices for ultra-high temperature energy conversion. This book provides a comprehensive and multidisciplinary guide to engineers and researchers in a variety of fields including energy conversion, storage, cogeneration, thermodynamics, numerical methods, CSP, and materials engineering. It firstly provides a review of fundamental concepts before exploring numerical methods for fluid-dynamics and phase change materials, before presenting more complex elements such as heat transfer fluids, thermal insulation, thermodynamic cycles, and a variety of energy conversation methods including thermophotovoltaic, thermionic, and combined heat and power. Reviews the main technologies enabling ultra-high temperature energy storage and conversion, including both thermodynamic cycles and solid-state devices Includes the applications for ultra-high temperature energy storage systems, both in terrestrial and space environments Analyzes the thermophysical properties and relevant experimental and theoretical methods for the analysis of high-temperature materials