Catalysis for Sustainable Energy Production

Pierluigi Barbaro obtained his PhD from the University of Florence and completed his Post-Doctoral work at ETH in Zurich, later becoming a permanent Researcher at the Istituto di Chimica dei Composti Organo Metallici in Florence. Since 2005 he has been a member of the Governing Board of the VI° FP Network of Excellence IDECAT "Integrated Design of Catalytic Nanomaterials for a Sustainable Production". His main research interest is in the field of homogeneous, heterogeneous and asymmetric catalysis, in particular nanostructured catalysts for application in sustainable production processes. He is the author of more than 60 research papers and 6 patents. In 1991 he was awarded the National award "Federchimica". Claudio Bianchini is Director of the Institute of Chemistry of Organometallics of the Italian National Research Council. He is author of ca. 430 publications and 43 patents. His research fields include catalysis, polymerization, electrocatalysts and membranes for fuel cells, hydrogen production and storage, asymmetric synthesis, solid-gas organometallic reactions, (high-pressure) IR and NMR spectroscopy. He is the recipient of several awards including the G.I.C.O. Senior Award, the Arthur D. Little Award, the Seaborg Memorial Lecture and the National award "Federchimica".

PART I: Fuel Cuells

THE DIRECT ETHANOL FUEL CELL: A CHALLENGE TO CONVERT BIOETHANOL CLEANLY INTO ELECTRIC ENERGY
Introduction
Principles and Different Kinds of Fuel Cells
Low-Temperature Fuel Cells (PEMFCs and DAFCs)
Solid Alkaline Membrane Fuel Cells (SAMFC)
PERFORMANCE OF DIRECT METHANOL FUEL CELLS FOR PORTABLE POWER APPLICATIONS
Introduction
Experimental
Results and Discussion
SELECTIVE SYNTHESIS OF CARBON NANOFIBERS AS BETTER CATALYST SUPPORTS FOR LOW-TEMPERATURE FUEL CELLS
Introduction
Preparation and Characterization of CNFs and Fuel Cell Catalysts
Results
TOWARDS FULL ELECTRIC MOBILITY: ENERGY AND POWER SYSTEMS
Introduction
The Current Grand Challenges
Power-Energy Needed in Vehicles
A Great New Opportunity for True Zero Emissions
Advanced Systems Integration

PART II: Hydrogen Storage

MATERIALS FOR HYDROGEN STORAGE
The Primitive Phase Diagram of Hydrogen
Hydrogen Storage Methods
Pressurized Hydrogen
Liquid Hydrogen
Physisorption
Metal Hydrides
Complex Hydrides
Chemical Hydrides (Hydrolysis)
New Hydrogen Storage Materials

PART III: Three H2 and Hydrogen Vectors Production

CATALYST DESIGN FOR REFORMING OF OXYGENATES
Introduction
Catalyst Design
Reforming Reactions: Process Principles
Key Examples of Oxygenate Reforming Reactions
ELECTROCATALYSIS IN WATER ELECTROLYSIS
Introduction
Thermodynamic Considerations
Kinetic Considerations
The Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
The Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Electrocatalysts: State-of-the-Art
Water Electrolysis: State-of-the-Art
Beyond Oxygen Evolution
ENERGY FROM ORGANIC WASTE: INFLUENCE OF THE PROCESS PARAMETERS ON THE PRODUCTION OF METHANE AND HYDROGEN
Introduction
Experimental
Results and Discussion
NATURAL GAS AUTOTHERMAL REFORMING: AN EFFECTIVE OPTION FOR A SUSTAINABLE DISTRIBUTED PRODUCTION OF HYDROGEN
Introduction
Autothermal Reforming: From Chemistry to Engineering
Thermodynamic Analysis
A Case Study
Economic Aspects

PART IV: Industrial Catalysis for Sustainable Energy

THE USE OF CATALYSIS IN THE PRODUCTION OF HIGH-QUALITY BIODIESEL
Introduction
Heterogeneous Transesterification and Esterification Catalysts
Selective Hydrogenation in Biodiesel Production
PHOTOVOLTAICS - CURRENT TRENDS AND VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Introduction
Market: Present Situation and Challenges Ahead
Crystalline Silicon Technology
Thin Films
Other Technology-Related Aspects
Advanced and Emerging Technologies
System Aspects
CATALYTIC COMBUSTION FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ENERGY
Introduction
Lean Catalytic Combustion for Gas Turbines
Fuel-Rich Catalytic Combustion
Oxy-Fuel Combustion
Microcombustors
Catalytic Materials
CATALYTIC REMOVAL OF NOx UNDER LEAN CONDITIONS FROM STATIONARY AND MOBILE SOURCES
Introduction
Selective Catalytic Reduction
NOx Storage Reduction
Open Issues and Future Opportunities