Materials in Energy Conversion, Harvesting, and Storage

In the complex web of energy resource, production, storage, use, and efficiency, materials play a critical role as diverse and far-reaching as energy itself. In this book, the availability, accessibility, and affordability of different energy sources are discussed. Energy production processes as well as material uses and performance requirements in fossil, nuclear, solar, bio, wind, hydrothermal, geothermal, and ocean energy systems are addressed. Materials science issues in energy conversion systems are presented. In addition, energy harvesting and storage issues (including hydrogen storage) and materials needs are included.

• A timely topic that addresses one of the most pressing global issues today--the quest for new energy sources and technologies as fossil fuel supply is depleted
• First authored book to address materials' role in energy conversion, harvesting and storage.
• Each chapter (except for chapter 1) explains the role of a specific energy process in today's energy landscape, followed by explanation of the fundamental energy conversion, harvesting, and storage processes.
• Current materials uses and ongoing research and development efforts are covered.

Kathy Lu, PhD, is a Professor in Materials Science and Engineering of Virginia Tech. She received her Ph.D. and M.S. degrees from Ohio State University and B.S from Tianjin University. Before joining Virginia Tech, she held positions at Penn State University and Energizer. She has authored over 100 papers, four book chapters, and one book, edited four books, and taught materials courses from undergraduate to graduate levels. She has been honored with several awards including Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award from Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (2011), Karl Schwartzwalder-PACE Award from American Ceramic Society (2008), and Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Award from Oak Ridge Associated Universities (2005).