Micro & nano-engineering of fuel cells

Abstract

Fuel cells supply electricity by converting fuels via electrochemical reactions. The energy conversion process is highly efficient. The process is also clean as it produces no or low emission depending on the fuel used. There is a high potential that fuel cells can replace conventional batteries to achieve a higher environmental performance. However, in spite of the attractive system efficiencies and environmental benefits associated with fuel-cell technology, it has proven to be difficult to develop the scientific concepts into commercially viable industrial products. These problems have often come from both scientific and engineering issues. This edited book brings together leading researchers in various fields of engineering science from all over the world discussing the recent trends and needs on micro & nano-engineering of fuel cells, creating new engineering knowledge and optimizing the system on a micro and nano-scale. The small scales discussed in this book are particularly important, because (1) most of the underlying interactions governing the fuel cell performance occur at a scale from nanometers to microns; and (2) some engineering tasks that cannot be accomplished in macro-scale are proven achievable in micro and nano-scales. The book can be categorized into two subject areas: theoretical foundation research and applications research. The latest progress in the engineering science for electrolyte, electrode materials and whole-cell design are covered.