List of Chapters
Analytical Techniques for Obtaining Current and Concentration in Enzymatic Biofuel Cells for Various Enzymatic Scheme
Author(s): K Saranya; Marwan Abukhaled; V Mohan; L Rajendran*
In this chapter, mathematical models for an enzymatic biofuel cell for the steady and transient states are discussed. Detailed maps and charge balances are combined with a model for the reaction mechanism in the electrodes. It is important that theoretical models are developed to reduce the burden on laboratory-based testing and accelerate the development of practical systems in enzymatic biofuel cells. In this study, recent key developments in the modeling of biofuel cells and bio-fuel cell technology are reviewed...
Hydroxyapatite Applications in Environmental Monitoring and Treatment
Author(s): Yanni Tan*; Yanjun Liu; Songzhu Luo; Junqi Li
Hydroxyapatite (HAp, Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) is well-known for its important role in the body of the vertebrate, including human beings. HAp amounts 70% of bones and human teeth also mainly consist of nano HAp rods [1,2]. HAp makes them more stable and harder so that they can function. Thus, it is not surprising that HAp is a widely-used biomaterial with great biocompatibility. Besides the biological applications [3,4], HAp can also serve as a long-term assurance material for radioactive waste [5], fluorescent lamps [6], gas sensors [7], adsorbents for heavy metals [8] and catalysis [9]...
Mathematical Modelling of Rotating Disc Electrodes and Nonlinear Diffusion Equations
Author(s): J. Visuvasam; A. Meena; R. Swaminathan*; L Rajendran*
The Rotating Disc Electrode (RDE) technique has proved to be of considerable use in the study of electrode processes. In this chapter, mathematical models for a rotating disc electrode for the steady and transient states are discussed. Rotating disc electrodes can be modeled with linear and non-linear convection differential equations of EC’, EC, Disp, and ECE reactions mechanism. The exact analytical solution of the non-linear convective diffusion problem is possible only for relatively simple cases. But for more complex cases, incorporating homogeneous reaction as well as heterogeneous charge transfer, the usual approach has not been used to find the solution of the differential equations.
Microplasmas and their Application for Nanomaterials Synthesis
Author(s): Liang liang Lin*; Hongyu Wen; Yuan Xia
The pursuit for green, efficient, and controllable synthesis of high quality nanomaterials greatly promotes the development of plasma-assisted nanomaterials synthesis. Owing to their unique characteristics such as atmospheric pressure operation, non-equilibrium chemistry, microcale geometry, and self-organization phenomenon, microplasmas have attracted increasing attention as effective tools for nanofabrication. In this work, nanomaterials and their conventional synthesis methods are briefly introduced, followed by the discussion of typical microplasma systems for nanomaterials synthesis, like gas-phase systems, liquid-involved systems, and microfluidic plasmas. Meanwhile, representative configurations in each system are elaborated to show how nanomaterials are prepared. Afterwards, the diagnostic techniques for analyzing both the microplasma-reaction process as well as the generated nanoparticles are comprehensively reviewed, CCD camera, electrical measurement, optical emission spectrometry, scattering technique, TEM, SEM, EDX, XRD, Raman, XPS, FT-IR, etc. Finally, salient examples are given to show various types of nanomaterials obtained by microplasmas. The motivation of this work is to provide readers essential information of the microplasma technique, which may enlighten them alternative way for functional nanomaterials synthesis and help to guide them in the process design.
Micro- and Nanolignin Particles: Development and Potential Applications
Author(s): Elena Dominguez; Leyre Sillero; Maria del Mar Castro; Rosalia Noguerol*
Lignin represents an untapped opportunity for the production of high value-added bioproducts. Lignin is the second most abundant biopolymer in the biosphere after cellulose and is the main natural source of aromatic compounds. As lignin is biodegradable, antimicrobial, antioxidant and carbon dioxide neutral, low-cost industrial lignin waste could be converted into high value-added micro- and nanoparticles that retain their inherent structure, composition and colloidal properties. Lignin micro- and nanoparticles have emerged as a promising alternative to fossil-based chemicals and products due to their excellent properties. This chapter discusses the possibilities of synthesising lignin micro- and nanoparticles from the different sources of lignin available.
