Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Oxygen is a universal oxidant; and therefore, its reduction is involved in a myriad of chemical/biological reactions, both naturally occurring and synthetically induced. The involvement of oxygen in various reaction processes implies the simplicity and straightforwardness of the phenomena; however, under real conditions, the situation turns out to be complex and the oxygen reduction reaction becomes one of the rate determining steps, for example in the overall functioning of alternative and renewable energy devices like fuel cells. In order to accelerate this reaction various categories of catalysts (both purely synthetic chemical and bio-inspired) have been employed. These catalysts include heme inspired iron-based, heme inspired non-iron-based, non-heme-based, noble metal-based, non-noble metal-based and metal-free homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts. Oxygen Reduction Reaction: Fundamentals, Materials and Applications covers in details the designing, synthesis and performance efficacies of the entire spectrum of oxygen reduction catalysts, extrapolating to their applications in practical alternative renewable energy devices. This book, containing critical analyses and opinions from experts around the world and is of interest to scientists, engineers, industrialists, entrepreneurs and students. Discusses the fundamental aspects of oxygen reduction reaction Offers a comprehensive analysis of the choice and development of catalyst materials for oxygen reduction reaction Reviews emerging catalyst systems for oxygen reduction reaction. Includes analyses of catalytic performance parameters to evaluate their efficacy in oxygen reduction reactions under varied operating conditions discusses the importance of oxygen reduction reaction catalysts and processes in real life applications