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This book presents fluoride and fluorocarbon toxicity with respect to remediation and health issues. It covers sources of fluoride and fluorocarbon contamination, its impact on human health, and prospective remediation by multi-disciplinary approaches with the application of recent advanced technology. This book brings together a diverse group of researchers from different disciplines to address the challenges posed by global mass poisoning caused by fluoride and fluorocarbon contamination. The book sheds light on the global environmental issues and proposes solutions to contamination through multi-disciplinary approaches. The book contains three parts. The first part describes the different sources and distribution of fluoride and fluorocarbon in soil and water. The second part explains the health risks linked to fluoride and fluorocarbon toxicity. The third part addresses sustainable fluoride and fluorocarbon toxicity mitigation strategies and the potential applications of recent biotechnology in providing solutions. This book is a valuable resource to students, academics, researchers, and environmental professionals working in the field of fluoride and fluorocarbon contamination.

Homogeneous Isomerization, Amination and Silicon Compounds Reactions, a volume in the Advances in Homogeneous Catalysis series, is separated into three parts to provide comprehensive coverage of isomerization, amination, and silicon compounds reactions with homogeneous catalysts. The first part presents isomerization of functionalized and non-functionalized alkenes. Homogeneous amination and hydroamination reactions are investigated in the second, while the final part covers homogeneous reactions of silicon compounds. The comprehensive coverage of the subject means this volume will be particularly useful to help bridge the gap between chemists and engineer's knowledge and use of homogeneous catalysis. - Includes fundamentals, reactor design, and process description of isomerization, amination, and silicon compounds homogeneous reactions - Describes various isomerization, amination, and silicon compounds homogeneous reactions - Explains isomerization, amination, and silicon compounds reactions economic and environmental challenges

Advances in Natural Gas: Formation, Processing, and Applications is a comprehensive eight-volume set of books that discusses in detail the theoretical basics and practical methods of various aspects of natural gas from exploration and extraction, to synthesizing, processing and purifying, producing valuable chemicals and energy. The volumes introduce transportation and storage challenges as well as　hydrates formation, extraction, and prevention Volume 7 titled Natural Gas Products and Uses comprehensively discusses natural gas conversion and applications for producing high-value chemicals and energy which are accompanied with related environmental challenges and economic analysis. The book covers various methods for producing valuable materials such as synthesis and fuel gases, alkanes, aromatics, sulphurs, etc. and introduces power and electricity generation as well as heat production from natural gas and their applications on future energy systems. - Introduces various chemicals produced from natural gas - Describes power and energy generation methods from natural gas - Discusses cogeneration, trigeneration, and other techniques for effective integration of natural gas production with energy systems

Ein gefährlicher Tanz: Der Romance-Sammelband »Falling For Your Touch & Falling For Your Kiss & Falling For Your Love« als eBook bei dotbooks. Um den Familienfrieden zu wahren, braucht Gesa dringend einen Alibi-Mann. Leider kommt dafür nur einer infrage: der arrogante Womanizer Enver. Und auch wenn sie sich geschworen hat, dass alles nur ein Spiel bleibt, kann Gesa schon bald nicht mehr die leidenschaftlichen Gefühle leugnen, die der provozierende Playboy in ihr weckt … Chrissy muss sich derweil zwischen dem charmanten William und ihrem Exfreund Tyler entscheiden: Hin- und hergerissen zwischen dunklen Wünschen und intimen Sehnsüchten lässt sie sich auf ein gefährliches Spiel ein … Und dann ist da noch Toni, dem die Frauen reihenweise hinterherschmachten – und der doch nur Augen für Gesas attraktiven Exfreund Andy hat. Der aber reagiert kühl und abweisend auf die schüchternen Flirtversuche des Italieners – oder verbirgt sich mehr hinter der harten Schale des smarten Geschäftsmanns? Jetzt als eBook kaufen und genießen: Der prickelnde Sammelband »Falling For Your Touch & Falling For Your Kiss & Falling For Your Love« von Mira Tal ist ein Hot-Romace-Highlight für die Fans von Vi Keeland und des Bestsellers »365 Tage«. Wer liest, hat mehr vom Leben: dotbooks – der eBook-Verlag.

This book is a collection of eight chapters which provide an overview of what one should know about hydroxyapatite (Ha). Chapter One reviews the modification of hydroxyapatite coatings for implant applications. Chapter Two discusses the removal of pollutants by means of hydroxyapatite composites. Chapter Three reviews the synthesis and characterization of hydroxyapatite. Chapter four explores the potential use of functionalized hydroxyapatite in bone regeneration. Chapter Five reviews the applications of modified hydroxyapatite in catalysis. Chapter Six examines hydroxyapatite in terms of sustainable product development and waste valorization. Chapter Seven reviews the deposition of Ha-based coatings on bio-inert substrates by various deposition methods for improved bio-mechanical properties. Chapter Eight explores 3D printed Ha ceramics and its composite scaffolds for tissue engineering.

Wenn die Liebe alle Grenzen sprengt: Das verführerische Hot-Romance-Highlight »Falling For Your Love« von Mira Tal jetzt als eBook bei dotbooks. Was kommt nach dem Happy-End? – Für Chrissy ist nach vielen schwierigen Jahren das Glück endlich zum Greifen nahe: In den starken Armen von William hat sie die Leidenschaft und Hingabe gefunden, nach der sie sich so lange sehnte. Doch dann steht plötzlich Tyler vor der Tür: Der Mann, der sie so verletzt hat, der Mann, der sie wie Dreck behandelt hat … und der Mann, der sie jetzt um jeden Preis zurückgewinnen will. Bevor Chrissy weiß, wie ihr geschieht, wird sie zur Figur in einem gefährlichen Spiel, in dem richtig und falsch, Begehren und Bedrohung zu verschwimmen scheinen. Doch wird sie stark genug sein, die richtige Entscheidung zu treffen? Jetzt als eBook kaufen und genießen: Der aufregende Liebesroman »Falling For Your Love« von Mira Tal ist der Höhepunkt ihrer »Passion«-Trilogie – ein sinnliches Lesevergnügen voller Romantik und prickelnder Erotik für alle Fans von Sylvia Day und Vi Keeland! Wer liest, hat mehr vom Leben: dotbooks – der eBook-Verlag.

This edited book provides knowledge about hemicelluloses biorefinery approaching production life cycle, circular economy, and valorization by obtaining value-added bioproducts and bioenergy. A special focus is dedicated to chemical and biochemical compounds produced from the hemicelluloses derivatives platform. Hemicelluloses are polysaccharides located into plant cell wall, with diverse chemical structures and properties. It is the second most spread organic polymer on nature and found in vast lignocellulosic materials from agro and industrial wastes, therefore, hemicelluloses are considered as abundant and renewable raw material/feedstock. Biorefinery concept contributes to hemicelluloses production associated with biomass industrial processes. Hemicelluloses are alternative sources of sugars for renewable fuels and as platform for chemicals production. This book reviews chemical processes for sugar production and degradation, obtaining of intermediate and final products, and challenges for pentose fermentation. Aspects of hemicelluloses chain chemical and enzymatic modifications are presented with focus on physicochemical properties improvement for bioplastic and biomaterial approaches. Hemicelluloses are presented as sources for advanced materials in biomedical and pharmaceutical uses, and as hydrogel for chemical and medicine deliveries. An interdisciplinary approach is needed to cover all the processes involving hemicelluloses, its conversion into final and intermediate value-added compounds, and bioenergy production. Covering this context, this book is of interest to teachers, students, researchers, and scientists dedicated to biomass valorization. This book is a knowledge source of basic aspects to advanced processing and application for graduate students, particularly. Besides, the book serves as additional reading material for undergraduate students (from different courses) with a deep interest in biomass and waste conversion, valorization, and chemical products from hemicelluloses

This exhaustive Handbook covers the synthesis and applications of nanomaterials that can be used in energy and environmental science applications. Given the pressing need for more efficient energy sources at lower costs, this book will help to provide a more cohesive understanding of nanocomposites and nanomaterials. Each chapter in this handbook is written by an expert in his or her field, and topics ranging from energy efficiency to material performance are presented. Catalysis, ceramic science, metallurgy, coatings, and green, sustainable materials are included. This Handbook provides a comprehensive guide to the field of applied nanomaterials. It will drive interest and research in the use of nanocomposites and nanomaterials for energy and environmental applications.

Nähert man sich dem südwestlichsten Zipfel der Kanaren, dem Eiland El Hierro, so trifft man zunächst auf die steinigen und trockenen Regionen der Insel. Erst nach eingehender Erkundung fällt dem Betrachter die enorme Vielfältigkeit der Natur auf. El Hierro misst in der Länge nicht einmal 30 km, an der schmalsten Stelle ist die Insel sogar nur 8,6 km breit. Trotzdem erhebt sich der höchste Berg, der Malpaso, auf 1.501 m Höhe. Krasser können sich landschaftliche Gegensätze auf einer so kleinen Insel nicht präsentieren. Sattgrüne Nebelwälder, dichte Kiefernwälder und stark zerklüftete Küstenabschnitte stehen im Kontrast zu kargen Wüstenzonen sowie leicht zugänglichen Küsten. El Hierro ist von mehr als 500 sichtbaren Vulkankratern - das ist Rekord auf den Kanarischen Inseln - über 300 neuzeitlichen Lavaströmen, bis jetzt 70 dokumentierten Höhlen, drei mächtigen Bergstürzen und vom Meer geprägt. Daraus resultieren verschiedenste Klimazonen und Vegetationsstufen. Besonders surreal wirken die fruchtbaren grünen Wiesen auf den Hochebenen von El Hierro. Dort weiden Kühe, Pferde und Ziegen - getrennt durch ein gigantisches Netz aus Trockensteinmauern: ein einzigartiger Lebensraum auf den Kanarischen Inseln. Kilometerlange Sandstrände wie auf Gran Canaria oder Fuerteventura gibt es auf El Hierro nicht, dafür aber 20 erlebnisreiche Bademöglichkeiten. Die Inselregierung setzt auf Ökotourismus statt auf Massentourismus, der Individualreisende wird sich hier sehr wohlfühlen. El Hierro ist ein Paradies auf Erden, ca. 30 Minuten Flugzeit vom Rest der Welt entfernt und eines der spannendsten Urlaubsziele auf den Kanarischen Inseln. Urige Restaurants mit typisch kanarischer Küche und freundliche Inselbewohner runden den Genuss ab. Das Erlebnis El Hierro wartet!

This book is part of a two-volume work that offers a unique blend of information on realistic evaluations of catalyst-based synthesis processes using green chemistry principles and the environmental sustainability applications of such processes for biomass conversion, refining, and petrochemical production. The volumes provide a comprehensive resource of state-of-the-art technologies and green chemistry methodologies from researchers, academics, and chemical and manufacturing industrial scientists. The work will be of interest to professors, researchers, and practitioners in clean energy catalysis, green chemistry, chemical engineering and manufacturing, and environmental sustainability. This volume focuses on the potentials, recent advances, and future prospects of catalysis for biomass conversion and value-added chemicals production via green catalytic routes. Readers are presented with a mechanistic framework assessing the development of product selective catalytic processes for biomass and biomass-derived feedstock conversion. The book offers a unique combination of contributions from experts working on both lab-scale and industrial catalytic processes and provides insight into the use of various catalytic materials (e.g., mineral acids, heteropolyacid, metal catalysts, zeolites, metal oxides) for clean energy production and environmental sustainability.

This book demonstrates that solar energy, the most abundant and clean renewable energy, can be utilized to drive methane activation and conversion under mild conditions. The book reports that coupling solar energy and thermal energy can significantly enhance methane conversion at mild temperatures using plasmonic nanometal-based catalysts, with a substantial decrease in apparent activation energy of methane conversion. Furthermore, this book, for the first time, reports the direct photocatalytic methane oxidation into liquid oxygenates (methanol and formaldehyde) with only molecular oxygen in pure water at room temperature with high yield and selectivity over nanometals and semiconductors (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide). These findings are a big stride toward methane conversion and inspire researchers to develop strategies for efficient and selective conversion of methane to high-value-added chemicals under mild conditions.

This book describes the medical applications of inorganic nanoparticles. Nanomedicine is a relatively advanced field, which enhances the treatment of various diseases, offering new options for overcoming the problems associated with the use of conventional medicines. Discussing the toxicological and safety aspects associated with medical applications of nanoparticles, the book presents the latest research on topics such as emerging nanomaterials for cancer therapy, applications of nanoparticles in dentistry, and fluoride nanoparticles for biomedical applications, and also includes chapters on the use of nanoparticles such as silver and gold.

E-Book zur 3. überarbeitete und aktualisierte Auflage 2019 Einmal rund um die Insel! Tatsächlich können Sie mit diesem Führer - entsprechende Kondition und Erfahrung vorausgesetzt - die grünste Kanareninsel komplett umrunden oder auf Kammwegen über alle Gipfel und vom Norden bis in die Südspitze wandern. In der Mitte La Palmas erwartet Sie mit dem Nationalpark Caldera de Taburiente ein Bergkessel von 28 km Umfang und mit Höhen bis 2.426 m. Kanaren-Spezialistin Irene Börjes nimmt Sie 35 Mal mit: auf lange und kurze Wege für Experten oder Spaziergänger, hoch über die Passatwolken und hinunter ans Meer, auf alte Hirtenpfade und ursprüngliche Verbindungssteige, in Pinien- und Lorbeerurwälder, auf unerwartete Wiesen voller Wildblumen und zu heißen Vulkankegeln.

Die Autorin Mira Tal zu ihrem Roman:'Mit Venus & Faunus wollte ich das Paar schaffen, dass für die Liebe als essenzielle Kraft steht. Dies werden auch die Protagonisten dieses Mehrteilers immer wieder feststellen, denn sie können sich ihr nicht entziehen: Liebe ist ihr Schicksal. Gesa und Enver sind einander bestimmt. Dem entgegengesetzt ist die Realität, in der sie leben: voller Oberflächlichkeit, Arroganz, Trauer und Angst. Auch diese - durchaus negativen - Kräfte beeinflussen sie. Was kann diese negativen Kräfte nun durchdringen? Freundschaft, Ehrlichkeit, Mut und Vertrauen! Um den Schritt aufeinander zugehen zu können, müssen sie zunächst zu sich selbst finden. Und fließt Liebe und Freude erst in ihre Herzen, wird das Universum plötzlich greifbar und die Welt erscheint so viel betörender. Diese verspielte Welt voller Lust, Kraft, Verlangen und Sinnlichkeit möchte ich mit der Reihe Venus & Faunus sichtbar machen.'Endlich alle drei Bände in einer Gesamtausgabe - durchgehende Lesefreude!'Venus & Faunus ist eine wundervolle und gefühlvolle Geschichte mit allen Emotionen wie Freude, Angst, Sorge, Sinnlichkeit, Erotik, Dominanz, Unterwerfung, Hingabe, Verständnis, Liebe, Spannung, Überraschung, Leidenschaft, Trauer, Aufregung, Freundschaft und ganz viel Glück.Vielen Dank liebe Mira Tal, für dieses unglaubliche Lesevergnügen, du hast mich sehr gut unterhalten.'(Baerbel S.) Leseprobe und alle erhältlichen Ausgaben finden Sie auf www.cupido-books.com

This book provides state-of-the-art reviews, current research, prospects and challenges of the production of biofuels and chemicals such as furanic biofuels, biodiesel, carboxylic acids, polyols and others from lignocellulosic biomass, furfurals, syngas and γ-valerolactone with bifunctional catalysts, including catalytic, and combined biological and chemical catalysis processes. The bifunctionality of catalytic materials is a concept of not only using multifunctional solid materials as activators, but also design of materials in such a way that the catalytic materials have synergistic characteristics that promote a cascade of transformations with performance beyond that of mixed mono-functional catalysts. This book is a reference designed for researchers, academicians and industrialists in the area of catalysis, energy, chemical engineering and biomass conversion. Readers will find the wealth of information contained in chapters both useful and essential, for assessing the production and application of various biofuels and chemicals by chemical catalysis and biological techniques.

This volume provides the reader with the most up-to-date and relevant knowledge on the reactivity of metals located in zeolite materials, either in framework or extra-framework positions, and the way it is connected with the nature of the chemical environment provided by the host. Since the first report of the isomorphous substitution of titanium in the framework of zeolites giving rise to materials with unusual catalytic properties, the incorporation of many other metals have been investigated with the aim for developing catalysts with improved performance in different reactions. The continuous expansion of the field, both in the variety of metals and zeolite structures, has been accompanied by an increasing focus on the relationship between the reactivity of metal centers and their unique chemical environment. The concepts covered in this volume are of interest to people working in the field of inorganic and physical chemistry, catalysis and chemical engineering, but alsofor those more interested in theoretical approaches to chemical reactivity. In particular the volume is useful to postgraduate students conducting research in the design, synthesis and catalytic performance of metal-containing zeolites in both academic and application contexts.

This edited volume focuses on the host-guest chemistry of organic molecules and inorganic systems during synthesis (structure-direction). Organic molecules have been used for many years in the synthesis of zeolitic nanoporous frameworks. The addition of these organic molecules to the zeolite synthesis mixtures provokes a particular ordering of the inorganic units around them that directs the crystallization pathway towards a particular framework type; hence they are called structure-directing agents. Their use has allowed the discovery of an extremely large number of new zeolite frameworks and compositions. This volume covers the main aspects of the use of organic molecules as structure-directing agents for the synthesis of zeolites, including first an introduction of the main concepts, then two chapters covering state-of-the-art techniques currently used to understand the structure-directing phenomenon (location of molecules by XRD and molecular modeling techniques). The most recent trends in the types of organic molecules used as structure-directing agents are also presented, including the use of metal-complexes, the use of non-ammonium-based molecules (mainly phosphorus-based compounds) and the role of supramolecular chemistry in designing new large organic structure-directing agents produced by self-aggregation. In addition the volume explores the latest research attempting to transfer the asymmetric nature of organic chiral molecules used as structure-directing agents to the zeolite lattice to produce chiral enantioselective frameworks, one of the biggest challenges today in materials chemistry. This volume has interdisciplinary appeal and will engage scholars from the zeolite community with a general interest in microporous materials, which involves not only zeolite scientists, but also researchers working on metal-organic framework materials. The concepts covered will also be of interest for researchers working on the application of materials after encapsulation of molecules of interest in post-synthetic treatments. Further the work explores the main aspects of host-guest chemistry in hybrid organo-inorganic templated materials, which covers all types of materials where organic molecules are used as templates and are confined within framework-structured inorganic materials (intercalation compounds). Therefore the volume is also relevant to the wider materials chemistry community.

This book describes the importance of catalysis for the sustainable production of biofuels and biochemicals, focusing primarily on the state-of-the-art catalysts and catalytic processes expected to play a decisive role in the'green'production of fuels and chemicals from biomass. The book also includes general sections exploring the entire chain of biomass production, conversion, environment, economy, and life-cycle assessment.

This book provides state-of-the-art reviews, the latest research, prospects and challenges of the production of platform chemicals such as C6 sugars, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, furfural, gamma-valerolactone, xylitol, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, levulinic acid, ethanol and others from sustainable biomass resources using processes that include heterogeneous catalysis, ionic liquids, hydrothermal/solvothermal, electrochemical and fermentation methods. It also discusses the application of these chemicals and their derivatives for synthesizing commodity chemicals via various routes. Intended as a reference resource for researchers, academicians and industrialists in the area of energy, chemical engineering and biomass conversion, it provides a wealth of information essential for assessing the production and application of various biomass-derived platform chemicals using biological, chemical and electrochemical techniques.

'Liebespfade'- der dritte Band der Reihe Venus & Faunus! Langsam finden Gesa und Enver nach der schrecklichen Entführung zurück in den Alltag - doch der ist mehr als turbulent! Inmitten des Aufbaus ihrer neuen Firma erleben ihre Freunde Toni und Andy Freud und Leid des Outings; Eva und Cem lassen sich in München nieder, Chrissy wagt einen mutigen Schritt, Onkel Ilja wächst über seine Ängste hinaus, und die süßen Zwillinge Eda und Pina halten alle ganz schön auf Trab. Da kündigt sich auch noch ein Gast an, der Gesa nicht kalt lässt! Und, als wäre das nicht Belastung genug, stellt Enver das Vertrauen seiner geliebten Mistkröte durch eine heimliche Aktion auf eine harte Probe. Werden sie es dennoch schaffen, ihre Liebe zu festigen? Liebevoll und einfallsreich verknüpft Mira Tal in diesem dritten und letzten Band der Reihe Venus & Faunus lose Enden zu einer aufregend unterhaltsamen Geschichte voller Romantik, Sinnlichkeit und Humor. Leseprobe und alle erhältlichen Ausgaben finden Sie auf www.cupido-books.com

New Materials for Catalytic Applications proposes the use of both new and existing materials for catalytic applications, such as zeolites, metal oxides, microporous and mesoporous materials, and monocrystals. In addition, metal-oxides are discussed from a new perspective, i.e. nano- and photocatalytic applications. The material presents these concepts with a new focus on strategies in synthesis, synthesis based on a rational design, the correlation between basic properties/potential applications, and new catalytic solutions for acid-base, redox, hydrogenation, photocatalytic reactions, etc. - Presents organometallic concepts for the synthesis of nanocatalysts - Provides a synthesis of new materials following the fluorolytic sol-gel concept - Covers electronic and photocatalytic properties via synthesis of nano-oxide materials - Details the nature of sites in MOFs generating catalytic properties immobilization of triflates in solid matrices for organic reactions

Zeolites and Zeolite-like Materials offers a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the important areas of zeolite synthesis, characterization, and applications. Its chapters are written in an educational, easy-to-understand format for a generation of young zeolite chemists, especially those who are just starting research on the topic and need a reference that not only reflects the current state of zeolite research, but also identifies gaps and opportunities. The book demonstrates various applications of zeolites in heterogeneous catalysis and biomass conversion and identifies the endless possibilities that exist for this class of materials, their structures, functions, and future applications. In addition, it demonstrates that zeolite-like materials should be regarded as a living body developing towards new modern applications, thereby responding to the needs of modern technology challenges, including biomass conversion, medicine, laser techniques, and nanomaterial design, etc. The book will be of interest not only to zeolite-focused researchers, but also to a broad scientific and non-scientific audience. - Provides a comprehensive review of the literature pertaining to zeolites and zeolite-like materials since 2000 - Covers the chemistry of novel zeolite-like materials such as Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs), hierarchical zeolite materials, new mesoporous and composite zeolite-like micro/mesoporous materials - Presents essential information of the new zeolite-like structures, with a balanced coverage of the most important areas of the zeolite research (synthesis, characterization, adsorption, catalysis, new applications of zeolites and zeolite-like materials) - Contains chapters prepared by known specialists who are members of the International Zeolite Association

Volume I mainly focuses on the current understanding of the reaction pathways and mechanisms involved in several important catalytic conversions of cellulose and carbohydrates. It starts with nanoscale illustrations of biomass structures and describes various reactions including cellulose depolymerization to sugars, catalytic aldose-ketose isomerization and dehydration, selective oxidation, hydrogenolysis of cellulose and sugars, and the conversion of short carbohydrates. The specificity and function of different catalysts and reaction media in relation to the catalytic performances for these reactions are discussed with significant mechanistic details.Marcel Schlaf, PhD, is a Professor at the Department of Chemistry, University of Guelph, Canada.Z. Conrad Zhang, PhD, is a Professor at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China.

Aquest volum, escrit per l'eclesiàstic Joan Binimelis (1538/9-1616), constitueix la primera edició crítica del Llibre V de la Història general del Regne de Mallorca en la versió catalana que, com és sabut, és l'original. Sens dubte, aquesta part de l'obra, dedicada a la descripció geogràfica de Mallorca i de caràcter autònom respecte a la narració històrica i cronística, representa l'aportació més original de l'autor i la que manté més vigència i interès avui dia, tant per la modernitat del seu plantejament, com per la diversitat dels aspectes que són objecte de la seua metòdica atenció: situació geogràfica, afrontacions, proveïment d'aigua, cales i aptesa per a desembarcaments, cabuda i possibilitats d'ancoratge, demografia, dades econòmiques -produccions agrícoles i ramaderes--, dades històriques, règim jurídic, institucions, monuments i d'altres informacions rellevants de les poblacions illenques.

The series Topics in Current Chemistry presents critical reviews of the present and future trends in modern chemical research. The scope of coverage is all areas of chemical science including the interfaces with related disciplines such as biology, medicine and materials science. The goal of each thematic volume is to give the non-specialist reader, whether in academia or industry, a comprehensive insight into an area where new research is emerging which is of interest to a larger scientific audience. Each review within the volume critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years are presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. The coverage is not intended to be an exhaustive summary of the field or include large quantities of data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating on the methodological thinking that will allow the non-specialist reader to understand the information presented. Contributions also offer an outlook on potential future developments in the field.

A country's vision for developing renewable and sustainable energy resources is typically propelled by three important drivers – security, cost, and environmental impact. The U.S. currently accounts for a quarter of the world's total oil consumption, with domestic demands necessitating – at an ever growing cost – a net import of more than 50% of the oil used in this country. At the same time, Brazil, because of its forward thinking on energy strategy, is today energy independent. As emerging economies around the world increase their petroleum use by large margins and as large fractions of that new consumption are necessarily supplied from unstable parts of the world, the inevitable repercussions on petroleum-driven economies will continue to escalate. In addition, there is an unequivocal imperative to take immediate and aggressive measures to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by decreasing fossil fuel consumption and increasing our use of carbon-neutral or carbon-negative fuels as well as improving efficiency of fuel use. Economic growth and development worldwide depend increasingly on secure supplies of reliable, affordable, clean energy. Together with its counterpart societies, was convened the First Pan-American Congress on Plants and BioEnergy, which was held in June, 2008, in Mérida, Mexico. Sponsored by the American Society of Plant Biologists, this congress was designed to initiate Pan-American research collaborations in energy biosciences. At that congress, the organizational committee committed themselves to continue the meeting biennially, resulting in the 2nd Pan-American Congress on Plants and BioEnergy to be held with the endorsement of ASPB, July 6-10, 2010, in São Paulo, Brazil. Whereas the 1st congress covered a broad range of topics that bioenergy impacted, the second congress will focus more on the advances in plant biology: the genetic improvement of energy crop plants, their fit into regional environments, and the development ofa sustainable energy agriculture.

Heterogeneous Catalytic Materials discusses experimental methods and the latest developments in three areas of research: heterogeneous catalysis; surface chemistry; and the chemistry of catalysts. Catalytic materials are those solids that allow the chemical reaction to occur efficiently and cost-effectively. This book provides you with all necessary information to synthesize, characterize, and relate the properties of a catalyst to its behavior, enabling you to select the appropriate catalyst for the process and reactor system. Oxides (used both as catalysts and as supports for catalysts), mixed and complex oxides and salts, halides, sulfides, carbides, and unsupported and supported metals are all considered. The book encompasses applications in industrial chemistry, refinery, petrochemistry, biomass conversion, energy production, and environmental protection technologies. - Provides a systematic and clear approach of the synthesis, solid state chemistry and surface chemistry of all solid state catalysts - Covers widely used instrumental techniques for catalyst characterization, such as x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and more - Includes characterization methods and lists all catalytic behavior of the solid state catalysts - Discusses new developments in nanocatalysts and their advantages over conventional catalysts

Biomass presents an attractive source for the production of fuels and chemicals, mainly due to the concerns over the depleting fossil fuel, growing awareness of environmental issues associated with fossil fuel consumption, and increasing world energy demand. Biomass resources include agricultural and forest residues, energy crops, livestock residues as well as municipal solid waste. These biomass resources are first processed into a conversion-friendly form, followed by the transformation to a wide range of energy and/or chemical products using two primary biorefinery platforms: biochemical and thermochemical. This book covers the most recent advances in biomass processing, biochemical and thermochemical conversion technologies, and thus, serves as a useful reference to agriculture engineers, chemical engineers, biotechnology engineers and engineering students. The contents of the book are divided into three sections: biomass overview and processing, biomass thermochemical and biochemical conversion technologies, and integrated biorefinery processes. Section 1 provides an overview of biomass concepts, supply logistics, and processing technologies. This section begins with a chapter on different biomass sources along with their compositions and properties (Chapter 1), followed by discussions on lignocellulosic feedstock supply logistics (Chapter 2), biomass resources in Canada and U.S. (Chapter 3), the harvesting system for biomass and drying (Chapter 4), and biomass size reduction (Chapter 5). This section ends with a chapter on techniques for biomass pelletization (Chapter 6). Section 2 focuses on biomass conversion technologies and biomass-derived fuels/products. This section starts with the overview of three primary thermochemical conversion technologies: pyrolysis (Chapter 7), liquefaction (Chapter 8), and gasification (Chapter 9). Steam gasification of biomass is used as an example for hydrogen production (Chapter 10). Three chapters (Chapters 11-13) in this section provide different aspects of pyrolysis oil/biofuel upgrading, including hydrodeoxygenation and catalytic cracking of pyrolysis oils. Recent advances in bio-diesel production from seed oil and microalgae are summarized in Chapters 14-16. Chapter 17 summarizes the current status in the thermochemical conversion of fermentation-derived oxygenates to fuels. Biochemical conversion includes microbial conversion of bio-based chemicals (Chapter 18), pretreatment technologies (Chapter 19) for the conversion of cellulosic biomass to ethanol (Chapter 20), and biodegrading lignocellulosic feedstocks using thermophilic and anaerobic bacteria (Chapter 21). Section 3 emphases the importance of integrated biorefinery concept and applications. The issues covered in this section are economic analysis of municipal solid waste to power (Chapter 22), process design for biological conversion of cattails to ethanol (Chapter 23), and green biorefining of green biomass (Chapter 24).

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is an analytical tool used by chemists and physicists to study the structure and dynamics of molecules. In recent years, no other technique has gained such significance as NMR spectroscopy. It is used in all branches of science in which precise structural determination is required and in which the nature of interactions and reactions in solution is being studied. Annual Reports on NMR Spectroscopy has established itself as a premier means for the specialist and non-specialist alike to become familiar with new techniques and applications of NMR spectroscopy. - Annual Reports on NMR Spectroscopy has established itself as a premier means for the specialist and non-specialist alike to become familiar with new techniques and applications of NMR spectroscopy