Carbon-Neutral Fuels and Energy Carriers

Concerns over an unstable energy supply and the adverse environmental impact of carbonaceous fuels have triggered considerable efforts worldwide to find carbon-free or low-carbon alternatives to conventional fossil fuels. Carbon-Neutral Fuels and Energy Carriers emphasizes the vital role of carbon-neutral energy sources, transportation fuels, and associated technologies for establishing a sustainable energy future. Each chapter draws on the insight of world-renowned experts in such diverse fields as photochemistry and electrochemistry, solar and nuclear energy, biofuels and synthetic fuels, carbon sequestration, and alternative fuel vehicles.

After an introductory chapter on different energy options in a carbon-constrained world and proposed measures to stabilize atmospheric CO2, the book analyzes the advantages and challenges facing the introduction of hydrogen fuel to the marketplace. It then examines the role of nuclear power in the production of carbon-free energy and fuels as well as the efficient use and storage of renewable energy resources, emphasizing the production of solar fuels from water and CO2. The book also discusses different aspects of bioenergy and biofuels production and use and the potential role of bio-inspired energy systems and industrial processes. The final chapters present a thorough overview and analysis of state-of-the-art fossil fuel decarbonization technologies and clean transportation options.

This authoritative work provides the information needed to make more informed choices regarding available clean energy and fuel alternatives. It helps readers to better understand the interconnection between energy and the environment as well as the potential impact of human activities on climate.

Preface

Chapter 1 : Energy Options in a Carbon-Constrained World : An Advent of Carbon-Neutral Technologies
Chapter 2 : Hydrogen Energy : Abundant, Efficient, Clean : A Debate over the Energy-System-of-Change
Chapter 3 : Nuclear Power for the Production of Carbon-Free Energy and Fuels
Chapter 4 : Solar Production of Fuels from Water and CO2, Gabriele Centi
Chapter 5 : Efficient Utilization of Solar, Wind, and Geothermal Energy Sources through Exergy Analysis
Chapter 6 : Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 to Fuels
Chapter 7 : Energy Storage and Other Ways of Handling Intermittent Energy Production from Renewable Sources
Chapter 8 : Energy Bionics : The Bio-Analogue Strategy for a Sustainable Energy Future
Chapter 9 : Synthetic Hydrocarbon Fuels from Lignocellulosic Biomass
Chapter 10 : Fundamentals of Biohydrogen Production Processes
Chapter 11 : Photobiological and Photobiomimetic Production of Solar Fuels
Chapter 12 : Fermentative Biofuels : Prospects of Practical Application
Chapter 13 : Biofuels from Oily Biomass
Chapter 14 : Fossil Fuel Decarbonization : In the Quest for Clean and Lasting Fossil Energy
Chapter 15 : Clean Car Options for the Twenty-First Century

Index