This book provides a comprehensive and unified understanding of the surface chemistry and electrochemistry of metals, applied to the critical subject of corrosion and protection. Because corrosion phenomena are largely electrochemically driven, the book begins with the basics of the thermodynamics and kinetics of electrochemical reactions and a discussion of the chemical and physical nature of metal surfaces and interfaces. The attention then turns to the experimental study and theoretical interpretation of corrosion reactions that take place at metal surfaces and thin oxide films ; the entire toolkit of the modern surface chemist is described in the context of the metal corrosion and wear. The second part of the book presents a wide range of corrosion phenomena found in pratice, grouped according to their mechanism and environmental conditions. Metallic wear, both alone and in the presence of corrosion, is treated, and a final chapter presents ana overview of different approaches to corrosion protection and their principles. The book thus presents a thorough introduction to modern corrosion science and engineering.

Richly illustrated and with a careful mathematical development of the basic scientific concepts, this book is intended for both university students and professional engineers. With a set of study problems for each chapter, the book can be easily adopted for classroom use.

Préface - Introduction – Thermodynamics of Corrosion Reactions – Surfaces and Interfaces – Corrosion reaction rates – Experimental Study of Electrode Reactions – Passivity of Metals – Localized Corrosion Phenomena – Oxidation and Atmospheric Corrosion – High-temperature Corrosion – Tribocorrosion – Environment induced cracking – Protection of Engineering Systems against Corrosion - Annexes - Index.

Photovoltaic technology has now developed to the extent that it is close to fulfilling the vision of a “solar-energy world,” as devices based on this technology are becoming efficient, low-cost and durable. This book provides a comprehensive treatment of thin-film silicon, the most prevalent PV material, in terms of its semiconductor nature, starting out with the physical properties, but concentrating on device applications.

The use of neural implants for stimulation and recording show excellent promise in restoring certain functions to the central nervous system; and neuroprostheses remain one of the most important tools of neuroscientists for the elucidation of the brain’s function.

The dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC) is a photovoltaic converter that mimics natural photosynthesis. Like green plants and algae it uses a molecular absorber, the dye, to harvest sunlight and generate electric charges.

Cellulose is the world’s most common biopolymer, and as such will play a growing role as our society confronts the problems of climate change and declining stocks of fossil fuels.