Fuel cells and batteries are electrochemical devices that convert the chemical energy of a fuel directly into electrical energy with high efficiency and low environmental impact. Since both these devices convert chemical energy into electrical energy without combustion, they are not subjected to thermodynamic limitations of heat engines like Carnot efficiency and are, therefore, capable of achieving higher conversion efficiencies. In a fuel cell electricity is produced through a chemical reaction of fuel and oxygen/air supplied continuously from some external source, while a battery stores the chemical reactants in its structure itself. In essence, a fuel cell is refueled and a battery is recharged. Fuel cells have been recognized as the most promising future energy conversion technologies for large and small stationary power plants and as the source of electricity for vehicles and portable devices. Batteries also continue to improve from year to year with increase in energy capacity, reliability and reusability and decrease in size, weight and cost. In view of their importance as an energy source, fuel cells and batteries have been discussed in a volume entirely devoted to them. The volume 10 comprises a discussion on following topics: o Fuel cell and battery technology o Micro solid oxide fuel cell as portable power sources o Microfluidic reversible fuel cell for carbon-neutral energy conversion cycle o Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells o In situ EIS for performance analysis of PEM fuel cells in automotive applications o Membrane electrode assemblies for low temperature fuel cells o Non-platinum cathode catalysts for fuel cells o Advanced materials and catalysts for fuel cells o Nanometric catalysts for oxygen-reduction reaction in fuel cells o Cost comparison of different fuel cell systems o Packed-bed reactors to generate hydrogen for fuel-cell applications o Developments in secondary batteries o Metal oxides as electrodes in rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries o Deposition type single flow batteries for large-scale energy storage o In situ static NMR as an analytical tool in battery materials studies o Power management optimization of fuel cell/Li-ion battery hybrid drive trains o Power trains for gasoline-electric hybrid cars o Supercapacitors and other novel chemical power sources The volume 10 contains 18 chapters from 51 researchers and/or academicians representing 13 nations, namely China, France, Germany, India, Iran, Italy, Lithuania, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Serbia, Taiwan, United States of America and Vietnam giving an overview of the various research activities being carried out in different parts of the world on Fuel Cells and Batteries.
