Peter P. Edwards

Bio: Peter P. Edwards is an academic researcher from King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Catalysis & Thin film. The author has an hindex of 24, co-authored 76 publications receiving 3779 citations. Previous affiliations of Peter P. Edwards include Cornell University & University of Birmingham.

Thermal decomposition of the non-interstitial hydrides for the storage and production of hydrogen.

Abstract: This review focuses on key aspects of the thermal decomposition of multinary or mixed hydride materials, with a particular emphasis on the rational control and chemical tuning of the strategically important thermal decomposition temperature of such hydrides, Tdec. An attempt is also made to predict the thermal stability of as-yet unknown, elusive or even unknown hydrides. The future of a particularly promising class of materials for hydrogen storage, namely the catalytically enhanced complex metal hydrides, is discussed. The predictions are supported by thermodynamics considerations, calculations derived from molecular orbital (MO) theory and backed up by simple chemical insights and intuition.

Turning carbon dioxide into fuel

Abstract: Our present dependence on fossil fuels means that, as our demand for energy inevitably increases, so do emissions of greenhouse gases, most notably carbon dioxide (CO2). To avoid the obvious consequences on climate change, the concentration of such greenhouse gases in the atmosphere must be stabilized. But, as populations grow and economies develop, future demands now ensure that energy will be one of the defining issues of this century. This unique set of (coupled) challenges also means that science and engineering have a unique opportunity-and a burgeoning challenge-to apply their understanding to provide sustainable energy solutions. Integrated carbon capture and subsequent sequestration is generally advanced as the most promising option to tackle greenhouse gases in the short to medium term. Here, we provide a brief overview of an alternative mid- to long-term option, namely, the capture and conversion of CO2, to produce sustainable, synthetic hydrocarbon or carbonaceous fuels, most notably for transportation purposes. Basically, the approach centres on the concept of the large-scale re-use of CO2 released by human activity to produce synthetic fuels, and how this challenging approach could assume an important role in tackling the issue of global CO2 emissions. We highlight three possible strategies involving CO2 conversion by physico-chemical approaches: sustainable (or renewable) synthetic methanol, syngas production derived from flue gases from coal-, gas- or oil-fired electric power stations, and photochemical production of synthetic fuels. The use of CO2 to synthesize commodity chemicals is covered elsewhere (Arakawa et al. 2001 Chem. Rev. 101, 953-996); this review is focused on the possibilities for the conversion of CO2 to fuels. Although these three prototypical areas differ in their ultimate applications, the underpinning thermodynamic considerations centre on the conversion-and hence the utilization-of CO2. Here, we hope to illustrate that advances in the science and engineering of materials are critical for these new energy technologies, and specific examples are given for all three examples. With sufficient advances, and institutional and political support, such scientific and technological innovations could help to regulate/stabilize the CO2 levels in the atmosphere and thereby extend the use of fossil-fuel-derived feedstocks.

Universality aspects of the metal-nonmetal transition in condensed media

Abstract: Our objective in this paper is to provide a simple, conceptual, framework for describing the metalnonmetal (MNM) transition in systems that can be viewed in terms of a lattice of impurity states embedded in a host matrix. From an extensive analysis of experimental data, we find that a particular (scaled) form of the Mott criterion, ${n}_{c}^{\frac{1}{3}}{a}_{H}^{*}=0.26\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05$, is applicable over a range of approximately ${10}^{10}$ in critical densities (${n}_{c}$) and approximately 600 \AA{} in Bohr radii (${a}_{H}^{*}$). Here ${a}_{H}^{*}$ is defined as an appropriate radius associated with a realistic wave function for the localized state in the low-electron-density regime. The systems of interest range from tight-binding (Frenkel) metal-atom states in the rare-gas solids to shallow (Wannier-like) states in the group-IV $a$ semiconductors and indium antimonide. The possible origins of this apparent universality have been formulated from a consideration of Berggren's interpretation of the Hubbard model for the transition, as applied to condensed systems. In essence, it appears that the role of the host matrix in the phenomenon of MNM transition is important primarily in the sense that it determines the form of the radial distribution of the (localized) impurity state. We suggest that once these matrix-induced modifications to the (gas-phase) donor state are taken into account, the ensuing transition to the metallic state (at finite impurity concentrations) reduces to a one-electron problem in a suitably renormalized concentration grid.

Gold in a Metallic Divided State—From Faraday to Present-Day Nanoscience

Abstract: (Figure Presented) "Very minute in their dimensions" is how Faraday described the metal particles present in a fine dispersion of colloidal gold upon observing its interaction with red light 150 years ago (see picture for a laser-light version of his experiment). This observation would come to serve as the basis for the modern nanoscience and nanotechnology of gold, including the use of gold nanoparticles in catalytic processes and the formation of self-assembled monolayers. © 2007 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA.

Shape‐Controlled Synthesis of Metal Nanocrystals: Simple Chemistry Meets Complex Physics?

Abstract: Nanocrystals are fundamental to modern science and technology. Mastery over the shape of a nanocrystal enables control of its properties and enhancement of its usefulness for a given application. Our aim is to present a comprehensive review of current research activities that center on the shape-controlled synthesis of metal nanocrystals. We begin with a brief introduction to nucleation and growth within the context of metal nanocrystal synthesis, followed by a discussion of the possible shapes that a metal nanocrystal might take under different conditions. We then focus on a variety of experimental parameters that have been explored to manipulate the nucleation and growth of metal nanocrystals in solution-phase syntheses in an effort to generate specific shapes. We then elaborate on these approaches by selecting examples in which there is already reasonable understanding for the observed shape control or at least the protocols have proven to be reproducible and controllable. Finally, we highlight a number of applications that have been enabled and/or enhanced by the shape-controlled synthesis of metal nanocrystals. We conclude this article with personal perspectives on the directions toward which future research in this field might take.

Advanced Materials for Energy Storage

Abstract: [Liu, Chang; Li, Feng; Ma, Lai-Peng; Cheng, Hui-Ming] Chinese Acad Sci, Inst Met Res, Shenyang Natl Lab Mat Sci, Shenyang 110016, Peoples R China.;Cheng, HM (reprint author), Chinese Acad Sci, Inst Met Res, Shenyang Natl Lab Mat Sci, 72 Wenhua Rd, Shenyang 110016, Peoples R China;cheng@imr.ac.cn

Strategies for hydrogen storage in metal--organic frameworks.

Abstract: Increased attention is being focused on metal-organic frameworks as candidates for hydrogen storage materials. This is a result of their many favorable attributes, such as high porosity, reproducible and facile syntheses, amenability to scale-up, and chemical modification for targeting desired properties. A discussion of several strategies aimed at improving hydrogen uptake in these materials is presented. These strategies include the optimization of pore size and adsorption energy by linker modification, impregnation, catenation, and the inclusion of open metal sites and lighter metals.