Charge carrier transport at the nanoscale: Electron and hole transport in self-assembled discotic liquid crystals: Mobile ionic charges in nanocomposite solid electrolytes

This thesis explores some fundamental aspects of charge carrier transport at the nanoscale. The study is divided in two parts. In the first part, the structural, dynamical and vibrational properties of discotic liquid crystals are studied in relation to the potential of these self-assembled ‘mesophases’ to form molecular conducting wires....

Nano LEGO®

Self-Assembly has predominantly been nature's unique tool for building remarkable entities. This thesis shows how this versatile tool can be utilised for building devices that are useful to mankind. Starting with advanced fuel cells which produce clean energy in a highly efficient way; continuing on to carbon nano networks which are one of the...

Direct Methanol Fuel Cell systems in portable electronics - a metrics-based conceptualization approach

It is impossible to imagine life without portable electronics like the laptop computer and cell phone. All these products are powered by a battery, granting them grid independence and all-round protability. Connectivity to the internet and an increase of functionality demands for a better battery. The d1irect methanol fuel cell (DMFC) system...

Towards a hydrogen-driven society? Calculations and neutron scattering on potential hydrogen storage materials

For sustainable development, the resources of the earth need to be maintained and carbon dioxide emission should be avoided. In particular, we need to find an alternative for the use of fossil fuels in vehicles. Since long, hydrogen has been recognised as the fuel of the future because it exhausts only water when used in fuel cells and hardly...

Novel H2 manufacturing routes. Simulation and thermodynamic analysis of membrane based processes

Nowadays hydrogen is gaining more and more attention mainly because it is generally regarded as an important future fuel. Although H2 can be produced from a wide variety of resources using a range of different technologies, natural gas is generally preferred and will remain in the near future the major feedstock for the manufacture of H2....