This volume analyzes and summarizes recent developments in several key interfacial electrochemical systems in the areas of fuel cell electrocatatalysis, electrosynthesis and electrodeposition. The six Chapters are written by internationally recognized experts in these areas and address both fundamental and practical aspects of several existing or emerging key electrochemical technologies. The Chapter by R. Adzic, N. Marinkovic and M. Vukmirovic provides a lucid and authoritative treatment of the electrochemistry and electrocatalysis of Ruthenium, a key element for the devel- ment of efficient electrodes for polymer electrolyte (PEM) fuel cells. Starting from fundamental surface science studies and interfacial considerations, this up-to-date review by some of the pioneers in this field, provides a deep insight in the complex catalytic-electrocatalytic phenomena occurring at the interfaces of PEM fuel cell electrodes and a comprehensive treatment of recent developments in this extremely important field. Several recent breakthroughs in the design of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anodes and cathodes are described in the Chapter of H. Uchida and M. Watanabe. The authors, who have pioneered several of these developments, provide a lucid presentation d- cribing how careful fundamental investigations of interfacial electrocatalytic anode and cathode phenomena lead to novel electrode compositions and microstructures and to significant practical advances of SOFC anode and cathode stability and enhanced electrocatalysis.
