Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials for Energy. Pierre-Camille Lacaze

out chemical transformations. Photocatalysis can also be combined with electrolysis reactions (photo-electrocatalysis) in order to transform ordinary compounds into high-added-value compounds, or into energy products which may be used either for storage or as a fuel source.

I.3. Dedication

      We dedicate this book in memory of Jacques-Emile Dubois, eminent member of the Science Faculty of the University of Paris and founder of the ITODYS laboratory, who would have celebrated his 100th birthday this year, were he still among us. Professor Dubois was a pioneer and outstanding practitioner of the multidisciplinary approach to science in the realm of Physical Organic Chemistry. He blazed a trail in his revolutionary application of Computer Science to Chemistry, as well as in launching the study of phenomena at the solid-liquid interface. His drive and enthusiasm for uncovering and delving into virgin areas of research were and remain a source of inspiration to many.

      1 1 The term nanotechnology was first used in the 1970s by the Japanese scientist Noria Tanegouchi to denote the body of research concerning materials with dimensions in the tens of nanometers at most.

      2 2 Ernst Ruska was the first to suggest using electron beams to observe microscopic objects via a transmission mechanism. Ruska produced the first commercial electron microscope, in collaboration with Siemens, in 1933. He went on to devote his whole scientific career to improve this technique, which earned him a Nobel Prize in 1986.

PART 1 Nanomaterials and Nanotechnologies