Troy Townsend's thesis explores the structure, energetics and activity of three inorganic nanocrystal photocatalysts. The goal of this work is to investigate the potential of metal oxide nanocrystals for application in photocatalytic water splitting, which could one day provide us with clean hydrogen fuel derived from water and solar energy. Specifically, Townsend's work addresses the effects of co-catalyst addition to niobium oxide nanotubes for photocatalytic water reduction to hydrogen, and the first use of iron oxide 'rust' in nanocrystal suspensions for oxygen production. In addition, Townsend studies a nickel/oxide-strontium titanate nanocomposite which can be described as one of only four nanoscale water splitting photocatalysts. He also examines the charge transport for this system. Overall, this collection of studies brings relevance to the design of inorganic nanomaterials for photocatalytic water splitting while introducing new directions for solar energy conversion.
The tiny state of Colima on Mexico’s Pacific coast is one of the three most biodiverse hot spots in the world. Straddling temperate and tropical zones, with rugged topography ranging from a volcanic mountaintop to sandy beaches, the state shelters nearly half—66—of Mexico’s species of Chiroptera, or bats. In this volume, studded with more than 200 full-color photographs and maps, a team of mammalogists from Mexico and the United States marshal information gathered over decades to present a comprehensive portrait of the bats of Colima. Bats of Colima, Mexico provides readers with the tools necessary to understand and identify each species of Colima’s bat population, from the sac-winged bats of family Emballonuridae to the mustached bats of family Mormoopidae. A dichotomous key indicates how each bat can be differentiated and describes the seven families within which they fall. The authors provide an in-depth description of each species, including a photograph, a map of its distribution across Colima, and information on habitat, reproduction, conservation status, and more. By calling attention to Colima’s rich chiropteran fauna, Bats of Colima, Mexico should not only foster interest in the rich biodiversity of the region but also nurture further collaboration between scientists and naturalists in the United States and Mexico.
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