Published online by Cambridge University Press: 24 April 2026
This chapter introduces full quantum effects in materials and processes used to address today’s energy challenges. It begins with an introduction of energy in the universe, highlighting the importance of quantum tunneling in nuclei fusion of stars and isotope decay in the planet’s geological activity and geothermal energy. Then, it zooms into the next-generation hydrogen energy that requires hydrogen production, storage, and utilization. In terms of fundamental studies, the chapter introduces full quantum research of the adsorption and diffusion of hydrogen atoms on carbon and metal surfaces, the production and diffusion of hydrogen gas, the physical properties of dense hydrogen utilized in aerospace energy, and surface catalysis. Numerous research studies reveal the importance of full quantum effects in hydrogen energy utilization, such as zero-point energy, quantum tunneling, and quantum fluctuation in hydrogen diffusion, absorbance stability, vibrational anharmonicity, as well as thermal and electrical conductivity, etc. Finally, the chapter introduces important full quantum properties in various energy systems, such as nuclear quantum vibration in solar energy conversion, hydrogen transport in fuel cells, and ion transport in ion cells. It explains how full quantum effects can assist: (1) manipulation of the crystallinity of the material to enhance the solar cell efficiency of organic semiconductors; (2) understanding the interactions among protons, exchange membranes, and reaction potentials critical for fuel cell technology; (3) optimization of ion transport and improvement of energy safety.
To save this book to your Kindle, first ensure no-reply@cambridge.org is added to your Approved Personal Document E-mail List under your Personal Document Settings on the Manage Your Content and Devices page of your Amazon account. Then enter the ‘name’ part of your Kindle email address below. Find out more about saving to your Kindle.
Note you can select to save to either the @free.kindle.com or @kindle.com variations. ‘@free.kindle.com’ emails are free but can only be saved to your device when it is connected to wi-fi. ‘@kindle.com’ emails can be delivered even when you are not connected to wi-fi, but note that service fees apply.
Find out more about the Kindle Personal Document Service.
To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Dropbox.
To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.