Smart Materials and Energy in the Fourth Industrial Revolution

This book explores the pivotal role that smart materials and energy systems play in driving innovation and sustainability in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). The chapters cover a wide range of topics, cutting across advanced materials science, energy technologies, and the ongoing digital transformation known as the 4IR. By connecting smart materials to large-scale sustainability efforts and clean energy technologies, this work assists readers looking for solutions to climate change and global energy challenges, broadening its relevance to environmental policy and renewable energy sectors.

• Examines the development, classification, and application of smart materials across key industries, emphasizing their role in driving innovation and sustainability.

• Dives deeply into the evolving energy landscape and addresses the future of energy systems and clean energy solutions.

• Offers authoritative insights and cutting-edge research, ensuring that readers gain access to the latest developments and trends.

• Provides a future-oriented analysis of how smart materials can be applied across diverse industries such as renewable energy, nanotechnology, and smart grids.

• Involves real-world examples of smart materials used in healthcare, construction, and renewable energy, helping readers understand how these innovations are applied in practice.

• Emphasizes sustainability, energy efficiency, and the role of smart materials in addressing global energy challenges.

Offering forward-looking insights into emerging technologies and trends in smart materials, energy storage, and clean energy, this book equips readers in materials, chemical, and related engineering disciplines with the knowledge to stay ahead in their fields and adapt to future industry shifts.

James Ayodele Oke received his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of South Africa, which was sponsored by the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa. He is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Mechanical Engineering Science at the University of Johannesburg.

Sina Karimzadeh is a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Mechanical Engineering Science at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), where he also received his Ph.D. He serves as the Head of the ALD and innovation sub-research group and the Lead experimentalist at the ALD facility at UJ.

Peter Ozaveshe Oviroh earned a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Johannesburg (UJ), and he is a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Mechanical Engineering Science at UJ.

Kingsley Ukoba is a lecturer and researcher in the Department of Mechanical Engineering Science of the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. He obtained a doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, graduating among the top 15 researchers. He coordinates the smart energy group for JENANO, headed by Prof. Tien-Chien Jen.

Patrick Ehi Imoisili is a senior lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering Science of the University of Johannesburg (UJ), South Africa. He is a 4IR (Fourth Industrial Revolution) nanotechnology expert with the JENANO research group, under Prof. Tien-Chien Jen. Dr. Imoisili is the Head of the Smart Materials sub-research group and the Lead experimentalist at the Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) facility.

Tien-Chien Jen is Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering Science at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. He is the SARChI Chair for Green Hydrogen in South Africa and a Director of the Atomic Layer Deposition Research Centre at UJ. Prior to that, he was a faculty member at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. Prof. Jen received his Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from UCLA.