Active Area Research Articles

Pd Nanoparticles Loaded on Cu Nanoplate Sensor for Ultrasensitive Detection of Dopamine.

The detection of dopamine is of great significance for human health. Herein, Pd nanoparticles were loaded on Cu nanoplates (Pd/Cu NPTs) by a novel liquid phase reduction method. A novel dopamine (DA) electrochemical sensor based on the Pd NPs/Cu/glass carbon electrode (Pd/Cu NPTs/GCE) was constructed. This sensor showed a wide linear range of 0.047 mM to 1.122 mM and a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.1045 μM (S/N = 3) for DA. The improved performance of this sensor is attributed to the obtained tiny Pd nanoparticles which increase the catalytic active sites and electrochemical active surface areas (ECSAs). Moreover, the larger surface area of two-dimensional Cu nanoplates can load more Pd nanoparticles, which is another reason to improve performance. The Pd/Cu NPTs/GCE sensor also showed a good reproducibility, stability, and excellent anti-interference ability.

Copper dual-doping strategy of porous carbon nanofibers and nickel fluoride nanorods as bi-functional oxygen electrocatalysis for effective zinc-air batteries

Designing and developing efficient, low-cost bi-functional oxygen electrocatalysts is essential for effective zinc-air batteries. In this study, we propose a copper dual-doping strategy, which involves doping both porous carbon nanofibers (PCNFs) and nickel fluoride nanoparticles with copper alone, successfully preparing copper-doped nickel fluoride (NiF2) nanorods and copper nanoparticles co-modified PCNFs (Cu@NiF2/Cu-PCNFs) as an efficient bi-functional oxygen electrocatalyst. When copper is doped into the PCNFs in the form of metallic nanoparticles, the doped elemental copper can improve the electronic conductivity of composite materials to accelerate electron conduction. Meanwhile, the copper doping for NiF2 can significantly promote the transformation of nickel fluoride nanoparticles into nanorod structures, thus increasing the electrochemical active surface area and enhancing mass diffusion. The Cu-doped NiF2 nanorods also possess an optimized electronic structure, including a more negative d-band center, smaller bandgap width and lower reaction energy barrier. Under the synergistic effect of these advantages, the obtained Cu@NiF2/Cu-PCNFs exhibit outstanding bi-functional catalytic performances, with a low overpotential of 0.68 V and a peak power density of 222 mW cm−2 in zinc-air batteries (ZABs) and stable cycling for 800 h. This work proposes a one-step way based on the dual-doping strategy, providing important guidance for designing and developing efficient catalysts with well-designed architectures for high-performance ZABs.

Review and Thermal Calculation of a Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger with Baffles in Cross - Counter Flow Arrangement

In one pass shell and tube heat exchanger with baffles one fluid flows inside of parallel tubes and other fluid flows outside of tubes in perpendicular to tube axis changing alternately its direction. Passing the window of the baffles the shell side fluid deviates its flow direction rapidly. This creates just behind the window of each baffle a so-called “dead volume” which renders a stagnation of flow. This dead volume assumed to be triangular in shape causing the flow behind the window to be conical.In this thermal model the “dead volume” taken into account and change of temperature of the shell side fluid during its flow from tube to tube is considered. The thermal analysis of the cross- counter flow arrangement for any number of tube in bundle with progressive changes in tube length has been carried out. The numerical computations with different tube and baffle numbers are performed. It is found that at the beginning the effectiveness of the heat exchanger increases distinctly with increasing tube number and baffle number. But after certain number of tube and baffles the increasing rate weakens and it becomes very small. Due to the presence of “dead volume” there is reduction in the thermally active heat transfer surface area which leads to a smaller value of Number of Transfer Units (NTU). Hence, the results of computation obtained in this paper with the consideration of the “dead volume” will provide lower value of the effectiveness than that of without the consideration of it.

Electrodeposited Pt nanoparticles loaded on support composites of metal-organic frameworks and carbon quantum dots for the enhancement of alcohol electrooxidation

Metal-organic frameworks comprising divalent metal (M)-linked 4,4′-bipyridine (bpy), {[CuII4(bpy)3(OH)2(mal)3]·4H2O}n(Cubpy) and Ni2(bpy)3(NO3)4(H2O)4(Nibpy) were modified with carbon quantum dots (Mbpy/CQD; M = Cu, Ni) to prepare a composite support. Then, platinum (Pt) nanoparticles were electrodeposited onto the modified Mbpy/CQD support for the preparation of Pt-based catalysts (Pt/Mbpy/CQD) for the electrocatalytic improvement of alcohol oxidation. The influence of Mbpy with electrodeposited Pt nanostructures on CQD support electrodes is particularly discussed in detail through numerous physical characterizations, e.g., SEM, TEM, EDX, XPS, XRD, and elemental mapping. Dispersed Pt nanoparticles with diameters of 3-10 nm can be obtained on the modified Mbpy/CQD supports with suitable chemical and structural conditions for electrocatalytic oxidation improvement. The various prepared Pt/Mbpy/CQD catalysts with different compositions also enhance the kinetics of alcohol oxidation; they have a greater electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) and more development activity for alcohol oxidation than do the Pt/CQD catalysts. For the oxidation of all the selected small alcohol molecules, e.g., methanol, ethanol and isopropanol, the Pt/Cubpy/CQD catalyst composites also mostly exhibited improved catalytic activity, outstanding stability, and lower onset potential (Eonset) and CO tolerance. The favorable performance of the prepared composite catalysts is attributed to their superior ECSA owing to the suitable mixed surface of metal and functional groups of electrodeposited Pt, Mbpy, and CQD on the catalytic composites. Consequently, these as-prepared Pt/Mbpy/CQD composites, which are promising oxidative heterogeneous catalysts, can be used as active and stable catalysts for alcohol oxidation in alkaline solutions.

Geoelectric studies in earthquake hazard assessment: the case of the Kozlodui nuclear power plant, Bulgaria

AbstractThe study presents the results of geoelectric research for seismic risk assessment on the example of the Kozlodui nuclear power plant in Bulgaria. The image of the geoelectric structure in the study area was obtained using one-dimensional inverse electrical resistivity modeling of the full five-component magnetotelluric data and quasi-three-dimensional inverse conductivity modeling of the geomagnetic responses recorded during the summer 2021 field campaign. According to the presented results, the geoelectrically anomalous structure is divided into two levels. The near-surface anomalous structure in the immediate reach of human geotechnical activity corresponds to the electrically conductive sedimentary fill. The mid-crustal layer is coincident with the low seismic velocity zone at the brittle and ductile crust interface, revealed in previous studies. The presented results imply that the geological environment is not affected by large faults capable of transmitting seismic energy from tectonically active areas, however, in further studies, attention should be paid to the strike-slip fault systems adjacent to the study area.

Can we develop a more targeted approach to mitigating seismic risk?

The recent high death tolls caused by large earthquakes are a further indication that earthquakes remain one of the most destructive natural hazards in the world and can seriously threaten the achievement of disaster reduction goals. To effectively reduce the existing seismic risk, the limited available mitigation resources should be allocated to areas with the most severe potential risk. However, identifying localized concentrations of risk requires detailed studies. Here, we propose a strategy to delineate regional high seismic risk zone at a fine resolution and with high confidence. We demonstrate this strategy by using the seismic hazard and loss estimation results for earthquake scenarios with a magnitude of Mw 7.5 for the Jiaocheng fault of the Shanxi Rift System, China. Our analyses reveal that the delineated zone accounts for only ~7% of the regional land area but for ~85% of the total financial loss. We recommend prioritizing seismic risk mitigation measures in such high-risk zones, especially for densely populated cities in seismically active areas, to better meet the disaster risk reduction targets in the Sendai Framework.

Bismuth-Cyclized Cell-Penetrating Peptides.

Intracellular delivery of biological cargos, which would yield new research tools and novel therapeutics, remains an active area of research. A convenient and potentially general approach involves the conjugation of a cell-penetrating peptide to a cargo of interest. However, linear CPPs lack sufficient cytosolic entry efficiency and metabolic stability, while previous backbone cyclized CPPs have several drawbacks including the necessity for chemical synthesis and posttranslational conjugation to peptide/protein cargos and epimerization during cyclization. We report here a new class of bismuth cyclized CPPs with excellent cytosolic entry efficiencies, proteolytic stability, and potential compatibility with genetic encoding and recombinant production.

Amphipathic Astaxanthin Additive for Low Voltage-loss Perovskite Solar Cells With Enhanced Quasi-Fermi Level Splitting and Solar Hydrogen Production Application.

Even though the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is nearly approaching the Schottky-Queisser limit, low open-circuit voltage (Voc) and severe Voc loss problems continue to impede the improvement of PCEs. Astaxanthin (ASTA) additive is introduced in the formamidinium lead triiodide (FAPbI3)perovskite film as an additive, which can facilitate the transportation of charge carriers and interact with Pb2+ by its distinctive groupings. Furthermore, the addition of ASTA decreases the defect's active energy, regulates the deep-level defect by filling up the grain boundaries (GBs), and promotes the crystallization of perovskite film. Remarkably, an enhanced quasi-Fermi level splitting (QFLS) of 1.164eV and a reduced Voc loss of only 96mV are realized. The champion PCE of 24.56% is attained by ASTA-modified PSCs on the basis of 22.75% PCE. Moreover, the PSCs that underwent ASTA modification demonstrate improved operational stability, ensuring consistent output in real-world scenarios. Furthermore, PSCs with an active area of 1 cm2 are used for water electrolysis to produce hydrogen and exhibit a PCE of 22.41%. This work offers an environmentally benign solution to address the inherent issues of FAPbI3 PSCs and lays the groundwork for the development of a prospective solar hydrogen production application.

Investigation of Dynamic Water Cluster and Droplet Interactions in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells using Operando X-ray Tomographic Microscopy

Efficient removal of the electrochemically produced water from the gas diffusion layer (GDL) in polymer electrolyte fuel cells is crucial for reducing mass transport losses and improving the efficiency at high current densities. Understanding the relationship between the water percolation through the GDL and droplet formation in the gas channel will allow the design of advanced GDL materials, which provide optimal water management. In this study, a catalyst-coated membrane with 8 individual active areas (0.06 mm2 each) is investigated using operando X-ray tomographic microscopy to study the transient development and interaction of multiple percolating water clusters in a GDL and droplet formation in the channel. The 4D imaging results at a time resolution of 1 Hz showed transient instabilities in the developed percolating water networks at various frequencies associated with break-through and spontaneous water drainage.

Tailored Supramolecular Interactions in Host-Guest Complexation for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells and Modules.

Host-guest complexation offers a promising approach for mitigating surface defects in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Crown ethers are the most widely used macrocyclic hosts for complexing perovskite surfaces, yet their supramolecular interactions and functional implications require further understanding. Here we show that the dipole moment of crown ethers serves as an indicator of supramolecular interactions with both perovskites and precursor salts. A larger dipole moment, achieved through the substitution of heteroatoms, correlates with enhanced coordination with lead cations. Perovskite films incorporating aza-crown ethers as additives exhibited improved morphology, reduced defect densities, and better energy-level alignment compared to those using native crown ethers. We report power-conversion efficiencies (PCEs) exceeding 25 % for PSCs, which show enhanced long-term stability, and a record PCE of 21.5 % for host-guest complexation-based perovskite solar modules with an active area of 14.0 cm2.

Nanostructured thin film SrCo0.8Nb0.1Ta0.1O3-δ cathode for low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells

Nanostructured perovskite-type cathodes are considered essential for the realization of high-performance solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). However, perovskite-type cathode materials demonstrating high electrochemical performance in the low-temperature operating region below 600° are limited. SrCo0.8Nb0.1Ta0.1O3-δ (SCNT) has been identified as a material that exhibits exceptional performance even in the low-temperature region of 500 °C. This paper investigates the growth behavior and electrochemical properties of SCNT thin films for SOFC cathode applications. Pulsed laser deposition (PLD) was employed to fabricate SCNT films under varying chamber pressures: 5 mTorr, 75 mTorr, and 150 mTorr. Systematic analysis through X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicates that the structural factors of PLD perovskite oxide nanostructures, such as grain size, porosity, and in-plane connectivity, are intricately influenced by deposition pressure without affecting crystallinity and chemical composition. The findings demonstrate that achieving desired electrochemical properties of the nanostructured PLD perovskite oxide necessitates specific optimal deposition conditions for these structural parameters. Electrochemical assessments revealed an optimal nanostructure achieved with 1200 nm at 75mTorr, demonstrating enhanced power density due to increased active reaction surface area, which significantly reduced resistances in ohmic and polarization. Excessive thickness, however, led to performance decline due to film delamination. Integration of optimized SCNT films into an anodic aluminum oxide supported thin film SOFC exhibited 907 mW/cm2 of peak power density at 550 °C.

Nickel doped tungsten disulfide grown on carbon cloth for flexible supercapacitors

We present the synthesis of flower-shaped nickel-doped tungsten disulfide on flexible activated carbon cloth (ACC) using a simple hydrothermal technique for flexible symmetric supercapacitors. The nickel-to-tungsten disulfide doping ratio is optimized by adjusting the mass ratio of nickel and tungsten disulfide (Ni:WS2 = 0.5:3, 1:3, and 1.5:3) to enhance charge storage capability, surface area, impedance behavior, specific capacity, and rate capability. The improved supercapacitor performance is attributed to the increased electrochemically active surface area, reduced impedance, and phase engineering from 2 H to 1 T achieved through optimal nickel doping. At a current density of 1 A g−1, the flexible symmetric supercapacitor device (Ni-WS2-ACC device) demonstrates a specific capacitance of 259.2 F g−1, an energy density of 22.4 Wh kg−1, and a power density of 803 W kg−1. Moreover, the Ni-WS2-ACC device maintains consistent supercapacitive performance under various bending conditions. These results present a promising strategy for further enhancing tungsten disulfide-based flexible supercapacitors as energy storage devices.

Blood Flow Restriction Training Improves Muscular Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Critically Appraised Topic

Clinical Scenario: The high recurrence of lateral ankle sprains progresses to chronic ankle instability (CAI) and can affect many athletes in all sports. CAI is often associated with a decrease in muscle strength, an increase in pain, a decrease in the range of motion, and a decrease in balance or neuromuscular control. The use of blood flow restriction (BFR) with CAI can increase muscular outcomes and be used as a rehabilitation tool. Clinical Question: Is there evidence to suggest that BFR improves strength, muscle activation, and/or cross-sectional area of the lower leg musculature in those with CAI? Clinical Bottom Line: There is moderate evidence to support therapeutic exercise with low-intensity BFR in patients with CAI. The evidence concluded a significant improvement in BFR to increase muscle activation of the fibularis longus, anterior tibialis, vastus lateralis, and soleus. There is moderate evidence suggesting BFR can induce strength gains in the muscles of the lower extremity in patients with CAI. Strength of Recommendation: The comprehensive evidence is a Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT) Grade B, with a level of evidence of 2, according to the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (CEBM) for the studies included.

Preparation of porous (Mo2/3Y1/3)2AlC and its hydrogen evolution reaction performance

Porous (Mo2/3Y1/3)2AlC MAX phase ceramic was prepared by reaction sintering method using Mo, Y, Al, and graphite powder as raw materials. The influence of changes in Al content on the purity of the obtained samples was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Archimedes method, and bubble point method. The conditions for obtaining a pure phase were identified, and the transformation path of the phase during sintering and the mechanism of pore formation were provided. The linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) cure and cyclic voltammetry (CV) cure of MAX were tested using an electrochemical workstation. It can be calculated that MAX exhibits good hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance under alkaline conditions due to its high electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) of 373.2 and small Tafel slope of 41.7 ​mV·dec−1.

Synergistic on engineering layered N-doped carbon/MXene heterostructure: A potential scaffold for simultaneous electrochemical detection of Cu2+ and Hg2+ ions

The presence of heavy metal ions (HMIs) like Cu2+ and Hg2+ in natural water and foods is a major health and environmental concern. Thus advanced electrochemical sensors are required to monitor these ions. Herein, we introduce a nitrogen-rich carbon-MXene composite (layered N-doped carbon/MXene) as an electrochemical sensor suitable for the simultaneous detection of Cu2+ and Hg2+. Synthesizing 2D/2D heterostructure interfaces using controlled thermal decomposition conditions with the incorporation of quaternary nitrogen from choline chloride and the formation of hydrogen bonds of urea within the MXene (Ti3C2Tx) provided active surfaces area that is suitable for the detection of Cu2+ and Hg2+. The intermediate structure of layered N-doped carbon/MXene, had a nitrogen content of ~6%, maximized sensitivity for Cu2+ and Hg2+. The layered N-doped carbon/MXene composite exhibited excellent electrochemical sensing for Cu2+ and Hg2+ in 0.1M acetate buffer at low sensing potentials. The limits of detection (LODs) of layered N-doped carbon/MXene were 0.019 and 0.056µM with a sensitivity of 114.54 and 64.317µAµM−1 cm−2 for Cu2+ and Hg2+, respectively. Furthermore, the layered N-doped carbon/MXene heterostructure exhibited high selectivity for Cu2+ and Hg2+ in the presence of potentially interfering common metal ions. This study introduces a promising advanced material for rapid Cu2+ and Hg2+ detection in food and environmental applications.

Ternary metal oxide carbon composite as high-performance electrode material for supercapacitor applications

Recently, ternary metal oxides carbon composites recognized as metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have gained striking attention for supercapacitor electrode material due to high surface area, porosity, chemical stability, tunable properties, redox activity, and eco-friendly material. ZIF-67 is a novel MOF possessing these characteristics. Therefore, the present work reports the development of ternary iron-nickel–cobalt ZIF-67 composites (FeNiCo ZIF-67) using co-precipitation method with the variation in molar concentration of iron oxide, nickel oxide, and cobalt oxide. Physico-chemical characterizations of developed materials were investigated through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to confirm the successful formation of composites and structure, morphology. Then, the electrodes were fabricated for all three synthesized composites and electrochemical analyses such as cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanic charge–discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were performed. The results revealed the porous polyhedral structure of FeNiCo ZIF-67 with different compositions consisting of interconnected nanoparticles played an important role in increasing the charge storage capacity of the material. Among the composites, FeNiCo ZIF-67 (1:2:1) electrode material achieved the highest specific capacitance of 532.7 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g. FeNiCo ZIF-67 (1:2:1) exhibited maximum electrochemical active surface area 89.12. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) demonstrated the minimal resistance of 7.8 Ω by FeNiCo ZIF-67 (1:2:1) composite electrode compared to the other two electrode materials. Cyclic stability study revealed the capacitance retention of 91 % after 10,000 continuous charge discharge cycles at a current density of 10 A/g. Electrode material demonstrated an outstanding electrochemical performance, and this work could provide a simple strategy to fabricate FeNiCo ZIF-67 nanostructured electrode materials for supercapacitors.

Ce-doped cobalt-based hydroxide assisted with low-temperature molten salt for industrial oxygen evolution reaction

Developing low cost and high-performance oxygen evolution electrocatalysts is significant to improve the efficiency of water electrolysis for large-scale hydrogen production. Cobalt hydroxide is a promising electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), but its poor conductivity and activity seriously restrict the practical application. A simple one-step low temperature molten salt method was applied to successfully synthesize the Ce-doped cobalt hydroxide nitrate (Ce-CoNH/CF), which exhibits outstanding OER performance with a low overpotential of 448 mV at the current density of 1000 mA/cm2 in 1 mol/L KOH. The remarkable performance of Ce-CoNH/CF electrode in OER may be the comprehensive result of fast reaction kinetics, large electrochemical active specific surface area (ECSA) and small charge transfer resistance (Rct) as revealed by the Tafel, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) analysis. Under the simulated industrial test conditions (6 mol/L KOH, 70 °C), the Ce-CoNH/CF electrode still displays excellent OER performance.

Synthesis and Characterization of Carbon Nano Sphere-doped Gd: Alpha Sb2O4 Nanostructure for High-Performance Energy Storage Applications

Background: To enhance the super capacitive properties of nanocomposites, the effective method is to combine carbon nanospheres with mesoporous structures with Gd3+:α-Sb2O4 inorganic nanocomposites (NC) to form hybrid electrodes. An as-prepared hybrid electrode material possesses increased energy density, high rate of reversibility and cyclic stability when incorporated in electrochemical cyclic voltammetric studies. Methods: In the present investigation, various wt % of C-nanospheres (Cx) (5 %, 10% and 20%) were decorated over Gd3+: α-Sb2O4 nanocomposites and were synthesized by coprecipitation method. XRD, SEM, EDX, UV-visible, and XPS are only a few of the analytical techniques used to describe the as-prepared hybrid nanocomposites. Electrochemical cyclic voltammetry was carried out in a 6 M KOH solution, three-electrode system. Results: The crystal structure and morphology of Cx: Gd3+@ α-Sb2O4 NC showed a mixed hexagonal phase and agglomerated tiny irregularly shaped morphology that appeared as the Cx concentration increased. Redshift in optical absorption peak appeared (near UV-edge), and the optical band gap (Eg) value increased from 3.53 eV to 3.65 eV. The electrochemical supercapacitor showed the highest specific capacitance of 989 F/g at the current density of 1 A/g for C20%:Gd3+@α-Sb2O4 NC compared with Cx:Gd3+@α-Sb2O4 (x = 5% and 10%) and undoped Gd3+:α-Sb2O4 NC. The change in phase angle and Rs value of 1.98 was attributed to the ideal supercapacitor properties. The cyclic stability after 5000 cycles with 79.71% capacitive retention was exhibited by C20%:Gd3+@α-Sb2O4 NC. Conclusion: The present research introduces ease of synthesis of hybrid electrode materials possessing high active surface area, increased energy density, high cyclic stability, and reversibility in an aqueous solution.

ZnO/NiFe2O4 heterostructure on nickel foam for the electrochemical detection of uric acid

In this study, heterostructures containing hydrothermally derived ZnO and combustion derived NiFe2O4 were co-deposited on nickel foam (NF) substrate. The modification of NF based substrate with the synthesised electrocatalysts is capable of increasing the electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) due to its porous network. The fabricated ZnO@NF, NiFe2O4@NF and ZnO/NiFe2O4@NF electrodes were tested in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) (pH = 7.4 0.2) to understand their chemical kinetics which reveals a diffusion-controlled process. A comparative study reveals that the presence of surface charges on ZnO/NiFe2O4@NF electrode, influences the selectivity by enhancing the sensitivity towards UA which is attributed to the low charge transfer resistance and its higher ECSA of 1.487 cm2. The linear response current was observed between 0.52 mM and 1.48 mM with a detection limit (LOD) of 8.22 μM and limit of quantification (LOQ) of 27.4 μM. The sensitivity was found to be 2.31 mA.mM-1cm-2. The main advantages of ZnO/NiFe2O4@NF electrode is its simple fabrication technique which is inexpensive, stability over a period of 13 days with current loss of ∼19.2%. The proposed ZnO/NiFe2O4 based non-enzymatic UA sensor is capable of selectively detecting UA in the presence of various interferents. UA acts as a biomarker for the diagnosis of different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Hence, the validity of the developed heterostructure was investigated for real time UA sensing using spot urine samples. The recovery percentage was found to be between 95.7% and 103.5% further paving way for the use of this electrode for diagnosis of CKD.

Studying the Effect of Operating Conditions and NO2 Cathode Contamination on PEM Fuel Cells Using Distribution Function of Relaxation Times Analysis.

The effect of NO2, an air pollutant, on the durability of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and the affected electrochemical processes in the PEMFC following the contamination were investigated. In-situElectrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) measurements were conducted on PEMFCs under different operating conditions of temperature and relative humidity (RH). NO2 was introduced to the cathode inlet flow. Analyses of the EIS measurements were performed using a genetic algorithm called ISGP (Impedance Spectroscopy by Genetic Programming) to obtain the distribution function of relaxation times (DFRT, a.k.a. DRT) models. Utilizing ISGP enabled us to differentiate the various phenomena in PEMFC and study how they are affected by NO2 contamination. Moreover, the experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the mitigation method to flush the PEMFC and regenerate its performance after being contaminated, particularly at low operating temperatures. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) technique is performed on the contaminated PEMFC to detect the presence of any nitrogen components in the FC's gas diffusion layer and the catalyst layer post the mitigation step. Cyclic Voltammetry is also performed on the contaminated cell to determine the effect of the contamination on the electrochemically active surface area of the cathode by evaluating the double-layer capacitance.