Alternative Energy Technologies Research Articles

Socio-cultural practices and improved cooking stove technology choices among agro-pastoral communities in Arumeru District, Tanzania

This study assessed the socio-cultural factors influencing the choice of improved cooking stove technology among agro-pastoral communities in Arumeru District, Arusha region. The study used a cross-sectional research design and was conducted in four villages. Two categories of respondents were involved in the study. The first category consisted of 37 participants interviewed as Key Informants (KIs) and through focus group discussions (FGDs). The second category who responded to the questionnaire involved 92 respondents who had benefited from the alternative cooking energy technologies programme. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected, with a greater emphasis on qualitative data. Content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data, while the quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software. The study found the persistence of certain socio-cultural practices that encourage the use of traditional three-stone stoves over improved stoves. These practices include preferences for food cooked using traditional three-stone stoves and the tradition of formally handing over the traditional cooking stoves to a newly married woman in the household, among others. It is concluded that while some community members consider these practices positive and valuable, they largely contribute to high biomass consumption and, therefore, the likelihood of environmental degradation. It is recommended that serious sensitisation and training programmes, among other recommendations detailed in this study, be conducted.

Economic effects of sustainable energy technology progress under carbon reduction targets: An analysis based on a dynamic multi-regional CGE model

Advancing sustainable energy technologies (SET) is crucial for achieving carbon neutrality and effectively addressing climate change. Unlike most studies that focus on individual sustainable energy policies, this research constructs a recursive computable general equilibrium (CGE) model with comprehensive sustainable energy modules to analyze the macroeconomic effects of multiple policies related to SET advancement. Covering 8 regions, 13 energy sectors, and 37 intermediate input sectors, the study evaluates the economic and ecological impacts of various SET advancement scenarios from a global economic perspective, aiming for consistent carbon reduction. The findings reveal that : (1) SET implementation reduces electricity costs for residents, optimizes industrial structure, decreases fossil fuel usage, enhances energy use structure, and lowers carbon taxes; (2) the collective impact of renewable energies surpasses that of individual sources, with newer renewables like wind and solar power outperforming traditional ones such as hydropower and nuclear power; and (3) advancements in alternative energy technology have had diverse effects on the global energy environment and economic development. Based on these conclusions, we recommend that: (1) prioritizing the development of solar and wind power in the short term; (2) optimizing SET advancement mechanisms to support progress, including enhancing the market-based price formation for sustainable energy generation and promoting technological innovation and cost reduction; (3) encouraging a synergistic transformation of renewable energy with coal, gas power, and other sources to maximize policy synergies.

A brief review of hydrogen production technologies

As a result of the array of problems arising from the use of fossil fuels, it is necessary to develop and optimize alternative energy technologies. Despite hydrogen being an ideal form of energy, its primary source is still fossil fuels via conventional methods. Therefore, several hydrogen-production resources and techniques have been investigated, providing feasibility for clean and effective hydrogen production. This paper provided a mini-review of hydrogen production technologies, including renewable energy, chemical looping, water electrolysis, photocatalysis, and plasma.

Electrochemical hydrogen storage in carbon nitride electrode using modified reversible polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell

The human population is now through a process of evolution, whereby there is a gradual shift towards the adoption and utilization of alternative energy sources and technologies for energy storage. In this transition process non-availability of renewable energy sources round the clock is one of the key hurdles. It is possible to meet continuous energy demands by storing excess renewable energy as hydrogen. The presented experimental investigation focuses on a modified reversible fuel cell (MRFC) with a solid carbon-based substance (carbon nitride) integrated into it as a host for electrochemical hydrogen storage. The method for electrode fabrication from carbon nitride powder and PTFE binder and a lab-scaled MRFC is disclosed. The developed MRFC with an integrated hydrogen storage electrode is put through electrochemical testing, and the results are presented. Galvanostatic charging and discharging is done, and the results are examined to ascertain the electrode's electrochemical hydrogen storage capacity. The electrochemical hydrogen storage capacity of the porous carbon nitride electrode is found to be 1.15 wt%, which is comparable to intermetallic metal hydride-based hydrogen storage mediums viz. AB2 and AB5. The obtained results showed the feasibility of a MRFC with an integrated carbon nitride-based hydrogen storage electrode, making it the first device of its kind. Besides, porous carbon nitride is proved to be a potential candidate for reversible electrochemical hydrogen adsorption. This will contribute to the clean energy sector and surely a step forward toward hydrogen economy.

Subsidies or cost-reflective energy tariffs? Alternative pathways for decarbonizing the residential sector and implications for cost efficiency

This study assesses alternative energy technologies (i.e., PV and battery systems, electric heat pumps, hybrid gas heating with solar thermal energy) in terms of profitability and CO2 emissions, for the case of two simulated typical households living in detached houses in Germany. Under the status-quo regulatory framework, the energy transition in the heating sector is fostered through grants for replacing old heating systems, whereas PV generation is fostered by feed-in tariffs and indirect subsidies for self-consumption. This study considers an alternative regulatory scenario with a more market-oriented approach, finding that a CO2-oriented reform of energy surcharges and taxes, as well as a reform of network charges, can support a more cost-efficient energy transition in the residential sector. The paper concludes with a discussion of the consistency, cost efficiency and effectiveness of past and current policies underpinning the energy transition in the residential sector.

Investigating Technological Advancement Strategies for the Innovation Impact of Alternative Energy Patents

Although the importance of technological advancement in facilitating successful transitions to alternative energy is well recognized, the study of technological advancement strategies has been elusive. This study aims to investigate the technological advancement strategies for inventing alternative energy technologies by using patent data. This study empirically examines relationships between forward citation counts and the results of invention activities such as the degree and type of technological advancement (diversification), as well as other bibliographic information about the patent. Specifically, this study considers both the degree and the type of technological advancement of the patents, taking into account the scale and scope of technological knowledge. Finally, the study confirms the heterogeneous relationships between innovation impact and technological advancement in each field of alternative energy. It was confirmed that the innovation impact of patents related to wind energy was more significantly associated with the degree of technological advancement than that of patents related to other fields of alternative energy. In the case of patents related to fuel cells and biofuel, diversification of technological advancement was associated with a higher innovation impact. In the case of solar and hydro energy, specialization of technological advancement was found to be related to a higher innovation impact.

Does Carbon Trading Lead to Green Technology Innovation: Recent Evidence From Chinese Companies in Resource-Based Industries

The carbon emission trading scheme (ETS) is critical to China's ability to reach the established carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions reduction goal by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. To determine whether the pilot ETS policy promulgated in China in 2011 has induced green technological innovation, we conducted a multidimensional empirical test to assess the financial and green patent licensing data of Chinese A-share (publicly listed) enterprises in Shanghai and Shenzhen from 2004 to 2019. Using a difference-in-difference model with robustness checks, we did not find that the pilot ETS has had green innovation effects on entire industries or all manufacturing. However, we did identify significant green innovation improvements in some resource-based industrial enterprises, and the promotion effect led to more green utility models than green invention patents. Furthermore, the policy's greatest green-innovation effects are reflected primarily in new patents/utility models for low-carbon, energy-saving, and alternative energy technologies, particularly among large and nonstate enterprises. The impact mechanism tests indicate that the pilot policy encourages green innovation primarily through four policy instruments: increasing benefit income for resource-based industrial enterprises, reducing financial constraints, granting subsidies, and increasing incentives for enterprise R&D. Therefore, this article not only confirms the effectiveness of carbon emission trading market policy, but also provides scientific guidance for the realization of green technology innovation.

Cross-Aligned PTFE Nanofiber Reinforced Composite Membrane for PEM Fuel Cells

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have widely been considered environmental friendly alternative energy technologies due to their high energy conversion efficiency and zero emission. In the recent, the importance of performance and durability of electrolyte membrane, interfacial layer separating two electrodes, prohibiting fuel cross-over, while transporting only protons, has become much crucial for utilizing PEMFCs to the automobile applications such as fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and drones.Unfortunately, the current state membranes, mainly composed of perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) ionomers, have suffered from the high cost and low proton conductivity, and low dimensional stability during dynamic humidity changes during fuel cell operation. In order to deal with these issues, recently, a reinforced composite membranes (RCMs) have been developed in which a PFSA ionomer is impregnated into a porous support matrix consisted with nanofibrous polymer materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) due to their thermal/mechanical robustness. The PTFE based RCMs could provide enhanced mechanical stability and electrochemical performance with a reduced use of PFSA ionomer, but low impregnation of ionomers into nanosized hydrophobic PTFE networks, resulting in phase separation and irreversible creep deformation.Herein, we report a novel preparation of vertically alined PTFE aggregated fibers (PTFE AFs) as a reinforcement by using facile electrospinning hetero-polymer solutions containing PTFE nanoparticles and PEO (Polyethylene oxide) carrier polymer and subsequent thermal removal of PEO. Developed PTFE AF were effectively soaked by PFSA ionomers, and PTFE AF based RCMs delivered outstanding dimensional stability and proton conductivity compared to commercial RCMs. Furthermore, PTFE AF based RCMs used MEA exhibited exceptional single-cell performance and long-term stability. The enhanced performance was attributed to the facile proton conduction through the one dimensional channels between aligned fibers without fiber scattering, and effective suppression of volume expansion of hydrated PFSA ionomer by rectangular shaped PTFE fiber network. We believe the widespread use of novel PTFE fiber based membranes with an unique pattern in a variety of membrane applications where porous supports are used. Figure 1

Highly porous biocarbon monoliths for methane storage

Pollution, resulting from the use of gasoline and diesel fuels, presents an evident concern to environmental health and safety, contributing to greenhouse gases, smog, and a plethora of other hazards to everyday life. A variety of alternative energy sources and technologies are being considered towards the reduction of pollution from the use of fossil fuels, one such being natural gas. The bottleneck of technology for natural gas implementation is the storage and distribution at ambient condition with low-cost media. Activated carbon materials, having been further popularized for their adsorbent properties, have become established as a popular choice for natural gas storage thanks to their high pore volume and surface area and the abundant availability of carbon precursors. Herein, the synthesis of activated carbon monoliths and their application for methane adsorption, as it relates to natural gas storage, is described.

Calcium hydroxy phosphate-functionalized graphene oxide/Nafion composite membrane for direct methanol fuel cell

A direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) is one prominent alternative energy technology. However, there are many problems that prevent the commercialization of DMFC, such as methanol crossover, low power density, and degradation of the membrane. To resolve these issues, functionalized graphene oxide (GO) and calcium hydroxy phosphate (CHP) were incorporated into the Nafion membrane to make a composite membrane. The content of the CHP was varied to determine and further investigation involved spraying the same amount of CHP onto the Nafion membrane to compare with the composite membrane. The fillers were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray Powder Diffraction. The ex-situ tests investigated water uptake, solubility, and chemical degradation, while the in-situ tests investigated electrochemical impedance (EIS), methanol permeability, fuel cell performance, and durability. Adding both 1 wt% of CHP and 0.05 wt% functionalized GO into the Nafion membrane, resulting in a 1.86-fold higher durability than that of recast Nafion. In addition, the maximum power density of the composite membrane was 1.34-fold higher (75.41 mW/cm2) than that of the recast Nafion (56.11 mW/cm2) at 1 M methanol and 70 °C. At 2 M methanol and 70 °C, the maximum power density of the composite membrane increased to 80.19 mW/cm2 but then decreased to 46.00 mW/cm2 when the methanol feed increased to 4 M, due to the large amount of methanol crossover.

State-of-the-art review of MPPT techniques for hybrid PV-TEG systems: Modeling, methodologies, and perspectives

The development of alternative renewable energy technologies is crucial for alleviating climate change and promoting energy transformation. Of the currently available technologies, solar energy has promising application prospects owing to its merits of being clean, safe, and sustainable. Solar energy is converted into electricity through photovoltaic (PV) cells; however, the overall conversion efficiency of PV modules is relatively low, and most of the captured solar energy is dissipated in the form of heat. This not only reduces the power generation efficiency of solar cells but may also have a negative impact on the electrical parameters of PV modules and the service life of PV cells. To overcome the shortcomings, an efficient approach involves combining a PV cell with a thermoelectric generator (TEG) to form hybrid PV-TEG systems, which simultaneously improve the energy conversion efficiency of the PV system by reducing the operating temperature of the PV modules and increasing the power output by utilizing the waste heat generated from the PV system to generate electricity via the TEGs. Based on a thorough examination of the literature, this study comprehensively reviews 14 maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms currently applied to hybrid PV-TEG systems and classifies them into five major categories for further discussion, namely conventional, mathematics-based, metaheuristic, artificial intelligence, and other algorithms. This review aims to inspire advanced ideas and research on MPPT algorithms for hybrid PV-TEG systems.

Use of Physics-Based Models for Different Applications of Electrochemical Energy Storage and Conversion Devices

This talk will present the application of physics-based models applied to two different electrochemical storage and conversion systems, viz. Li-ion batteries and Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs). Battery energy storage system (BESS) is becoming a crucial part of standalone renewable hybrid power systems due to the intermittent nature of power generation and for aiding in various operations like frequency regulation, voltage support, and peak shaving. The lithium-ion battery is a promising choice for BESS due to its high energy density, power density, operating voltage, negligible self-discharge, suitable operating temperature range, modularity, and reliability. A standalone renewable hybrid power system framework with lithium-ion battery energy storage is developed to investigate its performance using physics-based battery models. Power management and control strategies are developed for standalone renewable hybrid power systems. These control strategies can track the MPP of the solar cells and wind turbines while avoiding overcharging the battery and guaranteeing 0% dumping power under different ambient and working conditions. The battery is exposed to harsh ambient conditions in the real world, resulting in the dynamic and continuous capacity fade. A thermal management and control strategy is developed to analyze the effect of temperature on lithium-ion batteries' performance and degradation without using external cooling systems. Dynamic battery degradation analysis and life prediction are essential for better techno-economic estimation of renewable hybrid power systems. The impact of BESS size variation on degradation and the cost of energy generation is analyzed. The developed renewable hybrid power system framework is independent of location and system size and can be extended to incorporate other renewable energy generation sources and energy storage systems.The second part of this talk will focus on using physics-based models to understand the water dynamics and degradation mechanisms inside PEMFC, which is necessary for water management, long-life operation, and cost reduction. PEMFCs have emerged as an alternative green energy technology in various applications such as automobiles, portable and stationary applications, and auxiliary power supplies for space exploration missions. The cost and durability targets remain unmet largely, which restrains the commercialization of the PEMFCs. The major difficulty in modeling lies in the wide scale of dimensions from the millimeter level (flow channel) to the micron level (catalyst layer (CL) thickness). The multi-scale physics-based model enables the life cycle analysis of PEMFC under various operating conditions. The mass transport limitation is the major hurdle in performance enhancement for higher current density operations. It arises from the liquid water generated during the electrochemical reactions, which hinders the reaction sites of CL and oxygen transport reaction sites in the gas diffusion layer, resulting in performance deterioration. Many experimental studies reported the two-phase flow visualization techniques in PEMFCs, viz. neutron imaging, optical visualization, and X-ray radiography. However, the difficulties in conducting experiments for flow visualization and related parameters such as liquid volume fraction have encouraged researchers to adopt numerical simulations that are less expensive and computationally efficient. Understanding liquid water movement inside the cell at the micro-scale help to improve the PEMFC performance at the stack level. Here, we develop a comprehensive 3-D, multiphase, non-isothermal, steady-state physics-based model of the PEMFC that can closely approximate the liquid water flooding and membrane drying. The findings from this work can be used to design an efficient flow configuration and to study membrane deformation due to the shrinking-swelling under humidification and thermal cycling. The ultimate goal of the multi-scale model is to enhance the PEMFC stack output with less degradation.

Holistic and integrated life cycle sustainability assessment of prospective biomass to liquid production in Germany

As a part of the developing bioeconomy, liquid biofuels may play an important role for transportation due to the hope for a sustainable drop-in alternative to substitute fossil fuels and maintaining existing economic infrastructures. In this case study we applied Holistic and Integrated Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment to a prospective technical concept for the production of biofuels from wood residues, sorghum and straw via gasification and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis located in the German federal state Brandenburg. Through this quantitative and qualitative sustainability assessment we identified synergies and hot-spots of biofuel production on a detailed and aggregated level, as well as compare the impacts to fossil fuels and other alternative transport systems. 99 social, ecological and economic indicator results addressing 14 out of 17 SDGs show contributions but also sustainability risks of such biofuels for the SDGs. The total substitution factor of impacts (f = 21.38) for all indicators of biofuels compared to fossil fuels indicates significantly higher impacts of biofuels production, in particular for land (SDG 15, f = 30.43), water (SDG 14, f = 125.57), consumption and production patterns (SDG 12, f = 54.11), low energy efficiency and maintaining problematic global supply chains and working conditions. However, the impacts on climate can be lower (SDG 13, f = 0.42), if residual heat is effectively and efficiently used. Comparing the transportation systems and use phases of fuels, all types of car-based individual transportation including fossil fuels (f = 6.50), biofuels (f = 9.16) and electric drive (f = 6.46) had significant higher impacts than transportation by train. Besides technological downsides, such as the high energy demand, biofuels may play a minor role for specific applications with no other alternative energy technologies in the future. In conclusion, it is very questionable whether such liquid biofuels are a suitable drop-in solution to substitute fossil fuels in a significant quantity. In a final discussion we referred to the necessary societal-ecological transformation with structural changes of production, consumption, political economy and global supply chains. In the future, Holistic and Integrated Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment will be further improved by closing indicator and database gaps, including a cost analysis and direct stakeholder participation, as well as absolute sustainability assessments on how much biofuel production is sustainable.

Nanocarbon in Sodium‐ion Batteries – A Review. Part 2: One, Two, and Three‐dimensional Nanocarbons

AbstractNanocarbons play a significant role in the development of alternative, clean and sustainable energy technologies. The utility of low‐dimensional nanostructured carbons (one‐, two‐ and three‐dimensional) in the new generation of batteries have shown great potential due to their physicochemical and electrochemical properties as well as high safety. The electrodes made from nanostructured carbon materials with different dimensions, size and structures offer enhanced ionic transport and electronic conductivity as compared to conventional batteries. They also enable the occupation of all intercalation sites available in the particle which leads to high specific capacities, fast ion diffusion, superior rate capability and long‐term cyclability. The carbonaceous nanosized active materials are important to enhance the electrical conductivity of the electrode materials and buffer the structural change and strain during sodium insertion and extraction. Application potentialities of different low‐dimensional nanostructured carbons in sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are discussed in this part II. It also deals with the modifications made on the carbonaceous material by doping with heteroatoms, expressing diversified morphologies with porous materials or compositing with organic or inorganic species.

Simulation model of a non‐contact triboelectric nanogenerator based on electrostatic induction

AbstractBased on the coupling effects of contact electrification and electrostatic induction, a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) can convert mechanical energy into electric power, which is at the cutting edge of alternative energy technology. Although a considerable number of TENGs with different configurations have been designed, some of them however, which only depend on the electrostatic induction effect have not received enough attention. Here, a non‐contact TENG model consists of copper rings and charged dielectric sphere is presented, which is aimed at exploring the working process of TENGs caused by electrostatic induction. Two classical models, including vertical and horizontal double copper rings models are also proposed. Relevant advanced and accurate models of TENGs have been established through the finite element method. We anticipate that the constructed model and theoretical analysis are helpful for the design of non‐contact model TENGs with complicated geometric construction, and expand their applications in various fields.image

Preface

The 2023 4th International Conference on Advanced Materials and Clean Energy (ICAMCE 2023), supported by Jiangsu University School of Materials Science & Engineering, is to publish the latest results of research and development on the material and energy science and technology. The seminar has been held since 2020, therefore in 2023 is its fourth session.ICAMCE 2023 took place in Hangzhou, China during 17th to 19th February 2023 (virtual form) with about 60 attendees. The main objective of the Conference is to provide an international cooperation and exchange platform for experts and scholars in the field to deliberate latest developments and future directions in Advanced Materials and Clean Energy, and an opportunity for enterprise developers to discuss existing problems and challenges, and explore frontier science and technology.We have invited several resources persons from different parts of China and other about 10 countries to deliver expertise lectures by imparting the latest findings from their respective research domains. Hui Pan is a professor from the Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering and Department of Physics and Chemistry in the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Macau, China. In his research, a combined computational and experimental method is used to design and fabricate novel nanomaterials for applications in green energy and environments (such as electro-/photo-catalysis, water splitting, CO2/N2 reduction, and fuel cells), electronic/quantum devices, and spintronics. He has published more than 230 papers in international peer-reviewed journals, such as Phys. Rev. Lett., Adv. Energy Mater., and Chem. Mater.. It was a great opportunity for the students, researchers and engineers to interact with the experts and specialists to get their advice or suggestions.The proceedings of the present Conference covers the following topics: New Semiconductor Materials, Optoelectronic Materials, Composite Materials for Wind Power Generation, Welding and Connection, Alternative Energy Technologies, Clean Energy Systems and Technologies, Thermodynamics and Energy Optimization, etc.. Arigorous peer review process was conducted to check the quality, originality, innovation point of the papers accepted in this proceedings which will be published in the format of printed books.We would like to express our sincere thanks to all the authors for their research contributions, and also to the organizers of the Conference for their valuable spadework. Also, our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the Editors and Managers, Journal of Physics: Conference Series of IOP Publishing Ltd. for their help and kind cooperation during the preparation of the proceedings.We hope you will benefit from all the manuscripts of the proceedings and learn new and novel ideas!The Committee of ICAMCE 2023List of Committee Member is available in this Pdf.

Evaluation of Rail Decarbonization Alternatives: Framework and Application

The Northwestern University Freight Rail Infrastructure & Energy Network Decarbonization (NUFRIEND) framework is a comprehensive industry-oriented tool for simulating the deployment of new energy technologies including biofuels, e-fuels, battery-electric, and hydrogen locomotives. By classifying fuel types into two categories based on deployment requirements, the associated optimal charging/fueling facility location and sizing problem are solved with a five-step framework. Life-cycle analysis (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA) are used to estimate carbon reduction, capital investments, cost of carbon reduction, and operational impacts, enabling sensitivity analysis with operational and technological parameters. The framework is illustrated on lower-carbon drop-in fuels as well as battery-electric technology deployments for the US Eastern and Western Class I railroad networks. Drop-in fuel deployments are modeled as admixtures with diesel in existing locomotives, while battery-electric deployments are shown for varying technology penetration levels and locomotive ranges. When mixed in a 50% ratio with diesel, results show biodiesel’s capacity to reduce emissions at 36% with a cost of $ 0.13 per kilogram of CO2 reduced, while e-fuels offer a potential reduction of 50% of emissions at a cost of $ 0.22 per kilogram of CO2 reduced. Battery-electric results for 50% deployment over all ton-miles highlight the value of future innovations in battery energy densities as scenarios assuming 800-mi range locomotives show an estimated emissions reduction of 46% with a cost of $ 0.06 per kilogram of CO2 reduced, compared with 16% emissions reduction at a cost of $ 0.11 per kilogram of CO2 reduced for 400-mi range locomotives. The NUFRIEND framework provides a systematic method for comparing different alternative energy technologies and identifying potential challenges and benefits in their future deployments.

Thermal Stability, Kinetic Analysis, and Safe Temperature Assessment of Ionic Liquids 1-Benzyl-3-Methylimidazolium Bis (Trifluoromethylsulfonyl) Imide for Emerging Building and Energy Related Field

Ionic liquids are molten salts that possess excellent chemical and thermal stability. Due to their inherent qualities in green chemistry, ionic liquids have been identified as potential substitutes for traditional organic solvents. These useful physical and chemical properties lead to some promising applications in fields such as building polymer engineering alternative materials and renewable energy technologies. Although they are classified as green solvents, these new solvents exist in a high-temperature environment, which is related to thermochemical reactivity and safety; there are few related studies. To analyze the possible high-temperature application environment of ionic liquids in the future, we analyzed the new ionic liquid 1-Benzyl-3-methylimidILlium bis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide ([BZMIM][TF2N]), which lacks thermal analysis basis. This study used thermogravimetric analysis as the basis of the reaction model. We calculated the thermal hazard, kinetics, and parameter analysis of the reaction characterized by experimental thermal analysis data. The reaction model can be used to construct the actual temperature change calculation. The results show that [BZMIM][TF2N] will enter a runaway reaction when the temperature exceeds 270 °C. When operating [BZMIM][TF2N] at high temperatures, attention should be paid to the possibility of thermal hazards caused by its self-decomposition reaction.

Ecological situation in the modern Russian Federation: comparison with other countries as a basis for new ideas for the development of the state

Most of the existing environmental problems have not been resolved yet, and some of them become aggravated. There is awareness that the tools that have been used so far to solve these problems can’t handle them. There is an interest in the analysis of existing environmental problems among social activists. The purpose of this article is to develop new ideas and directions for improving the environmental policy of Russia, based on an analysis of existing problems. In work elements of comparative and systematic approaches and general scientific methods of analysis, synthesis, deduction and induction were used. The main environmental problems that exist in Russia are: waste management issues, water pollution, deforestation, skepticism towards alternative and green energy. The study revealed the need to consider new trends in the environmental policy of Russia from the standpoint of political ecology. Among the necessary measures, it is worth noting the following: the introduction of a new ideology that will put in the first place the harmonious relationship between nature and a human; introduction of environmental education; a new system of preparing the specialists, including courses on an environmentally oriented lifestyle; information policy, revealing the essence of existing environmental problems; support for environmental organizations; introduction of a new approach to alternative energy and green technologies.

Effect of Rare-Earth Element Doping on NiFe-Layered Double Hydroxides for Water Oxidation at Ultrahigh Current Densities

Electrochemical energy conversion processes such as water reduction to produce hydrogen and carbon dioxide reduction into valuable carbon products have attracted great attention as alternative green energy technologies to fossil fuels. Nevertheless, the conversion efficiency and long-term stability of these technologies remain very far from the requirements for industrial applications because of the sluggish kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In this study, La-doped NiFe-layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were synthesized on Ni foam via a facile hydrothermal method and applied as active and stable OER electrochemical catalysts. The La-doped NiFe-LDH having the optimal La doping level exhibits excellent OER catalytic activity with a low overpotential of 309 mV at a high current density of 500 mA cm–2, a low Tafel slope of 42 mV dec–1, and long-term stability in the OER process over 140 h at 100 mA cm–2. Remarkably, the full cell of NiFeLa LDH-2||NiMoOx achieves high current densities of 500 mA cm–2 at the voltage of 1.728 V with superior stability for overall water splitting during 600 h in 1 M KOH. The enhanced OER performance is ascribed not only to the high crystallinity of the nanosheet structure but also to the synergistic electronic interactions between Ni, Fe, and La, which result in a stronger metal–oxygen bond based on d-band theory, more exposed active sites with high-valence states, and increased oxygen vacancies.