Conversion Technologies Research Articles

Ion solvation kinetics in bipolar membranes and at electrolyte–metal interfaces

AbstractIon (de)solvation at solid–electrolyte interfaces is pivotal for energy and chemical conversion technology, such as (electro)catalysis, batteries and bipolar membranes. For example, during the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline media, water needs to be dissociated and hydroxide ions solvated—a process that is not well understood. Here we study water dissociation and ion solvation kinetics in isolation at polymeric bipolar membrane and electrolyte–metal interfaces. We discover bias-dependent relationships between the activation entropy and enthalpy, which we link to a bias-dependent dispersion of interfacial capacitance. Furthermore, our results indicate that OH− solvation is kinetically slower than H+ solvation and that the solvation kinetics display characteristics that are independent of the catalyst structure. We attribute this to a universal amount of excess charge needed to induce electric fields that alter the interfacial entropy of water. Of fundamental interest, these results are critical to enable knowledge-driven bipolar membrane and electrocatalyst design.

Energy potential of biomass from rice husks in bangladesh: An experimental study for thermochemical and physical characterization

Rice husks, abundant leftovers from rice production, offer immense potential as a renewable energy source through thermochemical conversion processes. However, their efficient utilization hinges on understanding their unique thermal properties and reaction kinetics. This study addresses a critical gap by meticulously analyzing four prominent Bangladeshi rice husk varieties: BR22, BRRI Dhan46, BRRI Dhan47, and BRRI Dhan49. Through rigorous experimentation, we unveil a comprehensive dataset encompassing their physical, chemical, and thermochemical characteristics. Our investigation reveals favorable alignment of moisture content with various conversion technologies, alongside suitable bulk density for efficient handling. Proximate analysis sheds light on crucial components like ash, volatile matter, and fixed carbon, vital for optimizing combustion efficiency. Furthermore, elemental analysis not only highlights the presence of ash-forming elements but also assures low nitrogen and sulfur content, suggesting potential environmental benefits compared to conventional fuels. Delving into thermochemical characteristics, we measured higher heating values ranging from 13.31 MJ/kg to 14.42 MJ/kg, confirming the viability of these rice husk varieties for energy conversion. Thermogravimetric and kinetic analyses further illuminate their unique decomposition behavior, with BRRI Dhan47 exhibiting the highest decomposition rate, emphasizing the distinct reactivity profiles of different varieties. This extensive dataset empowers researchers and industry professionals with valuable insights for informed decision-making. By understanding the unique attributes of each rice husk variety and their behavior during conversion, we can optimize operational parameters for various thermochemical methods. Ultimately, this study bridges a critical research gap and paves the way for more efficient and sustainable utilization of rice husks as a renewable energy source, contributing to a greener future.

Nth-plant scenario for blended pellets of Miscanthus, Switchgrass, and Corn Stover using multi-modal transportation: Biorefineries and depots in the contiguous U.S.

The sustainability of the biofuel industry depends on the development of a mature conversion technology on a national level that can take advantage of the economies of scale: the nth-plant. This study addresses the logistic challenge of mobilizing national cellulosic feedstock supplies for a sustainable bioenergy industry. A Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model was developed and updated to deliver on-spec biomass that considers both a desired quantity and quality at the biorefinery. Our supply chain analysis includes multi-modal transport (truck and rail), varying depot and biorefinery sizes, and feedstock blends of corn stover (harvested by either a two- or three-pass method), switchgrass, and miscanthus. The following US states: Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Georgia, and Texas were identified as key locations for producing accessible miscanthus. Based on our most optimistic scenario, using trucks as the only transportation mode in 2040 with a cost target of $79/dt, corn stover, switchgrass, and miscanthus could help meet 48% of the EPA target, 173 million dry tons that translate into 7.8 billion GGE. The addition of rail transportation for biomass delivery to biorefineries could help meet 79% of the EPA target, 283 million dry tons that translate into 12.7 billion GGE.

Construction of a novel metal-free heterostructure photocatalyst PRGO/TP-COF for enhanced photocatalytic CO2 reduction

The development of metal-free composite heterojunction catalysts is essential for economical and environmentally friendly carbon dioxide (CO2) conversion technologies. Most studies neglect the semiconductor property of graphene oxide (GO), which has the potential to participate in the construction of heterojunction catalysts. In this work, a novel organic-inorganic composite metal-free heterojunction photocatalyst was constructed for the photocatalytic CO2 reduction. Photo-reduced GO (PRGO) and sp2-carbon-chain triazine-based covalent organic framework (TP-COF) can be easily combined and form heterojunctions by a simple and green electrostatic self-assembly method through π-π interaction. The photogenerated electrons were transferred from the conduction band of PRGO to the valence band of TP-COF driven by energy band bending and built-in electric field, thus achieving effective charges separation. The strong reductive electrons on this S-scheme heterojunction efficiently and selectively reduced CO2 to CO. This work provides a new idea for designing GO-based heterojunction photocatalyst PRGO/TP-COF with potential application in CO2 photoreduction.

Progress on the Design of Electrocatalysts for Large‐Current Hydrogen Production by Tuning Thermodynamic and Kinetic Factors

AbstractElectrochemical water splitting to produce green hydrogen offers a promising technology for renewable energy conversion and storage, as well as realizing carbon neutrality. The efficiency, stability, and cost of electrocatalysts toward hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and electrocatalytic overall water splitting (EOWS) at large current densities are essential for practical application. In this review, the key factors that determine the catalytic performance of electrocatalysts at large current densities are summarized from the angel of thermodynamic and kinetic correlation. The corresponding design strategies are presented. The electronic structure and density of active sites that affect the adsorption/desorption of intermediates are considered as the thermodynamic aspects, while charge transfer and mass transport capabilities closely associated with electrode resistance and intermediate diffusion are assigned as kinetic effects. Recent development of bifunctional and integrated electrocatalysts toward EOWS is also discussed in detail. Finally, the perspective and direction on the electrocatalytic water splitting under large current density are proposed. This comprehensive overview will offer profound insights and guidance for the continued advancement of this field.

Ni and Ru bimetal nanoparticles-anchored porous Mo2C nanorods used as an internal reforming catalyst layer for hydrocarbon-fueled solid oxide fuel cells

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are considered the most efficient technology for the direct conversion of hydrocarbons to electrical energy. Although the commonly used Ni/YSZ cermet materials in SOFCs show excellent electrocatalytic properties in H2 fuel, they suffer from carbon deposition problem when hydrocarbon fuels are used. In this work, we study the use of Ni0·05Ru0.05-Mo2C with a porous nanorod-shaped morphology as an internal reforming catalyst layer for methane-fueled SOFCs to solve the degradation of cell performance due to carbon deposition. The electrochemical performance and coking tolerance of two types of cells with and without the catalyst layer were systematically studied using methane and hydrogen as fuels. With the catalyst layer, the single cell using methane as fuel exhibits an improvement in peak power density by 24%, increasing from 297 to 367 mW cm−2 and there was no diffusion barrier for fuel gases within the cell. Furthermore, the cell can stably run for 100 h in methane at 700 °C. The improvement of electrochemical performance is attributed to the synergistic effect of Ni and Ru sites anchored on the porous Mo2C nanorods catalyst based on strong metal-support interactions, promoting the effective catalytic conversion of CH4 to CO and H2. This study demonstrates that the integration of a catalyst layer for internal reforming is an effective strategy for the direct use of methane in SOFCs.

Investigation of a 25 kV–50 Hz Railway-Substation Power Supply Based on a Back-to-Back Modular Multilevel Converter Topology

This paper presents a preliminary study of a 25 kV–50 Hz railway substation power supply system. The control of a back-to-back converter based on modular multilevel converter (MMC) technology was investigated to fit with the power quality requirements of the application. One of the main challenges is the presence of constraining load conditions, under which the train circulation variability, low-frequency harmonics and critical power transients can notably decrease the power quality and lead to instability. In order to address this, cascaded controllers based on resonant controllers are proposed to ensure the desired performance. Furthermore, balancing voltage algorithms are added to avoid stress phenomena and additional losses in the studied power conversion interface. The paper presents the design of the control stages and demonstrates the robust performance of the system using a realistic loading condition of a railway substation.

First-principles calculations to investigate the elastic, electronic, dynamical, and optical properties of cubic ZrCoAs half-Heusler semiconductor for photovoltaic applications

The electronic, mechanical, elastic, dynamical, and optical properties of the ZrCoAs half-Heusler compound have been systematically investigated using the plane wave self-consistent field approach with the Perdew-Burke-Erzerhof generalized gradient approximation (GGA-PBE) exchange-correlation functional. The study includes examinations with and without spin orbit coupling (SOC) effects. Results indicate a decrease in the Kohn-Sham band gap with the inclusion of SOC effects. Electronic bandgap formation was attributed to Co 3d, Zr 3d, and As 2p for the conduction band, and Co 3d and As 2p for the valence band without SOC effects. With SOC, Co 5d, Zr 8d, and As 3p dominated the conduction band, while Co 3d and As 3p dominated the valence band. The lattice constant showed a 0. 063% decrease with the SOC effects, which is better aligned with the experimental observations. ZrCoAs demonstrated ductility, mechanical stability, and dynamical stability. The optical properties were found to be excellent for photovoltaic applications, suggesting its potential in solar energy conversion technology. This study provides valuable information on ZrCoAs and presents opportunities for its use in solar cells, optoelectronic devices, and thermoelectric applications. The material's versatility and suitability for practical applications make it a promising candidate for further exploration in renewable energy research.

Enhancing Maritime Navigational Safety: Ship Trajectory Prediction Using ACoAtt–LSTM and AIS Data

Predicting ship trajectories plays a vital role in ensuring navigational safety, preventing collision incidents, and enhancing vessel management efficiency. The integration of advanced machine learning technology for precise trajectory prediction is emerging as a new trend in sophisticated geospatial applications. However, the complexity of the marine environment and data quality issues pose significant challenges to accurate ship trajectory forecasting. This study introduces an innovative trajectory prediction method, combining data encoding representation, attribute correlation attention module, and long short-term memory network. Initially, we process AIS data using data encoding conversion technology to improve representation efficiency and reduce complexity. This encoding not only preserves key information from the original data but also provides a more efficient input format for deep learning models. Subsequently, we incorporate the attribute correlation attention module, utilizing a multi-head attention mechanism to capture complex relationships between dynamic ship attributes, such as speed and direction, thereby enhancing the model’s understanding of implicit time series patterns in the data. Finally, leveraging the long short-term memory network’s capability for processing time series data, our approach effectively predicts future ship trajectories. In our experiments, we trained and tested our model using a historical AIS dataset. The results demonstrate that our model surpasses other classic intelligent models and advanced models with attention mechanisms in terms of trajectory prediction accuracy and stability.

A New Smart Grid Hybrid DC–DC Converter with Improved Voltage Gain and Synchronized Multiple Outputs

This paper introduces a new hybrid DC–DC converter with enhanced voltage gain and synchronized multiple output capabilities, specifically tailored for smart grid applications. The proposed converter is based on the integration of non-isolated Zeta and Mahafzah converters, comprising a single controlled switch, two diodes, three inductors, and two coupling capacitors. The primary objective of this novel hybrid converter is to improve voltage gain as compared to conventional Zeta and Mahafzah topologies. By achieving higher voltage gain at lower duty cycles, the converter effectively reduces voltage stress on semiconductor switches and output diodes, thereby enhancing overall performance and reliability. A comprehensive examination of the hybrid converter’s operating principle is presented, along with detailed calculations of duty cycle and switching losses. The paper also explores the converter’s application in smart grids, specifically in the context of renewable energy systems and electric vehicles. Two distinct scenarios are analyzed to evaluate the converter’s efficacy. Firstly, the converter is assessed as a DC–DC converter for renewable energy systems, highlighting its relevance in sustainable energy applications. Secondly, the converter is evaluated as an electric vehicle adapter, showcasing its potential in the transportation sector. To validate the converter’s performance, extensive simulations are carried out using MATLAB/SIMULINK with parameters set at 25 kW, 200 V, and 130 A. The simulation results demonstrate the converter’s ability to efficiently supply multiple loads with opposing energy flows, making it a promising technology for optimized grid management and energy distribution. Moreover, the paper investigates the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the grid current, focusing on its impact in smart grid environments. Notably, the new hybrid converter topology achieves a THD of 21.11% for the grid current, indicating its ability to effectively mitigate harmonics and improve power quality. Overall, this research introduces a cutting-edge hybrid DC–DC converter that enhances voltage gain and synchronizes multiple outputs, specifically catering to the requirements of smart grid applications. The findings underscore the converter’s potential to significantly contribute to the advancement of efficient and resilient power conversion technologies for smart grids, enabling seamless integration of renewable energy systems and electric vehicles into the grid.

Assessing the Impact of Preprocessing and Conversion Technologies on the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Supply from Forest Residues in the Southeast U.S.A.

Forest residues have been suggested as potential feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production through different pathways. However, the bulky density and scatter distribution require efficient size-reduction processes to enhance the feedstock supply. Thus, this study analyzes the impact of alternative preprocessing and conversion technologies on the SAF supply chains from logging residues (the predominant share of forest residues) using a two-stage mixed-integer linear programming model. The model determines the optimal location of biomass preprocessing depots, conversion facilities, and airports receiving SAF by minimizing the net present value of the total supply chain cost over 10 years. Using high-resolution spatial data in the Southeast U.S.A. as a case study, the results show that the technology and scale of the facilities heavily influenced the SAF’s breakeven cost and maximum supply quantity. The most economically efficient system that adopts a rotary shear milling system and pyrolysis conversion process could generate up to 650 million gallons of SAF from logging residues in the region, with nearly 62% of the SAF being produced from hardwood residues. Also, the most efficient system has an estimated breakeven cost of US$5.51 per gallon of SAF.

CO2 utilization for methanol production: a review on the safety concerns and countermeasures.

The catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide is one of the important ways to achieve the goal of carbon neutralization, which can be further divided into electrocatalysis, thermal catalysis, and photocatalysis. Although photocatalysis and electrocatalysis have the advantages of mild reaction conditions and low energy consumption, the thermal catalytic conversion of CO2 has larger processing capacity, better reduction effect, and more complete industrial foundation, which is a promising technology in the future. During the development of new technology from laboratory to industrial application, ensuring the safety of production process is essential. In this work, safety optimization design of equipment, safety performance of catalysts, accident types, and their countermeasures in the industrial applications of CO2 to methanol are reviewed and discussed in depth. Based on that, future research demands for industrial process safety of CO2 to methanol were proposed, which provide guidance for the large-scale application of CO2 thermal catalytic conversion technology.

Unlocking Syngas Synthesis from the Catalytic Gasification of Lignocellulose Pinewood: Catalytic and Pressure Insights.

Modern technologies transform biomass into commodity chemicals, biofuels, and solid charcoal, making it appear as a renewable resource rather than organic waste. The effectiveness of Mo, Fe, Co, and Ni metal catalysts was investigated during the gasification of lignocellulosic pinewood. The primary goal was to compare the performance of iron and nickel catalysts in the low- and high-pressure production of syngas from pinewood. This is the first study that has reported high-pressure gasification of pinewood without the use of an external gasifying agent, producing syngas containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide along with considerable amounts of methane with or without a catalyst. Also, the same gasification at low pressures was compared. In this study, the iron catalyst produces syngas more efficiently at higher pressure and 800 °C, and contains 43 mol % H2, 22 mol % CO2, 26 mol % CH4, and 8 mol % CO in comparison to the nickel catalyst. High pressure produces a large amount of methane too. The nickel catalyst produces higher syngas at low pressure and 850 °C, and contains 55 mol % H2, 9 mol % CO2, 5 mol % CH4, and 30 mol % CO. Low-pressure gasification produces less amounts of CH4 and CO2. Also, the H2/CO ratio is ∼1.81 using the nickel catalyst at low pressures, which is good for utilizing syngas as a feedstock. These results highlight the importance of catalyst selection, reactor configuration, and operating circumstances in adjusting gasification product composition. The study's findings provide information about optimizing syngas production from pinewood, which is critical for the development of sustainable and efficient energy conversion technologies.

Enhanced Electrocatalytic Performances by Spatially Confined Aqueous Electrolytes

AbstractElectrocatalysis is an important energy conversion and storage technology that has made significant progress in areas such as fuel cells, hydrogen production from electrolyzed water and electrochemical synthesis. In practical applications, the efficiency and stability of electrocatalytic processes remain challenging. Spatially confined (or called domain‐limited) water refers to the immobilization of water molecules in a limited region near the catalyst surface to form a specific aqueous phase environment. This domain‐limited aqueous phase environment can greatly influence the electrocatalytic efficacy by enhancing adsorption and lowering the proton transport and solvent diffusion energy barriers in the reaction. In recent years, the goal of improving electrocatalytic performance has been successfully achieved through interfacial domain‐limited, microporous domain‐limited and nanoreactor domain‐limited. Spatially domain‐limited water as a novel strategy can significantly enhance the activity and selectivity of electrocatalytic reactions, but understanding its mechanism of action remains a challenge. With a deeper understanding of domain‐limited water and further development of the technology, it is believed that it will bring greater breakthroughs and application prospects in the field of electrocatalysis.

Design and decoupling analysis of Thermal–Electric energy comprehensive utilization scheme based on “diamond” active cooling thermal protection system for hypersonic vehicle

High–temperature aerodynamic heat threatens the safe cruise of hypersonic vehicles, but it also contains huge energy utilization potential. In this study, the thermal–electric energy comprehensive utilization scheme was proposed to combine the energy conversion technology (ECT) with active cooling thermal protection system (ACTPS). The mass flow rate (M) varied from 0.008 kg s−1 to 0.2 kg s−1 for each channel with the inlet fluid temperature being set to 253 K. It was investigated that the leading edge of the “Enhanced” model forms longitudinal swirls. The inner and outer wall temperatures of the “Enhanced” model were lower than 275 K and 650 K, respectively, at mass flow rate of 0.076 kg s−1. Moreover, the thermoelectric performance of five different parameters (Bi2Te3 height (L1), SiGe height (L2), width for unit (H), inner wall temperature (Tin) and heat power (QT)) was explored. L1 = 1.0 mm, L2 = 0.5 mm and H=1.5 mm were selected as the optimal parameters combination for engineering applications. Within the range of QT from 0.15 W to 0.9 W, the variations range of rated current (Irc), energy conversion efficiency (ηe) and specific power (Ps) for the optimal parameters were 140 mA–460 mA, 0.69 %–2.61 % and 0.016 W g−1–0.373 W g−1, respectively.

Exploration and optimization on thermoelectric conversion of waste heat of blast furnace slag

The iron and steel industry involves processes that generate abundant waste heat resources. The energy utilization rate can be improved by using thermoelectric conversion technology to directly convert waste heat into electric energy through the Seebeck effect. In this study, a special waste heat recovery device, designed according to the production environment characteristics of blast furnace (BF) slag, is proposed. The heat transfer process between the BF slag and thermoelectric generator (TEG) is analyzed, and the heat source temperature field model is constructed. Based on the temperature distribution, the size of the TEG is determined. The heat transfer behavior of the thermoelectric module (TEM) is optimized using a non-contact heat collection mode and a water-cooling device, which improves the temperature gradient. A thermal conductive silicone grease is introduced as the thermal conductive layer to achieve uniform distribution of the hot end temperature and improve the heat transfer capacity of the collector plate. After design optimization, the temperature gradient of the TEM increased by 15.3 °C and 38 % on average. The experimental results show that a single TEM can generate about 3.084 J of electric energy. Using 70 kg of BF slag with an initial temperature of 600 °C, the TEG per unit installed area can generate about 1.23 kJ of electric energy in 1 h. This study provides an important foundation for research in thermoelectric conversion, utilization of BF slag waste heat and sustainable development of the iron and steel industry.

Comprehensive optimization of an integrated energy system for power, hydrogen, and freshwater generation using high-temperature PEM fuel cell

Modern energy conversion technologies with low or no emissions are needed to achieve sustainable development goals. This research examines the thermodynamic and exergy-economic features of a high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell. A cutting-edge, integrated energy system uses high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells, an organic Rankine cycle, a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, and a multi-effect desalination unit. This setup generates electricity, hydrogen, and fresh water. Methanol-steam reformation produces hydrogen for the fuel cell. The recommended cycle drives an organic Rankine power producing cycle using 120–200 °C waste heat from high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell to power water electrolysis and hydrogen generation. An integrated method incorporates energy and exergy balances and cost analysis to assess the proposed system's exergetic, economic, and environmental impacts. The suggested integration delivers high energy and exergy efficiency at an acceptable cost and environmental effect. According to parametric research, boosting the fuel cell's working temperature decreases production costs and carbon dioxide emissions per mass. Raising current density has positive technical and environmental impacts. As the current density increases from 0.4 to 0.8 (A/cm2), the net power generation increases to 46.67% and the exergy efficiency increases from 64.5% to 68%. An increase in multi-effect distillation motivate steam pressure from 200 to 600 kPa results in an increase in the daily freshwater generated from 111.68 m3 to 116.41 m3. For environmental protection and output optimization, fuel utilization ratio must be reduced. The ideal system's exergy efficiency, product unit cost, and environmental impact are 65.78%, 86.28 ($/h), and 4.33%, respectively.

Key Experimental Considerations When Evaluating Functional Ionic Liquids for Combined Capture and Electrochemical Conversion of CO2.

Ionic liquids (ILs) are considered functional electrolytes for the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 (ECO2R) due to their role in the double-layer structure formation and increased CO2 availability at the electrode surface, which reduces the voltage requirement. However, not all ILs are the same, considering the purity and degree of the functionality of the IL. Further, there are critical experimental factors that impact the evaluation of ILs for ECO2R including the reference electrode, working electrode construction, cosolvent selection, cell geometry, and whether the electrochemical cell is a single compartment or a divided cell. Here, we describe improved synthesis methods of imidazolium cyanopyrrolide IL for electrochemical studies in consideration of precursor composition and reaction time. We explored how IL with cosolvents (i.e. acetonitrile, dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, propylene carbonate, and n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone) affects conductivity, CO2 mass transport, and ECO2R activation overpotential together with the effects of electrode materials (Sn, Ag, Au, and glassy carbon). Acetonitrile was found to be the best solvent for lowering the onset potential and increasing the catalytic current density for the production of CO owing to the enhanced ion mobility in combination with the silver electrode. Further, the ECO2R activity of molecular catalysts Ni(cyclam)Cl2 and iron tetraphenylsulfonato porphyrin (FeTPPS) on the carbon cloth electrode maintained high Faradaic efficiencies for CO in the presence of the IL. This study presents best practices for examining nontraditional multifunctional electrolytes amenable to integrated CO2 capture and conversion technologies for homogeneous and heterogeneous ECO2R.

Hollow Ti3C2Tx MXene sphere-based ZIF-67 derived central radiative cobalt-tipped carbon nanotubes electrocatalysts for ORR and OER

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) plays a key role in many renewable energy conversion and storage technologies. As the state-of-the-art ORR and OER electrocatalysts, noble-metal-based electrocatalysts suffer from high price, low earth abundance, single functionality, and poor stability. Developing high performance noble-metal-free ORR and OER bifunctional electrocatalysts as alternatives is highly desirable but remains a significant challenge. In this work, we reported a metal-organic-framework-engaged strategy for the fabrication of central radiative cobalt-tipped N-doped carbon nanotube/hollow Ti3C2Tx sphere composites (h-Ti3C2Tx@Co-NCNT), in which ZIF-67 particles were in situ grown on spherical structure composed of Ti3C2Tx nanosheets constructed with hard template PMMA and then were converted to cobalt-tipped N-doped carbon nanotubes through a pyrolysis process. The hollow Ti3C2Tx nanosheets sphere not only served as conductive scaffolds for the growth of Co-NCNT but also balanced the tradeoff between graphitization of carbon and the surface area. Benefiting from the abundant Co-N/C active sites, reasonably high graphitization of carbon and suitable surface areas, the optimized h-Ti3C2Tx@Co-NCNT manifested comparable ORR (half-wave potential of 0.843 V) and OER (overpotential of 323 mV) activities. In addition, the h-Ti3C2Tx@Co-NCNT assembled zinc-air battery exhibits superior performance beyond commercial Pt/C+RuO2. Certificating this strategy can provide great opportunity for its application in renewable conversion and storage technologies.

Key Roles of Initial Calcination Temperature in Accelerating the Performance in Proton Ceramic Fuel Cells via Regulating 3D Microstructure and Electronic Structure

Developing cathode materials with high performance in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is desirable for proton ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs) for energy conversion technology. BaCo0.4Fe0.4Zr0.1Y0.1O3–δ (BCFZY) is widely investigated as a cathode. Herein, BCFZY cathode is used as a paradigmatic example to study the impact of calcination temperature on microstructure, electronic structure, and ORR performance. Ion beam‐scanning electron microscopy indicates BCFZY prepared at 800 °C (BCFZY800) exhibits the largest specific surface area and cathode/electrolyte contact area. BCFZY800 exhibits a peak power density of 1.32 W cm−2 at 650 °C, which is 37% and 193% higher than that of BCFZY prepared at 700 °C (BCFZY700) and 1100 °C (BCFZY1100), respectively. Furthermore, BCFZY800 demonstrates high long‐term stability over 500 h. Soft X‐Ray absorption spectra indicate that the oxidation state of BCFZY800 is reduced, suggesting more catalytically active sites than those of BCFZY700 and BCFZY1100 after the ORR. This work provides a new understanding for enhanced PCFCs performance by proper porosity structure via fine‐tuning the calcination temperature.