Energy-efficient Technologies Research Articles

Experimental study on supercooling performance optimization of sodium acetate trihydrate phase change energy storage materials

In response to the pressing demands for sustainable energy, the development of efficient energy storage materials and technologies has emerged as a focal point in contemporary research. Sodium acetate trihydrate (CH3COONa·3H2O, SAT), recognized for its potential as a mid-to-low temperature phase change material (PCM) in energy storage systems, encounters significant limitations due to its substantial supercooling effect and inferior thermal conductivity. Traditional approaches to enhance SAT's thermal performance often involve costly additives, which hinder their adoption on an industrial scale. This study introduces SAT as a base compound, and through a fusion blending method, binary eutectic hydrate salt composites (CPCMs) are synthesized with either sodium sulfate decahydrate (Na2SO4·10H2O, SSD) or disodium hydrogen phosphate dodecahydrate (Na2HPO4·12H2O, DHPD) in varying ratios. The results demonstrate that the prepared eutectic hydrates effectively reduce the supercooling degree of pure SAT from above 35 °C to below 10 °C, with the SAT/SSD-5/5 composition exhibiting the lowest supercooling at 3.17 °C. Notably, these eutectic blends possess appreciable latent heat capacities, with SAT/SSD-9/1 delivering 196.18 J/g, and exhibit improved thermal conductivity, as seen in SAT/SSD-3/7 with a coefficient of 0.8925 W/(m·K). Furthermore, the SAT-based eutectic hydrates are devoid of expensive additives, facile to manufacture, and applicable over a broad temperature range (20–60 °C), making them highly suitable for large-scale commercial applications.

(Invited) Degradation and Poisoning of Proton-Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzer Anode Catalysts

Hydrogen production through water electrolysis is a crucial technology to enable the transition to a carbon neutral, hydrogen-based economy. One of the primary types of electrolyzers is the low-temperature proton-exchange membrane water electrolyzer (PEMWE). As with the analogous proton-exchange membrane fuel cells, platinum group metal electrocatalysts are utilized due to their activity and stability in acidic environment. Electrocatalysis R&D efforts for PEMWEs primarily focus on the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) since it is several orders of magnitude kinetically slower than the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).1 Iridium-based metal oxides (IrOx) are regarded as the best PEM electrolyzer electrocatalysts as they balance activity and stability.2 However, improvements are needed in both areas to enable minimization of Ir loading to meet system cost targets while also meeting challenging performance and lifetime targets.3 An understanding of the factors affecting both the activity and stability of Ir-based OER catalysts is needed to develop strategies to enable both high OER activity and long-term stability of the PEMWE anode catalyst.This presentation will describe our studies of the effects of perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) binder on the OER kinetics and the factors influencing the stability of two commercial Ir-based OER catalysts, one comprised of IrOx only and the other also containing TiOx. Measurements of OER kinetics as a function of ionomer to catalyst ratio utilizing rotating disc electrode and cavity microelectrode methods in an acidic aqueous electrochemical environment will be described. Dissolution and loss of Ir under the operating conditions of the PEMWE anode is considered to be one of the main PEMWE anode degradation mechanisms.4 To understand the factors affecting this phenomenon, the potential and time-dependence of Ir (and Ti) were determined using an electrochemical flow cell system connected to an inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) capable of detecting trace concentrations (<ppb) of dissolved elements in solution. The electrochemical data combined with the ICP-MS data have been used to evaluate the influence of various factors such as potential, potentiodynamic profile parameters (e.g., scan rate, upper and lower potential limits) on the dissolution processes in acidic aqueous electrolyte at room temperature.AcknowledgementsThis research is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office under the auspices of the H2NEW Consortium. Argonne National Laboratory is managed for the U.S Department of Energy by the University of Chicago Argonne, LLC, also under contract DE-AC-02-06CH11357.References A. Raveendran, M. Chandran, and R. Dhanusuraman, RSC Adv., 13 (2023) 3843.J. Ouimet, J.R. Glenn, D.D. Porcellinis, A.R. Motz, M. Carmo, K.E. Ayers, ACS Catalysis, 12 (2022) 6159."Technical Targets for Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolysis", U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office, March, 2023.Zeng, R. Ouimet, L. Bonville, A. Niedzwiecki, C. Capuano, K. Ayers, A.P. Soleymani, J. Jankovic, H. Yu, R. Maric, et al., J. Electrochem. Soc., 169(5) (2022) 054536.

Microstructural Characterization of Porous Transport Layer Coatings

The porous transport layer (PTL) is a key component in polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) water electrolyzers and serves the role of controlling the transport of reactants and products to and from the anode. Maintaining a low interfacial contact resistance between the titanium (Ti) fiber or sinter PTL and the iridium (Ir) anode catalyst is critical to maintaining the performance of the electrolyzer cell. This requires costly precious metal coatings, typically Pt, to inhibit the formation of native oxide layers during long-term cell operation. Strategies to reducing the thickness of these costly coatings including surface treatments, such as etching and abrasion, alternative low-cost coating materials, and implementation of microporous layers. It is crucial to understanding the morphologies and degradation mechanisms of these new strategies in order to accelerate the development of cheaper, more robust PTL coatings.In this work, correlative ex situ characterization methods, including laser confocal microscopy (LCM), focused ion beam (FIB), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), are utilized to explore the impact surface treatments, such as etching and abrasion, on the Pt coatings uniformity and surface roughness. The thickness, local topography, and continuity of the Pt coating were quantified and correlated with interfacial contact resistance and electrochemical cell performance measurements. Changes to the thickness and composition of the coatings and oxide layers after single-cell tests will also be reported. Overall, these findings aim to guide the development of PTL treatments and coatings, ensuring the creation of highly durable and efficient PEM water electrolyzers that align with the U.S. Department of Energy's Hydrogen Shot goal of reducing the cost of clean hydrogen production to $1 per kilogram by 2031.Funding for this work was provided by U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office through the H2NEW Consortium. Electron microscopy research conducted as part of a user project at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS), which is a US Department of Energy, Office of Science User Facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Gaseous Nitric Oxide As Probe Molecule for Fe-N-C ORR Electrocatalysts

Iron nitrogen carbon (Fe-N-C) electrocatalysts remain the most promising platinum group metal-free (PGM-free) catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). Although significant progress has been made in recent years in improving both the ORR activity and stability of the Fe-N-C catalysts, further enhancement in the catalyst durability while maintaining the activity is imperative for the practical applications. One of the major factors that hinders the further enhancement of the catalysts is the lack of clear understanding of the nature of the active sites and density of the active sites in the Fe-N-C catalysts due to the complexity of the Fe-N-C catalysts’ composition and structure. Gaseous nitric oxide was proven to be a suitable probe molecule that can bond to Fe and impede the ORR of the Fe-N-C catalysts. In recent years, we have studied the effects of gas-phase adsorption and desorption of nitric oxide on the redox features and ORR activity on Fe-N-C catalysts synthesized by different methods. We have used various characterization tools to quantify the amount of nitric oxide adsorbed and to identify the adsorption sites and geometry, including electrochemical stripping, temperature programmed desorption, and in situ X-ray techniques. The corresponding results obtained will be summarized in this talk. The implication of these results on the nature of the ORR active sites of the Fe-N-C catalysts will be discussed.AcknowledgementsThis work was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO) under the auspices of the Electrocatalysis Consortium (ElectroCat 2.0). This work utilized the resources of the Advanced Photon Source, a U.S. DOE Office of Science user facility operated by Argonne National Laboratory for DOE Office. This work was partially authored by Argonne, a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science laboratory operated for DOE by UChicago Argonne, LLC under contract no. DE-AC02-06CH11357.

(Invited) Electron Microscopy Investigation of PEM Electrolyzer Degradation at Low Iridium Loadings

The employment of hydrogen as an energy carrier provides a promising solution toward zero carbon emission and battling climate change. To meet the DOE’s Hydrogen Shot goal of $1 per kilogram of hydrogen by 2031, proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis is a key technology of hydrogen production from renewable energy sources. Successful deployment of PEM electrolyzers requires reducing cost while simultaneously improving performance and lifetime. While cost reduction is expected from a variety of strategies including scaling up, operation optimization, and advanced manufacturing, it remains vital to reduce the use of noble-metal catalyst due to its scarcity and vulnerable supply chain subject to market disturbance. [1]Reducing the loading of iridium catalyst on the anode while maintaining electrolyzer performance and durability is of great challenge. In this talk, we discuss issues in PEM electrolyzer component development and advanced manufacturing of electrode layers related to catalyst loading reduction with an emphasize on analytical electron microscopy which provides valuable insight on materials morphology, crystalline structure, and chemical compositions. The batch-to-batch variance of catalyst morphology and elemental composition/distribution from commercial suppliers will be examined for catalyst down-selection. We then analyze the effect of reducing Ir loading on the electrode layer structure and ionomer distribution. These results are correlated with electrochemical measurements in the electrolyzer cell, which help elucidate the effect of low catalyst loading on electrolyzer performance. Morphologies of degraded low-loading anode catalyst layer and gas recombination layers will be investigated, and the dissolution and migration of iridium will be studied. We will also examine impact of different roll-to-roll manufacturing strategies for low-loading catalyst layers and on electrolyzer durability. Last but not least, we analyze MEAs subject to cation contamination and recovery procedure with electron microscopy. [2]References[1] Alia, S.M., Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering 2021, 33:100703.[2] Funding for this work was provided by U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office through the H2NEW Consortium. Electron microscopy research conducted as part of a user project at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS), which is a US Department of Energy, Office of Science User Facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Investigating Corrosion Degradation of Porous Transport Layers for PEM Water Electrolyzers Using on-Line ICP-MS

The degradation of polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolyzer (PEMWE) is the net result of degradation phenomena across each component, which includes structural changes to the catalyst layer, deactivation of the electrolyte, loss of performance due to impurities in the feed water, and the corrosion and passivation of titanium-based bipolar plates (BPPs) and porous transport layers (PTLs).1, 2 This presentation will focus on PTL degradation, which has received relatively little attention compared to loss of performance related to catalyst and electrode degradation mechanisms. Generally, PTL degradation can be categorized into chemical/corrosion degradation and mechanical degradation. 3 In this work, we focus on corrosion degradation of the anode PTL. Titanium (Ti) is the state-of-the-art material for PTLs due to its stability and intrinsic electrical conductivity. Ti can however, develop an oxide layer in the harsh oxidizing conditions of the anode, thus reducing the effective electrical conductivity and cell performance. Coating the Ti parts with platinum group metals (Pt or Ir) is often used to protect against oxidation.4 An electrochemical flow cell system connected to an inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) capable of detecting trace concentrations (<ppb) of dissolved elements in solution has been used to investigate the corrosion rates of the Ti-PTLs with and without coatings toward understanding factors influencing degradation mechanisms. The influence of various parameters such as potential, potentiodynamic profile parameters (e.g., scan rate, upper and lower potential limits), electrolyte type, and pH on the corrosion processes has been investigated. References Feng, X. Yuan, G. Liu, B. Wei, Z. Zhang, H. Li, H. Wang, J. Power Sources 2017, 366, 33.Babic, M. Suermann, F. N. Büchi, L. Gubler, T. J. Schmidt, J. Electrochem. Soc. 2017, 164, F387.Park, H. Oh, T. Ha, Y.I. Lee, K. Min, Appl. Energy 155 (2015) 866-880.Rakousky, U. Reimer, K. Wippermann, M. Carmo, W. Lueke, D. Stolten, J. Power Sources 326 (2016) 120–128. Acknowledgements This research is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office under the auspices of the H2NEW consortium. Argonne National Laboratory is managed for the U.S Department of Energy by the University of Chicago Argonne, LLC under contract DE-AC-02-06CH11357.

Accelerated Discovery of Multi-Metallic Nanostructured Catalysts for Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers: Oxygen Evolution Reaction

The current reliance on platinum group metals (PGMs) as electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolyzers, the current industry standard, presents a significant barrier to the widespread adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier. The scarcity and high cost of PGMs necessitate the development of alternative materials and technologies that offer comparable performance at a reduced cost. In this context, anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolyzers have emerged as a promising alternative.This presentation addresses this imperative by focusing on the design and synthesis of nanostructured mesoporous multi-metallic catalysts for AEM water electrolyzers, leveraging earth-abundant materials as alternatives to the rare and expensive PGMs currently employed in PEM water electrolyzers. Transition metal oxides, sulfides, and phosphides are promising candidates to replace PGMs, given their abundance, low cost, and tunable catalytic properties conducive to high OER activity. The OER activity and durability of newly developed multi-metallic transition metal catalysts in an alkaline environment will be discussed in this presentation.Preliminary results demonstrate that the developed catalysts exhibit high OER activity, achieving a potential of <1.5 V versus RHE at a current density of 10 mA cm⁻² in 1.0 M KOH. Notably, this surpasses the performance of commercial OER catalysts in alkaline environments. Furthermore, the catalyst exhibits superior durability, with < 0.5 mV/h potential loss over 100 h durability test at 10 mA cm⁻² in 1.0 M KOH.AcknowledgmentsThis work was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO) under the auspices of the Electrocatalysis Consortium (ElectroCat 2.0). Argonne is managed for the U.S Department of Energy by the University of Chicago Argonne, LLC, under Contract DE-AC-02-06CH11357 .

Durability Assessment of Roll-to-Roll Coated PEM Water Electrolysis Anodes

Widespread adoption of green hydrogen relies on the high-throughput production of key electrolyzer components in a manner yielding acceptable stack manufacturing costs. Roll-to-roll liquid coating methods, such as slot die and gravure coating, are particularly relevant means to produce key components (e.g., membranes and electrodes) at high throughput. In the case of proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE), thrifting of expensive iridium-based catalysts poses additional challenges to the implementation of such high-throughput coating methods for iridium-based anode manufacture.Herein, we investigate key challenges around roll-to-roll manufacture of low-loaded (<0.2 mgIr/cm2) iridium-based electrodes for PEMWE. In particular, we highlight fundamental limitations in coating the thin layers required to manufacture low-loaded electrodes, for which the improper choice of coating conditions may lead to macro- and micro-scale heterogeneity. By addressing causes of this heterogeneity, homogeneous slot-die coated iridium oxide anodes of varying iridium loading are produced on decal substrates. Catalyst coated membranes (CCMs) are subsequently produced from these anodes via hot-pressed decal transfer, and 1,000 hour constant current tests are conducted with intermediate diagnostics (polarization curves and impedance spectroscopy). Key effects of loading and homogeneity on electrode durability are highlighted, and future directions are discussed.This work was authored by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, operated by Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC, for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) under Contract No. DE-AC36-08GO28308. Funding provided by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office and Advanced Manufacturing Office. The views expressed in the article do not necessarily represent the views of the DOE or the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government retains and the publisher, by accepting the article for publication, acknowledges that the U.S. Government retains a nonexclusive, paid-up, irrevocable, worldwide license to publish or reproduce the published form of this work, or allow others to do so, for U.S. Government purposes.

(Invited) Exploring Catalyst Characteristics through in-Situ Studies of Solid-Liquid Interfaces

Scientists are driven by the urgent need to combat global climate warming and environmental pollution, leading to the development of highly efficient and eco-friendly energy technologies. Hydrogen, a key player in achieving deep decarbonization for net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050, is currently produced through the widely used steam-methane reforming process, which, unfortunately, relies on fossil fuels and generates significant CO2 as a byproduct. This process is environmentally unfriendly and unsustainable, emphasizing the necessity for green hydrogen production. The sun emerges as a clean, renewable, and abundant energy source, offering an ideal solution to the environmental challenges posed by fossil fuels. Hydrogen, an excellent fuel for fuel cell applications, must be generated from renewable and carbon-free resources, particularly utilizing natural energies like sunlight. Enter the photoelectrochemical cell, a promising method for hydrogen generation. This cell comprises semiconductor photoelectrodes capable of harnessing light energy to directly split water. Photocatalysis, leveraging light energy for chemical reactions, holds the key to large-scale solar energy storage, overcoming challenges such as cost and efficiency. Despite over four decades of dedicated research, photocatalysis still faces hurdles in terms of cost and efficiency, hindering progress in this crucial field. A major obstacle lies in the limited understanding of the mechanisms underlying its low performance. To address this challenge, I will overview several experimental studies that have successfully unveiled catalytic reactions at solid/liquid interfaces in real time, focusing on the electrochemical interface of photocatalysis and electrocatalysis. These studies utilize operando X-ray characterization, providing unique insights into the actual reaction mechanisms.

PGM-Free Oxygen Evolution Reaction Catalyst for PEM Water Electrolysis – a Mechanistic Study on Activity and Durability for Practical Applications

Low temperature proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer (PEMWE) represents a critical technology for green hydrogen production. It offers the advantages of significantly higher current density and higher H2 purity, rendering it a preferred technology when high energy efficiency and low footprint are essential. Working in the oxidative and acidic environment under high polarization voltage, however, adds substantial demand to the electrode catalyst and the support. This is particularly the case at anode where the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) takes place. At present, the platinum group metal (PGM) materials such as Ir black or Ir oxide are catalysts of choice. Their high cost and limited reserve add a significant cost barrier to PEM electrolyzer, which contributes to the overall expense of hydrogen production next only to the cost of electricity. Replacing Ir with earth-abundant transition metal oxides could help to reduce the electrolyzer system cost.For PEMWE application, a PGM-free anodic catalyst must be highly active to match the performance of Ir. Furthermore, it must be stable against oxidative acid corrosion. At Argonne National Laboratory, we recently developed a new PGM-free OER of a nanofibrous cobalt spinel catalyst co-doped with lanthanum and manganese (LMCF). [1] The catalyst was synthesized from the precursor of cobalt zeolitic methyl-imidazolate framework (Co-ZIF) doped with manganese and lanthanum. The Co-ZIF was mixed with a polymer solution and electrospun into nanofiber before being converted to fibrous cobalt spinel under low temperature oxidation to remove all the organics and carbon. The new PGM-free catalyst demonstrated a low overpotential of 353 mV (RHE) at 10 mA/cm2 and a low OER degradation over 360 hours in acidic electrolyte. A PEMWE containing this catalyst at its anode at ~2.0 mg/cm2 demonstrated a current density of 2000 mA/cm2 at 2.47 volts (Nafion® 115 membrane) or 4000 mA/cm2 at 3.00 volt (Nafion® 212 membrane). The membrane electrode was also subjected to accelerated-stress-test (AST) in both voltage cycling and galvanostatic run at different current densities. Low degradation rates under both ASTs were observed.In addition to catalyst design and synthesis, we also conducted extensive structural characterizations, stability measurement, as well as computational modeling. Our in situ study found that the OER process involves significant lattice oxygen movement, leading to lowering instead of raising the cobalt oxidation state during the electrolysis. The measurement of the stability number, combined with computational Pourbaix diagram, elucidated the importance of the operating potential in reducing catalyst dissolution. These findings offer in-depth understanding and direction of future development for PGM-free OER catalyst in PEM water electrolyzer. Acknowledgement: This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewal Energy, Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office, and by Laboratory Directed Research and Development funding of Argonne National Laboratory, provided by the Director, Office of Science, of the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract No. DEAC02-06CH11357. Work performed at the Center for Nanoscale Materials and Advanced Photon Source, both U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science User Facilities, was supported by the U.S. DOE, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, under Contract No. DE-AC02-06CH11357.[1] “La- and Mn-doped cobalt spinel oxygen evolution catalyst for proton exchange membrane electrolysis” Lina Chong, Guoping Gao, Jianguo Wen, Haixia Li, Haiping Xu, Zach Green, Joshua D. Sugar, A. Jeremy Kropf, Wenqian Xu, Xiao-Min Lin, Hui Xu, Lin-Wang Wang, Di-Jia Liu, Science 380, 609–616 (2023)

Adaptive model predictive control scheme for partially internal thermally coupled air separation column

Partially Internal Thermally Coupled Air Separation Column (P-ITCASC) is a highly energy-efficient and cost-effective technology. However, its complex dynamics resulting from thermal coupling pose a challenge to the operating stability of this technology. This article, therefore, proposes an adaptive model predictive control (AMPC) scheme for the P-ITCASC process. The controller incorporates an auto-regressive and exogenous inputs (ARX) model, a linear time-varying Kalman filter, and a recursive polynomial model estimator (RPME) algorithm. Within RPME, ARX polynomial models are identified and utilized to estimate the time-varying parameters and update the prediction model of the process. The process states are observed through the Kalman filter, and the constrained receding horizon optimization problem is solved using quadratic programming. This control scheme ensures the closed-loop system's feasibility and stability in the presence of output/input constraints. An adaptive generic model control, model predictive control, and adaptive internal model control schemes were also designed for benchmarking study. Numerical simulations show that AMPC is more efficient in handling nonlinear dynamics and maintaining product concentration to desired set points compared to other control schemes.

A Study of Corporate Social Responsibility in Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) Limited

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become a significant part of business strategies worldwide. This research paper aims to explore the CSR practices of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited, one of the largest private ports and SEZ developers in India. The study is based on secondary research of published reports, articles, and company websites. The research finds that Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited has implemented various CSR initiatives related to education, health, environment, and community development. The company has established Adani Foundation, which undertakes CSR activities in areas such as education, health, rural development, and sustainable livelihoods.Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited has also implemented several environmental initiatives such as energyefficient technologies, renewable energy, and green ports. The company has been recognized for its efforts in environmental sustainability by various organizations. The study concludes that Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited has implemented several CSR initiatives, which have positively impacted the communities in and around its operations. However, the company needs to be more transparent in reporting its CSR activities and their impact.

Efficient and eco-friendly carbon dioxide capture with metal phosphate catalysts in monoethanolamine solutions

Efficient and eco-friendly carbon dioxide capture with metal phosphate catalysts in monoethanolamine solutions

EFFECT OF GREEN INVESTMENT, GOVERNMENT POLICY, AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ON THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF START-UPS IN CENTRAL JAWA

Indonesia, has become a hub for such start-ups, aiming for both financial success and environmental consciousness. Green investments, which fund projects with environmental benefits, play a crucial role. These investments range from adopting energy-efficient technologies to implementing sustainable supply chains, leading to long-term cost savings and improved corporate reputation. Government policy is also vital, as supportive policies in Central Java include monetary rewards, tax breaks, and assistance programs that encourage start-ups to adopt sustainable practices. Effective resource management, which optimizes the use of human, financial, and material resources, is crucial for start-ups facing limited resources and intense competition. Efficient resource management can significantly impact a start-up’s operational efficiency and financial outcomes. This study examines how green investments, government policy, and resource management collectively influence the financial success of start-ups in Central Java. Data was collected from 40 start-ups across various industries using a quantitative approach, and multiple regression analysis was performed. The results show that higher financial performance is primarily due to green investments, supportive government policies, and efficient resource management, with a positive interaction between these factors leading to significant gains. The study provides factual proof that effective resource management, sustainable practices, and compliance with government regulations are essential for successful start-up operations. It highlights the complementary effects of these elements, suggesting that a comprehensive corporate strategy enhances financial results. This study offers insights for start-ups to enhance sustainability and performance and provides recommendations for policymakers to create a supportive entrepreneurial environment.

Internet of things and deep learning-enhanced monitoring for energy efficiency in older buildings

Retrofitting older buildings for energy efficiency is paramount in today's sustainability and environmental awareness era. Older buildings contribute greatly to energy waste since they typically lack new energy-efficient technology. Reducing carbon emissions, lowering energy bills, and extending the life of these historic landmarks all depend on fixing the energy inefficiency that plagues these buildings. Despite advanced technologies' remarkable progress, the potential of the Internet of Things and deep learning in older buildings has not been unexplored. Major obstacles include expensive and out-of-date infrastructure and the difficulty of incorporating new technology into historically significant structures. Existing research has mostly ignored older infrastructures' unique requirements and limitations in favour of current or newly built services. In addition, comprehensive research on integrating deep learning with the Internet of Things in this specific environment has been lacking. Smart building energy management is made possible by the Internet of Things (IoT) and deep learning. Architectural limitations, outmoded infrastructure, and the necessity for non-invasive retrofitting solutions all contribute to the difficulty of energy monitoring and improvement in older buildings. This research proposes combining the IoT with Deep Learning-enhanced Predictive Energy Modeling (DL-PEM) to make an energy management system that can change and adapt to the needs of older buildings. Data from IoT sensors is collected on occupancy, temperature, lighting, and equipment usage and then analyzed using Deep Learning models to determine the most efficient energy consumption patterns. Beyond its energy-saving potential, this method has many potential uses. Spotting and fixing structural problems before they become major can improve occupant comfort, reduce maintenance costs, and pave the way for predictive maintenance. Integration with the Smart grid and demand response programs can be facilitated, too, improving the reliability of the power system as a whole. Our IoT and Deep Learning-based energy management solution optimizes energy usage, reduces expenses, and mitigates environmental impact in older buildings, as shown by extensive simulation studies. The system's performance is compared to more conventional methods, and its flexibility is evaluated in various building and usage contexts. The experimental outcomes show the suggested DL-PEM model increases the energy demand forecasting analysis, energy consumption analysis, thermal comfort optimization analysis, seasonal variation analysis, and occupancy data analysis.

Clouding the Future: Innovating Towards Net-Zero Emissions

Purpose: This paper explores the intersection of cloud computing, generative artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainability, focusing on how these technologies can drive the transition towards net-zero emissions. The aim is to assess how integrating cloud-based solutions and AI can enhance energy efficiency and support environmental goals. Methodology: The study employs a comprehensive review of recent literature, industry reports, and case studies from major cloud providers and technology companies. It analyzes the sustainability commitments of leading cloud providers, evaluates the role of generative AI in optimizing resource utilization, and examines the benefits of serverless automation in reducing carbon footprints. Findings: The research finds that cloud providers are making significant strides in sustainability through ambitious climate commitments and energy-efficient technologies. Generative AI is shown to improve decision-making and resource management, while serverless automation optimizes resource use and minimizes energy consumption. These advancements collectively contribute to achieving long-term sustainability goals and enhancing operational efficiency. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice, and Policy: This paper provides a novel perspective on leveraging generative AI and serverless automation for sustainability. It offers actionable recommendations for organizations to integrate these technologies into their cloud strategies, emphasizing the importance of aligning with ESG criteria and optimizing data center operations. The findings support the development of policies that encourage technological innovation in the pursuit of environmental stewardship and carbon neutrality.

Green finance and its role in sustainability in the EU

The aim of this paper is to investigate the role of green finance on sustainability in Germany and the European Union (EU). This aim will be achieved by examining recent data in this field via a panel fixed effect regression model. When comparing Germany and the EU in terms of the value of issued green bonds, the results show that Germany is leading in reducing emissions with several initiatives. One plausible reason could be the higher per-capita income of residents, which enables them to use more energy-efficient technologies than other EU countries. The fixed effect regression results reveal that in Europe, the value of issued green bonds has a negative impact on emissions. Meanwhile, expenditure on environmental protection, fossil fuel subsidies, and environmental tax revenue are counterproductive and do not impact lowering emissions.

Techno-Economic Analysis of a High-Rise Residential Building Adapted to Nearly Zero-Energy Building Standards

Zero-energy buildings have attracted great attention in China. Limited research about typical high-rise, zero-energy residential buildings in China was found. To figure out the potential of zero-energy buildings in northern China, a techno-economic analysis of a typical residential building adapted to the nearly zero energy building (NZEB) standards in the cold region of China was carried out in detail in this paper. Firstly, the feasibility of different building energy efficiency technologies was figured out in the passive design level. Secondly, the annual energy balance of the nearly zero-energy building model was investigated. Finally, detailed economic and environmental analyses were performed. The results show that the energy consumption of space heating and cooling of a typical high-rise, nearly zero-energy building could decrease to 11.1 kWh/(m2·a) in Beijing. The conclusions could provide a reference and design basis for the development of zero-energy residential buildings in northern China in the near future.

Design and experimental investigation of a thermoelectric vaccine cabinet integrated with photovoltaic and nanofluids

Vaccines are one of the most effective methods used to prevent many lethal and infectious diseases from past to present. Generally, storage temperatures of vaccines are between 2 and 8 °C. Keeping the vaccines in this temperature range and ensuring reach the end user without deterioration is very important in order to prevent the vaccines from losing their effectiveness. In this regard, various cooling systems are used. One of the devices used to ensure the cold storage of vaccines is a thermoelectric device. Thermoelectric devices attract attention as an energy-efficient technology, as well as their compact structure, silent and vibration-free operation, and suitability for automation. In this study, the design and manufacturing of a photovoltaic solar energy-driven, nanofluid-integrated thermoelectric vaccine cabinet was carried out and its performance data were experimentally examined. The capacity of the vaccine cabinet is 200 vaccine vials and 200 ready-to-use syringes, as well as the battery and inverter parts. In experiments carried out at two different outdoor temperatures, heat removal from the hot surface of the thermoelectric cooler with different refrigerants were examined. In addition, the effects of using fans were also investigated while the heat swept from the surface was transferred to the environment with the help of a water-to-air heat exchanger. In the experiments carried out for a total of 8 different cases, the highest average coefficient of performance value obtained during the experiments was 1.19. Experimental results show that vaccine storage temperatures can be reached under the prepared operating conditions.

Scaffold Infiltrated Cathodes for Low-Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells.

Lowering the operating temperature of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and electrolysis cells (SOECs) to reduce system cost and increase lifetime is the key to widely deploy this highly efficient energy technology, but the high cathode polarization losses at low temperatures limit overall cell performance. Here we demonstrate that by engineering a universal ceria-based scaffold with infiltrated nanoscale electrocatalysts, a low cathode polarization <0.25 Ω·cm2 with remarkably high performance 1 W/cm2 at 550 °C is achieved. The combination of low processing and operating temperature restrains the nanosized electrocatalysts, not only allowing fast oxygen transport but also providing an essential electronically connective network to facilitate electrochemical reactions without requiring the high-temperature processing of a separate cathode layer. Moreover, excellent SOFC durability was demonstrated for over 500 h. This work shows a promising pathway to reduce processing/system costs with all scalable ceramic processing techniques for the future development of low-temperature SOFCs and SOECs.