Hydrogen For Fuel Cell Applications Research Articles

Pd-substitution impact in nickel–cobalt spinel oxide grown on Ni foam as very effectual electrocatalyst for green hydrogen production supported by DFT study

The hydrothermal preparation of catalytic NiPdxCo2-xO4 (x ≦ 0.08) nano-electrocatalysts on Ni foam (NF) was successfully accomplished. The morphology and chemical composition of the catalysts are confirmed by advanced analytical techniques XRD, SEM, EDX, TEM, HR-TEM, and XPS. The NiPdxCo2-xO4 (x = 0.06) NF nano-electrocatalyst demonstrated remarkable performance in the HER, with an overpotential of 191.6 mV, a Tafel slope of 84.7 mV/dec, and extraordinary stability over 24 h using chronopotentiometry methods. The surface and electrochemical analyses demonstrated that the sample, doping with a 6.0% Pd2+ concentration, had appreciably enhanced performance in the HER. The improvement may be attributed to a much larger electrochemical surface area and fast charge transfer kinetics at the semiconductor and electrolyte interface. The influence of Pd dopants on the HER performance of CNs is studied with the help of density functional theory. It elucidates the way in which hydrogen and water molecules bind to the surface of PCN slabs. The theoretical results suggest that the incorporation of Pd dopants enhances the electrocatalytic process and boosts the HER activity as the concentration of Pd increases. The density of state spectra reveals their effect on spin-dependent electronic structure characteristics. Our findings point to a practical path for creating distinctive electrocatalysts that will serve as better electrodes for a variety of forthcoming hydrogen fuel cell applications.

A Critical Review of the Advancement Approach and Strategy in SPEEK-Based Polymer Electrolyte Membrane for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Application

A Critical Review of the Advancement Approach and Strategy in SPEEK-Based Polymer Electrolyte Membrane for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Application

Computational design of a new palladium alloy with efficient hydrogen storage capacity and hydrogenation-dehydrogenation kinetics

Hydrogen-based fuels demand high-density storage that can operate at ambient temperatures. Pd and its alloys are the most studied metal hydrides for hydrogen fuel cell applications. This study presented an alternative Pd alloy for hydrogen storage that can store and release hydrogen at room temperature. The surface of the most commonly studied Pd (110) was modified with Au and Rh such that the hydrogen adsorption energy was 0.49 eV and the release temperature was 365 K. Both values are quite close to the optimal values for the adsorption energy and release temperature of a hydrogen fuel cell in real use. We further show that the modified Pd (110) surface has significantly stronger oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalytic properties than the pure Pd (110) surface.

Study on the Application of Hydrogen Fuel Cells in Passenge Cars and Prospects

The increasing demand for clean and sustainable energy sources has driven extensive research and development in the field of hydrogen fuel cell technology. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the advancements in hydrogen fuel cell technology and its potential application in passenger cars as a widely available, clean, and efficient energy source. By reviewing the current status of hydrogen fuel cells and national policies governing their implementation, this study aims to shed light on the development characteristics of China's hydrogen fuel cell industry, while also drawing comparisons with international hydrogen fuel cell policies and applications. Additionally, the article evaluates the performance of existing hydrogen fuel cell passenger cars in the market and proposes the application of future cutting-edge technologies to further enhance their capabilities. Through meticulous paraphrasing and enrichment, this scholarly work offers a comprehensive overview of hydrogen fuel cell technology, delves into the intricate landscape of the industry, and explores the promising prospects for its continued advancement. By encompassing a wide array of aspects related to hydrogen fuel cell technology, this article contributes to the academic discourse surrounding sustainable and efficient energy solutions for the transportation sector.

Positron annihilation lifetime study of subnano level free volume features of grafted polymer electrolyte membranes for hydrogen fuel cell applications

AbstractThe subnano level free‐volume hole features of poly(styrene sulfonic acid) (PSSA) grafted poly(ethylene‐co‐tetrafluoroethylene) polymer electrolyte membranes (ETFE‐PEMs) are investigated using positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS). The hole sizes are formed mainly at the graft‐polymerization step and are not altered dramatically at the sulfonation. With increasing grafting degree, τ4, standing for the annihilation of ortho‐positronium (o‐Ps) in the larger free‐volume holes of the mobile amorphous layers and the PSSA grafts outside of the lamellae, decreases monotonously, whereas τ3, representing for that in the smaller free‐volume holes of the lamellar amorphous regions, the PSSA grafts, and the interface zones inside the lamellae, only shows a slight decrease. From the viewpoint of free‐volume hole sizes, gas molecules are predicted to pass dominantly through the mobile amorphous phases and the PSSA grafts outside of the lamellae. Specifically, the limited hole concentration induced by confining lamellae at the interfacial zones is observed. Thus, the obtained results are associated with a significant reduction of gas passing and the moderate or higher tensile strength for the ETFE‐PEMs in comparison to Nafion‐212.

Graphene based electrodes for hydrogen fuel cells: A comprehensive review

Today, the world is facing a great challenge to keep the environment as much clean and green as possible. Hydrogen fuel cells are envisaged for greener environment minimizing dependence on conventional natural energy resources. In this perspective, graphene-enhanced electrode materials can be the best bet for hydrogen storage for improving the performance of fuel cell applications.Graphene is fundamentally composed of single layer of graphite that consists of sp2-bonded carbon atoms forming a honeycomb or hexagonal type of lattice structure. Graphene provides a potential solid matrix for high capacity hydrogen storage. Loading of atomic hydrogen on graphene produces hydrogenated graphene modifying phonon and electronic properties. Multilayered graphene is more suitable than single-layered graphene for hydrogenation. On loading with hydrogen atoms, sp3 C–H bonds are developed on the basal plane of single-layer graphene. Hydrogen can be adsorbed on graphene either by physisorption (employing weak van der Waals forces) or by chemisorption (by chemical bonding i.e. ionic or covalent bonds with carbon atoms). In this work, a comprehensive review of the prominent reported works is presented on graphene enhanced electrode materials for hydrogen fuel cell applications. Various configurational attachment sites over graphene are discussed from a theoretical standpoint. Moreover, the review article has attempted to cover broader work on graphene enhanced electrode materials by presenting year-wise critical description of published research from 2016 to 2021.

Stepwise Fabrication of Proton-conducting Covalent Organic Frameworks for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Applications

Stepwise Fabrication of Proton-conducting Covalent Organic Frameworks for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Applications

Advancements and current technologies on hydrogen fuel cell applications for marine vehicles

Maritime industry has led renewable energy sources for the greener environment and efficient vehicles that effect by increasing population and energy demands. Hydrogen is one of the most popular of these renewable energy sources and one of the most favourable research area, worldwide. In this study, authors reported the usage of hydrogen fuel cells in marine transport as main power forwarder, their advantages and challenges under the lights on state of art and furthermore new technologies perspective. The latest research activities, hydrogen production and storage methods with challenges are analyzed and the developments of fuel cell based marine vehicles are discussed. In detailed, newly approachment of electrolyses from seawater for sustainable fuel necessity is discussed. As a result, this forseen study is important in terms of handling energy from seawater and compiling the latest technology for marine transport.

Investigation of the Lamellar Grains of Graft-type Polymer Electrolyte Membranes for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Application using Ultrasmall-angle X-ray Scattering

The extensive ultrasmall-angle X-ray scattering measurements are performed in order to investigate the changes of lamellar grains of poly(styrenesulfonic acid)-grafted poly(ethylene-co-tetrafluoroethylene) polymer electrolyte membranes (ETFE-PEMs) that occur during the alteration of grafting degree (GD) under dry and immersed conditions. The lamellar grains of three series of the samples (polystyrene-grafted ETFE films and dry and hydrated ETFE-PEMs) are formed during the grafting process and develop independently with the change of the lamellar stacks. Interestingly, three series of samples exhibit a very similar trend of lamellar grain at any GD and a significant amount of graft chains is observed directly in the region between the grains (GD £ 59%) and outside of the grain network structures (GD > 59%). This observation indicates: i) The formation of the lamellar grains; ii) The rapid changes in characteristic sizes of the lamellar grains compared with the lamellar stacks; and iii) The newly generated phases consisting of only the graft materials. These findings explain why the lamellar grains and the graft chains play an important role in the higher proton conductivity and compatible tensile strengths of the membranes, compared with Nafion, at the immersed and severe operating conditions.

CO Preferential Oxidation in a Microchannel Reactor Using a Ru-Cs/Al2O3 Catalyst: Experimentation and CFD Modelling

This work presents an experimental and modelling evaluation of the preferential oxidation of CO (CO PROX) from a H2-rich gas stream typically produced from fossil fuels and ultimately intended for hydrogen fuel cell applications. A microchannel reactor containing a washcoated 8.5 wt.% Ru/Al2O3 catalyst was used to preferentially oxidise CO to form CO2 in a gas stream containing (by vol.%): 1.4% CO, 10% CO2, 18% N2, 68.6% H2, and 2% added O2. CO concentrations in the product gas were as low as 42 ppm (99.7% CO conversion) at reaction temperatures in the range 120–140 °C and space velocities in the range 65.2–97.8 NL gcat−1 h−1. For these conditions, less than 4% of the H2 feed was consumed via its oxidation and reverse water-gas shift. Furthermore, a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model describing the microchannel reactor for CO PROX was developed. With kinetic parameter estimation and goodness of fit calculations, it was determined that the model described the reactor with a confidence interval far greater than 95%. In the temperature range 100–200 °C, the model yielded CO PROX reaction rate profiles, with associated mass transport properties, within the axial dimension of the microchannels––not quantifiable during the experimental investigation. This work demonstrates that microchannel reactor technology, supporting an active catalyst for CO PROX, is well suited for CO abatement in a H2-rich gas stream at moderate reaction temperatures and high space velocities.

Green synthesis of olefin-linked covalent organic frameworks for hydrogen fuel cell applications

Green synthesis of crystalline porous materials for energy-related applications is of great significance but very challenging. Here, we create a green strategy to fabricate a highly crystalline olefin-linked pyrazine-based covalent organic framework (COF) with high robustness and porosity under solvent-free conditions. The abundant nitrogen sites, high hydrophilicity, and well-defined one-dimensional nanochannels make the resulting COF an ideal platform to confine and stabilize the H3PO4 network in the pores through hydrogen-bonding interactions. The resulting material exhibits low activation energy (Ea) of 0.06 eV, and ultrahigh proton conductivity across a wide relative humidity (10–90 %) and temperature range (25–80 °C). A realistic proton exchange membrane fuel cell using the olefin-linked COF as the solid electrolyte achieve a maximum power of 135 mW cm−2 and a current density of 676 mA cm−2, which exceeds all reported COF materials.

Composite Proton Electrolyte Membranes C Poly Ether-Ether Ketone (SPEEK) at Various Amount of Mesoporous Phosphotungstic Acid (mPTA) for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Application

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), also known as proton exchange membrane fuel cells utilise polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) to conduct protons for ion-exchange purposes. Nafion is a common polymeric material to be used as PEM for fuel cells. However, Nafion has major weaknesses such as low proton conductivity under anhydrous conditions at elevated temperatures due to water evaporation and continuous need for water management, low tolerance for fuel impurities and high cost. This study fabricates a newly composite PEM by blending SPEEK and mesoporous phosphotungstic acid (mPTA) at various loading in order to obtain the most favourable PEMFC power output. SP/2.0mPTA membrane has shown outstanding properties in terms of dense structure, 35.75% of water uptake and expected an elemental mapping of 76.20% Tungsten and 23.80% Phosphorus. Even with a lower proton conductivity of 3.502 mScm-1, this membrane has a higher power density of 154.4 mW/cm2 compared to the other four membranes. Owing to the unique characteristics of the as-synthesized mPTA such as high surface area, porous structure, good thermal and chemical resistance, SPEEK-mPTA membrane is one of the promising materials for PEMFC applications.

Recent Progress in Conducting Polymers for Hydrogen Storage and Fuel Cell Applications.

Hydrogen is a clean fuel and an abundant renewable energy resource. In recent years, huge scientific attention has been invested to invent suitable materials for its safe storage. Conducting polymers has been extensively investigated as a potential hydrogen storage and fuel cell membrane due to the low cost, ease of synthesis and processability to achieve the desired morphological and microstructural architecture, ease of doping and composite formation, chemical stability and functional properties. The review presents the recent progress in the direction of material selection, modification to achieve appropriate morphology and adsorbent properties, chemical and thermal stabilities. Polyaniline is the most explored material for hydrogen storage. Polypyrrole and polythiophene has also been explored to some extent. Activated carbons derived from conducting polymers have shown the highest specific surface area and significant storage. This review also covers recent advances in the field of proton conducting solid polymer electrolyte membranes in fuel cells application. This review focuses on the basic structure, synthesis and working mechanisms of the polymer materials and critically discusses their relative merits.

Synthesis and characterization of ternary Pt-alloy nano particles for hydrogen fuel cell application

A novel ternary PtM2 nano structures was prepared using simple salvothermal process. The alloy formation has been ascertained using different characterizations techniques such as X-ray diffraction, Tunneling electron microscope TEM, Scanning electron microscope SEM, EDX. The XRD pattern reveals that, the peak position was shifted to higher 2𝜃 angle specifying the presence of Co and Ni into the lattice to form an ordered L10 phase with a reduced Pt-Pt distance. The thickness of the alloy was found to be ~4.3nm and interplaner distance of ~0.23nm which correlate with TEM analysis with an average particle size ~20nm and distribution of the catalyst on carbon support was also investigated by TEM images. SEM was used to obtain the surface morphology of the synthesized catalyst as well the amount of metallic loaded from EDX.
 Key words; Platinum, Cobalt, Nickel on Carbon Support (PCN/C), Platinum, Cobalt and Nickel for 8 hour (PCN-8h), Commercial Platinum on Carbon Support (Pt/C), Oxidation Reduction Reaction (ORR), PEMFC, SEM, EDX, TEM, XRD.

Combined Intrinsic and Extrinsic Proton Conduction in Robust Covalent Organic Frameworks for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Applications.

Developing new materials for the fabrication of proton exchange membranes (PEMs) for fuel cells is of great significance. Herein, a series of highly crystalline, porous, and stable new covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have been developed by a stepwise synthesis strategy. The synthesized COFs exhibit high hydrophilicity and excellent stability in strong acid or base (e.g., 12 m NaOH or HCl) and boiling water. These features make them ideal platforms for proton conduction applications. Upon loading with H3 PO4 , the COFs (H3 PO4 @COFs) realize an ultrahigh proton conductivity of 1.13×10-1 S cm-1 , the highest among all COF materials, and maintain high proton conductivity across a wide relative humidity (40-100 %) and temperature range (20-80 °C). Furthermore, membrane electrode assemblies were fabricated using H3 PO4 @COFs as the solid electrolyte membrane for proton exchange resulting in a maximum power density of 81 mW cm-2 and a maximum current density of 456 mA cm-2 , which exceeds all previously reported COF materials.

Combined Intrinsic and Extrinsic Proton Conduction in Robust Covalent Organic Frameworks for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Applications

AbstractDeveloping new materials for the fabrication of proton exchange membranes (PEMs) for fuel cells is of great significance. Herein, a series of highly crystalline, porous, and stable new covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have been developed by a stepwise synthesis strategy. The synthesized COFs exhibit high hydrophilicity and excellent stability in strong acid or base (e.g., 12 m NaOH or HCl) and boiling water. These features make them ideal platforms for proton conduction applications. Upon loading with H3PO4, the COFs (H3PO4@COFs) realize an ultrahigh proton conductivity of 1.13×10−1 S cm−1, the highest among all COF materials, and maintain high proton conductivity across a wide relative humidity (40–100 %) and temperature range (20–80 °C). Furthermore, membrane electrode assemblies were fabricated using H3PO4@COFs as the solid electrolyte membrane for proton exchange resulting in a maximum power density of 81 mW cm−2 and a maximum current density of 456 mA cm−2, which exceeds all previously reported COF materials.

Interface-tuned Mo-based nanospheres for efficient oxygen reduction and hydrogen evolution catalysis

Developing earth-abundant materials for efficient oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysis in both alkaline and acidic media is of significance for hydrogen fuel cell application.

Highly developed nanostructuring of polymer-electrolyte membrane supported catalysts for hydrogen fuel cell application

Treatment of polymer-electrolyte membrane with magnetron sputtering of CeO2 in Ar + O2 atmosphere creates a highly developed surface with an array of nanopillars and vertical pores. These superstructures can be used as a support for the catalyst layer homogeneously covering the surface by nanoclusters. Treated membranes with nanostructured catalyst layer exhibit high level of platinum utilization in hydrogen powered fuel cells reaching the power density of 15 kW g−1Pt. Moreover, due to the resistance to corrosion such systems have superior durability compared to the traditional carbon-supported catalysts.

A high-performance PdZn alloy catalyst obtained from metal-organic framework for methanol steam reforming hydrogen production

Methanol steam reforming (MSR) is deemed to be an effective way for hydrogen production and Pd/ZnO catalyst were found to exhibit high activity in this reaction. However, their activities are strongly related to the preparations methods. In most cases, these catalysts are synthesized by impregnation or co-precipitation methods, aiming to change the dispersion and stability of Pd nanoparticle to get better performance. Here we report an efficient Pd/ZnO catalyst that was synthesized with zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) as the precursor, on which Pd ions was supported after NaHB4 reduction. Typically, when the catalyst reduced at 300 °C for 2 h, the methanol conversion could reach 97–98% and the CO2 selectivity is around 86.3% under the reaction condition of 0.1 MPa, water/CH3OH = 1.2:1 (mol ratio), WHSVmethanol = 43152ml/gcat*h, catalyst = 0.1 g, our catalyst was found to show much better performance than other Pd@ZnO catalysts prepared by other methods, especially in terms of selectivity which is particularly important for hydrogen fuel cell application considering that Pt electrode could be poisoned by even trace amount of CO. It turned out that the large surface area, enough holes, evenly distributed PdZn alloy activity sites and abundant oxygen vacancies lead to the overall excellent performance of our catalyst.

Enhanced Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Oxidation on Ni/NiO/C Derived from a Nickel‐Based Metal–Organic Framework

The sluggish hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) under alkaline conditions has hindered the commercialization of hydroxide-exchange membrane hydrogen fuel cells. A low-cost Ni/NiO/C catalyst with abundant Ni/NiO interfacial sites was developed as a competent HOR electrocatalyst in alkaline media. Ni/NiO/C exhibits an HOR activity one order of magnitude higher than that of its parent Ni/C counterpart. Moreover, Ni/NiO/C also shows better stability and CO tolerance than commercial Pt/C in alkaline media, which renders it a very promising HOR electrocatalyst for hydrogen fuel cell applications. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were also performed to shed light on the enhanced HOR performance of Ni/NiO/C; the DFT results indicate that both hydrogen and hydroxide achieve optimal binding energies at the Ni/NiO interface, resulting from the balanced electronic and oxophilic effects at the Ni/NiO interface.