Sustainable Production Technologies Research Articles

A Paris aligned 1.5 °C mitigation pathway for the chemical industry based on 100% renewable energy and novel production technologies

With renewables growing at an unprecedented pace and critical carbon budget deadlines approaching, research is shifting to the new frontier of Paris aligned 1.5 °C mitigation pathways for hard-to-abate sectors, including the chemical industry sector. This is a significant challenge with chemical products such as plastics, fertilizers and many more products intertwined with today’s society and with CO2 emissions originating both from energy and from chemical conversions. This paper presents a detailed bottom-up production-based energy and emission calculation to make a 1.5 °C compatible scenario for the chemical industry based on three main measures compared to a business-as-usual scenario. This research found that the holistic combination of demand and supply measures is critical to reduce the different types of emissions in the sector (energy and non-energy process emissions). An overall reduction of 82% of CO2 emissions in 2050 is calculated with a decrease in base chemical production growth (− 21%), 100% renewable energy for heat and electricity (− 50%) and the introduction of novel electrical-based and biomass-based production technologies for ethylene, propylene, methanol and ammonia (− 10%). Critical system developments include slowing chemical demand growth with recycling and circularity best practices, advanced electrification of heat supply and the substantial market penetration of the current most advanced sustainable production technologies for methanol, ammonia, and ethylene based on their reasonable technology maturation trajectories. Here, green methanol and ammonia will require 381 TWh in 2030 and 3232 TWh in 2050 for green hydrogen electrolysis, which will represent 1% and 4% of global electricity demand.

Membrane reformer technology for sustainable hydrogen production from hydrocarbon feedstocks

Hydrogen (H2) is receiving growing interest as a clean energy carrier as the world’s energy system transitions towards net zero. Today, H2 is primarily produced from hydrocarbons using the steam methane reforming (SMR) process. This well-established method converts methane-rich gas into syngas, which is further treated with steam to increase H2 yield via the water-gas-shift (WGS) process. However, this conventional route results in high carbon intensity of 10 tons CO2/ton of H2. Therefore, there is a growing need for sustainable H2 production technologies that utilize existing fossil energy sources and infrastructure while minimizing carbon emissions and costs.Membrane reactors (MR) are a promising technology for sustainable H2 production from hydrocarbons. A H2-selective palladium-alloy (Pd–Au) membrane is integrated within the catalyst bed, creating a system where H2 production and separation occur simultaneously in a single unit. This integration offers several advantages over the conventional system; process intensification allows thermodynamic equilibrium conversion limitations to be overcome while producing high purity (>99%) H2 at milder operating temperatures of ∼550 °C compared to 800–1000 °C in conventional packed bed reactors. Downstream processes such as WGS reactors and pressure swing adsorption are eliminated, resulting in reduced capital and operating costs. Moreover, the by-product stream remains pressurized at 25–40 bar and contains CO2 at concentrations above 60%, enabling CO2 capture at reduced cost.

Graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets decorated with HAp@Bi2S3 core–shell nanorods: Dual S-scheme 1D/2D heterojunction for environmental and hydrogen production solutions

By combining different semiconductors, scientists have developed innovative materials capable of converting solar energy into useful forms of energy or driving chemical reactions that clean up pollutants. These materials offer a promising path to combat global environmental and energy challenges. In this study, HAp@Bi2S3 core–shell structures were synthesized using a facile microemulsion technique, and then loaded onto graphitic carbon nitride via a hydrothermal method to create an advanced HAp@Bi2S3/g-C3N4 dual S-scheme heterojunction. The engineered heterojunction exhibited enhanced hydrogen production and visible light photocatalytic oxidation of metronidazole. The improved photocatalytic efficiency was attributed to the core–shell structure of HAp@Bi2S3 along with the formation of a dual S-scheme heterojunction in HAp@Bi2S3/g-C3N4. As a result, the novel dual S-scheme HAp@Bi2S3/g-C3N4 heterojunction demonstrated a significantly higher hydrogen production rate, ca. 20 times higher than that of hydroxyapatite (HAp), 11 times higher than Bi2S3, and 5 times higher than the HAp@Bi2S3. This research introduces a novel approach to crafting dual S-scheme heterojunctions based on Bi2S3, which enables swift electron transfer across heterojunction interfaces, thereby enlarged possibility windows to sustainable hydrogen production and wastewater remediation technologies.

Evaluation of sustainable hydrogen production technologies by fuzzy AHP analysis with bootstrapping

The concept of a hydrogen economy has received increasing attention worldwide. Hydrogen is a promising energy carrier that contributes to the development of a sustainable and reliable energy sector. Selection of the most sustainable hydrogen production technology (HPT) plays a significant role in promoting a hydrogen economy. However, it is regarded as a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem with several incompatible evaluation criteria. In this study, we develop an MCDM approach based on Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) for prioritizing HPT alternatives, focusing on Egypt as a case study. Our contributions are twofold. First, to combat the issue of a small number of subject matter experts, a bootstrap method is employed to validate the main criteria weights in FAHP. Second, we conduct a comparative FAHP analysis from a broad perspective of the national experts from a developing country and the international experts from developed countries. Our results show that PV electrolysis is the most preferable technology option from the perspectives of both the national and international experts. Since the FAHP approach proposed is a flexible framework that can be applied to countries other than Egypt, it will support global policymakers and industry stakeholders in their decision making toward a sustainable and efficient hydrogen economy strategy.

Maize intercropped with Panicum maximum cultivars and Pigeon pea improves silage yield and quality

Integrated systems are efficient technologies used for diversifying production and promoting agricultural sustainability. The benefits of double intercropping are well-established in research. With advancements in sustainable food production technology, some studies have explored triple intercropping by adding legumes. However, triple intercropping methods must be comprehensively understood. This study aimed to evaluate the production of dry mass, fermentation profile, and nutritive values of silage from maize based intercropping. The experiment was conducted in the field, in Instituto Federal Goiano, Campus Rio Verde, State of Goiás, Brazil, where we assessed silage production and quality in monoculture and intercropping systems, in a randomized block complete design with three replications. We evaluated 8 treatments, consisting of silage from: maize monoculture; Tamani guinea grass monoculture; Quênia guinea grass monoculture; Zuri guinea grass monoculture; Pigeon pea monoculture; maize + Tamani guinea grass + Pigeon pea; maize + Quênia guinea grass + Pigeon pea and maize + Zuri guinea grass + Pigeon pea. The results showed that maize silage intercropped with cultivars of Panicum maximum (Tamani, Quênia and Zuri guinea grasses) and Pigeon pea increased silage mass production by 37.8% and the crude protein content at 25.1% compared with that of the monoculture maize silage. It also improved the fermentation characteristics of silage, reducing 5.1% of pH, 32.5% of buffering capacity, 28.9% of ammoniacal nitrogen in total nitrogen, 15.7% of effluent production, and 20.0% of dry matter losses, compared with those of grass and legume silage in monoculture. Thus, the silage produced by the triple intercropping proved to be an efficient technique for sustainable forage production.

Deciphering the Nitrogen Activation Mechanisms on Group VIII Single Atoms at MoS2.

The activation of nitrogen (N2) is vital for sustainable ammonia production and nitrogen fixation technologies. This study employs density functional theory (DFT) to investigate the nitrogen activation and reduction capabilities of Group VIII single-atom catalysts anchored on MoS2. Among these, osmium anchored on MoS2 (Os@MoS2) emerged as the most promising catalyst, exhibiting the highest N2 activation and the lowest nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) overpotential (0.624 V). A pronounced "electron drift" effect was observed for Os@MoS2, leading to significant charge redistribution that weakens the N ≡ N triple bond, facilitating its activation. The N-N dissociation energy barrier at the *N-NH2 intermediate was calculated to be only 0.82 eV, confirming Os@MoS2's superior catalytic efficiency. Detailed analyses, including electrostatic potential maps, electron localization functions, spin density, and charge transfer, revealed the pivotal role of orbital interactions in driving N2 activation. Interestingly, the trends in adsorbed N2 bond energies and NRR overpotentials showed a consistent diagonal pattern across the Group VIII catalysts, emphasizing the importance of electronic and geometric factors. This work offers valuable insights into nitrogen activation mechanisms and provides a framework for designing efficient catalysts, highlighting Os@MoS2's potential in sustainable ammonia synthesis.

Advanced multi-component FeCoCuAlMo intermetallic electrocatalysts for efficient and sustainable hydrogen evolution in alkaline freshwater and seawater

Electrolyzing seawater to produce hydrogen is a promising sustainable energy production technology. The current non-precious metal-based hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts demonstrate inadequate catalytic activity and poor stability in seawater electrolyte. Therefore, developing stable and efficient non-precious metal-based HER electrocatalysts is a major challenge for achieving sustainable green energy development. This work reports a multi-component intermetallic catalyst FeCoCuAlMo prepared by arc melting and chemical dealloying methods. The electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance of catalysts with varying atomic ratios (FeCoCu)20(Al70Mo30)80, (FeCoCu)30(Al70Mo30)70, (FeCoCu)40(Al70Mo30)60, and (FeCoCu)50(Al70Mo30)50 in alkaline seawater and alkaline electrolyte was studied. The findings indicate that these catalysts primarily consist of AlMo3 and (Cu0.35Fe0.35Co0.3)Al, among which the dealloyed (FeCoCu)30(Al70Mo30)70 exhibits excellent catalytic activity with overpotentials of 137.54 and 116.91 mV at a current density of 100 mA/cm2 in alkaline seawater and alkaline electrolyte, respectively, outperforming most catalysts. Additionally, it demonstrated long-term stability in alkaline seawater and alkaline electrolyte for 250 and 400 h without significant decay at overpotentials of 236 mV and 276 mV, respectively. This improved performance can be attributed to the unique structure of the multi-component intermetallic compound, which provides good thermodynamic stability and synergistic effects among its constituents, thereby enhancing HER performance. Within this multi-component intermetallic compound, AlMo3 particles serve as the primary conductive medium to accelerate electron transfer, while (Cu0.35Fe0.35Co0.3)Al serves as the main active site, resulting in a stable structure that provides the catalyst with high catalytic activity and good stability. Thus, the (FeCoCu)30(Al70Mo30)70 electrocatalyst is a promising candidate for seawater electrolysis aimed at hydrogen production.

Navigating Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Descriptors for Electrocatalyst Design

The quest for efficient green hydrogen production through Alkaline Water Electrolysis (AWE) is a critical aspect of the clean energy transition. The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media is central to this process, with the performance of electrocatalysts being a determining factor for overall efficiency. Theoretical studies using energy-based descriptors are essential for designing high-performance alkaline HER electrocatalysts. This review summarizes various descriptors, including water adsorption energy, water dissociation barrier, and Gibbs free energy changes of hydrogen and hydroxyl adsorption. Examples of how to apply these descriptors to identify the active site of materials and better design high-performance alkaline HER electrocatalysts are provided, highlighting the previously underappreciated role of hydroxyl adsorption-free energy changes. As research progresses, integrating these descriptors with experimental data will be paramount in advancing AWE technology for sustainable hydrogen production.

SCREENING OF POTENTIAL INDIAN POTATO VARIETIES FOR EXPORT PROMOTION FROM WESTERN UTTAR PRADESH AND GUJARAT

Indian potato production potential (54 million tonnes) strengthens the cause of export of this crop from the country. Government of India has identified districts of Agra and Farrukhabad in Uttar Pradesh, and Sabarkantha and Banaskantha in Gujarat for potato export promotion in the Agri- export policy-2018. However, issues like suitable varieties, sustainable production and protection technologies, and efficient marketing channel are challenges for acceleration of potato export in a significant way. One of the critical gaps, suitable export potential varieties was taken up in current study. Eight potato varieties were evaluated in replicated field trials at farmer’s fields in district Agra and Gandhinagar. Based upon yield performance and feedback from exporters, potato varieties Kufri (K) Frysona (35.3), K Ganga (31.8), K Chipsona-3 (28.2), K Sangam (28.0) and K Bahar (24.0) have better export-grade (>55mm) tuber production potential (tha-1) in western Uttar Pradesh. Variety K Chipsona-3 (30.7), K Sangam (29.6), K Ganga (27.2) and K Frysona (24.9) are exhibiting prospects of export from Gujarat. Newly released specialty potato cv. K Neelkanth has also attracted the attention of exporters. Suitable potato varieties acceptable for importing destinations and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) developed by ICAR- CPRI holds a better future for Indian potato export.

Bubble-Guidance Breaking Gas Shield for Highly Efficient Overall Water Splitting.

Overall water splitting is a promising technology for sustainable hydrogen production, but the primary challenge is removing bubbles from the electrode surface quickly to increase hydrogen production. Inspired by the directional fluid transport properties of natural biological surfaces like Nepenthes peristome and Morpho butterfly's wings, here a strategy is demonstrated to achieve highly efficient overall water splitting by a bubble-guidance electrode, that is, an anisotropic groove-micro/nanostructured porous electrode (GMPE). Gradient groove micro/nanostructures on the GMPE serve as high-speed bubble transmission channels and exhibit superior bubble-guidance capabilities. The synergistic effect of the asymmetric Laplace pressure generated between microscale porous structure and groove patterns and the buoyancy along the groove patterns pushes the produced bubbles directionally to spread, transport, and detach from the electrode surface in time. Moreover, the low adhesive nanosheet arrays are beneficial to reduce bubble size and increase bubble release frequency, which cooperatively improve mass transfer with the microscale structure. Notably, GMPE outperforms planar-micro/nanostructured porous electrode (PMPE) in hydrogen/oxygen evolution reactions, with GMPE||GMPE showing better water splitting performance than commercially available RuO2||20 wt.% Pt/C. This work improves electrodes for better mass transfer and kinetics in electrochemical reactions at solid-liquid-gas interfaces, offering insight for designing and preparing gas-involved photoelectrochemical electrodes.

Electrodeposition of Nickel–Molybdenum–Phosphide on copper foam electrode for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction

In the quest for efficient and cost-effective catalysts to drive the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in electrochemical water splitting, copper foam (CuF) is a favorable candidate for electrode coating. Precious metal catalysts like Pt/C dominate the field but must be improved because of their high cost and scarcity. Therefore, we have synthesized and evaluated a sequence of nickel-originated electrocatalysts (Ni, NiMo, NiP, and NiMoP) with the electrodeposition of CuF to facilitate substantial improvements in HER performance. Herein, the Ni–Mo–P ternary system, owing to its desirable electronic structure and catalytic mechanism, contributes to enhancing the thermodynamics and kinetics of the HER. Performance analysis reveals that all studied catalysts follow the order of Ni/CuF > NiMo/CuF > NiP/CuF > NiMoP/CuF regarding both the Tafel slope and overpotential. Hence, the top performer, NiMoP/CuF, exhibits tremendous thermodynamics with an η10 = 159 mV and Tafel slope kinetics of 126.66 mV·dec⁻1 at 1.0 M KOH in water splitting. Overall, this report presents a well-capable way of optimizing the electrocatalytic function and stability of CuF-electro-coated catalysts for the HER. This research opens new avenues for cost-effective, stable, and efficient HER catalysts, showcasing the potential of NiMoP/CuF in advancing sustainable hydrogen production technologies.

Nanoparticles for Active and Sustainable Fuel Cell Cathodes

Depletion of fossil fuels and environmental pollution raised interest in new technologies for sustainable energy production, conversion, and storage, among which fuel cell technology is greatly studied, in both academia and industry. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are reputed energy devices, due to their high conversion efficiency and low environmental pollution.1 Nowadays, Pt-based catalysts exhibit the best electrocatalytic activity towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), but enhancing their catalytic efficiency and reducing costs are essential for commercializing fuel cell technology.2 Our interest relies with the development of Pt-based nanoalloys2,4 via solution organometallic chemistry approach.3 This approach allows control over the composition, structure, and morphology of metal nanoparticles, and could lead to increased catalytic activity and long-term stability by revealing more active sites of the catalyst. Additionally, the ability to alloy with a range of metals for producing bimetallic compounds is one of the key advantages of this approach.In this communication, the synthesis of Pt-based nanoparticles and their characterization by state-of-the-art techniques such as ICP, EA, IR, TEM and HR-TEM will be described. The influence of the Pt complexes used as precursors and of the reaction conditions on the morphology of the Pt nanoparticles will be shown. The obtained nanostructures offer interesting starting materials to incorporate other metals, such as transition or rare earth metals, in order to have nanoalloys and study their performance in ORR in comparison to pure Pt catalysts.

Exploring Low Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis Anode Catalyst Degradation Under Cathode Backpressure Conditions

Hydrogen is expected to play an important role in the decarbonization of the future energy landscape by integrating renewable, nuclear, and fossil fuels and using excess power from the grid to produce H2 that can then be stored and used for a variety of applications ranging from ammonia and steel production, stationary power, buildings, and transportation.1 In order to achieve low-cost hydrogen production that is competitive with steam methane reformation (SMR), it is necessary to decrease the capital cost and this can be done by leveraging variable renewable energy (VRE) as an electricity feedstock for LTE.2 However, cost, and durability are still current challenges in state-of-the art water electrolysis systems. More research is needed to better understand the effects of dynamic operation on electrolyzer degradation. Understanding the degradation mechanisms governing intermittent electrolysis operation can enable future improvements related to component design and system operation.In recent years, electrolyzer anode degradation has been investigated during continual intermittent operation at the single cell level. Square-wave potential cycling demonstrated higher anode degradation compared to the triangle-wave cycling over the same 525 hour test (21.9 d).3 Electrolyzers operating at differential pressures and producing electrochemically compressed hydrogen could decrease the hydrogen production cost by eliminating the need for equipment related to mechanical compression.4 This work investigates the dynamics of low-temperature proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers, with a specific focus on anode catalyst layer degradation from redox transition when subjected to hydrogen crossover from cathode backpressure conditions. While cathode backpressure and operation requirements are well understood from an industry perspective, its impact on degradation mechanisms and loss rates has been relatively underexplored when low-temperature electrolysis is focused on cost reduction and variable load.In this study, hydrogen cross-over rates were varied by cathode backpressure conditions (ambient to 30 Bar) and were compared to elucidate the impact hydrogen has on anode catalyst layer degradation. The durability test duration varied from 168 – 500+ hrs. Hydrogen cross-over rates were found to correlate to cell potential during operational shutdowns and loss rates during load cycling. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy further demonstrates higher degrees of kinetic loss and the immergence of additional loss mechanisms. The findings presented in this research contribute to the fundamental understanding of low-temperature PEM electrolysis dynamics under cathode backpressure conditions. The implications of this research offer practical insights for the design and operation of efficient and durable electrolysis systems crucial for the advancement of sustainable hydrogen production technologies.(1) H2@Scale. Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office. https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/h2scale.(2) Mark, R.; Jadun, P.; Gilroy, N.; Connelly, E.; Boardman, R.; Simon, A. J.; Elgowainy, A.; Zuboy, J. The Technical and Economic Potential of the H2@Scale Concept within the United States; NREL/TP-6A20-77610; National Renewable Energy Laboratory: Golden, CO, 2020.(3) Alia, S. M.; Reeves, K. S.; Yu, H.; Park, J.; Kariuki, N.; Kropf, A. J.; Myers, D. J.; Cullen, D. A. Electrolyzer Performance Loss from Accelerated Stress Tests and Corresponding Changes to Catalyst Layers and Interfaces. Journal of The Electrochemical Society 2022, 169 (5), 054517. https://doi.org/10.1149/1945-7111/ac697e.(4) Ragnhild Hancke, Thomas Holm, and Øystein Ulleberg, “The Case for High-Pressure PEM Water Electrolysis,” Energy Conversion and Management 261 (2022): 115642, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2022.115642. Figure 1

Fabrication of Bipolar Membrane Electrolyzers for Seawater Electrolysis: Proof-of-Concept, Operando Design, and Fundamental Studies

Hydrogen (H2) is a critical industrial feedstock, essential in the production of fertilizer, steel, and fuels. Its demand is anticipated to increase ten-fold by 2050 due to its pivotal role in various new green technologies. Renewable energy-driven bipolar membrane water electrolyzers (BPMWEs) are a promising technology for sustainable production of H2 from seawater and other impure water sources. Here we present a detailed protocol on the assembly and operation of zero-gap membrane electrode assembly (MEA) BPMWE with water dissociation layers1. We describe steps for spray coating both electrodes and membranes, electrolyzer assembly, and electrochemical evaluation. This protocol provides an avenue to highlight key considerations in BPMWE fabrication methodology to ensure comparable data and rapid progress. We further highlight how this BPM platform can be used for a variety of scientific applications ranging from the seawater resistant BPMWE to an operando water electrolyzers to examine catalyst dynamics through X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). As we work together towards a cleaner future, the detailed BPMWE protocol enables scientific communication, aiding in reproducible electrolyzer assembly practices, and accelerating the optimization of next-generation BPM-based devices.

S-scheme NaxCoO2/g-C3N4 heterojunction photo-electrocatalysts for water splitting

Enabling a highly efficient charge separation on hetero-structural photo-electrocatalyst is crucial to achieve a high efficiency of water splitting technology for sustainable green hydrogen production. Herein, novel S-scheme hetero-structural materials, NaxCoO2/g-C3N4 (x = 0.5, 0.6, and 0.74), have been employed as photo-electrocatalysts for water splitting reaction. Their corresponding overpotential values under irradiation condition with the current density of 10 mA cm−2 were about 590 mV (x = 0.74), 555 mV (x = 0.6) and 710 mV (x = 0.5), respectively. Compared to the dark condition, NaxCoO2/g-C3N4 exhibited lower overpotentials. XPS and in-situ KPFM results further confirmed that an interfacial electric field was formed at the interface of NaxCoO2 and g-C3N4. Under the irradiation condition, the electrons from the conduction band of NCO flow toward to the valence band of CN to form S-scheme heterostructure, which could highly accelerate the reducing capability of CN, hence splitting water to produce hydrogen gas.

RANCANG BANGUN SISTEM FEEDING MATERIAL KERJA OTOMAT PADA MESIN GERINDA POTONG ELEKTRO-PNEUMATIK

The electro-pneumatic cutting grinding machine at the Mechanical Engineering Laboratory of UNSRAT Manado is used to insert the workpiece to be cut off at this present time, it still used manually or still requires human hands to work out, this makes the cutting process require a longer time, moreover, reducing the efficiency of time. Based on this case, this research conducts sustainable production technology and designs to makes an automatic work material feeding system on an electro-pneumatic cutting grinding machine. This study aims to design, as well as create a feeding system for automatic work control materials on an electro-pneumatic cutting grinding machine. The method used in this study is the design method by designing and manufacturing directly, based on the condition of the electro-pneumatic cutting grinding machine. The manufacturing process starts from identifying working drawings and components to be used using existing tools and machines, placing online orders, and using them from the market or other components. Furthermore, a feeding system of automatic work control materials can be made on an electro-pneumatic cutting grinding machine Keywords: Design, Feeding System, Cutting Grinding Machine1.

Innovative Solutions, Green Initiatives for Sustainable Economic - The Hungarian Example

Green development has become a major goal for most world powers and is taking an increasingly prominent place in the global economy, with China and Europe being no exception. Both have set green growth as a goal to achieve carbon neutrality in the coming years. As the green economy is now global, cooperation is essential to improve quality of life everywhere. Chinese experts are helping to green Hungary's transition taking part in the Hungarian energy economy. The relationship between the two countries has been dominant for centuries, but until recently it needed to be redefined. The Chinese President in 2024 visited Hungary and met the Prime Minister and the Hungarian Head of State. Within the framework of the One Belt, One Road strategy, the two countries have drawn up an expanding list of projects for joint investment and development. The summit between the two countries delivered results, with the parties signing eighteen important agreements. Hungarian experts collaborate with Chinese partners on clean energy, sustainable energy production and green technology innovation. In a summary, the agreement covers cooperation in nuclear research and development, training, the expansion of the electric car charging network, and the exploration of the possibility of jointly connecting the domestic and Serbian oil pipeline systems. In our research, we explore areas for further cooperation between China and Hungary, identifying key areas of mutual benefit and common interest.

Preparation of Ir/TiO2 Composite Oxygen Evolution Catalyst and Load Analysis as Anode Catalyst Layer of Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzer.

Electrochemical water splitting is regarded as an emerging green and sustainable hydrogen production technology because of its zero-carbon process. However, the overall cost of anode materials in a proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer (PEMWE) is high due to the use of noble metal Ir. It has been proved that introducing carrier materials to reduce the content of Ir element is a feasible cost-reduction program. Here, the Ir/TiO2 composite material was prepared by the polyol method and used to catalyze the oxygen evolution reaction, which could effectively reduce the load amount of Ir in the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). In addition, the theoretical load of Ir was obtained by model calculation and the polarization curve test and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to discuss the relationship between Ir load in MEA and voltage loss and conductivity. The results show that MEA has lower voltage loss and better conductivity as the Ir load is in the range of 0.204-0.304 mgIr/cm2. Altogether, an effective method to reduce the Ir load of PEMWE anode was proposed under the premise comprehensive consideration of both catalyst design and MEA preparation in this work.

Impact of pulses on technological gap and socio-economic status of farmers in North Eastern India

The study was carried out to assess the performance of cluster frontline demonstrations (CFLDs) in terms of the Technological gap and Socioeconomic status of farmers in fieldpea crop in three states of North East i.e. Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim. Krishi Vigyan Kendras of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim conducted 1285 demonstrations in 465 ha area, 465 demonstrations in 270 ha area, and 126 demonstrations in 50 ha area, respectively in four years using improved production technology. The results revealed that the average yield of demonstration plots was highest in Arunachal Pradesh i.e 1,543 kg/ha during 2019-2020 as compared to farmers’ practices 1008 kg/ha with 53.07 percent increase in yield followed by Assam 1297 kg/ha during 2018-2019 compared to farmers’ practices (921 kg/ha). Results showed that net return in demonstration plots was Rs. 28,539/- per ha in Assam, Rs. 46,726/- per ha in Arunachal Pradesh, and Rs. 45,393/- per ha in Sikkim over farmer practices (Rs. 13,890, Rs. 24,108 and Rs. 24,056, respectively). The majority of farmers (62.66 percent) belong to medium level of knowledge in Assam and also it has adopted most of the improved technologies (53.02%), followed by Sikkim (48.99%) and Arunachal Pradesh (47.00%) which is highly encouraging and it is suggested to adopt these technologies for sustainable production of fieldpea in North East India.

The impact of mechanical vibration at cathode on hydrogen yields in water electrolysis

This study investigates the utilization of mechanical vibration to enhance the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in electrolysis processes. By varying the force magnitude and frequency of mechanical vibration, significant improvements in HER efficiency were observed. Specifically, the mechanical vibration-assisted electrolysis with a hitting frequency of 3 hits per second and 157.2698 Kg. m−2 hitting force improved the HER current density by 128 % compared to untreated water electrolysis. Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) data for the graphite electrode revealed a distinct reduction peak at 1 V, indicating a favorable electrochemical reduction reaction influenced by mechanical vibration. The frequency of mechanical vibration significantly impacted the LSV response, with variations in current values across different conditions. Mechanistically, mechanical vibration disrupted intermolecular forces, facilitating better electrode-bubble interactions and accelerating reaction kinetics. Additionally, changes in pH levels induced by mechanical vibration further enhanced HER efficiency. These results suggest that integrating mechanical vibration into electrolysis systems significantly improves HER performance, contributing to the advancement of more efficient and sustainable hydrogen production technologies, which are crucial for achieving net-zero emission targets.