Innovative Approaches to Addressing the Fundamental Materials Challenges in Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies

MRS Advances ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (46) ◽  
pp. 3107-3119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric L. Miller ◽  
Katie Randolph ◽  
David Peterson ◽  
Neha Rustagi ◽  
Kim Cierpik-Gold ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Platinum Group Metal ◽  
Advanced Materials ◽  
Energy Materials ◽  
Solar Water Splitting ◽  
Cell Technologies ◽  
Materials Research

ABSTRACTThe emergence of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in transportation and stationary power sectors offers the world important and potentially transformative environmental and energy security benefits. In recent years, research supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Fuel Cell Technologies Office has contributed substantially to the development of these technologies. Enhanced performance and reduced cost in automotive fuel cells are important examples of achievement. The research investments are clearly paying off, as commercial fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are being rolled out by major car manufacturers today. With increasing market penetration of FCEVs, enabling technologies for the affordable and widespread production, storage and delivery of renewable hydrogen are becoming increasingly important. Long term commercial viability of hydrogen and fuel cells in the commercial marketplace will rely on continued materials research on several important fronts. Examples include the discovery and development of: (1) non-platinum-group-metal catalysts for next-generation fuel cells; (2) durable, high-performance photocatalytic materials systems for direct solar water splitting; (3) advanced materials-based systems for low-pressure, high-volumetric-density hydrogen storage; and (4) low-cost, hydrogen-compatible pipeline materials for hydrogen delivery and distribution. Research innovations in macro-, meso- and nano-scale materials are all needed for pushing forward the state-of-the-art in these areas. New approaches in accelerated materials development facilitated by a national Energy Materials Network of advanced scientific resources in theory, computation and experimentation are being adopted at DOE. Application of these approaches to address the key materials challenges in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies are discussed.

A high-performance electrocatalytic air cathode derived from aniline and iron for use in microbial fuel cells

RSC Advances ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (25) ◽  
pp. 12789-12794 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xinhua Tang ◽  
Haoran Li ◽  
Weida Wang ◽  
Zhuwei Du ◽  
How Yong Ng
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Microbial Fuel Cell ◽  
Microbial Fuel Cells ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Air Cathode

A high-performance and low-cost catalyst derived from aniline and iron was synthesized for use as microbial fuel cell (MFC) air cathodes.

scholarly journals Synthesis of catalysts with fine platinum particles supported by high-surface-area activated carbons and optimization of their catalytic activities for polymer electrolyte fuel cells

RSC Advances ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (33) ◽  
pp. 20601-20611
Author(s):  
Md. Mijanur Rahman ◽  
Kenta Inaba ◽  
Garavdorj Batnyagt ◽  
Masato Saikawa ◽  
Yoshiki Kato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Polymer Electrolyte ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Activated Carbons ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
High Surface ◽  
High Surface Area ◽  
Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells ◽  
Supported Platinum ◽  
Platinum Particles

Herein, we demonstrated that carbon-supported platinum (Pt/C) is a low-cost and high-performance electrocatalyst for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs).

scholarly journals High performance anion exchange ionomer for anion exchange membrane fuel cells

RSC Advances ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (31) ◽  
pp. 19153-19161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xueqiang Gao ◽  
Hongmei Yu ◽  
Jia Jia ◽  
Jinkai Hao ◽  
Feng Xie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Anion Exchange ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Catalyst Layer ◽  
Anion Transport ◽  
Anion Exchange Membrane ◽  
Exchange Membrane

The anion exchange ionomer incorporated into the electrodes of an anion exchange membrane fuel cell (AEMFC) enhances anion transport in the catalyst layer of the electrode, and thus improves performance and durability of the AEMFC.

Assessment of the Potential of Combined Micro Gas Turbine and High Temperature Fuel Cell Systems

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dieter Bohn ◽  
Nathalie Po¨ppe ◽  
Joachim Lepers
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
High Temperature ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Advanced Materials ◽  
Cell Systems ◽  
Micro Gas Turbine ◽  
Technological Assessment

The present paper reports a detailed technological assessment of two concepts of integrated micro gas turbine and high temperature (SOFC) fuel cell systems. The first concept is the coupling of micro gas turbines and fuel cells with heat exchangers, maximising availability of each component by the option for easy stand-alone operation. The second concept considers a direct coupling of both components and a pressurised operation of the fuel cell, yielding additional efficiency augmentation. Based on state-of-the-art technology of micro gas turbines and solid oxide fuel cells, the paper analyses effects of advanced cycle parameters based on future material improvements on the performance of 300–400 kW combined micro gas turbine and fuel cell power plants. Results show a major potential for future increase of net efficiencies of such power plants utilising advanced materials yet to be developed. For small sized plants under consideration, potential net efficiencies around 70% were determined. This implies possible power-to-heat-ratios around 9.1 being a basis for efficient utilisation of this technology in decentralised CHP applications.

Sustainable hydrogen energy

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter P. Edwards ◽  
Vladimir L. Kuznetsov
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Energy Supply ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Hydrogen Energy ◽  
The Future ◽  
Energy Economy ◽  
Fossil Fuel Energy ◽  
Carbon Based

Hydrogen is the simplest and most abundant chemical element in our universe— it is the power source that fuels the Sun and its oxide forms the oceans that cover three quarters of our planet. This ubiquitous element could be part of our urgent quest for a cleaner, greener future. Hydrogen, in association with fuel cells, is widely considered to be pivotal to our world’s energy requirements for the twenty-first century and it could potentially redefine the future global energy economy by replacing a carbon-based fossil fuel energy economy. The principal drivers behind the sustainable hydrogen energy vision are therefore: • the urgent need for a reduction in global carbon dioxide emissions; • the improvement of urban (local) air quality; • the abiding concerns about the long-term viability of fossil fuel resources and the security of our energy supply; • the creation of a new industrial and technological energy base—a base for innovation in the science and technology of a hydrogen/fuel cell energy landscape. The ultimate realization of a hydrogen-based economy could confer enormous environmental and economic benefits, together with enhanced security of energy supply. However, the transition from a carbon-based(fossil fuel) energy system to a hydrogen-based economy involves significant scientific, technological, and socio-economic barriers. These include: • low-carbon hydrogen production from clean or renewable sources; • low-cost hydrogen storage; • low-cost fuel cells; • large-scale supporting infrastructure, and • perceived safety problems. In the present chapter we outline the basis of the growing worldwide interest in hydrogen energy and examine some of the important issues relating to the future development of hydrogen as an energy vector. As a ‘snapshot’ of international activity, we note, for example, that Japan regards the development and dissemination of fuel cells and hydrogen technologies as essential: the Ministry of Economy and Industry (METI) has set numerical targets of 5 million fuel cell vehicles and10 million kW for the total power generation by stationary fuel cells by 2020. To meet these targets, METI has allocated an annual budget of some £150 million over four years.

scholarly journals Nanosheets of CuCo2O4 As a High-Performance Electrocatalyst in Urea Oxidation

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 793 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camila Zequine ◽  
Fangzhou Wang ◽  
Xianglin Li ◽  
Deepa Guragain ◽  
S.R. Mishra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Nickel Foam ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Agricultural Waste ◽  
Bifunctional Catalyst ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Electroactive Material

The urea oxidation reaction (UOR) is a possible solution to solve the world’s energy crisis. Fuel cells have been used in the UOR to generate hydrogen with a lower potential compared to water splitting, decreasing the costs of energy production. Urea is abundantly present in agricultural waste and in industrial and human wastewater. Besides generating hydrogen, this reaction provides a pathway to eliminate urea, which is a hazard in the environment and to people’s health. In this study, nanosheets of CuCo2O4 grown on nickel foam were synthesized as an electrocatalyst for urea oxidation to generate hydrogen as a green fuel. The synthesized electrocatalyst was characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electroactivity of CuCo2O4 towards the oxidation of urea in alkaline solution was evaluated using electrochemical measurements. Nanosheets of CuCo2O4 grown on nickel foam required the potential of 1.36 V in 1 M KOH with 0.33 M urea to deliver a current density of 10 mA/cm2. The CuCo2O4 electrode was electrochemically stable for over 15 h of continuous measurements. The high catalytic activities for the hydrogen evolution reaction make the CuCo2O4 electrode a bifunctional catalyst and a promising electroactive material for hydrogen production. The two-electrode electrolyzer demanded a potential of 1.45 V, which was 260 mV less than that for the urea-free counterpart. Our study suggests that the CuCo2O4 electrode can be a promising material as an efficient UOR catalyst for fuel cells to generate hydrogen at a low cost.

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