Articles tagged with Fuel Cells
Researchers at Tohoku University's AIMR developed carbon-supported blue-pigment catalysts for anion-exchange membrane fuel cells, achieving high power density without platinum. The team optimized the pigments' molecular structures to strengthen the interaction at the active site, translating to real gains in fuel cell performance.
Researchers have created an electrochemical approach to extract pure hydrogen gas from ammonia while separating and concentrating it into a high-purity stream. This method reduces the temperature and energy required to recover hydrogen, producing a concentrated stream of hydrogen gas without the need for additional purification.
The study shows that the initial state of platinum-on-carbon catalyst particles significantly influences the development of polymer electrolyte fuel cell catalyst inks. Controlling this initial state allows for the optimization of microstructural and electrochemical properties of catalyst inks, leading to improved fuel-cell performance.
Researchers used 3D electron microscopy to capture direct evidence of electric fields at air-water interfaces, opening a path to rationally designed clean-energy materials. The study found a repulsive force holding thinnest films together, reaching 10 megapascals, and provided chemical evidence for the electric field's existence.
A KAIST research team has developed a process that cuts the production time for vanadium redox flow batteries' core material by 67%, overcoming a critical bottleneck to commercialization. This breakthrough could significantly accelerate the development of large-capacity energy storage technology.
A research team studied ion-exchange membranes to understand their structure and ability, finding that flexible backbones achieve higher ion conductivity with less water uptake. This discovery offers molecular-level design guidelines for next-generation energy devices.
Researchers developed an AI assistant called ChatHEA to guide the discovery of new catalysts for clean energy technologies. The team screened and evaluated 100 five-element high-entropy alloy catalysts, finding that FeCoCuPtIr showed excellent oxygen reduction activity and durability.
Researchers at the University of Electro-Communications have developed a new, cost-effective catalyst using nitrogen-doped graphene that outperforms traditional platinum. This breakthrough enables the creation of high-performance, low-cost fuel cells, bringing mainstream sustainable energy closer to reality.
Hanyang University researchers found that a coating thickness of 2.5 nanometers is necessary to prevent harmful side reactions in sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries. The study showed improved electrochemical performance and cycle life with this minimum effective coating thickness.
Researchers developed an uncertainty-aware AI framework for predicting proton exchange membrane fuel cell degradation trends. The framework provides both point estimates and interval estimates with probability density information, improving the reliability of fuel-cell prognosis under realistic operating conditions.
Researchers developed micro-pillar patterned electrodes with ordered ionomer structures to improve proton conduction and oxygen delivery, enhancing fuel cell performance. The design enabled robust operation under dry conditions and maintained electrochemical surface area, outperforming conventional electrodes.
Researchers from Southeast University and Nanjing Normal University create supercapacitor technology using plant waste, enabling rapid-charging energy storage at 4.0 volts. The innovative approach combines a custom electrode with a specialized electrolyte to stabilize the system.
University of Utah researchers have discovered a steam-enabled self-cleaning mechanism that dramatically improves sulfur tolerance in solid oxide fuel cell anodes. The addition of rhodium leads to the formation of bimetallic nanoparticles that actively resist sulfur poisoning and autonomously regenerate under steam exposure.
Emerging microbially-powered technologies can convert up to 35% of wastewater's chemical energy into electricity and extract valuable nutrients. This approach could power agriculture, global sanitation and its own treatment, while reducing pollution and overcoming regulatory obstacles.
Researchers developed a nickel-enriched biochar from marine microalgae that can detect hydrogen peroxide at low concentrations, with fast response times. The sensor's stability and sensitivity are improved by the uniform distribution of catalytic sites.
Researchers developed a miniaturized solid oxide fuel cell microreactor to power edge devices like drones and AI hardware with high energy density. The device features an innovative structural design with thermal insulation and a multilayered insulation system, solving thermal stress and safety concerns.
Researchers developed a novel thin-film electrolyte design using samarium-doped cerium oxide, achieving record-setting oxide-ion conductivity at medium temperatures. This innovation addresses key technical limitations of existing solid oxide fuel cells, paving the way for widespread adoption.
Researchers discovered that peat-based iron-nitrogen-carbon catalysts exhibit exceptional efficiency and selectivity in oxygen reduction reactions. The microstructure of these catalysts plays a crucial role in promoting the desired electrochemical reactions.
Hanbat National University researchers have developed a new method for enhancing the performance of solid oxide fuel cells by inducing cobalt exsolution in high-temperature oxidizing atmospheres. This process results in improved electrochemical properties and higher oxygen reduction reaction activity, making it a promising direction fo...
Researchers at Kumamoto University have developed a flexible solid electrolyte material with exceptional proton conductivity and hydrogen gas barrier properties, making it suitable for low- to mid-temperature fuel cells. The material enables stable operation across a wide temperature range, from -10 °C to 140 °C, and shows promise for ...
Researchers developed chloride-resistant Ru nanocatalysts to overcome limitations in seawater electrolysis. The g-C3N4-mediated pyrolysis strategy creates a crystalline-amorphous junction with ultrafine Ru dispersion, enabling efficient and durable hydrogen production.
Researchers at DTU Energy and DTU Construct developed a new fuel cell design using 3D printing and gyroid geometry for improved surface area and weight. The Monolithic Gyroidal Solid Oxide Cell delivers over one watt per gram, making it suitable for aerospace applications.
A deep learning approach called Electrode Net optimizes porous-electrode design without sacrificing accuracy. The method achieves high predictive accuracy and speeds up computation time by 96%, enabling rapid screening of large design spaces.
MIT researchers developed a sustainable electrolyte that quickly breaks down when submerged in organic solvents, allowing for easy recycling of components. The new material could revolutionize the battery industry by simplifying the recycling process and reducing electronic waste.
A team of Chinese scientists has developed a high-performance iron-based catalyst for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), which could potentially reduce reliance on scarce and expensive platinum. The new design enables record efficiency and long-term durability, achieving an oxygen reduction overpotential as low as 0.34 V.
Researchers at RIKEN have developed a mechanochemical method to increase hydrogen saturation in perovskite powder, doubling its capacity. This discovery has significant implications for environmental sustainability and the potential for a hydrogen-based economy, as it enables more efficient production of ammonia fertilizer.
Researchers from Tohoku University have discovered a new material that can conduct both protons and electrons efficiently at intermediate temperatures. The material, titanium dioxide doped with niobium, enhances proton conductivity by up to 10 times, making it suitable for next-generation fuel cells and hydrogen separation membranes.
Scientists at Kyushu University have created a solid oxide fuel cell that operates at a low temperature of 300°C, overcoming a major hurdle in their development. The breakthrough uses scandium to create a 'ScO6 highway' for protons to travel efficiently, enabling the production of affordable hydrogen power.
A team of scientists at DGIST has created a new catalyst that boosts the performance and longevity of hydrogen fuel cells. By combining platinum with calcium, they achieved levels surpassing 2025 targets, paving the way for widespread adoption in hydrogen vehicles and power generation.
Researchers at WVU have designed a fuel cell that can switch between storing and generating electricity, making it suitable for balancing an overwhelmed US electrical grid. The new design, called conformally coated scaffold, stays stable even at high temperatures and humidity levels.
SwRI has created a novel controller system to test fuel cell stacks under normal and extreme driving conditions, enhancing performance and efficiency. The project aims to develop predictive control models for humidity management, improving fuel cell performance and reliability.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new fuel cell that can carry three times as much energy per pound as current EV batteries, offering a lightweight option for electrifying transportation systems. The technology has the potential to enable electric aviation and other sectors like marine and rail transportation.
Researchers from Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) have set a new temperature record for testing materials in high-pressure environments. The team successfully achieved unprecedented conditions of 1,150 degrees Celsius at 300 bar using a modified autoclave setup.
Researchers developed a simplified CFD model to evaluate the impact of ported shrouds on centrifugal compressor performance. The findings reveal that the ported shroud extends the operational range by approximately 10% and improves pressure ratio near surge limits, enhancing overall system efficiency.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have developed a technique using soundwaves to separate valuable catalyst materials and fluorinated polymer membranes from catalyst-coated membranes. This breakthrough addresses critical environmental challenges posed by PFAS, which contaminate drinking water and have serious health implications.
Researchers developed a new ultrafine platinum-based high-entropy alloy octahedra catalyst that enhances methanol oxidation reaction activity and durability. The senary alloy outperformed ternary alloys and commercial platinum-on-carbon catalysts in terms of performance, offering a promising advance for direct methanol fuel cells.
Researchers at Nagoya University developed an innovative method to synthesize amorphous nanosheets from challenging metal oxides and oxyhydroxides. The process uses surfactants to create ultrathin layers with numerous defects, making them excellent active sites for catalytic reactions.
A study investigated heat transfer in PEM fuel cell stacks with serpentine-type cooling channels, revealing the impact of operating conditions on refrigeration capability. The research aimed to develop a novel correlation for the Nusselt number, facilitating more efficient cooling system design.
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University developed a new electrochemical cell that converts bicarbonate solution into formate ions with high selectivity and efficiency. The cell boasts unrivalled performances rivaling energy-hungry gas-fed methods, promising to have a significant impact on climate change technology.
Researchers developed a technique to study electrochemical processes at the atomic level, revealing unexpected transformations in a popular copper catalyst. The technique, called polymer liquid cell (PLC), enables scientists to observe composition changes during reactions in real time.
Researchers at RIKEN have developed a new catalyst that reduces the amount of iridium required for hydrogen production, achieving 82% efficiency and sustaining production for over 4 months. The breakthrough could revolutionize ecologically friendly hydrogen production and pave the way for a carbon-neutral energy economy.
Researchers at RIKEN have improved the stability of a green hydrogen production process by using a custom-made catalyst, increasing its lifetime by almost 4,000 times. The breakthrough uses earth-abundant materials, making it more sustainable and potentially cost-effective for widespread industrial use.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed a process to create solid sulfide electrolytes with world-high sodium ion conductivity and glass electrolytes with high reduction resistance. This breakthrough enhances the practical use of all-solid-state sodium batteries.
Researchers investigate degradation mechanisms of proton exchange membrane fuel cells in automotive settings, highlighting chemical breakdown, corrosion, and mechanical wear. The study introduces pioneering approaches to enhance the lifespan and durability of PEMFCs, offering new perspectives for commercializing clean technology.
Researchers at Chiba University have discovered that adding caffeine to certain platinum electrodes can increase the activity of the oxygen reduction reaction. This discovery has the potential to reduce platinum requirements in fuel cells, making them more affordable and efficient.
Researchers have developed a chemical etching method to widen the pores of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which could improve their applications in fuel cells and as catalysts. The new MOF structure enables faster transfer of chemicals, enhancing activity and stability.
A team of researchers at Kyushu University found that Japan's current policy may not be enough to reduce CO2 emissions and achieve decarbonization goals. To address this, the government must extend vehicle longevity, invest in a cleaner energy mix, and decarbonize the supply chain.
Researchers created a polymer electrolyte membrane with an interpenetrating network that enhances fatigue resistance and prolongs the lifespan of fuel cells. The composite membrane exhibits a lifespan of 410 hours, compared to 242 hours for the original Nafion membrane.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have discovered a new strategy to enhance the conductivity and stability of perovskite-type proton conductors, overcoming the 'Norby gap' issue. Donor doping into materials with disordered intrinsic oxygen vacancies enables high proton conduction at intermediate and low temperatures.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science developed nanostructured hard carbon electrodes using inorganic zinc-based compounds, which deliver unprecedented performance and significantly increase the capacity of sodium- and potassium-ion batteries. The new electrodes improve energy density by 1.6 times compared to existing technologies.
Researchers at MIT and Harvard University have developed an efficient process to convert carbon dioxide into a stable, solid formate fuel that can be used in fuel cells and generate electricity. The new process achieves over 90% conversion efficiency and eliminates the need for toxic and flammable fuels.
Researchers propose a hybrid control strategy combining model-based optimization and in-cell feedback control to solve the process-model mismatch issue. This approach enhances the regulation of metabolic toggle switches, leading to increased isopropanol yields and robust microbial material production.
A team of scientists constructed micro-mesoporous metal-organic framework and carbon nanotube-based composite catalysts showing excellent oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalytic activity. The presence of MNx sites was found responsible for the enhanced electrocatalytic activity.
The team developed poly(triphenyl piperidinium) based high-temperature proton exchange membranes with improved physicochemical properties, demonstrating enhanced proton conductivity and mechanical stability. The membranes showed promising performance in fuel cell applications, with the highest peak power density achieved at 210 °C.
Researchers investigate the impact of cathode catalyst layer platinum loading on PEMFC electrode-membrane assembly durability. Low Pt content impairs oxygen reduction activity but doesn't affect degradation mechanisms.
Researchers developed a graphene-based proton-exchange membrane that successfully suppresses the crossover phenomenon, allowing for high proton conductivity while blocking fuel molecule penetration. This study contributes to the development of advanced fuel cells as an alternative to hydrogen-type fuel cells.
Scientists developed a novel technique to evaluate carbon particle dispersion in battery electrode slurries, enabling enhanced battery electrodes. The study's results show that measuring viscosity and electrochemical impedance can provide insights into dispersibility.
Researchers discuss the potential of using ammonia as a hydrogen carrier for on-site power generation via ammonia decomposition. The high hydrogen content (17.6 wt%) and low toxicity make it an attractive alternative to traditional hydrogen storage methods, but challenges such as leakage and toxicity need to be addressed.
Carbon-based materials have been found to be more reactive with alcohol-functionalized oxygens, challenging traditional catalysis chemistry. The researchers' study showed a correlation between the amount and type of oxygen present and performance, including the long-range effects of aromatic rings.
A team of researchers from China and the UK has developed new ways to optimise the production of solar fuels by creating novel photocatalysts. These photocatalysts, such as titanium dioxide with boron nitride, can absorb more wavelengths of light and produce more hydrogen compared to traditional methods.