Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mahmoud Dhimish, Nigel Schofield
Summary: The paper introduces a single-switch unidirectional buck-boost dc-dc converter for solar PV and fuel cell applications, achieving high efficiency and wide input voltage range. With a limited number of passive components and specific topology, the converter enables continuous power flow control and maintains stability of inductance current and output voltage under different conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Juntae Kim, Ickjin Kwon
Summary: In this paper, an optimal design method for a high-efficiency DC-DC boost converter is proposed for RF energy harvesting IoT sensors. By analyzing and modeling the losses, a method for obtaining the optimal design parameters by minimizing the total loss according to different input voltages is proposed. The designed DC-DC boost converter achieves high power conversion efficiency at different input voltages.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jiho Jung, Ickjin Kwon
Summary: This paper proposes a fully integrated capacitive DC-DC boost converter for ultra-low-power IoT applications operating with RF energy harvesting. The converter achieves high efficiency at an input voltage as low as 0.1 V by simultaneously applying gate bias boosting and dynamic body biasing techniques. The converter outperforms the conventional cross-coupled charge pump in terms of peak power conversion efficiency.
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Fabiano Gonzales Nimitti, Julian Cezar Giacomini, Antonio Manuel Santos Spencer Andrade
Summary: This article presents a new nonisolated bidirectional dc-dc converter with low voltage and current stresses across the semiconductor devices. The converter is a combination of a dual-stacked bidirectional boost converter and offers synchronous and asynchronous operation modes to reduce current ripple. The article also discusses the modeling and control of the proposed converter. A 1-kW, 144-V/400-V prototype was built to validate the theoretical evaluations, achieving peak efficiencies of 96.33% and 96.87% for step-up and step-down modes, respectively.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Hajera Gul, Waseem Raza, Jechan Lee, Mudassar Azam, Mujtaba Ashraf, Ki-Hyun Kim
Summary: The global energy crisis has led to the development of green energy technologies like microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for wastewater treatment and bioenergy generation. Factors affecting energy production are discussed to optimize MFC processes, including design and operational conditions. However, challenges still remain in balancing harvesting efficiency and upscaling MFC systems.
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Liangcai Xu, Rui Ma, Renyou Xie, Shengrong Zhuo, Yigeng Huangfu, Fei Gao
Summary: This article proposes an easily implementable and computationally effective model predictive control (MPC) scheme for fuel cell dc-dc boost converter. The proposed control scheme contains an explicit MPC method just with a single-step predictive horizon, which greatly reduces the computational burden. An observer technique is adopted to estimate the load impedance and input voltage for the predictive models, enhancing disturbance rejection performance. Additionally, a reference current generation module based on the flatness theory is built to handle parameter uncertainties and estimation errors.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Yasser Yousefi Zandabad, Seyed Saeed Fazel
Summary: In this paper, a new structure for a DC-DC full-bridge buck/boost LLC three-port converter (TPC) is proposed, which integrates an asymmetric fixed frequency full-bridge LLC network and the buck/boost circuit. The advantages of this structure include reduced components, high efficiency, soft switching, and wide gain. The proposed TPC is suitable for Photovoltaic (PV)/battery hybrid power applications and manages power flow through control variables, achieving an output voltage adjustment.
ENGINEERING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL-JESTECH
(2023)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Shrirang Maddalwar, Kush Kumar Nayak, Manish Kumar, Lal Singh
Summary: PMFC technology is the key to solving the rapid substrate utilization in MFC technology. This review discusses the challenges and commercialization approaches of PMFC, including factors influencing PMFC efficiency and possibilities for future interventions.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Azize Ayol, Idris Biryol, Halil Hasar, Ergin Taskan
Summary: This study presents research results on electricity production from waste activated sludge using MFCs during stabilization process. Different MFC configurations equipped with various electrodes were used to measure power and current densities. Experimental results showed that bioelectricity generation was linked to reductions in volatile solids and proteins as a fraction of extracellular polymeric substances.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Wei Han Tan, Siewhui Chong, Hsu-Wei Fang, Kuan-Lun Pan, Mardawani Mohamad, Jun Wei Lim, Timm Joyce Tiong, Yi Jing Chan, Chao-Ming Huang, Thomas Chung-Kuang Yang
Summary: Microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology has gained significant attention for its potential in organic and inorganic waste treatment and power generation as a clean energy alternative. Improvements and stacking methods have been explored to enhance power output for commercialization and implementation in wastewater treatment plants. However, scaling up studies have encountered challenges such as cell voltage reversal.
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Yao Rong Ong, Shuyu Cao, Sze Sing Lee, Chee Shen Lim, Max M. Chen, Naser Vosoughi Kurdkandi, Reza Barzegarkhoo, Yam P. Siwakoti
Summary: This paper proposes a universal converter that can generate positive DC voltage, negative DC voltage, and sinusoidal AC voltage. By controlling the duty cycle and switch states, the voltage is controlled and the operation mode is selected. Compared to existing universal converters, this topology reduces the number of conducting switches and high-frequency switches.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Carlos Munoz-Cupa, Yulin Hu, Chunbao Xu Charles, Amarjeet Bassi
Summary: The article discusses the effects of various operating conditions on COD removal and power production from biological wastewater treatments, as well as summarizes the advantages and weaknesses of current WC technologies used for different types of wastewater. It also provides information on technical barriers facing MFCs operation and the economic feasibility of using MFCs for wastewater treatment.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
K. Sankar, G. Saravanakumar, Amiya K. Jana
Summary: The paper presents a solution to the sudden load demand problem faced by proton exchange membrane fuel cells in transport/vehicle applications. By combining a DC-DC boost converter and auxiliary subsystems, and utilizing a nonlinear observer sliding mode controller to achieve controlled operation of the entire integrated complex system.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH & DESIGN
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Sija Gopinathan, V. Seshagiri Rao, S. Kumaravel
Summary: This article proposes a non-isolated enhanced voltage gain boost DC-DC converter. The attractive features of this converter include a single inductor, common ground, continuous input current, improved voltage gain, reduced operating duty ratio, and reduced component voltage stress. The proposed architecture aims to improve the numerator part of the voltage gain. The hardware implementation has been done for 500 W, 800 V, 50 kHz, and the comparative study proves the significant merits of the proposed converter compared to conventional converters.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON CIRCUITS AND SYSTEMS II-EXPRESS BRIEFS
(2023)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Jeongpyo Park, Min-Gyu Jeong, Jin-Gyu Kang, Changsik Yoo
Summary: This article presents a buck-boost converter that harvests energy from a solar cell and performs dc-dc conversion with only one inductor. It operates in battery-charging mode if harvested energy exceeds system load, and in battery-assisted mode if system load surpasses harvested energy. The optimal control scheme identified is the integral charging scheme for maximizing power efficiency.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Zhiyong Ren, Bozeng Tang, Junjie Xing, Caiyun Liu, Xuan Cai, Ahmed Hendy, Muhammad Kamran, Hao Liu, Lu Zheng, Junbing Huang, Xiao-Lin Chen
Summary: This study reveals the functional importance of m(6)A methylation in infection of Magnaporthe oryzae, showing that it plays a critical role in autophagy and fungal virulence. The mutant with disrupted m(6)A modification showed reduced virulence due to blockage of appressorial penetration and invasive growth, accompanied by severe disordered autophagy process.
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yonggang Yao, Qi Dong, Alexandra Brozena, Jian Luo, Jianwei Miao, Miaofang Chi, Chao Wang, Ioannis G. Kevrekidis, Zhiyong Jason Ren, Jeffrey Greeley, Guofeng Wang, Abraham Anapolsky, Liangbing Hu
Summary: High-entropy nanoparticles have unique structures and multielemental compositions that offer potential for tunable activity and enhanced stability, but they face challenges from complex atomic structures. The review focuses on discussing important progress in high-entropy nanoparticles and critical needs for their future development.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Cuihong Song, Jun-Jie Zhu, John L. Willis, Daniel P. Moore, Mark A. Zondlo, Zhiyong Jason Ren
Summary: This study quantitatively analyzed methane emissions from different types of sewers and water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) and identified the main sources and sinks of methane in the wastewater sector. The results showed significant variations in methane emissions at the plant-level, with higher emissions observed in plants equipped with anaerobic digestion or stabilization ponds. Gravity sewers dominated most collection systems worldwide. The estimated annual methane emission from centralized municipal wastewater treatment in the U.S. was approximately 10.9 +/- 7.0 MMT CO2-eq/year, which is about twice the IPCC (2019) Tier 2 estimates.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Meiqi Yang, Jun-Jie Zhu, Allyson McGaughey, Sunxiang Zheng, Rodney D. Priestley, Zhiyong Jason Ren
Summary: In this study, the first machine learning models were developed to predict separation factors between acetic acid and water in pervaporation. The study also assessed random seedness and data leakage problems during model development and demonstrated the importance of robust model validation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Engineering, Environmental
Jun-Jie Zhu, Jinyue Jiang, Meiqi Yang, Zhiyong Jason Ren
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Daniel P. Moore, Nathan P. Li, Lars P. Wendt, Sierra R. . Castaneda, Mark M. Falinski, Jun-Jie Zhu, Cuihong Song, Zhiyong Jason Ren, Mark A. Zondlo
Summary: A growing percentage of methane emissions from US waste come from wastewater treatment, but there is limited data leading to uncertainties. The largest study of methane emissions from US wastewater treatment was conducted, measuring 63 plants. The findings highlight the need for efforts to identify and mitigate methane emissions with increasing urbanization and centralized treatment.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jun-Jie Zhu, Zhiyong Jason Ren
Summary: Resources, Conservation & Recycling (RCR) focuses on resource management and sustainability. In this study, natural language processing and Word2vec-based techniques were used to uncover the underlying patterns and interactions between research topics and resources covered in RCR. The analysis revealed 49 trending-up topics, grouped into nine categories. The Word2vec-RCR model visualized the distribution of topic vectors and grouped them into 13 major regions. The newly developed Word2vec model is proven effective for understanding the evolution and interactions of research topics in RCR and broader environmental domains.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaohui Xu, Nehemie Guillomaitre, Kofi S. S. Christie, R. Konane Bay, Navid Bizmark, Sujit S. Datta, Zhiyong Jason Ren, Rodney D. Priestley
Summary: Hydrogels show great promise in energy and environmental applications, particularly in water purification and harvesting. The main challenge is the low water production rate, which fails to meet daily human demand. To address this issue, a rapid-response, antifouling solar absorber gel (LSAG) was developed, capable of producing potable water from contaminated sources at a rate sufficient to meet daily water demand. The LSAG integrates various materials to enhance photothermal response and prevent fouling, while its unique structure enables enhanced water transport. It can also purify water from harmful sources, including those containing small molecules, oils, metals, and microplastics.
ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Allyson L. McGaughey, Sneha Srinivasan, Timothy Zhao, Kofi S. S. Christie, Zhiyong Jason Ren, Rodney D. Priestley
Summary: Polymerbrush layers are important for surface modification of membranes in water treatment and reuse applications. Zwitterionic polymer brushes have been proven to be resistant to various types of fouling. However, there are challenges in scaling up traditional fabrication methods.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sunxiang Zheng, Cuihong Song, Maria C. Curria, Zhiyong Jason Ren, Claire E. White
Summary: The electrified synthesis and rejuvenation of calcium-based layered double hydroxides (Ca-based LDHs) as solid adsorbents for CO2 have been investigated, showing controllable particle morphology and phase purity, as well as lower desorption temperature. This study demonstrates a sustainable carbon capture process using LDHs.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Jun-Jie Zhu, Meiqi Yang, Zhiyong Jason Ren
Summary: Machine learning is widely used in environmental research, but inadequate studies can lead to incorrect conclusions. This study provides a compilation of common pitfalls and best practice guidelines for environmental machine learning research, based on literature analysis and the authors' own experience. By analyzing highly cited research articles, the study identifies key areas of concern and provides evidence-based data analysis to address misconceptions and improve the rigor of data preprocessing and model development standards.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kofi S. S. Christie, Allyson Mcgaughey, Samantha A. Mcbride, Xiaohui Xu, Rodney D. Priestley, Zhiyong Jason Ren
Summary: In this study, membrane distillation-crystallization is used to directly produce carbonate minerals from carbon dioxide-loaded amine solutions and waste materials. The results show that membranes with lower surface energy and greater roughness promote mineralization more rapidly.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jinyue Jiang, Juan A. Lopez-Ruiz, Yanhong Bian, Dongya Sun, Yuqing Yan, Xi Chen, Junjie Zhu, Harold D. May, Zhiyong Jason Ren
Summary: This study provides a detailed analysis of the scale-up efforts of microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) and summarizes the key factors to develop the technology further. Various scale-up configurations are compared and evaluated from technical and economic perspectives. The study demonstrates that MECs can be profitable in different market scenarios with or without subsidies.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaohui Xu, Yannick L. Eatmon, Kofi S. S. Christie, Allyson L. McGaughey, Nehemie Guillomaitre, Sujit S. Datta, Zhiyong Jason Ren, Craig Arnold, Rodney D. Priestley
Summary: Hydrogels can be transformed into tough and recyclable supramolecular phase-separated gels (PSGs) through a dehydration-hydration approach, which exhibit excellent mechanical performance and environmental tolerance. PSGs can be used as strain sensors in soft robotics and autonomous sensing applications.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yanhong Bian, Aaron Leininger, Harold D. May, Zhiyong Jason Ren
Summary: In the microbial electrosynthesis (MES) system, high acetate titers can be achieved through improved in situ H2 supply by a nickel foam decorated carbon felt cathode, providing a promising development for MES.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tianyu Chen, Zhibin Lu, Guangjin Zeng, Yongmin Xie, Jie Xiao, Zhifeng Xu
Summary: The study introduces a high-performance LSGM electrolyte-supported tubular DC-SOFC stack for portable applications, which shows great potential in developing into high-performing, efficient, and environmentally friendly portable power sources for distributed applications.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wenbin Tong, Yili Chen, Shijie Gong, Shaokun Zhu, Jie Tian, Jiaqian Qin, Wenyong Chen, Shuanghong Chen
Summary: In this study, a three-dimensional porous NiO interface layer with enhanced anode dynamics is fabricated, forming a Schottky contact with the zinc substrate, allowing rapid and uniform zinc plating both inside and below the interface layer. The resulting NiO@Zn exhibits exceptional stability and high capacity retention.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yafeng Bai, Kaidi Li, Liying Wang, Yang Gao, Xuesong Li, Xijia Yang, Wei Lu
Summary: In this study, a flexible zinc ion supercapacitor with gel electrolytes, porous alpha-MnO2@reduced graphene oxide cathode, and activated carbon/carbon cloth anode was developed. The device exhibits excellent electrochemical performance and stability, even at low temperatures, with a high cycle retention rate after 5000 cycles.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Anmol Jnawali, Matt D. R. Kok, Francesco Iacoviello, Daniel J. L. Brett, Paul R. Shearing
Summary: This article presents the results of a systematic study on the electrochemical performance and mechanical changes in two types of commercial batteries with different anode chemistry. The study reveals that the swelling of anode layers in batteries with silicon-based components causes deformations in the jelly roll structure, but the presence of a small percentage of silicon does not significantly impact the cycling performance of the cells within the relevant state-of-health range for electric vehicles (EVs). The research suggests that there is room for improving the cell capacities by increasing the silicon loading in composite anodes to meet the increasing demands on EVs.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yohandys A. Zulueta, My Phuong Pham-Ho, Minh Tho Nguyen
Summary: Advanced atomistic simulations were used to study ion transport in the Na- and K-doped lithium disilicate Li2Si2O5. The results showed that Na and K doping significantly enhanced Li ion diffusion and conduction in the material.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zongying Han, Hui Dong, Yanru Yang, Hao Yu, Zhibin Yang
Summary: An efficient phase inversion-impregnation approach is developed to fabricate BaO-decorated Ni8 mol% YSZ anode-supported tubular solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) with anti-coking properties. BaO nanoislands are successfully introduced inside the Ni-YSZ anode, leading to higher peak power densities and improved stability in methane fuel. Density functional theory calculations suggest that the loading of BaO nanoislands facilitates carbon elimination by capturing and dissociating H2O molecules to generate OH.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Suresh Mamidi, Dan Na, Baeksang Yoon, Henu Sharma, Anil D. Pathak, Kisor Kumar Sahu, Dae Young Lee, Cheul-Ro Lee, Inseok Seo
Summary: Li-CO2 batteries, which utilize CO2 and have a high energy density, are hindered in practical applications due to slow kinetics and safety hazards. This study introduces a stable and highly conductive ceramic-based solid electrolyte and a metal-organic framework catalyst to improve the safety and performance of Li-CO2 batteries. The optimized Li-CO2 cell shows outstanding specific capacity and cycle life, and the post-cycling analysis reveals the degradation mechanism of the electrodes. First-principles calculations based on density functional theory are also performed to understand the interactions between the catalyst and the host electrode. This research demonstrates the potential of MOF cathode catalyst for stable operation in Li-CO2 batteries.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ganghua Xiang, Zhihuan Qiu, Huilong Fei, Zhigang Liu, Shuangfeng Yin, Yuen Wu
Summary: In this study, a CeFeOx-supported Pt single atoms and subnanometric clusters catalyst was developed, which exhibits enhanced catalytic activity and stability for the preferential oxidation of CO in H2-rich stream through synergistic effect.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dimitrios Chatzogiannakis, Marcus Fehse, Maria Angeles Cabanero, Natalia Romano, Ashley Black, Damien Saurel, M. Rosa Palacin, Montse Casas-Cabanas
Summary: By coupling electrochemical testing to operando synchrotron based X-ray absorption and powder diffraction experiments, blended positive electrodes consisting of LiMn2O4 spinel (LMO) and layered LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2 (NMC) were studied to understand their redox mechanism. It was found that blending NMC with LMO can enhance energy density at high rates, with the blend containing 25% LMO showing the best performance. Testing with a special electrochemical setup revealed that the effective current load on each blend component can vary significantly from the nominal rate and also changes with SoC. Operando studies allowed monitoring of the oxidation state evolution and changes in crystal structure, in line with the expected behavior of individual components considering their electrochemical current loads.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chiara Cementon, Daniel Dewar, Thrinathreddy Ramireddy, Michael Brennan, Alexey M. Glushenkov
Summary: This Perspective discusses the specific power and power density of lithium-ion capacitors, highlighting the fact that their power characteristics are often underestimated. Through analysis, it is found that lithium-ion capacitors can usually achieve power densities superior to electrochemical supercapacitors, making them excellent alternatives to supercapacitors.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Weihao Wang, Hao Yu, Li Ma, Youquan Zhang, Yuejiao Chen, Libao Chen, Guichao Kuang, Liangjun Zhou, Weifeng Wei
Summary: This study achieved an improved electrolyte with excellent low-temperature and high-voltage performance by regulating the Li+ solvation structure and highly concentrating it. The electrolyte exhibited outstanding oxidation potential and high ionic conductivity under low temperature and high voltage conditions, providing a promising approach for the practical application of high-voltage LIBs.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Martin Bures, Dan Gotz, Jiri Charvat, Milos Svoboda, Jaromir Pocedic, Juraj Kosek, Alexandr Zubov, Petr Mazur
Summary: Vanadium redox flow battery is a promising energy storage solution with long-term durability, non-flammability, and high overall efficiency. Researchers have developed a mathematical model to simulate the charge-discharge cycling of the battery, and found that hydraulic connection of electrolyte tanks is the most effective strategy to reduce capacity losses, achieving a 69% reduction.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
M. Rodriguez-Gomez, J. Campo, A. Orera, F. de La Fuente, J. Valenciano, H. Fricke, D. S. Hussey, Y. Chen, D. Yu, K. An, A. Larrea
Summary: In this study, we analysed the operando performance of industrial lead cells using neutron diffraction experiments. The experiments revealed the evolution of different phases in the positive electrode, showed significant inhomogeneity of phase distribution inside the electrode, and estimated the energy efficiency of the cells.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jiawei Liu, Chenpeng Wang, Yue Yao, Hao Ye, Yinglong Liu, Yingli Liu, Xiaoru Xu, Zhicong Chen, Huazheng Yang, Gang Wu, Libin Lei, Chao Wang, Bo Liang
Summary: The study focuses on utilizing double conductive Ni-pads as anode collectors in micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cells. The simulation results show excellent performance and stability of DCNPs, and also highlight the potential applications in various fields.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yang Wang, Kangjie Zhou, Lang Cui, Jiabing Mei, Shengnan Li, Le Li, Wei Fan, Longsheng Zhang, Tianxi Liu
Summary: This study presents a polyimide sandwiched separator (s-PIF) for improving the cycling stability of Li-metal batteries. The s-PIF separator exhibits superior mechanical property, electrolyte adsorption/retention and ion conductivity, and enables dendrite-free Li plating/stripping process.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2024)
