Article
Chemistry, Physical
Keqing Zheng, Yangtian Yan, Ya Sun, Jun Yang, Meng Zhu, Meng Ni, Li Li
Summary: Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is an efficient and low-emission electrochemical device for power generation. Ammonia, a low-cost and carbon-free hydrogen carrier, can be directly used as fuel for SOFC. This paper focuses on the design of NH3-SOFC anode for efficient and stable utilization of ammonia, and presents empirical correlations of the decomposition rate of NH3 over different catalysts.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Noah Zecher-Freeman, Han Zong, Pengfei Xie, Chao Wang
Summary: This article discusses the recent progress in NH3 decomposition catalysts, including catalysts based on Ru, nonprecious metals, bimetallic alloys, and high-entropy alloys. It focuses on their structure-property relationships and catalytic mechanisms, and highlights further research directions for ammonia as a carbon-neutral liquid fuel.
CURRENT OPINION IN GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Valentina Cechetto, Cynthia Lan Struijk, Luca Di Felice, Anouk W. N. de Leeuw den Bouter, Fausto Gallucci
Summary: Copper-exchanged faujasite (Cu-FAU) zeolites were used as promising adsorbent materials for further purifying hydrogen obtained from ammonia decomposition in a membrane reactor. The introduction of copper species in the zeolites enhanced their NH3 adsorption and saturation capacities. However, Cu-FAU zeolites synthesized with copper(II) nitrate trihydrate and calcined in air showed deactivation after the first adsorption/desorption cycle. On the other hand, ion-exchange procedure in the presence of ammonium hydroxide and calcination in an inert environment prevented dealumination and showed stable performance. The one-time ion-exchanged form of zeolite 13X was found to be the most promising adsorbent material for effectively purifying NH3-derived H2 produced via ammonia decomposition in a membrane reactor.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yu Luo, Shuting Liao, Shuai Chen, Huihuang Fang, Fulan Zhong, Li Lin, Chen Zhou, Chongqi Chen, Guohui Cai, Chak-Tong Au, Lilong Jiang
Summary: This research demonstrates that high H atom utilization can be achieved by matching the rates of NH3 decomposition and H-2 electrochemical oxidation; as temperature decreases, the rate of H-2 oxidation decreases more rapidly, suggesting lowering NH3 flow velocity to optimize H atom utilization; under specific operating conditions, tubular DA-SOFC fueled with NH3 shows potential for high-efficiency power generation.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Xiao Tan, Yiming Zhou, Suitao Qi, Guangxu Cheng, Chunhai Yi, Bolun Yang
Summary: In this study, a Fe-modified Mn-based molecular sieve catalyst was prepared by directly loading urea using a stepwise impregnation method, demonstrating good low-temperature urea-SCR activity. The research results confirm the mechanism of urea reacting with NO at low temperatures and provide theoretical support through density functional theory calculations.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Huimin Zhang, Hailong Wang, Luanqi Zhou, Qiming Li, Xu Yang, Yifei Wang, Meng Zhang, Zucheng Wu
Summary: Direct electrochemical oxidation of ammonia-nitrogen wastewater is a challenging task. This study synthesized NiCu3-N-C diatomic site catalyst (DAC) via solid-phase pyrolysis and demonstrated its high dispersion and micro-environment characteristics. The results showed that NiCu3-N-C DAC exhibited excellent intrinsic activity and achieved high removal efficiency, faradaic efficiency, and N-2 selectivity in a real wastewater experiment. This work provides a good example of designing functionally coordinated DACs for efficient ammonia-nitrogen wastewater treatment.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Teng Wang, Yun Zhao, Brian. P. Setzler, Yushan Yan
Summary: Low temperature direct ammonia fuel cells (DAFCs) show promise for transportation applications but face challenges in performance and durability. This study focuses on optimizing DAFCs by examining operating backpressure and ORR catalysts, revealing that DAFCs with Acta 4020 cathode have superior performance while those with Pd/C cathode exhibit improved durability.
JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yun Liu, Zhefei Pan, Oladapo Christopher Esan, Xiaoyu Huo, Xingyi Shi, Liang An
Summary: In this work, a new passive ammonia fuel cell prototype is designed and tested. The developed ammonia fuel cell features a passive supply of ammonia to the anode and an open cathode design. The performance and behavior of the fuel cell are investigated under different operating conditions, as well as the influence of structural parameters on mass transport and performance.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lingling Zhai, Chiu Shek Wong, Honglei Zhang, Pei Xiong, Xiangdang Xue, Yiu Lun Ho, Cuidong Xu, Yat Chi Fong, Jie Mei, Wing Wa Chan, Shu Chuen Ip, Shuangxia Niu, Shu Ping Lau, Ka Wai Eric Cheng, Molly Meng-Jung Li
Summary: An NH3-powered fuel cell electric golf cart system was developed and demonstrated, showing the feasibility of NH3-powered fuel cell vehicles. The integrated system can provide sufficient energy for a 3 kW golf cart to continuously drive for over 500 km. This work serves as a future reference and inspiration for the practical developments of NH3-based H-2 fuel applications.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zijun Hu, Song Lu, Fumin Tang, Daijun Yang, Cunman Zhang, Qiangfeng Xiao, Pingwen Ming
Summary: Anion exchange membrane-based direct ammonia fuel cells (AEM-DAFCs) have attracted attention due to the advantages of ammonia. However, high Pt loading in the anode limits their practical implementation. In this study, Ni4Cu1Cox (x = 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0)-BP catalysts were prepared and the best ammonia oxidation reaction (AOR) performance was achieved at x = 1.5. The AEM-DAFC based on Ni4Cu1Co1.5-BP anode showed the highest peak power density (PPD) among precious metal-free electrodes-based AEM-DAFCs, making it a promising candidate for anode catalyst in AEM-DAFCs.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Huihuang Fang, Chen Liao, Quanying Cai, Fulan Zhong, Li Lin, Chongqi Chen, Yu Luo, Lilong Jiang
Summary: In this study, we systematically fabricated a series of PtxIry/XC-72 catalysts by tuning the Pt/Ir compositions. The results showed that Pt composition favors increasing current densities, while Ir composition facilitates reducing onset potentials in ammonia oxidation reaction (AOR). Additionally, the Pt - Ir nanoparticles exhibited a segregated Pt configuration on the topmost surface, which differs from the classic view for homogeneous alloys. The insights provided by this research contribute to catalyst engineering for AOR and ammonia fuel cells.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yuxin Pan, Hua Zhang, Kang Xu, Yucun Zhou, Bote Zhao, Wei Yuan, Kotaro Sasaki, YongMan Choi, Yu Chen, Meilin Liu
Summary: Nickel-based cermet anode-supported protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs) have great potential for direct utilization of ammonia. This study reports embedded tubular PCFCs with a catalytic iron layer, which show improved performance and stability.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Haneul Jin, Sehyun Lee, Yeonsun Sohn, Soo-Hyoung Lee, Pil Kim, Sung Jong Yoo
Summary: In direct ammonia fuel cells, the ammonia oxidation reaction is crucial but limited by the slow reaction kinetics, resulting in few available catalysts. Researchers have developed a novel synthetic method to control the formation kinetics of platinum nanocubes and achieve pristine Pt (100) catalyst for better performance in AOR and DAFCs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Riyi Chen, Songsheng Zheng, Yudong Yao, Zhibin Lin, Wei Ouyang, Lianghui Zhuo, Zhaolin Wang
Summary: Through investigating the performance of a direct ammonia fuel cell, it was found that the PtIr/C alloy catalyst achieved the highest peak power density and open-circuit voltage, but also showed a correlation between ammonia permeation and cathode catalyst degradation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Zijun Hu, Qiangfeng Xiao, Dongdong Xiao, Ziming Wang, Fukang Gui, Yike Lei, Jie Ni, Daijun Yang, Cunman Zhang, Pingwen Ming
Summary: The research successfully synthesized Mn-Co spinel catalysts with high oxygen reduction reaction activity and excellent ammonia tolerance, demonstrating that Mn-Co-BP2000 is a superior cathode catalyst for low-temperature AEM-DAFCs.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yingguang Zhang, Muyan Wu, Yifei Wang, Xiaolong Zhao, Dennis Y. C. Leung
Summary: Colloidal solution combustion synthesis (CSCS) is a simple and efficient method for mass production of crystalline nanomaterials with tunable pore structure. In this study, mesoporous Mn/CeO2 catalysts were successfully fabricated using the CSCS method combined with a dip-coating process. The prepared catalysts exhibited high photocatalytic activity for the oxidation of toluene under vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) irradiation. The analysis of intermediates suggested a possible degradation pathway. Physical and chemical characterization of the catalysts revealed that their properties play a crucial role in the photocatalytic activity. Compared to similar catalysts synthesized by other methods, the Mn/CeO2 catalysts demonstrated higher activity, attributed to the higher contents of specific species. This research demonstrated the effectiveness of the CSCS method coupled with a dip-coating process for the synthesis of high-performance catalysts.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kee Wah Leong, Wending Pan, Yifei Wang, Shijing Luo, Xiaolong Zhao, Dennis Y. C. Leung
Summary: In this work, reversible, aqueous Mg battery chemistry has been achieved for the first time by regulating Cl- and using MgCl2 water-in-salt (WIS) electrolyte to convert the impermeable passivation film of Mg into a conductive metallic oxide complex. The aqueous Mg battery shows a stable performance with an impressive voltage plateau and high Coulombic efficiency.
ACS ENERGY LETTERS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Linhao Fan, Hao Deng, Yingguang Zhang, Qing Du, Dennis Y. C. Leung, Yun Wang, Kui Jiao
Summary: With the global commercialization of PEMFCs approaching, the challenges of cost, performance, and durability need to be addressed. Developing ultralow Pt loading PEMFCs is crucial for improving their cost competitiveness. This perspective discusses the motivation for ultralow Pt loading and presents important technical development routes. The latest advancements in catalyst layer design under low Pt loading, as well as approaches for accelerating catalyst layer development, are proposed for next-generation PEMFCs.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xiaolong Zhao, Xiaoping Yi, Wending Pan, Yifei Wang, Shijing Luo, Yingguang Zhang, Ruijie Xie, Dennis Y. C. Leung
Summary: Oxygen element is introduced into a non-metal CN photocatalyst to enhance the activity and selectivity of the photocatalytic CO2 reduction process. The optimized sample exhibits improved charge transfer dynamics, resulting in faster and more active electron transfer and higher CO2-to-CH4 photoreduction activity compared to the CN counterpart. Additionally, the sample demonstrates excellent cyclic stability.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Hailong Wang, Luanqi Zhou, Wenyi Chen, Xing Tong, Yifei Wang, Huimin Zhang
Summary: Direct electrochemical oxidation is a promising method for treating ammonia-nitrogen wastewater. A three-dimensional Ni foam electrode, coated with NiCuOOH petal-like cluster structures, was prepared via a sonochemical method combined with a surface electrochemical reconstruction strategy. This electrode exhibited extraordinary electrocatalytic activity for ammonia oxidation reaction, achieving high current density and removal efficiency of ammonia-nitrogen.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ruijie Xie, Kaiheng Guo, Zhimin Ao, Ziyi Suo, Haibao Huang, D. Y. C. Leung
Summary: In this study, a Co atom anchored on Al-doped SiO2 catalyst was used for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation to produce surface-bound sulfate radicals (SO4 center dot-), resulting in efficient removal of pollutants within minutes. The abundant surface-bound SO4 center dot- was identified and quantified using in-situ cyclic voltammetry-electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (CV-EQCM) technique. Co atoms provided binding sites for SO4 center dot-, leading to the enrichment of surface-bound SO4 center dot- at the nanoscale. The system exhibited outstanding performance in pollutant degradation, surpassing traditional treatments.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Wei Zhao, Mengru Yan, Xinran Yang, Xiaojun Zeng, Yantong Chen, Benlin Dai, Xiaozhong Chu, Xuekun Hong, Feihu Mu, Shijie Li, Dennis Y. C. Leung
Summary: A novel Ag/MIL-68(In)-NH2/Bi4O7 plasmonic heterojunction was successfully prepared and showed the most efficient photocatalytic performance in the degradation of amoxicillin, with 3.7 and 3.2 times higher activity than Bi4O7 and MIL-68(In)-NH2, respectively. The superior performance was attributed to the large surface area and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect, which provided more active sites and enhanced visible light absorption. The degradation pathway of amoxicillin was also investigated using Gaussian software calculation and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. Lastly, characterizations and simulations were conducted to explain the S-scheme photocatalytic mechanism.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
X. Yi, X. Liu, B. Qin, X. Zhao, K. W. Leong, W. Pan, K. Jiang, S. Ma, Z. Hao, D. Y. C. Leung, Z. Wen
Summary: An ultrafine carbon nanotube (CNT) is developed as a cathode catalyst for solid-state lithium-oxygen batteries (SSLOBs), improving the solid-solid contact issue and providing a superior specific capacity. The amorphous discharge products formed on the CNT surface and between the CNTs and solid electrolyte particles are found to reduce cell impedance and increase reactive sites. The growth morphology of Li2O2 and the conduction paths of amorphous (Li2O2)n cluster are also determined for the first time.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Huimin Zhang, Hailong Wang, Luanqi Zhou, Qiming Li, Xu Yang, Yifei Wang, Meng Zhang, Zucheng Wu
Summary: Direct electrochemical oxidation of ammonia-nitrogen wastewater is a challenging task. This study synthesized NiCu3-N-C diatomic site catalyst (DAC) via solid-phase pyrolysis and demonstrated its high dispersion and micro-environment characteristics. The results showed that NiCu3-N-C DAC exhibited excellent intrinsic activity and achieved high removal efficiency, faradaic efficiency, and N-2 selectivity in a real wastewater experiment. This work provides a good example of designing functionally coordinated DACs for efficient ammonia-nitrogen wastewater treatment.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Siyuan Zhao, Tong Liu, Yayu Zuo, Manhui Wei, Jian Wang, Zongping Shao, Dennis Y. C. Leung, Tianshou Zhao, Meng Ni
Summary: To achieve long-duration energy storage, a technological and economical battery technology is crucial. This study presents an all-around zinc-air flow battery that utilizes a decoupled acid-alkaline electrolyte to elevate the discharge voltage and a reaction modifier KI to lower the charging voltage. This battery exhibits long discharge duration, high power density, unprecedented energy efficiency, and outstanding fast charging ability, making it a promising option for long-duration energy storage and a catalyst for the development of other systems.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mingyu Xia, Xiaolong Zhao, Ci Lin, Wending Pan, Yingguang Zhang, Zhengxiao Guo, Dennis Y. C. Leung
Summary: This study reports a morphology engineering strategy to fabricate terrace-like tungsten oxide (TW) film and evaluates its high-voltage performance as a photoanode for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. Terrace-like WO3 films show higher photoelectrochemical performance compared to porous WO3 films due to their more regular nanostructure, smaller band gap, faster charge-transfer rate, and reduced recombination rate.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yifei Wang, Wending Pan, Kee Wah Leong, Shijing Luo, Xiaolong Zhao, Dennis Y. C. Leung
Summary: This study develops an ethanol gel electrolyte for Al-air battery, which effectively inhibits Al corrosion and improves the discharge lifetime and specific capacity of the battery.
GREEN ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Huimin Zhang, Luanqi Zhou, Xu Yang, Hailong Wang, Yifei Wang, Zucheng Wu
Summary: In this work, an innovative microfluidic electrochemical nitrogen-removal reactor (MENR), based on a short-circuited ammonia-air microfluidic fuel cell (MFC), was designed. The MENR utilizes laminar characteristics of two flows in a microchannel to establish an efficient reactor system. The MENR showed efficient nitrogen removal properties, providing an energy-saving process to remove nitrogen from ammonia-rich wastewater.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Huimin Zhang, Xing Tong, Huoqing Xiao, Hailong Wang, Xiuguo Lu, Meng Zhang
Summary: A magnetic MnFe2O4/MWNT nanocomposite activated with sodium persulfate (PDS) was used for the removal of tetracycline (TC). The best-performing nanocomposite was selected and evaluated using various physical characterizations. The effects of different factors on TC removal were investigated and a degradation pathway for TC was proposed based on intermediate products.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wending Pan, Yulong Zhang, Kee Wah Leong, Yingguang Zhang, Jianjun Mao, Yifei Wang, Xiaolong Zhao, Shijing Luo, D. Y. C. Leung
Summary: This study introduces 2D MoS2 as a high-performance cathode material for aqueous Al-ion batteries, achieving high voltage and energy density through anion intercalation mechanism. The battery demonstrated an impressive retention rate of approximately 100% after 200 cycles. This research not only provides insights into the development of 2D MoS2 cathode materials but also lays the foundation for advanced cathode materials in the field of Al-ion batteries.
