Article
Thermodynamics
Ruijiao Yu, Hang Guo, Hao Chen, Fang Ye
Summary: Gas diffusion layer and catalyst layer are crucial components in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell. The parameters of gas diffusion layer porosity, platinum, carbon, and ionomer inside the catalyst layer significantly affect the cell's output performance. These parameters have a strong interaction with each other due to the correlation between mass transfer and electrochemical reaction rate. By optimizing these parameters simultaneously using a 3D agglomerate model, the cell's performance can be improved, and the current density can be increased by at least 9.1%.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Liang Chen, Rui Lin, Mingyu Lou, Kai Lu
Summary: This work proposes a novel strategy to improve the durability of PEMFCs by preparing a wavy microporous layer on the gas diffusion layer (GDL). The wavy-GDL exhibits high structural stability and transfers the corrosion region from the microporous layer to the macroporous substrate, effectively mitigating carbon corrosion. This finding is valuable for promoting carbon corrosion mitigation strategy in other devices.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yuwei Pan, Huizhi Wang, Nigel P. Brandon
Summary: This paper reviews the latest research progress of gas diffusion layer (GDL) durability from three aspects: degradation mechanisms, experimental methods, and modelling approaches. The six degradation modes of GDLs and experimental techniques for measuring property deterioration are discussed, as well as the development of modeling approaches relating to GDL degradation.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Yang Yu, Sheng Chen, Yuanhao Wu
Summary: This study investigates the feasibility of using 2D cross-sectional data to predict 3D gas diffusion layer (GDL) flow information using volume of fluid calculation and convolutional neural network model. The results show that 2D GDL cross-sectional images can accurately predict GDL saturation in 3D and significantly reduce computational costs.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chongxue Zhao, Haihang Zhang, Yingjie Song, Guangyi Lin
Summary: A self-humidifying gas diffusion layer (GDL) was prepared using a spraying method in this study. The GDL had a graded hydrophobic structure, which improved the humidification effect of the fuel cell under low humidity conditions.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Amir Panahi, Abbas Ghasemi, Xianguo Li
Summary: This study investigates the interaction of particulate matter (PM) in the gas stream and their capture efficiency by fibrous structure of gas diffusion layers (GDLs) at different levels of relative humidity (RH) and particle sizes. It is found that high humidity levels result in higher diameter and lower density of PM, leading to lower air density and particle bounce. The increase in humidity level decreases capture efficiency for small particles but increases it for large particles, highlighting the importance of installing a filter for removing large particles in the reactant gas supply line to prevent PM accumulation in GDL structure.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Bifeng Yin, Sheng Xu, Shuangyu Yang, Fei Dong
Summary: A new elliptical groove gas diffusion layer (GDL) using a three-dimensional model is proposed to improve the transport properties of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), with significant effects on water diffusion and transport behavior. The presence of the elliptical groove greatly accelerates the flow rate of reactants and products, while different shape parameters impact the water and oxygen mass fractions in the GDL. The depth, radius, width, and spacing of the elliptical groove all play a role in affecting the water mass fraction, with specific optimal values leading to the lowest water mass fraction.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Rui Jiao Yu, Hang Guo, Hao Chen, Fang Ye
Summary: Porosity is a key parameter affecting the performance of gas diffusion layer in fuel cells. Non-uniform distribution of porosity can better simulate real structure and change cell performance. An optimized three-segment distribution of porosity in anode and cathode sides along three directions at different voltages was explored using a 3D, two-phase agglomerate model, and the reasons for these results at 0.2V, 0.6V and 0.8V were analyzed. The results show that as voltage increases, the average optimal porosity decreases and the porosity increases from inlet to outlet and along width direction. The reaction rate is influenced by reactant content and charge transfer at different regions depending on the voltage.
JOURNAL OF ELECTROANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Tien-Fu Yang, Ching-Yi Hsueh, Bo-Lin Chen, Wen-Ken Li, Wei-Mon Yan
Summary: This study focuses on the effects of manufacturing processes and fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) content on the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), with findings showing that carbon black types, humidification temperature, and FEP content in carbon paper have significant impacts on the cell performance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Zhicheng Liu, Li Zhou, Yanyan Gao, Manman Qi, Haiping Chen, Ming Hou, Zhigang Shao
Summary: A novel hydrophilic-modified gas diffusion layer (GDL) with Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) has been fabricated to improve the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) under low humidity. The addition of PAN in the cathode GDL significantly increases the power density by 30% under low humidity, without affecting the performance under full humidity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Manufacturing
Chuan Xu Luo, Hui Leng Choo, Hafisoh Ahmad, Praveena Nair Sivasankaran
Summary: Fuel cell technology, especially proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, has emerged as a promising alternative to fossil fuel energy in electric vehicle and mobile power generation fields. Among the key components of PEM fuel cells, the gas diffusion layer (GDL) plays a significant role in distributing reagents, managing water, conducting current and supporting the catalyst layer (CL). This paper provides an analysis of the materials and fabrication technologies of GDL. It covers the main materials used in macroporous substrate (MPS) and microporous layer (MPL), as well as the advanced manufacturing methods. It also briefly discusses the materials and manufacturing processes of bipolar plates (BPP) and catalyst layers (CL), while proposing future research directions.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS PART B-JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING MANUFACTURE
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Manli Wang, Ming Hou, Yanyan Gao, Haiping Chen, Bo Lv, Wei Song, Zhigang Shao
Summary: A novel substrate-free microporous layer (sfMPL) has been prepared, which extends the usable humidity range of PEMFCs and improves performance. The maximum power density of a single-cell assembled by sfMPL is 36.6% higher than that with conventional methods.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Gaojian Chen, Qian Xu, Jin Xuan, Jianguo Liu, Qian Fu, Weidong Shi, Huaneng Su, Lei Xing
Summary: Gas diffusion layers play a critical role in proton exchange membrane fuel cells, and non-uniform deformation can lead to changes in the physical properties of the layers, affecting cell performance. Balancing the degree of deformation in gas diffusion layers can optimize cell performance.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shuai Liu, Libin Zhang, Zhong Wang, Fei Dong, Qingliang Zhao, Qixia Zhang
Summary: This study conducted simulation research on liquid water transfer in the flow channel with a hydrophilic pipe using the volume-of-fluid method, which proved that a hydrophilic pipe structure is more effective in removing water from the gas diffusion surface (GDL) and reducing its surface water coverage.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Electrochemistry
Rui Jiao Yu, Hang Guo, Fang Ye
Summary: In this study, a three-dimensional, non-isothermal, two-phase agglomerate model considering the porosity difference of the gas diffusion layer was established, and numerical simulations were conducted to investigate the influence of different coefficients on the overall cell performance. The results showed that different coefficients have varying effects on the cell characteristics at different voltages.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
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)