Article
Environmental Sciences
Asif Jamil, Sikander Rafiq, Tanveer Iqbal, Hafiza Aroosa Aslam Khan, Haris Mahmood Khan, Babar Azeem, M. Z. Mustafa, Abdulkader S. Hanbazazah
Summary: Fuel cells are environmentally friendly technology with high efficiency and economic advantages. Proton exchange membranes, especially for hydrogen fuel cells, have great potential but face challenges in terms of cost and degradation of proton exchange capacity over time.
Article
Thermodynamics
Tiankuo Chu, Qianwen Tang, Qinpu Wang, Yanbo Wang, Hong Du, YuQing Guo, Bing Li, Daijun Yang, Pingwen Ming, Cunman Zhang
Summary: In this study, durability tests were conducted on two stacks with different channel depths of PEMFC for 1000 h on a 1 kW fuel cell stack test platform. The overall performance change of the stack was detected and the membrane electrode assembly was characterized. The mechanism of membrane degradation and hydrogen crossover was analyzed using first principle calculation, and some durability experimental results were explained. Results showed that the durability of the PEMFC with a shallow flow channel was worse, with significant voltage drops and increased hydrogen crossover after 500 h. The chemical structure change of the membrane caused by free radical attack was revealed by the first principle calculation. This paper reveals the mechanism of hydrogen crossover and its influence on the catalyst layer, offering insights to improve the durability of PEMFC.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Brian Kienitz
Summary: Thinner ionomer membranes can improve fuel cell system performance but lead to increased anode purge rates. The model predicts an optimal membrane thickness for maximizing vehicle range, depending highly on other system conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hyunseung Lee, Hongdae Seo, Seong Ku Kim, Insung Bae
Summary: The aligned nanostructure of perfluorinated polymer electrolytes, achieved through capillary force lithography, enables increased proton conductivity. A hierarchical structure is realized through soft lithography, allowing control over the structures of proton-transporting channels. The line-patterned membranes show enhanced proton conductivities, as confirmed by electrochemical impedance analysis. Moreover, an increased interfacial contact area improves the power generation efficiency of the membrane-electrode assembly in proton-exchange membrane fuel cells.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Adisak Pokprasert, Patrick Theato, Suwabun Chirachanchai
Summary: Proton transfer in polymer electrolyte membrane is a crucial mechanism in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. This study proposes a method to enhance proton conductivity by aligning proton donor and acceptor polymer chains on the membrane surface through surface-initiated polymerization.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mehran Yousefi Tehrani, Seyed Hesam Mirfarsi, Soosan Rowshanzamir
Summary: In this study, a complex finite element model is developed to investigate the mechanical response of hydrocarbon-based membranes under different fuel cell conditions. The results show that sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) membranes undergo the most severe swelling-induced degradation at low voltages, high temperatures, and backpressure values. Clamping pressure is a dominant factor, and Nafion membranes have a higher risk of wrinkle deformation under compression.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tong Huang, Xiaoyu Qiu, Junfeng Zhang, Xintian Li, Yabiao Pei, Haifei Jiang, Runfei Yue, Yan Yin, Zhongyi Jiang, Xiaosong Zhang, Michael D. Guiver
Summary: Quaternary ammonium modified polymer of intrinsic micro porosity (PIM) shows low hydrogen crossover in fuel cells, indicating effective hydrogen permeation suppression.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Aida Karimi, Milad Shakouri Kalfati, Seyed Hesam Mirfarsi, Soosan Rowshanzamir
Summary: A dynamic model is developed to predict the concentration profiles of reactants, cross-over in the membrane, and hydrogen peroxide formation in a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) using sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) membrane. Results show that high voltages can accelerate the cross-over of reactants and promote the chemical mode of H2O2 formation. Additionally, reducing the membrane thickness increases the cross-over and formation of H2O2.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sida Li, Xuezhe Wei, Hao Yuan, Pingwen Ming, Xueyuan Wang, Haifeng Dai
Summary: This paper presents a novel galvanostatic charging method for quantifying the hydrogen crossover in fuel cell stacks. The method is validated to be accurate and efficient, providing a non-invasive tool for lifespan evaluation and failure diagnosis of fuel cell stacks.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kuan Shiong Khoo, Wen Yi Chia, Kexin Wang, Chih-Kai Chang, Hui Yi Leong, Muhammad Nasrulhazim Bin Maaris, Pau Loke Show
Summary: This review summarizes the application of ionic liquids in high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells, discusses their advantages when combined with polybenzimidazole, and evaluates and discusses the research development and issues of ILs.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Farid Wijaya, Seunghee Woo, Hyejin Lee, Adam F. Nugraha, Dongwon Shin, Byungchan Bae
Summary: In this study, sulfonated multiblock poly(phenylene-co-arylene ether sulfone) (SmPPES) membranes were prepared via Colon's Nickel catalyzed cross-coupling reaction. The membranes showed well-defined phase separation and proton conductivities comparable to or exceeding that of a reference Nafion membrane. The control over sulfonated phenylene and ether sulfone hydrophobic blocks provides new insight into designing high-performance polymer electrolyte membranes.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
J. M. Desantes, R. Novella, B. Pla, M. Lopez-Juarez
Summary: This study integrates durability and performance prediction in the sizing process of the FC stack of a fuel cell range-extender (FCREx) vehicle along with the design of a dynamics-limited control strategy. A novel degradation modeling framework is proposed to predict FC stack degradation rate. Results show that increasing FC stack power decreases H-2 consumption but increases durability, while increasing dynamic limitations on the control strategy increases both H-2 consumption and durability.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Faizah Altaf, Rida Batool, Rohama Gill, Zohaib Ur Rehman, Hammad Majeed, Adnan Ahmad, Muhammad Shafiq, Davoud Dastan, Ghazanfar Abbas, Karl Jacob
Summary: A series of novel composite membranes based on ABPBI-MMT and SPVA have been prepared and further doped with phosphoric acid. The introduction of ABPBI-MMT decreased the water uptake of pristine polymer matrix, but significantly increased after phosphoric acid doping. The composite membranes displayed enhanced proton conductivity values, especially at high temperatures, making them promising candidates for high-temperature PEM fuel cell applications.
Article
Electrochemistry
Shuyan Wang, Zhenfeng He, Xiaoli Wang, Chao Wang, Xue Li, Yang Zhao
Summary: Ultrathin semi-interpenetrating proton exchange membranes (SIPN PEMs) consisting of conductive PFSA and cross-linked PDVB exhibited superior mechanical stability and electrochemical properties. Among the samples, SIPN-3 membrane with the lowest IEC showed the highest proton conductivity, making it a promising candidate for PEMFC applications.
JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nedjeljko Seselj, Silvia M. M. Alfaro, Eftychia Bompolaki, Lars N. N. Cleemann, Tomas Torres, Kobra Azizi
Summary: The constant increase in global emission standards has led to the importance of fuel cell (FC) technology. Research in the past two decades has focused on developing more active catalysts for high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFC) and improving their durability. Two main approaches have been suggested: alloying platinum (Pt) with low-cost transition metals to reduce Pt usage, and developing novel catalyst supports to enhance metal particle anchoring and inhibit corrosion phenomena. This comprehensive review details the recent development of platinum group metal (PGM) and platinum group metal free (PGM-free) catalysts, as well as alternative carbon (C) supports for HT-PEMFCs.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Junsheng Zheng, Yuhang Peng, Runlin Fan, Jing Chen, Zize Zhan, Dongmei Yao, Pingwen Ming
Summary: This study comprehensively investigated the influence of conductive filler on the properties of graphite composite bipolar plates in order to balance conductivity and flexural strength. Phenolic resin was used as the binder, natural flake graphite as the conductive substrate, and different functional carbon materials as auxiliary fillers. The results showed that the particle size of the conductive substrate significantly affected the conductivity enhancement of the auxiliary filler. Furthermore, the effects of various auxiliary filler concentrations on improving electrical conductivity and flexural strength were examined. This research has significant implications for achieving a balance between electrical conductivity and flexural strength in graphite composite bipolar plates.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Tiankuo Chu, Qianwen Tang, Qinpu Wang, Yanbo Wang, Hong Du, YuQing Guo, Bing Li, Daijun Yang, Pingwen Ming, Cunman Zhang
Summary: In this study, durability tests were conducted on two stacks with different channel depths of PEMFC for 1000 h on a 1 kW fuel cell stack test platform. The overall performance change of the stack was detected and the membrane electrode assembly was characterized. The mechanism of membrane degradation and hydrogen crossover was analyzed using first principle calculation, and some durability experimental results were explained. Results showed that the durability of the PEMFC with a shallow flow channel was worse, with significant voltage drops and increased hydrogen crossover after 500 h. The chemical structure change of the membrane caused by free radical attack was revealed by the first principle calculation. This paper reveals the mechanism of hydrogen crossover and its influence on the catalyst layer, offering insights to improve the durability of PEMFC.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Shengnan Xu, Peiyi Liao, Daijun Yang, Zhilong Li, Bing Li, Pingwen Ming, Xiangyang Zhou
Summary: This review examines the proper water management in gas flow channels of a PEMFC, focusing on droplet dynamics and flow patterns. The main factors affecting droplet dynamics are identified and analyzed, and strategies for improving the performance of low-temperature PEMFCs through liquid water removal are discussed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Meng Xie, Tiankuo Chu, Xiaolei Wang, Bing Li, Daijun Yang, Pingwen Ming, Cunman Zhang
Summary: Insufficient durability remains a limitation for the large-scale commercialization of fuel cells. This study investigates the role of catalysts and supports in the degradation process. The results show that self-made catalysts have better durability than commercial ones, indicating that the catalyst layer binding network based on mesoporous carbon plays a crucial role in ensuring stability.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Qitong Shi, Cong Feng, Fumin Tang, Bing Li, Pingwen Ming, Cunman Zhang
Summary: This study utilized X-ray computed tomography to obtain the fiber distribution and intersection of uncompressed CFP, and established an analytical model of bulk resistance based on the electron transfer path. The results showed that the increase in electron paths and the variation of the contact state were the main factors for the decrease in bulk resistance under compression. The turning points in the contact state curve can be used to assess the mechanical properties of CFP and determine the optimal pressure for fuel cell assembly.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Yuqi Han, Weilin Zhuge, Jie Peng, Yuping Qian, Pingwen Ming, Yangjun Zhang
Summary: This paper proposes a novel design of heat pipe bipolar plates (HPBP) to reduce the volume of heat pipe cooled stack and improve the power density of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system. Compared to ultra-thin flat heat pipes (UTFHP), the HPBP could significantly reduce the stack volume while maintaining comparable heat load and improve temperature uniformity. System-level evaluations show that the PEMFC system with HPBP cooling exhibits higher gravimetric and volumetric power densities than that with conventional liquid cooling.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fumin Tang, Cunman Zhang, Pingwen Ming
Summary: Various electrocatalysts developed for the cathode of PEMFC show better performance on a rotating disk electrode (RDE) compared to being assembled in the membrane electrode assembly (MEA), but this phenomenon has not been quantitatively explained yet. In this study, the Butler-Volmer equation is further developed based on the detailed disassembly of the elemental reaction processes on the cathodic catalyst surface and in the MEA. These analytical equations quantitatively indicate how the catalyst's structural parameters and the electrode's microstructural parameters influence the catalyst's performance. Further analysis reveals that optimizing the structure of the catalytic layer can potentially improve the PEMFC's current density by more than one order of magnitude when using traditional catalysts like Pt/C. However, increasing hydrogen permeation not only reduces the open-circuit voltage but also decreases the PEMFC's lifetime. The established equations in this work, derived from strict mathematical and physical deductions, provide new guidance for evaluating and improving the performance of electrocatalysts in MEA assembly.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wei He, Fumin Tang, Xiang Li, Cunman Zhang, Pingwen Ming
Summary: This paper quantitatively studies the degradation mechanism of the catalyst layer in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) after 100 hours, 225 hours, and 650 hours of durability tests. The results indicate that the agglomeration of Pt particles is the main reason for degradation in the first 100 hours, accounting for 80%. Catalyst dissolution and the loss of proton connectivity caused by the ionomer are the main factors for degradation between 225 and 650 hours, increasing from 23% to 46%. Additionally, the corrosion of the carbon support inside the catalyst layer intensifies with test time. This study provides important guidance for the structural design of long-life fuel cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Peiyi Liao, Daijun Yang, Xiangmin Pan, Bing Li, Pingwen Ming, Zhilong Li
Summary: Efficient water transfer is crucial for enhancing the performance of PEMFCs. This study investigates the behavior of two-phase flow in fuel cells and analyzes the causes of loading failure. Experimental results show that slug flow can be converted into film flow, improving the success rate and efficiency of the load change process.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Fumin Tang, Zheng Tang, Yange Yang, Bing Li, Cunman Zhang, Pingwen Ming
Summary: In this paper, a general expression is developed to quantify the relationship among the measured signals in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) by decomposing the electrochemical processes. The theoretical polarization curves derived from this expression are confirmed by experiments, clarifying the intrinsic relevancies among these electrochemical methods. This work would help develop a new evaluation methodology for PEMFCs.
JOURNAL OF ELECTROANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Miao Li, Pingwen Ming, Ran Huo, Hailin Mu
Summary: This paper conducted a comprehensive study on the economic assessments of hydrogen delivery pathways, focusing on hydrogen transportation as a breakthrough. By developing a specific transportation model and conducting a case study in Shanghai, China, the feasibility and cost reduction pathways of various hydrogen delivery methods were explored. The research found that gas-hydrogen trailers are feasible for short distances, while liquid-hydrogen tank trucks are more economic for long distances. The transportation cost of these methods can be significantly reduced by increasing storage pressure and liquefaction scale, but pipelines have an economic advantage when utilization rate is high.
JOURNAL OF RENEWABLE AND SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hong Lv, Yahao Shen, Tao Zheng, Wei Zhou, Pingwen Ming, Cunman Zhang
Summary: As the use of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs) increases, ensuring their safety level is equivalent to gasoline vehicles is crucial. This study utilized the FLACS software to evaluate the behavior of hydrogen release, dispersion, and flame propagation in an outdoor parking space with multiple HFCVs. The effects of leak diameter, release direction, and parking configuration on the formation of a flammable gas cloud (FGC) were examined. The study highlights the importance of TPRD diameters and parking configurations for the safe introduction of HFCVs in existing outdoor parking spaces and infrastructure.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(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
Chemistry, Physical
Feijie Wang, Hailong Zhang, Pingwin Ming, Daijun Yang, Bing Li, Cunman Zhang
Summary: In this study, a automotive fuel cell system was designed and tested for cold start-up at low temperatures. The system showed good cold start-up characteristics, providing 50% power in 25 seconds at -20°C and reaching a coolant outlet temperature of 20°C within 40 seconds. However, issues such as low cell voltage and reverse polar phenomena were observed during the -30°C cold start-up process. Future work will focus on optimizing cold start-up strategy and purging time to minimize performance impact.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xiang Li, Fumin Tang, Qianqian Wang, Bing Li, Haifeng Dai, Guofeng Chang, Cunman Zhang, Pingwen Ming
Summary: The effect of ionomer spatial distribution on oxygen and proton transport in the cathode catalyst layer (CCL) of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) has been studied. The assumption of a mean spatial distribution for ionomer tends to underestimate cell performance, as the actual spatial distribution leads to higher proton transport resistance but greater oxygen concentration. This study provides guidance for future PEMFC models.