Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yi Sak Noh, Hwan Yeop Jeong, Sang Jun Yoon, Hyung-Joong Kim, Young Taik Hong, Jaewon Choi, Soonyong So, Duk Man Yu
Summary: A new multilayered composite membrane was prepared by impregnating a sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) ionomer into a porous polytetrafluoroethylene substrate. The PTFE substrate was treated to improve the interaction between the ionomer and PTFE. The five-layered composite membrane exhibited enhanced dimensional stability, mechanical properties, and cell performance in comparison to Nafion 212.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Sarah A. Berlinger, Samay Garg, Adam Z. Weber
Summary: This review examines the impact of ink parameters on the interactions and performance of fuel-cell catalyst layers, focusing on the critical interactions between ionomer/solvent and ionomer/catalyst particle. It highlights the importance of understanding these ink interactions for controlling the formation process and optimizing fuel-cell performance.
CURRENT OPINION IN ELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Electrochemistry
Wataru Yoshimune, Masashi Harada
Summary: This study investigated the effects of temperature on the nanostructures of catalyst inks fabricated from surface-modified carbon supports without platinum nanoparticles. The thickness of the shell ionomer layer at 70 degrees Celsius was found to be twice that at 25 degrees Celsius, and shear-thinning behavior was observed at elevated temperatures. Plausible factors in the shear-thinning behavior were a reduction in electrostatic repulsion and the appearance of bridging attraction.
ELECTROCHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yuqing Guo, Daozeng Yang, Bing Li, Daijun Yang, Pingwen Ming, Cunman Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the effects of the dielectric constant of a dispersion solvent and ionomer content on the rheology of graphitized carbon-supported Pt catalyst ink and the structure of catalyst layers. Increasing the solvent epsilon or ionomer content affected the zeta potential of catalyst particles in the ink and altered the internal interaction, leading to changes in ink rheology. Higher solvent epsilon enhanced ionomer adsorption onto catalysts, improving adhesion between ink particles and reducing CL cracking. Increasing ionomer content also increased fracture toughness of CLs, decreasing crack width.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Luis J. Salazar-Gastelum, Mara Beltran-Gastelum, Julio C. Calva-Yanez, Shui Wai Lin, Daniel Chavez-Velasco, Moises Salazar-Gastelum, Sergio Perez-Sicairos
Summary: This study evaluated the performance of different functionalized quaternized polysulfone ionomers in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) in anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFC) and alkaline water electrolyzers (AWE). The synthesized ionomers outperformed the commercial AEI Aemion, with the PSf-130 showing the best performance. Compared to the PSf-60, the PSf-130 had twice the ion exchange capacity and surface area, and three times the conductivity. The ORR and HOR current density increased by 67% and 100% respectively for the PSf-130, while the same catalytic parameters increased by 44% and 35% for the PSf-60. The Tafel slope values did not show significant changes for different ionomers, indicating the same rate determining step (RDS) and mechanism in both reactions for all ionomers.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Derek Jacobsen, Jason Porter, Michael Ulsh, Przemyslaw Rupnowski
Summary: As the production of polymer electrolyte fuel cells expands, novel quality control methods need to be developed to support expected production rates. In this research, a spectroscopic method was analyzed to quantify the ionomer content of catalyst inks, which is an essential step in fuel cell manufacturing. The results show potential for the development of new quality control methodologies for catalyst inks used in the fuel cell industry.
APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xingtong Pu, Yuting Duan, Jialin Li, Chunyu Ru, Chengji Zhao
Summary: Sulfonated hydrocarbon polymers have been studied as proton exchange membranes in fuel cells, with SPAEK-TM demonstrating superior performance and durability as an ionomer in catalyst layers. The SPAEK-TM-based membrane electrode assembly exhibits excellent morphology and active electrochemical surface area, with superior power density and lower degradation compared to Nafion-MEA. Incorporating SPAEK-TM ionomer effectively inhibits methanol permeability in direct methanol fuel cells.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Changqing Li, Jong-Beom Baek
Summary: Producing hydrogen using anion exchange membrane water electrolysis is a promising approach to address the energy crisis, but further understanding and improvement of the technology is needed, including increasing power efficiency and reducing costs.
Article
Mechanics
Bing Li, Zhiqiang Ding, Yuqing Guo, Yabo Wang, Haifeng Tang, Daijun Yang, Pingwen Ming, Cunman Zhang
Summary: The study used the lattice Boltzmann method to simulate the dynamic behavior of catalyst particles in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell during the ink dispersion process, finding that different shear strengths significantly influence the formation of agglomerates. Results showed that a Reynolds number of 1000 achieved optimal dispersion and stability, with aggregate particles exhibiting different structures under different Reynolds numbers.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Amelia Hohenadel, Apurva Shantilal Gangrade, Steven Holdcroft
Summary: A novel spectroelectrochemical approach was used to explore the water dissociation potentials and their relationship with current-voltage curve characteristics in bipolar membranes. The experiments showed that water dissociation occurs within BPM, with the resulting pH change measured using a UV/vis spectrometer.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hong Ren, Xiangchao Meng, Yongli Lin, Zhigang Shao
Summary: The study suggests that catalyst inks containing long-side-chain ionomers show better structural stability after storage compared to those containing short-side-chain ionomers, making it easier to regain initial ink properties.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Pablo A. Garcia-Salaberri
Summary: The design and development of proton-exchange membranes (PEMs) for fuel cells and related electrochemical devices is crucial for achieving high performance and durability. PFSA-based PEMs have become the commercial standard due to their high proton conductivity and chemical stability, but there is increasing interest in aromatic HC-based PEMs with PTFE reinforcement. In recent years, the focus has shifted towards the development of hybrid and composite ultra-thin PEMs with customized properties.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Review
Electrochemistry
Yuqing Guo, Fengwen Pan, Wenmiao Chen, Zhiqiang Ding, Daijun Yang, Bing Li, Pingwen Ming, Cunman Zhang
Summary: Typical catalyst inks used in proton exchange membrane fuel cells are crucial for the structure and performance of catalyst layers, but a lack of ideal catalyst inks for large-scale applications exists. Current research focuses on the formulation, characterization, modeling, and deposition techniques of catalyst inks.
ELECTROCHEMICAL ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yi Sak Noh, Hwan Yeop Jeong, Tae-Ho Kim, Jaewon Choi, Jang Yong Lee, Soonyong So, Duk Man Yu
Summary: Proton exchange membranes (PEMs) need to be thin to minimize voltage loss in proton exchange membrane fuel cells and water electrolyzers. Maintaining their dimensional and mechanical stabilities is crucial for prolonging the lifespan of energy conversion devices used in moist environments. In this study, a mechanically robust and thin membrane was fabricated by impregnating a sulfonated poly(p-phenylene)-based (SPP) multiblock ionomer into a porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) substrate. The composite membrane showed enhanced dimensional stability, mechanical properties, and electrochemical performance compared to the pristine membrane.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhiqiang Xie, Shule Yu, Gaoqiang Yang, Kui Li, Lei Ding, Weitian Wang, Feng-Yuan Zhang
Summary: The study shows that CCMs fabricated with a direct spray deposition method exhibit better performance in PEMECs due to reduced ohmic resistance and improved mass transport. Additionally, simply adjusting the Nafion ionomer content at the anode CL can greatly enhance cell performance, achieving significant performance improvement with reduced cost.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Shyam S. Kocha, Bruno G. Pollet
Summary: This article discusses the conditioning process of automotive proton exchange membrane fuel cell stacks, focusing on a short, energy-efficient, cost-effective, and practical conditioning method. Significant advances have been made in shortening the conditioning time to 4 hours or less through continuous research.
CURRENT OPINION IN ELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Mahesh M. Shanbhag, Nagaraj P. Shetti, Shankara S. Kalanur, Bruno G. Pollet, Kishor P. Upadhyaya, Narasimha H. Ayachit, Tejraj M. Aminabhavi
Summary: The study synthesized and characterized hafnium-doped tungsten oxide nanorods, demonstrating their superior performance in electrochemical sensors and significant improvements in detecting drugs such as PAR and SBM.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mahesh M. Shanbhag, Nagaraj P. Shetti, Shankara S. Kalanur, Bruno G. Pollet, Mallikarjuna N. Nadagouda, Tejraj M. Aminabhavi
Summary: In this research, a hafnium-doped tungsten oxide modified carbon paste electrode was developed for the detection of trace levels of highly toxic perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). The electrode showed high sensitivity and selectivity, and demonstrated reliable results in real-time application for PFOA determination in various samples. The study also investigated the influence of electrolyte pH, temperature, immersion time, and concentration on the electrode's performance.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Electrochemistry
Hamid Reza Zamanizadeh, Svein Sunde, Bruno G. Pollet, Frode Seland
Summary: This study found that electrochemical activation of 316 stainless steel electrodes in high pH KOH electrolytes significantly improves their OER activity. The surface composition can be precisely controlled by adjusting the KOH concentration. By optimizing the surface composition, steel materials offer a cost-effective alternative to bulk nickel electrodes as OER electrodes in commercial AWE.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jhuma Sadhukhan, Bruno G. Pollet, Miles Seaman
Summary: Green hydrogen production through photocatalytic water-splitting and lignocellulosic reforming is a significant proposition for renewable energy storage in global net-zero policies. This study investigates a novel hybrid system driven by visible solar radiation, combining photocatalytic water-splitting, lignocellulosic oxidation, and atmospheric CO2 fixation. The integration of these processes enables renewable hydrogen economy and direct CO2 capture from air, providing a solution to address the impact of climate change.
Article
Electrochemistry
Kwang-Seon Ahn, Rajangam Vinodh, Bruno G. Pollet, Rajendran Suresh Babu, Vanaraj Ramkumar, Seong-Cheol Kim, Kungumaraj Krishnakumar, Hee-Je Kim
Summary: Novel bimetallic manganese-cobalt hydrogen phosphate materials with unique hexagonal structures and porous nature were efficiently prepared and analyzed. The materials showed excellent performance in electrochemical testing and have potential applications in supercapacitors.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Ashkan Makhsoos, Mohsen Kandidayeni, Bruno G. Pollet, Loic Boulon
Summary: Decarbonized hydrogen production using renewable energy sources and water electrolysis is seen as a promising solution for a sustainable future. This paper reviews the most compelling research on increasing PEMWE efficiency, which is crucial for advancing this technology. Various aspects, including power sources, inputs, stack design, control strategy, and hybrid systems, are analyzed. The paper concludes with five essential recommendations for future studies on PEMWE efficiency.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sepanta Dokhani, Mohsen Assadi, Bruno G. Pollet
Summary: Population growth and industrial expansion have led to increased energy demand and fossil fuel use, resulting in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Countries are seeking alternatives to fossil fuels, and hydrogen is a promising option for electricity generation. This study examines the production of hydrogen from seawater using a proton exchange membrane electrolyser and explores different energy sources for cost-effective power generation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Weiqi Zhang, Xingchen Wang, Meihui Tan, Huiyuan Liu, Qiang Ma, Qian Xu, Bruno G. Pollet, Huaneng Su
Summary: Direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) and direct ammonia fuel cell (DAFC) have attracted attention for their high energy density, environmental friendliness, and easy availability of liquid fuel. However, the high cost and low durability of platinum (Pt) have limited their large-scale application. In this study, self-supporting electrodes (SSEs) were developed using the square-wave potential (SWP) electro-deposition method, which led to improved catalytic activity and durability compared to conventional electrodes. The SSE with cauliflower-like Pt catalyst exhibited the best performance. This research suggests that SSEs have great potential for practical applications of DMFC and DAFC.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jong Hee Yoon, Bak Jinsoo, Inho Cho, Rajangam Vinodh, Bruno G. Pollet, Rajendran Suresh Babu, Hee-Je Kim, Sungshin Kim
Summary: In this manuscript, we report for the first time the use of one-dimensional cerium hydrogen phosphate as an electrode material for supercapacitors. The material was prepared using a simple hydrothermal technique. The resulting material exhibited a high specific surface area and a nanorod-like structure. In a three-electrode configuration, the material showed a high specific capacitance. Furthermore, a symmetric supercapacitor fabricated using this material demonstrated reasonable specific energy, moderate specific power, and outstanding cyclic durability.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Raffaela Cabriolu, Bruno G. Pollet, Pietro Ballone
Summary: Molecular dynamics simulation was used to study the impact of two ionic liquids (IL) on the nucleation, growth, and collapse of (nano)cavities in water. The first IL, tetra-ethyl ammonium mesylate, decreased the tendency of water to form cavities at 25 wt % concentration. The second IL, tetrabutyl phosphonium 2,4-dimethylbenzenesulfonate, promoted the formation of bubbles at the interface of water and IL-rich domains. The presence of ions hindered the collapse of cavities in [P4444][DMBS]/water solutions.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Rajangam Vinodh, Shankara Sharanappa Kalanur, Sadesh Kumar Natarajan, Bruno G. Pollet
Summary: This article summarizes one of the inexpensive methods for producing green hydrogen, which is the evolving anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE). The most recent achievements in increasing polymer anionic conductivity, understanding AEM degradation mechanisms, and designing electrocatalysts are highlighted. The important issues affecting AEMWE behavior are discussed, as well as future constraints and opportunities. Strategies for producing dynamic and robust AEMWE electrocatalysts are also provided in this review.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Faranak Foroughi, Marina Tintor, Alaa Y. Faid, Svein Sunde, Gregory Jerkiewicz, Christophe Coutanceau, Bruno G. Pollet
Summary: In this study, a method for activating polycrystalline metallic nickel surfaces towards the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in N2-saturated 1.0 M KOH aqueous electrolyte was developed through continuous and pulsed ultrasonication. It was found that ultrasonically activated Ni exhibited improved HER activity compared to non-ultrasonically activated Ni, with a much lower overpotential of -275 mV vs RHE at -10.0 mA cm-2. The ultrasonic pretreatment was observed to be a time-dependent process that gradually changed the oxidation state of Ni, and longer ultrasonication times resulted in higher HER activity compared to untreated Ni. This study highlights a straightforward strategy for activating nickel-based materials for the electrochemical water splitting reaction through ultrasonic treatment.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Electrochemistry
Youness El Issmaeli, Amina Lahrichi, Shankara S. Kalanur, Sadesh Kumar Natarajan, Bruno G. Pollet
Summary: This review examines the application of iron oxyhydroxide (FeOOH) based materials in supercapacitors (SCs). It explores factors that affect their electrochemical performance and proposes improvement strategies such as increasing surface area and facilitating electron transfer and ion diffusion. Additionally, the synergistic effects of composite materials on supercapacitive performance are investigated. FeOOH-based materials show potential for high energy-density SCs, providing an effective pathway in fabricating efficient, cost-effective, and practical energy storage systems for future devices.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marian Chatenet, Bruno G. Pollet, Dario R. Dekel, Fabio Dionigi, Jonathan Deseure, Pierre Millet, Richard D. Braatz, Martin Z. Bazant, Michael Eikerling, Iain Staffell, Paul Balcombe, Yang Shao-Horn, Helmut Schaefer
Summary: This article explores the use of hydrogen as a sustainable energy carrier, focusing on electrocatalytic water splitting. It covers the fundamentals of the process, the latest scientific findings, and the current industrial processes and large-scale applications. The article also discusses strategies for optimizing electrode materials and includes a technoeconomic analysis of water electrolysis. Overall, it aims to promote collaboration and exchange among researchers in different fields.
CHEMICAL SOCIETY REVIEWS
(2022)