Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
N. A. I. M. Ishak, S. K. Kamarudin, S. N. Timmiati, N. A. Karim, S. Basri
Summary: This study introduces a biosynthesis method of platinum from plant extracts, which reduces the cost of platinum production and shows enhanced efficiency and stability, with potential for commercialization.
JOURNAL OF ADVANCED RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Muralikrishna Boni, Venkateswarlu Velisala, Sivaprasad Kattela, S. Venkata Sai Sudheer, Gandhi Pullagura, Debabrata Barik
Summary: In the passive direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) operation, the catalyst and electrolyte play important roles in improving power output and reducing irreversible losses. This study investigates the use of different types of anode catalyst support and a liquid electrolyte layer to optimize methanol utilization and performance. The results show that the DMFC with Pt-Ru/C+ Pt-Ru/black anode catalyst and the LE layer exhibits the best performance, achieving a maximum power density of 5.328 mWcm(-2).
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
Kaiwen Wang, Hanjun Zou, Jiazhi Meng, Chaogang Ban, Xue Liu, Jiangping Ma, Cong Wang, Liyong Gan, Xiaodong Han, Xiaoyuan Zhou
Summary: Fuel cells operated with a reformate fuel such as methanol have several critical issues that need to be addressed before they can be commercially available, including methanol crossover effect, CO-tolerance electrode, and efficient oxygen reduction electrocatalyst. A highly active and selective Mg-Co dualsite oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) single atom catalyst with porous N-doped carbon as the substrate is reported here, showing promising performance and stability. This research provides insights into the design of high-performance and durable fuel cell cathode electrocatalysts.
JOURNAL OF MAGNESIUM AND ALLOYS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Chaoran Liu, Sanshan Hu, Lu Yin, Wenli Yang, Juan Yu, Yumin Xu, Lili Li, Gaofeng Wang, Luwen Wang
Summary: This study analyzed and discussed the effect of an anode composite electrode on the performance of a micro direct methanol fuel cell, focusing on the catalyst layer and micro-porous layer. It was found that optimizing the preparation under specific conditions can improve the performance of the fuel cell.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Miaomiao Guo, Qiang Li, Juntao Gao, Liping Sun, Lihua Huo, Hui Zhao
Summary: The Fe-based perovskite oxide BSFM was evaluated as a novel cathode electrocatalyst for SOFCs, showing outstanding electrode activity for the oxygen reduction reaction and promising potential for fuel cell applications. The BSFM cathode exhibited low polarization resistance and high current density, indicating its capability as a prospective cathode electrocatalyst for SOFCs.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yuan Fang, Tingting Zhang, Yuhang Zhang, Jianfeng Zhu
Summary: This study synthesized CeO2-QDs@MnO2 and MnO2@CeO2-QDs composites to investigate the role of CeO2 in ORR. CeO2-QDs@MnO2 showed superior ORR activity and stability, with a mechanism of temporary storage and timely replenishment of oxygen in CeO2 catalyzing greater efficiency.
APPLIED CATALYSIS A-GENERAL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yong-Por Ong, Li-Ngee Ho, Soon-An Ong, Johar Banjuraizah, Abdul Haqi Ibrahim, Shen-Hui Thor, Kea-Lee Yap
Summary: A unidirectional flow solar photocatalytic fuel cell (PFC) was successfully developed using different MnO2 crystal phases as cathodic catalysts, demonstrating the significant influence of crystallographic structures on catalytic activity. Micropore surface area was found to impact PFC performance, with nanowire alpha-M3(24 h)/C material showing the best performance.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Huichao Deng, Jiaxu Zhou, Yufeng Zhang
Summary: The novel trilaminar-catalytic layer structure enhances oxygen transport while preventing methanol crossover in the mu-DMFC, resulting in increased power density and longer discharging time.
Article
Electrochemistry
C. Lo Vecchio, A. Serov, M. Dicome, B. Zulevi, A. S. Arico, V Baglio
Summary: In this study, a long-term durability investigation was conducted on a Platinum Group Metal-free cathodic electro-catalyst for direct methanol fuel cells. Results showed a significant performance decrease after 100 hours of operation, with potential causes including catalyst aggregation, reduction of carbon and nitrogen species, and Ruthenium migration leading to poisoning of the membrane and cathode catalyst.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yiming Leng, Bolong Yang, Yun Zhao, Zhonghua Xiang
Summary: In this study, fluorinated iron and cobalt bimetallic nanoparticles were successfully prepared on nitrogen-doped carbon nanofibers, leading to improved activity and stability of non-precious metal electrocatalyst. The fluorination increased the charge density of the bimetallic catalyst and showed remarkable catalytic performance under acidic conditions.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wu Yujing, Zhou Hongxiu, Zhang Ao, Zhao Leqing
Summary: The research shows that flowing electrode direct methanol fuel cell (FEDMFC) effectively reduces methanol crossover rate while maintaining high power densities. Increasing flow rate can decrease crossover rate but will affect efficiency and stability, with optimal flow rate controlled at 1-3 sccm.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Priya Mukherjee, Uttkarshni Sharma, Pichiah Saravanan
Summary: The study utilized a modified metal-organic framework (MOF) as an efficient electro-catalyst in microbial fuel cell (MFC) operation, showing good electrochemical characteristics and power production performance at a relatively low cost.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiaomin Xu, Nalae Kang, Barr Zulevi, Alexey Serov, Peter N. Pintauro
Summary: In this study, Fe-based platinum group metal (PGM)-free catalysts were used to fabricate fiber mat or powder cathode membrane-electrode-assemblies (MEAs). A Nafion/PVDF blended binder was found to be the best compromise for maximizing power and minimizing cathode degradation. The optimized MEA maintained a power density of 88 mW cm-2 for 80 hours.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Siyi Zou, Yali Li, Hanqing Jin, Fandi Ning, Pengpeng Xu, Qinglin Wen, Saifei Pan, Xiong Dan, Wei Li, Xiaochun Zhou
Summary: By synthesizing a composite material consisting of agar gel and wood sponge, a highly safe, durable, and flexible air-breathing direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) was developed. This gel/sponge composite showed high absorption rate, cyclic performance, methanol absorption capacity, energy content, and flexibility. The proposed DMFC demonstrated high safety, adaptability, flexibility, and energy density, proving the potential of absorbent materials in enhancing the performance of fuel cells.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wenjun Liu, Kun Jiang, Yiming Hu, Qian Li, Yilin Deng, Jian Bao, Yucheng Lei
Summary: The Zr-doped layered double hydroxide on nickel foam was designed to enhance the bifunctional activities of electrocatalysts, showing superior OER and HER activities in 1M KOH and alkaline simulated seawater electrolyte. The CoFeZr/NF provides a new pathway for large-scale hydrogen production, with almost no attenuation when tested in alkaline seawater electrolyte compared to 1.0 M KOH.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mei-Yan Sun, Fu-Da Yu, Yang Xia, Liang Deng, Yun-Shan Jiang, Lan-Fang Que, Lei Zhao, Zhen-Bo Wang
Summary: The strategy of triggering Na+-solvent co-intercalation can accelerate charge transfer kinetics and improve the performance of sodium-ion batteries at low temperatures. By regulating the layer structure with oxygen defects, hydrogen titanate nanowires exhibit unique behavior at -25 degrees C, delivering high capacity and cycle stability.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Pengzhan Yang, Fanrong Kong, Xulei Sui, Lei Zhao, Yue Qiu, Hongda Zhang, Zhenbo Wang
Summary: Developing efficient and inexpensive bifunctional catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is of great significance in addressing the current energy crisis. This study demonstrates the use of a two-phase synergistic effect between transition metal sulfides in the design of ORR/OER bifunctional catalysts. The hollow structure Zn0.76Co0.24S-Co9S8 composite exhibits enhanced diffusion of reactants and products and promotes catalytic reactions through the interaction between two phases. The Zn0.76Co0.24S-Co9S8 composite shows superior ORR and OER performance compared to individual catalysts.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Guobin Wen, Bohua Ren, Yun Zheng, Matthew Li, Catherine Silva, Shuqin Song, Zhen Zhang, Haozhen Dou, Lei Zhao, Dan Luo, Aiping Yu, Zhongwei Chen
Summary: Electrochemical CO2 conversion is an attractive route for recycling CO2 with economic and environmental benefits, but further improvements are needed for catalytic materials and electrode structures; Electrocatalytic surface and near-surface engineering has the potential to enhance CO2 reduction reactions and specific strategies were proposed for improvement.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Lei Zhao, Jianbing Zhu, Yun Zheng, Meiling Xiao, Rui Gao, Zhen Zhang, Guobin Wen, Haozhen Dou, Ya-Ping Deng, Aiping Yu, Zhenbo Wang, Zhongwei Chen
Summary: Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have been widely used in commercial markets, especially in the automotive industry. However, the durability of current electrocatalysts, which are crucial for the performance of PEMFCs, remains a significant challenge. Finding strategies to improve the lifespan of electrocatalysts is crucial for practical application in PEMFCs.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Pan Guo, Yunfei Xia, Bo Liu, Miao Ma, Lixiao Shen, Yunkun Dai, Ziyu Zhang, Zigang Zhao, Yunlong Zhang, Lei Zhao, Zhenbo Wang
Summary: Developing low-loading Pt-based catalysts with glorious catalytic performance can significantly advance the commercialization of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. In this report, a hybrid catalyst PtCo/Co-N-C is proposed, which exhibits extraordinary performance and durability, making it suitable for fuel cells.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zi-Gang Zhao, Pan Guo, Li-Xiao Shen, Yang-Yang Liu, Zi-Yu Zhang, Feng-Di Tu, Miao Ma, Xiao-Wei Liu, Yun-Long Zhang, Lei Zhao, Guang-Jie Shao, Zhen-Bo Wang
Summary: In this study, Pt-CeO2 composites supported by zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) derived nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) were demonstrated to have abundant triple-phase interfacial conjunction, leading to enhanced activity and durability for the oxygen reduction reaction.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Gui-Jing Xu, Wang Ke, Fu-Da Yu, Jie Feng, Yun-Shan Jiang, Lan -Fang Que, Lei Zhao, Zhen-Bo Wang
Summary: A pre-activation strategy driven by chemical impregnation is proposed in this work to modulate the chemical state of surface lattice oxygen in cathode materials, which improves the structural stability and electrochemical performance. In-situ X-ray diffraction confirms that materials based on activated oxygen configuration have higher structural stability. The optimized cathode exhibits excellent electrochemical performance.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xin-Yu Li, Fu-Da Yu, Wang Ke, Yun-Shan Jiang, Lan-Fang Que, Lei Zhao, Su-E Hao, Zhen-Bo Wang
Summary: Li2MnO3 is the parent compound of Li-rich Mn-based cathode materials and has attracted considerable interest due to its high electrochemical activity caused by the existence of oxygen vacancies. The mechanism behind the oxygen vacancies in Li2MnO3 is still under debate. In this study, Li2MnO3 with different oxygen vacancy contents was synthesized using a mechanical thermal activation engineering strategy to investigate its electrochemical activity. It was found that the introduction of oxygen vacancies effectively modulates the electronic structure, inducing distortion of the interfacial structure and stimulating the electrochemical activity. The evolution of Mn and O in Li2MnO3 during cycling showed that the Mn-O hybridization is strongly correlated with the oxygen redox behaviors, and high electrochemical activity and cycling stability cannot coexist. This work provides valuable insights into the origin of electrochemical activity in Li2MnO3 for the design of high energy density cathode materials.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ziyu Zhang, Chang Liu, Yunkun Dai, Bo Liu, Pan Guo, Fengdi Tu, Miao Ma, Lixiao Shen, Zigang Zhao, Yangyang Liu, Yunlong Zhang, Lei Zhao, Zhenbo Wang
Summary: A three-dimensional (3D) support hybridized by MXene and Ketjen Black was developed, and a 3D Pt/MCM catalyst was obtained. The catalyst exhibited high specific surface area, exposed active sites, excellent ORR activity, and ultrahigh durability.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yun-shan Jiang, Fu-da Yu, Wang Ke, Liang Deng, Yang Xia, Xin-yu Li, Lan-fang Que, Nian Zhang, Lei Zhao, Zhen-bo Wang
Summary: Disordered rocksalt-like cathodes with initial Li-deficient nanostructures, cation vacancies, and partial spinel-type structures have been prepared, providing fast Li+ percolation channels under Li-deficient condition. The prepared sample exhibits high initial discharge capacity and energy density. Advanced spectroscopy and in situ measurements observe highly reversible charge compensation and assign coupled Mn- and O-related redox contribution. Theoretical calculations suggest a novel and chemical reversible trapped molecular O-2 model in the rocksalt structure with vacancies, demonstrating a dual role of Li-deficient structure in promoting cationic oxidation and extending reversible oxygen redox boundary. This work is expected to break through the existing ideas of oxygen oxidation and opens up a higher degree of freedom in the design of disordered rocksalt structures.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yunkun Dai, Bo Liu, Ziyu Zhang, Pan Guo, Chang Liu, Yunlong Zhang, Lei Zhao, Zhenbo Wang
Summary: A strategy of Fe d-orbital splitting modulation by constructing axial coordination on Fe-N-4 sites is presented to regulate the electronic states of single atomic sites around the Fermi level. The axial tractions induce the distortion of Fe-N-4 SP and up to the quasi-octahedral coordination (Fe-N4O1 OCquasi), leading to electron rearrangement and diluted spin polarization. This work provides a novel understanding for improving electrocatalytic performance through orbital-scale manipulation.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yangyang Liu, Fengdi Tu, Ziyu Zhang, Zigang Zhao, Pan Guo, Lixiao Shen, Yunlong Zhang, Lei Zhao, Guangjie Shao, Zhenbo Wang
Summary: This study presents a new approach to tailor the catalyst architecture and improve the accessibility of active sites. By using a carboxylate molecular scissor, a multi-dimensional concave Fe@NC catalyst structure with dense accessible active sites, multidimensional mass transfer pathways, hierarchical porous structure, and entangled carbon nanotubes network is constructed. The tailored Fe@MNC-OAc electrocatalyst exhibits excellent ORR activity in acidic media and delivers a high peak power density in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Feng-Di Tu, Zi-Yun Wu, Pan Guo, Li-Xiao Shen, Zi-Yu Zhang, Yun-Kun Dai, Miao Ma, Jing Liu, Bin Xu, Yun-Long Zhang, Lei Zhao, Zhen-Bo Wang
Summary: A two-dimensional Fe-N-C catalyst decorated with cerium oxides (CeOx) is developed by a host-guest strategy, which provides a large number of oxygen vacancies for accelerated oxygen reduction kinetics. The synthesized catalyst shows superior performance and stability, outperforming most reported ORR catalysts and precious metals. It demonstrates high peak power density and specific capacity in a zinc-air battery.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yaxuan Wang, Junfu Li, Shilong Guo, Ming Zhao, Weiwei Cui, Lianfeng Li, Lei Zhao, Zhenbo Wang
Summary: In this study, a new method of battery failure diagnosis in terms of capacity fading is proposed based on the heterogeneous multi-physics aging model of lithium-ion batteries. The key parameters are obtained by using a parameter identification method, and the parameter boundaries when the battery is on the verge of failure are obtained through a model-driven method. Monitoring the key parameters allows for online diagnosis of battery failure and provides an early warning signal when the battery reaches the end of its life, ensuring battery performance and safety.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lixiao Shen, Miao Ma, Zigang Zhao, Fengdi Tu, Jing Liu, Bin Xu, Yunlong Zhang, Lei Zhao, Guangjie Shao, Zhenbo Wang
Summary: The impact of carbon structure on the performance of carbon-supported catalysts has been studied under different relative humidity conditions. Low-loading solid carbon catalysts perform well at low humidity, while high-loading porous carbon catalysts excel at high humidity. Furthermore, porous carbon catalysts show high mass activity at low current density due to their reduced susceptibility to sulfonate poisoning. On the other hand, solid carbon catalysts facilitate a more uniform ionomer thin-film and create a more active three-phase interface area, resulting in satisfactory performance at high current density and low local-O2 transport resistance.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)