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Sustainable Development of Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Technologies
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Sustainable Development of Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Technologies

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "A5: Hydrogen Energy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 July 2025 | Viewed by 6859

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Petros G. Savva

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemical Engineering, Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol 3036, Cyprus
Interests: wastewater treatment; chemical engineering; catalysis; hydrogen
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

One of the most important pillars upon which the Green Transition is based for future global sustainable development is energy production from fuel cells using hydrogen. The increasingly stringent air pollution and climate change legislations that are being adopted by all countries have paved the way for the widespread application of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.

As a result, the scientific community is focusing its efforts on the development of advanced fuel cells that have higher power output in order to reduce the cost of electricity production and allow hydrogen energy to conquer the global energy market.

Moreover, advances in green hydrogen technologies such as storage, transportation, electrolyzers, and purifiers have opened the way for the implementation of Hydrogen in all sectors of the industrial production process, i.e., power generators, steam boilers, the marine industry, aviation, etc.

This Special Issue aims to bring together innovations in the Sustainable Development of Fuel Cells with Hydrogen Technologies in order to further increase the impact of hydrogen on the global energy market. Original research articles and comprehensive reviews along with well-documented case studies will be considered for publication.

Dr. Petros G. Savva
Guest Editor

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • fuel cells
  • chemical engineering
  • catalysis
  • hydrogen
  • green hydrogen technologies

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 3950 KiB  
Article
Characteristics of High-Pressure Hydrogen Jet Dispersion Along a Horizontal Plate
by Zhonglong He, Qingxin Ba, Jiaxin Zhang, Chenyi Yao, Yujie Wang and Xuefang Li
Energies 2025, 18(9), 2242; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18092242 - 28 Apr 2025
Viewed by 137
Abstract
Creating and updating safety regulations and standards for industrial processes and end-uses related to hydrogen demand a solid scientific foundation, which requires extensive research on unignited hydrogen releases from high-pressure systems across different situations. This study focuses on high-pressure hydrogen releases along a [...] Read more.
Creating and updating safety regulations and standards for industrial processes and end-uses related to hydrogen demand a solid scientific foundation, which requires extensive research on unignited hydrogen releases from high-pressure systems across different situations. This study focuses on high-pressure hydrogen releases along a horizontal plate to investigate the surface effects on hydrogen dispersion. Hydrogen releases from high-pressure sources up to 30 MPa were modeled using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method, with the CFD models validated by experimental data. The hydrogen dispersion characteristics along the plate were studied for various source pressures and leak nozzle diameters. The results show that the maximum flammable extent along the plate increases linearly with both the source pressure and nozzle diameter, while the combustible mass increases to the power of 1.5 with the increase in leakage flow rate. The locations where the jet centerline attach to the plate are identical (about 0.41 m away from the nozzle exit in the axial direction) for different source pressures (10~30 MPa) and nozzle diameters (0.5~1.5 mm). The flow region was divided into pre-attachment and attachment zones by the attachment point, and the self-similarity characteristics of both zones were analyzed. Finally, correlations for the centerline and lateral concentration distributions were developed for both the pre- and post-attachment zones. The results can help users quickly assess safety distance when hydrogen leaks along the plate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Technologies)
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12 pages, 3213 KiB  
Article
Three-Dimensionally Printed Metal-Coated Flow-Field Plate for Lightweight Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells
by Dasol Kim, Geonhwi Kim, Juho Na, Hyeok Kim, Jaeyeon Kim, Guyoung Cho and Taehyun Park
Energies 2025, 18(6), 1533; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18061533 - 20 Mar 2025
Viewed by 331
Abstract
This study investigates the potential for affordable and lightweight polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) using lightweight flow-field plates, also referred to as bipolar plates. A comparative analysis was conducted on the performance of metal-coated and uncoated three-dimensional (3D)-printed flow-field plates, as well [...] Read more.
This study investigates the potential for affordable and lightweight polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) using lightweight flow-field plates, also referred to as bipolar plates. A comparative analysis was conducted on the performance of metal-coated and uncoated three-dimensional (3D)-printed flow-field plates, as well as that of a conventional graphite flow-field plate. The fabrication of these lightweight flow-field plates involved the application of sputtering and 3D printing technologies. The polarization curves and corresponding electrochemical impedance spectra of PEMFCs with metal-coated 3D-printed, uncoated 3D-printed, and graphite flow-field plates were measured. The results demonstrate that the metal-coated 3D-printed flow-field plate exhibits a gravimetric power density of 5.21 mW/g, while the graphite flow-field plate registers a value of 2.78 mW/g, representing an 87.4% improvement in gravimetric power density for the metal-coated 3D-printed flow-field plate compared to the graphite flow-field plate. These findings suggest the feasibility of reducing the weight of PEMFCs using metal-coated 3D-printed flow-field plates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Technologies)
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Graphical abstract

17 pages, 5157 KiB  
Article
Performance Improvement of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells with a TiO2 Sputtered Gas Diffusion Layer Under Low-Humidity Conditions
by Byung Gyu Kang, Ye Rim Kwon, Ki Won Hong, Sun Ki Kwon, Hyeon Min Lee, Dong Kun Song, Ji Woong Jeon, Do Young Jung, Dohyun Go and Gu Young Cho
Energies 2025, 18(6), 1525; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18061525 - 19 Mar 2025
Viewed by 367
Abstract
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are pivotal to advancing sustainable hydrogen energy systems. However, their performance decreases under low-humidity conditions (relative humidity, RH 50%) due to inadequate membrane hydration. This study addresses this challenge by utilizing a sputtering process to deposit titanium [...] Read more.
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are pivotal to advancing sustainable hydrogen energy systems. However, their performance decreases under low-humidity conditions (relative humidity, RH 50%) due to inadequate membrane hydration. This study addresses this challenge by utilizing a sputtering process to deposit titanium dioxide (TiO2) onto microporous layers (MPLs), enhancing their hydrophilicity and water management capabilities. TiO2 intrinsic hydrophilic properties and oxygen vacancies improve water adsorption and distribution, leading to more stable PEMFC performance under reduced humidity. Electrochemical evaluations revealed that while initial resistance slightly increased, long-term stability improved significantly. The TiO2-coated MPL exhibited a lower performance degradation rate, with a 12.33% reduction in current density compared to 25.3% for the pristine MPL after 10 h of operation. These findings demonstrate that TiO2 deposition effectively mitigates performance losses under low-humidity conditions, reducing the reliance on external humidification systems. This work contributes to the development of more efficient and sustainable fuel cell technologies for applications such as hydrogen-powered vehicles and distributed energy systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Technologies)
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25 pages, 4840 KiB  
Article
Application of the Metalog Probability Distribution Family to Predict Energy Production by Photovoltaic Systems for the Purposes of Generating Green Hydrogen
by Arkadiusz Małek, Jacek Caban, Monika Stoma, Agnieszka Dudziak and Branislav Šarkan
Energies 2024, 17(15), 3729; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17153729 - 29 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1244
Abstract
The article presents the application of the metalog family of probability distributions to predict the energy production of photovoltaic systems for the purpose of generating small amounts of green hydrogen in distributed systems. It can be used for transport purposes as well as [...] Read more.
The article presents the application of the metalog family of probability distributions to predict the energy production of photovoltaic systems for the purpose of generating small amounts of green hydrogen in distributed systems. It can be used for transport purposes as well as to generate energy and heat for housing purposes. The monthly and daily amounts of energy produced by a photovoltaic system with a peak power of 6.15 kWp were analyzed using traditional statistical methods and the metalog probability distribution family. On this basis, it is possible to calculate daily and monthly amounts of hydrogen produced with accuracy from the probability distribution. Probabilistic analysis of the instantaneous power generated by the photovoltaic system was used to determine the nominal power of the hydrogen electrolyzer. In order to use all the energy produced by the photovoltaic system to produce green hydrogen, the use of a stationary energy storage device was proposed and its energy capacity was determined. The calculations contained in the article can be used to design home green hydrogen production systems and support the climate and energy transformation of small companies with a hydrogen demand of up to ¾ kg/day. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Technologies)
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Review

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24 pages, 1170 KiB  
Review
A Review on Biohydrogen Production Through Dark Fermentation, Process Parameters and Simulation
by Babak Mokhtarani, Jafar Zanganeh and Behdad Moghtaderi
Energies 2025, 18(5), 1092; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18051092 - 24 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1143
Abstract
This study explores biohydrogen production through dark fermentation, an alternative supporting sustainable hydrogen generation. Dark fermentation uses organic waste under anaerobic conditions to produce hydrogen in the absence of light. Key process parameters affecting hydrogen yield, including substrate type, microorganism selection, and fermentation [...] Read more.
This study explores biohydrogen production through dark fermentation, an alternative supporting sustainable hydrogen generation. Dark fermentation uses organic waste under anaerobic conditions to produce hydrogen in the absence of light. Key process parameters affecting hydrogen yield, including substrate type, microorganism selection, and fermentation conditions, were examined. Various substrates, such as organic wastes and carbohydrates, were tested, and the role of anaerobic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms in optimizing the process was analyzed. The research also focused on factors such as pH, temperature, and hydraulic retention time to enhance yields and scalability. Additionally, the study modelled the process using ASPEN Plus software 14. This simulation identifies the bottle necks of this process. Due to the lack of available data, modelling and simulation of the described processes in ASPEN Plus required certain approximations. The simulation provides insight into the key challenges that need to be addressed for hydrogen production. Future research should indeed explore current limitations, such as substrate efficiency, process scalability, and cost-effectiveness, as well as potential advancements like the genetic engineering of microbial strains and improved bioreactor designs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Technologies)
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34 pages, 12489 KiB  
Review
Design and Manufacturing Challenges in PEMFC Flow Fields—A Review
by Prithvi Raj Pedapati, Shankar Raman Dhanushkodi, Ramesh Kumar Chidambaram, Dawid Taler, Tomasz Sobota and Jan Taler
Energies 2024, 17(14), 3499; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17143499 - 17 Jul 2024
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2780
Abstract
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells are a prime choice for substitute electricity producers. Membrane electrode assembly (MEA), bipolar electrodes, and current collectors belong to only a limited number of primary parts of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Bipolar plates are among [...] Read more.
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells are a prime choice for substitute electricity producers. Membrane electrode assembly (MEA), bipolar electrodes, and current collectors belong to only a limited number of primary parts of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Bipolar plates are among the most famous elements in the fuel cell; they are responsible for the electrochemical reaction, as well as the flow of gases from one bipolar plate to another. A bipolar plate is to be a good electro-conducting, non-corrosive, and a high mechanical strength product. The attainability of the specification is achieved by graphite and metallic materials, each one having its own merits and demerits that are discussed in this article. Likewise, making the second pass for the flow pattern is equally important for the cell to have good performance and efficiency. The emergence of innovative and new bipolar plate designs has caused the achievement of high performance of these plates. The present review article principally focuses on the experimental study of diverse flow fields in the design of PEMFC and on the influence of various geometrical properties on the general operation of fuel cells made of PEMFC, and also on the manufacturing procedure utilized for building contemporary fuel cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Technologies)
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