Search Results (3)

Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) offer a promising solution for energy saving and emission reduction in transportation. However, several challenges must be addressed for their application. This study conducts a full life cycle assessment (LCA) of FCEVs, dividing it into the fuel cycle and vehicle cycle to separately assess energy consumption (EC) and emissions. The fuel cycle examined 18 hydrogen production–storage–transport pathways, while the vehicle cycle evaluates energy use and emissions associated with vehicle component production, assembly, disposal, battery production, and fluid consumption. Based on the GREET database, total energy consumption and emissions over a lifetime were calculated. Five environmental impact indicators were used for evaluation, and a comprehensive environmental assessment (CEA) indicator was established for different scenarios. Results indicate that nuclear thermochemical water splitting is the best hydrogen production method, and pipeline transportation is the most efficient for hydrogen transport. Additionally, water electrolysis for hydrogen production is only practical when paired with renewable energy. The study also identified that the Hydrogen production method, “Body”, “Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) System”, “Chassis”, “Hydrogen Storage System” and lifetime significantly impact energy consumption and emissions. These stages or products represent high-impact leverage points for enhancing the lifecycle sustainability evaluation of FCEVs. Full article

This study aims to explore the n-FeO and p-α-Fe₂O₃ semiconductor nanoparticles in hydrogen (HER) and oxygen (OER) evolution reactions and a combined full cell electrocatalyst system to electrolyze the water. We have observed a distinct electrocatalytic performance for both HER and OER by tuning the interplay between iron oxidation states Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ and utilizing phase-transformed iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs). The Fe²⁺ rich n-FeO NPs exhibited superior HER performance compared to p-α-Fe₂O₃ and Fe(OH)_x NPs, which is attributed to the enhancement in n-type semiconducting nature under HER potential, facilitating the electron transfer for the reduction in H⁺ ions. In contrast, p-α-Fe₂O₃ NPs demonstrated excellent OER activity. An H-cell constructed using n-FeO||p-α-Fe₂O₃ NPs as cathode and anode achieved a cell voltage of 1.87 V at a current density of 50 mA/cm². The cell exhibited remarkable stability after 30 h of activation and maintained the high current density of 100 mA/cm² for 80 h with a negligible increase in cell voltage. This work highlights the semiconducting properties of n-FeO and p-α-Fe₂O₃ for the electrochemical water splitting system using the band bending phenomenon under the applied potential. Full article

The extent and depth of burn injury may mandate temporary use of cadaver skin (allograft) to protect the wound and allow the formation of granulation tissue while split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs) are serially harvested from the same donor areas. However, allografts are not always available and have a high cost, hence the interest in identifying more economical, readily available products that serve the same function. This study evaluated intact fish skin graft (IFSG) as a temporary cover to prepare the wound bed for STSG application. Thirty-six full-thickness (FT) 5 × 5 cm burn wounds were created on the dorsum of six anesthetized Yorkshire pigs on day −1. To mimic the two-stage clinical situation, on day 0, wounds were excised down to a bleeding wound bed and a temporary cover (either IFSG or cadaver porcine skin) was applied; then, on day 7, wounds were debrided to a viable wound bed prior to the application of autologous 1.5:1 meshed STSG (mSTSG). Rechecks were performed on days 14, 21, 28, 45, and 60 with digital images, non-invasive measurements, and punch biopsies. The IFSG created a granulated wound bed receptive to the application of an mSTSG. FT burn wounds treated with an IFSG had similar outcome measures, including contraction rates, trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements, hydration, and blood perfusion levels, compared to cadaver skin-treated burn wounds. Pathology scoring indicated significant differences between the allograft- and IFSG-treated wounds on day 7, with the IFSG having increased angiogenesis, granulation tissue formation, and immune cells. Pathology scoring indicated no significant differences once mSTSGs were applied to wounds. The IFSG performed as well as cadaver skin as a temporary cover and was not inferior to the standard of care, suggesting the potential to transition IFSGs into clinical use for burns. Full article