Nanomaterials for Fuel Cell Systems

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The energy revolution based on hydrogen technologies offers huge advantages beyond the environmental benefits, such as economic and energy independence, remote and decentralized energy production by creating micro-grids based on renewable energy sources (RES) and green hydrogen from water electrolysis. There is a worldwide mobilization and many countries have already prepared their strategic plans and published hydrogen roadmaps. They have started the energy transition by choosing various hydrogen production technologies, and are moving carefully towards climate neutrality by 2050, where green hydrogen, fuel cells and electrolyzers together with RES will dominate. Pure hydrogen produced from the electrolysis of water (green hydrogen) is the ideal fuel for polymer electrolyte fuel cells, which is a mature technology for batteries in several application areas, and is able to successfully replace internal combustion engines, due to their much higher efficiencies and zero emissions. Currently, gray hydrogen makes up 95% of the H₂ produced worldwide, mainly from natural gas, but releases significant amounts of CO₂. If this process is integrated with the simultaneous capture and storage/use of the produced CO₂ (blue hydrogen technology), then a low carbon energy technology will be available, and this pathway is also considered in many countries’ roadmaps. Methanol is also considered as an attractive hydrogen carrier since it has the advantages of a liquid fuel in storage and transportation, can be produced from biomass and easily converted in a hydrogen rich fuel via a low temperature catalytic process. The research community is leading the technological breakthroughs and innovation in hydrogen technologies. This topic aims to provide an overview on fuel cell technologies, mainly of (but not limited) polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells (low and high temperature), including anode and cathode electrocatalysis, electrodes, electrolytes and membrane electrode assemblies. In addition, nanomaterials for catalytic fuel processing for the production and purification of hydrogen gas streams will also be included.

Another important topic highlighted in this Special Issue will be hydrogen storage; the hydrogen storage issue is critical to the growth of hydrogen fuel cells for both stationary and mobile applications. Three types of techniques can be used for hydrogen storage: compressed, liquid, and stored in a solid material. We will focus our attention on all hydrogen storage techniques.

All the submitted works should report recent trends, insights and advances in the fields of fuel processing and hydrogen utilization in fuel cells.

Dr. George Avgouropoulos
Prof. Dr. Alexandros Katsaounis
Dr. Rolando Pedicini
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Catalysts catalysts	3.8	6.8	2011	13.9 Days	CHF 2200
Energies energies	3.0	6.2	2008	16.8 Days	CHF 2600
Materials materials	3.1	5.8	2008	13.9 Days	CHF 2600
Nanomaterials nanomaterials	4.4	8.5	2010	14.1 Days	CHF 2400
Polymers polymers	4.7	8.0	2009	14.5 Days	CHF 2700

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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11 pages, 3324 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Durability of Perfluorosulfonic Acid Membranes in Fuel Cells Using Combined Open-Circuit Voltage-Accelerated Stability Testing

by Juniko Nur Pratama, Hyunwoo Song, Hansung Kim, Hyejin Lee, Dongwon Shin and Byungchan Bae

Polymers 2024, 16(10), 1348; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16101348 - 9 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1874

Abstract

This study evaluates the chemical and mechanical durability of membranes used in proton exchange membrane fuel cells, highlighting the essential role of electrochemical tests in understanding the relationship between durability and performance. Our methodology integrates various electrochemical evaluation techniques to assess the degradation [...] Read more.

This study evaluates the chemical and mechanical durability of membranes used in proton exchange membrane fuel cells, highlighting the essential role of electrochemical tests in understanding the relationship between durability and performance. Our methodology integrates various electrochemical evaluation techniques to assess the degradation of perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) membranes. The results highlight the considerable improvement in the chemical and mechanical durability of annealed 3M PFSA-reinforced composite membranes (RCMs) compared with their non-annealed counterparts and other membrane types, indicating their superior resilience under challenging conditions. Moreover, the results of using a combined open-circuit voltage-accelerated stability testing protocol demonstrate that annealed 3M PFSA RCMs exhibit enhanced resilience, reaching 18,000 cycles before failure, considerably outperforming NR 211 (5000 cycles) and other membranes. In addition, membrane deterioration over time can be precisely measured by interpreting electrochemical indicators (electrochemically active surface area, circuit resistance, high-frequency resistance, and proton resistance). This approach provides a clear relationship between electrochemical data and durability, offering a comprehensive understanding of how different membranes withstand operational stresses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nanomaterials for Fuel Cell Systems)

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12 pages, 2250 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Precious Metal-Free CoP Nanorod Electrocatalyst as an Effective Bifunctional Oxygen Electrode for Anion Exchange Membrane-Unitized Regenerative Fuel Cells

by Palanisamy Rajkumar, Md. Masud Rana, Beom-Soo Kang, Ho-Jung Sun, Gyungse Park, So-Yeon Kim, Hong-Ki Lee and Joongpyo Shim

Catalysts 2023, 13(6), 941; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13060941 - 27 May 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2570

Abstract

In this study, noble metal-free Co(OH)F and CoP nanorod electrocatalysts were prepared and explored as bifunctional oxygen electrodes (BOE) in anion exchange membrane-unitized regenerative fuel cells (AEM-URFCs). A CoP nanorod was synthesized from Co(OH)F via the hydrothermal treatment of cobalt nitrate, ammonium fluoride, [...] Read more.

In this study, noble metal-free Co(OH)F and CoP nanorod electrocatalysts were prepared and explored as bifunctional oxygen electrodes (BOE) in anion exchange membrane-unitized regenerative fuel cells (AEM-URFCs). A CoP nanorod was synthesized from Co(OH)F via the hydrothermal treatment of cobalt nitrate, ammonium fluoride, and urea, followed by phosphorization. The crystal structures, surface morphologies, pore distributions, and elemental statuses of the obtained catalysts were analyzed to identify the changes caused by the incorporation of fluorine and phosphorus. The presence of F and P was confirmed through EDS and XPS analyses, respectively. Using these catalysts, the AEM-based URFCs were operated with hydrogen and oxygen in the fuel cell mode and pure water in the electrolysis mode. In addition, the electrocatalytic activities of the catalysts were evaluated using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. In the AEM-URFC test, the CoP catalyst in the BOE delivered the best performance in the fuel cell mode (105 mA cm⁻² at 0.3 V), and Co(OH)F was suitable for the water electrolyzer mode (30 mA cm⁻² at 2.0 V). CoP and Co(OH)F exhibited higher round trip efficiency (RTE) and power densities than the conventional Co₃O₄ catalyst. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nanomaterials for Fuel Cell Systems)

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10 pages, 4416 KiB  

Open AccessCommunication

Silver and Samaria-Doped Ceria (Ag-SDC) Cermet Cathode for Low-Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

by Davin Jeong, Yonghyun Lim, Hyeontaek Kim, Yongchan Park and Soonwook Hong

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(5), 886; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13050886 - 27 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2164

Abstract

This study demonstrated a silver (Ag) and samarium-doped ceria (SDC) mixed ceramic and metal composite (i.e., cermet) as a cathode for low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (LT-SOFCs). Introducing the Ag-SDC cermet cathode for LT-SOFCs revealed that the ratio between Ag and SDC, which [...] Read more.

This study demonstrated a silver (Ag) and samarium-doped ceria (SDC) mixed ceramic and metal composite (i.e., cermet) as a cathode for low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (LT-SOFCs). Introducing the Ag-SDC cermet cathode for LT-SOFCs revealed that the ratio between Ag and SDC, which is a crucial factor for catalytic reactions, can be tuned by the co-sputtering process, resulting in enhanced triple phase boundary (TPB) density in the nanostructure. Ag-SDC cermet not only successfully performed as a cathode to increase the performance of LT-SOFCs by decreasing polarization resistance but also exceeded the catalytic activity of platinum (Pt) due to the improved oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). It was also found that less than half of Ag content was effective to increase TPB density, preventing oxidation of the Ag surface as well. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nanomaterials for Fuel Cell Systems)

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16 pages, 3686 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Photoelectrocatalysis with Electrode Based on Ti/RuO₂-TiO₂ Modified with Tin and Tantalum Oxides for the Degradation of Indigo Blue Dye

by Alveriana Tagarro Tomaz, Carla Regina Costa, Maria de Lourdes S. Vasconcellos, Rolando Pedicini and Josimar Ribeiro

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(23), 4301; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12234301 - 4 Dec 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2074

Abstract

Indigo Blue (IB) is a dye widely used by the textile sector for dyeing cellulose cotton fibers and jeans, being considered a recalcitrant substance, and therefore resistant to traditional treatments. Several methodologies are reported in the literature for the removal or degradation of [...] Read more.

Indigo Blue (IB) is a dye widely used by the textile sector for dyeing cellulose cotton fibers and jeans, being considered a recalcitrant substance, and therefore resistant to traditional treatments. Several methodologies are reported in the literature for the removal or degradation of dyes from the aqueous medium, among which photoelectrocatalysis stands out, which presents promising results in the degradation of dyes when a dimensionally stable anode (DSA) is used as a photoanode. In the present work, we sought to investigate the efficiency of a Ti/RuO₂-TiO₂ DSA modified with tin and tantalum for the degradation of Indigo Blue dye by photoelectrocatalysis. For this, electrodes were prepared by the thermal decomposition method and then a physical–chemical and electrochemical analysis of the material was carried out. The composition Ti/RuO₂-TiO₂-SnO₂Ta₂O₅ (30:40:10:20) was compared to Ti/RuO₂-TiO₂ (30:70) in the photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and photoelectrocatalysis tests. The photocatalysis was able to degrade only 63% of the IB at a concentration of 100 mg L⁻¹ in 3 h, whereas the electrocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis were able to degrade 100% of the IB at the same initial concentration in 65 and 60 min, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nanomaterials for Fuel Cell Systems)

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19 pages, 4724 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Characterization of QPVA/PDDA Electrospun Nanofiber Anion Exchange Membranes for Alkaline Fuel Cells

by Asep Muhamad Samsudin, Michaela Roschger, Sigrid Wolf and Viktor Hacker

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(22), 3965; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12223965 - 10 Nov 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2490

Abstract

In recent years, there has been considerable interest in anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) as part of fuel cell technology. Anion exchange membranes (AEMs) provide a significant contribution to the development of fuel cells, particularly in terms of performance and efficiency. Polymer [...] Read more.

In recent years, there has been considerable interest in anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) as part of fuel cell technology. Anion exchange membranes (AEMs) provide a significant contribution to the development of fuel cells, particularly in terms of performance and efficiency. Polymer composite membranes composed of quaternary ammonium poly(vinyl alcohol) (QPVA) as electrospun nanofiber mats and a combination of QPVA and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) as interfiber voids matrix filler were prepared and characterized. The influence of various QPVA/PDDA mass ratios as matrix fillers on anion exchange membranes and alkaline fuel cells was evaluated. The structural, morphological, mechanical, and thermal properties of AEMs were characterized. To evaluate the AEMs’ performances, several measurements comprise swelling properties, ion exchange capacity (IEC), hydroxide conductivity (σ), alkaline stability, and single-cell test in fuel cells. The eQP-PDD_0.5 acquired the highest hydroxide conductivity of 43.67 ms cm⁻¹ at 80 °C. The tensile strength of the membranes rose with the incorporation of the filler matrix, with TS ranging from 23.18 to 24.95 Mpa. The peak power density and current density of 24 mW cm⁻² and 131 mA cm⁻² were achieved with single cells comprising eQP-PDD_0.5 membrane at 57 °C. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nanomaterials for Fuel Cell Systems)

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