Recent advances in fuel cell technology and its applications

Currently, there is a good deal of interest in the possibility that fuel cells will make an important contribution to world energy supplies for both mobile and stationary applications. This paper provides an up-to-date review of fuel cell technology.     

Self-adjusting smart windows based on polymer-dispersed liquid crystals

The control of sunlight can be achieved either by electrochromic or polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) smart windows. We have recently shown that it is possible to homeotropically align fluid mixtures of low molecular mass liquid crystal with a negative dielectric anisotropy, and a liquid crystalline monomer, in order to obtain electrically switchable chromogenic devices. They are new materials useful for external glazing. In fact, they are not affected by the classical drawbacks of PDLCs. In this paper we present a new self-switchable glazing technology based on the light-controlled transmittance in a PDLC device. The self-adjusting chromogenic material, which we obtain, is able to self-increase its scattering as a function of the impinging light intensity. The relationship between the electro-optical response and the physical-chemical properties of the components has been also investigated.     

Battery warm-up methodologies at subzero temperatures for automotive applications: Recent advances and perspectives

Electric vehicles play a crucial role in reducing fuel consumption and pollutant emissions for more sustainable transportation. Lithium-ion batteries, as the most expensive but least understood component in electric vehicles, directly affect vehicular driving range, safety, comfort, and reliability. However, the overall performance of traction batteries deteriorates significantly at low temperatures due to the reduced electrochemical reaction rate and accelerated health degradation, such as lithium plating. Without timely and effective actions, this performance degradation causes operational difficulties and safety hazards for electric vehicles. Battery warm-up/preheating is of particular importance when operating electric vehicles in cold geographical regions. To this end, this paper reviews various battery preheating strategies, including external convective and conductive preheating, as well as the latest progress in internal heating solutions. The effects of low temperature on batteries from the perspectives of cell performance as well as materials properties are briefly summarized. Thermal science issues involved in warm-up are also elucidated. The framework of battery management systems (BTMS) at low temperatures, including the key design considerations at different battery integration levels and the overall classification of warm-up approaches into external and internal groups, are introduced in detail. Next, a comprehensive literature review on different warm-up strategies is presented, and the basic principles, advantages, disadvantages, and potential improvements of each strategy are elaborated. Finally, future trends of battery warm-up methods are discussed in terms of key technologies, promising opportunities, and challenges.     

Recent advances in membrane technologies for hydrogen purification

Planet Earth is facing accelerated global warming due to greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. The United Nations agreement at the Paris Climate Conference in 2015 highlighted the importance of reducing CO₂ emissions from fossil fuel combustion. Hydrogen is a clean and efficient energy carrier and a hydrogen-based economy is now widely regarded as a potential solution for the future of energy security and sustainability. Although hydrogen can be produced from water electrolysis, economic reasons dictate that most of the H₂ produced worldwide, currently comes from the steam reforming of natural gas and this situation is set to continue in the foreseeable future. This production process delivers a H₂-rich mixture of gases from which H₂ needs to be purified up to the ultra-high purity levels required by fuel cells (99.97%). This driving force pushes for the development of newer H₂ purification technologies that can be highly selective and more energy efficient than the traditional energy intensive processes of pressure swing adsorption and cryogenic distillation. Membrane technology appears as an obvious energy efficient alternative for producing the ultra-pure H₂ required for fuel cells. However, membrane technology for H₂ purification has still not reached the maturity level required for its ubiquitous industrial application. This review article covers the major aspects of the current research in membrane separation technology for H₂ purification, focusing on four major types of emerging membrane technologies (carbon molecular sieve membranes; ionic-liquid based membranes; palladium-based membranes and electrochemical hydrogen pumping membranes) and establishes a comparison between them in terms of advantages and limitations.     

Nanoporous metal organic framework materials for smart applications

Abstract

This review is concerned with the recent advances in metal organic framework (MOF) materials. We highlight the unique combination of physicochemical and thermomechanical characteristics associated with MOF-type materials and illustrate emergent applications in three challenging technological sectors: energy, environmental remediation and biomedicine. MOFs represent an exciting new class of nanoporous crystalline solids constituting metal ions/clusters and multifunctional organic linkages, which self-assemble at molecular level to generate a plethora of ordered 3D framework materials. The most intriguing feature of a MOF lies in its exceptionally large surface area, far surpassing those of the best activated carbons and zeolites. Next generation multifunctional materials encompassing MOF based thin films, coatings, membranes and nanocomposites have potential for exploitation in an immense array of unconventional applications and smart devices. We pinpoint the key technological challenges and basic scientific questions to be addressed, so as to fulfil the translational potential for bringing MOFs from the laboratory into commercial applications.     

The temperature behavior of smart windows under direct solar radiation

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the variation in temperature of electrochromic devices under direct solar radiation and to compare the results with double-glazed glass. The devices consisted of a V₂O₅ layer as an ion storage film and a WO₃ layer as an electrochromic layer. The V₂O₅ and WO₃ films were prepared by thermal and electron beam evaporation, respectively. The optical properties and structures of these films were investigated. Both the ion storage film and the electrochromic layer were amorphous. The optical absorption was caused by a direct-forbidden transition in V₂O₅ and by an indirect-allowed transition in WO₃. The maximum temperatures under solar radiation were measured for colored and bleached devices, double glass and air, they were found to be approximately 63, 63, 53 and 36 °C, respectively. The rates of increasing temperature to the incident power density for colored, bleached devices and double glass were 0.051, 0.049 and 0.041 °C/(W/m²), respectively.     

Recent advances in coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering spectroscopy: Fundamental developments and applications in reacting flows

Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) spectroscopy is widely used for measuring temperature and species concentration in reacting flows. This paper reviews the advances made over the last twelve years in the development and application of CARS spectroscopy in gas-phase reacting flows. The advent of high-power nanosecond (ns) lasers and off-the-shelf compact picosecond (ps) and femtosecond (fs) lasers is enabling the rapid expansion of the application of single-shot or high-bandwidth CARS spectroscopy in a way that would have been quite unimaginable two decades ago. Furthermore, compact ps lasers are paving the way for the development of a fiber-based CARS system for use in harsh environments. The objective of this paper is to provide an overview of recent progresses in ns-, ps-, and fs-CARS spectroscopy for gas-phase thermometry and species-concentration measurements since the second edition of A.C. Eckbreth's book entitled Laser Diagnostics for Combustion Temperature and Species, which was published in 1996. During the last two decades, four encompassing issues have driven the fundamental development and application of CARS spectroscopy in reacting flows: 1) measurement of temperature and concentration of multiple species with one CARS system, 2) extension of the application of traditional ns-CARS to challenging reacting flow environments, 3) performance of nonresonant background-free and collision-free measurements in high-pressure reacting flows, and 4) measurement of temperature and species concentration at high bandwidth, typically 1 kHz or greater, to address the instability and transient phenomena associated with turbulent reacting flows in the combustors and augmentors of modern propulsion systems. This review is focused on identifying and discussing the recent results of gas-phase CARS spectroscopy related to the four issues mentioned above. The feasibility of performing high-bandwidth CARS spectroscopy with one laser beam as well as the potential of tailored fs lasers for thermometry and species-concentration measurements in gas-phase reacting flows are also discussed.     

Recent advances of electrolytes for sodium-ion batteries

作为一种新型的储能电池体系,钠离子电池具有资源丰富、成本低、比容量较高等优点,近年来引起了全世界范围内的广泛关注。电解质是制备高性能,长循环寿命,安全性良好的钠离子电池的关键材料之一。本文简要介绍有机电解质、水系电解质、离子液体电解质、固体聚合物电解质、无机固态复合电解质和凝胶态聚合物电解质等体系在钠离子电池中的研究进展,讨论这些电解质体系的电导率、电化学窗口、热稳定性等特点。目前应用在钠离子电池中较为成熟的是有机电解质,展现了良好的综合性能,但安全性仍有待改善。而安全性能较好的离子液体电解质、固体电解质及凝胶态电解质还有许多基础科学需要探索,并且需要考虑成本、电导率、机械强度等诸多因素。基于上述评述,展望了钠离子电池电解质的未来发展。     

Recent advances in cathode electrocatalysts for PEM fuel cells

Great progress has been made in the past two decades in the development of the electrocatalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). This review article is focused on recent advances made in the kinetic-activity improvement on platinum- (Pt-) based cathode electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The origin of the limited ORR activity of Pt catalysts is discussed, followed by a review on the development of Pt alloy catalysts, Pt monolayer catalysts, and shape- and facet-controlled Pt-alloy nanocrystal catalysts. Mechanistic understanding is reviewed as well on the factors contributing to the enhanced ORR activity of these catalysts. Finally, future directions for PEMFC catalyst research are proposed.     

Recent advances in alternative material photovoltaics

Abstract

Alternative material photovoltaics (PVs) have started gaining more attention recently. Although the field is not new, it just started growing a few years ago. The PV market has been dominated by various silicon technologies, besides a few other popular thin films, such as CdTe, copper–indium–galium–selenide varieties and some III–V materials. This has been reflected in research as well. Successful developments of efficient solar cells using alternative absorbers will significantly enrich the PV industry and reduce the market gap with other energy sources. Hence, in this review, recent advances and trends to develop PVs using alternative materials are presented and discussed. The focus will be mainly on binary as well as environmentally friendly compounds and thin film devices. Nonetheless, some other more complex materials and structures will be briefly addressed.     

Recent advances in NiMH battery technology

Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) is a commercially important rechargeable battery technology for both consumer and industrial applications due to design flexibility, excellent energy and power, environmental acceptability and cost. [1] From the initial product introduction in 1991 of cylindrical cells having an energy of 54 Wh kg⁻¹, today's small consumer cells have a specific energy over 100 Wh kg⁻¹. Numerous licensed manufacturers produce a myriad of NiMH products ranging from 30 mAh button cells to a wide variety of consumer cylindrical products, prismatic cells up to 250 Ah for electric buses and 6 Ah multicell modules for hybrid electric vehicles. Power has increased from under 200 to 1200 W kg⁻¹ commercially and up to 2000 W kg⁻¹ at a development level [2].     

Recent advances in residual stress measurement

Until recently residual stresses have been included in structural integrity assessments of nuclear pressure vessels and piping in a very primitive manner due to the lack of reliable residual stress measurement or prediction tools. This situation is changing the capabilities of newly emerging destructive (i.e. the contour method) and non-destructive (i.e. magnetic and high-energy synchrotron X-ray strain mapping) residual stress measurement techniques for evaluating ferritic and austenitic pressure vessel components are contrasted against more well-established methods. These new approaches offer the potential for obtaining area maps of residual stress or strain in welded plants, mock-up components or generic test-pieces. The mapped field may be used directly in structural integrity calculations, or indirectly to validate finite element process/structural models on which safety cases for pressurised nuclear systems are founded. These measurement methods are complementary in terms of application to actual plant, cost effectiveness and measurements in thick sections. In each case an exemplar case study is used to illustrate the method and to highlight its particular capabilities.     

Recent advances on photo-thermo-catalysis for carbon dioxide methanation

The carbon dioxide (CO₂) hydrogenation into methane (CH₄, Sabatier reaction) has intrigued much research attention considering the role of CH₄ in rendering energy for daily life. Photo-thermo-catalysis (PTC) of CO₂ methanation integrates both photochemical and thermochemical contributions to drive CH₄ generation effectively and selectively. This review critically surveys recent discoveries in PTC-CO₂ methanation. After introducing the basics of CO₂ methanation, the mechanisms of PTC-CO₂ methanation related to electron transfer (non-thermal effect) and photothermal heating are presented. Next, the factors regarding metals, shapes, metal–support interactions and defects are discussed. Moreover, we highlight the emerging catalysts of PTC-CO₂ methanation, including plasmonic and non-plasmonic metals, metal oxide semiconductors, metal-organic frameworks, and metal carbides. This review concludes with current challenges and future perspectives in paving the way toward the industrial application of PTC-CO₂ methanation.     

Recent advance in life prediction for HTGR applications

Key issues in design methods at high temperatures for an HTGR regime are creep constitutive equations. The life in service of structural components is controlled by creep damage. A creep constitutive equation is then needed to calculate inelastic stress-strain components. The method for life prediction, applicable to this temperature regime, has been investigated. The ductility exhaustion rule in conjunction with the creep constitutive equation is confirmed to be useful from the point of view of methodology. Creep-fatigue damage for Hastelloy XRs was assessed by this method in conjunction with the Miner's rule. It is found that the ductility exhaustion for creep damage has a tendency to estimate creep damage larger than the time faction that is often used conventionally. Creep damage under compressive stress should be evaluated at high temperatures.     

过渡金属基催化剂用于氧析出反应的研究进展

由于动力学缓慢,在能源转换和储存过程中,特别是在电解水过程,氧析出反应(OER)是一个关键的限制性反应.目前该领域所面临的主要挑战是探索不含贵金属的催化剂,以促进OER反应过程.由于独特的化学、物理特性和低廉的使用成本,过渡金属基化合物在水的电化学分解过程中的应用得到了广泛关注.本文综述了尖晶石、钙钛矿和层状双金属氢氧化物(LDH)三种过渡金属化合物作为OER电催化剂的最新研究现状和进展,重点介绍了提高OER催化活性和催化剂稳定性的策略以及相应催化剂的催化性能和效果.综合当前文献的研究结果可以发现,OER催化活性的提高主要有两种措施:一是在催化剂中引入更多的催化活性位点,并且保证这些活性位点尽可能暴露在催化剂的表面;二是优化催化剂的导电性能.通过控制尺寸、形态、晶格缺陷、氧空位、相态及化学组成,或者与导电材料相复合,可以在一定程度上满足上述两种要求.最后,对OER电催化剂的未来发展方向进行简要讨论.     

Recent advances in cobalt disulfide for electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction

Hydrogen production by water electrolysis is the most promising green hydrogen supply method in the future. Electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), an essential step in water electrolysis, has received continuous interest for a long time. Noble metal-based electrocatalysts exhibit excellent performance for HER, while their high price, limited reserves, and insufficient durability limit their large-scale applications. Transition metal sulfides (TMSs) have been extensively studied as potential alternative catalysts, among which cobalt disulfide (CoS₂) stands out due to its unique structure, low price, and good electrical conductivity. Although remarkable progress has been made, the catalytic activity and stability of CoS₂ electrode materials themselves are still insufficient for large-scale industrial applications, so effective improvement of the HER catalytic performance of CoS₂ remains the focus of research. In this review, we briefly outline the reaction mechanism of HER, focusing on strategies to improve the catalytic performance of CoS₂, including morphology engineering, carbon materials combination, heteroatom doping, and heterostructure construction. Furthermore, the key challenges and opportunities for CoS₂ electrode materials as an electrocatalytic material for HER are discussed.     

Recent advances in CoSe2 electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction

Hydrogen as a sustainable alternative fuel is recognized as a primary choice for future energy supply due to its high gravimetric energy density and zero carbon emission upon combustion. Electrochemical water splitting is a promising strategy for effective and sustainable hydrogen production. Nowadays, research is focused on developing non-precious, stable, and highly efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Among them, CoSe₂ has attracted tremendous attention as HER electrocatalyst due to its unique electronic configuration that ensures fast charge transport, excellent catalytic activity, and good chemical stability. So far, a lot of reviews on electrocatalytic water splitting based on transition metal dichalcogenides and cobalt-based materials are reported. However, the review on CoSe₂ electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction is limited up-to-date. Hence in the present review, a comprehensive literature survey on CoSe₂ electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction is done and reported. In this review, the crystal structures of CoSe₂, their phase transformation strategy, their hydrogen evolution reaction mechanism in acidic and alkaline electrolytes are highlighted. The various synthesis procedures adopted to produce CoSe₂ based materials, the relation between its structure and composition with their electrocatalytic activities are discussed. Moreover, the effective ways to enhance the electrocatalytic performance of CoSe₂ based materials such as its morphological modification, constructing heterostructures, and heteroatom doping are reviewed.     

Recent advances in additive‐enhanced polymer electrolyte membrane properties in fuel cell applications: An overview

Additives such as fillers, cross‐linkers, and plasticizers have become increasingly important in the polymer nanocomposite production field, especially for enhancing the structural morphology, functional behavior, and final performance of nanocomposites in broad applications. The current work is an overview of the effects of additive substances such as fillers, cross‐linkers, and plasticizers in the polymer electrolyte membrane composites applied to fuel cells. A comparative review is conducted by categorizing fillers into several types, and the most popular cross‐linkers and plasticizers used in fuel cell membranes are included in this review. The highlighted properties include the proton conductivity, permeability, mechanical properties, thermal properties, crystallinity, and structure of additive‐modified nanocomposites. Furthermore, the challenges and future prospects in the additive field are discussed in Section 5.0. This review can provide a reference for researchers seeking specific substances that can be used to enhance nanocomposite properties, especially in membrane fuel cell applications.     

Durability issues and service lifetime prediction of electrochromic windows for buildings applications

In general, the purposes of this paper are to elucidate the crucial importance of durability and service lifetime prediction (SLP) for electrochromic windows (ECWs) and to present an outline for developing a SLP methodology for ECWs. The specific objectives are (a) to illustrate the generic nature of SLP for several types of solar energy conversion or energy conservation devices, (b) to summarize the major durability issues associated with ECWs, (c) to justify using SLP in the triad of cost, performance, and durability rather than just durability, (d) to define and explain the seven major elements that constitute a generic SLP methodology, (e) to provide background for implementing the SLP methodology for ECWs, including the complexity of the potential degradation mechanisms, and (f) to provide an outline of studies using ECWs for improving the durability of ECW materials and predicting a service lifetime for ECWs using the SLP methodology outlined in objective (d). Our major conclusions are that substantial R&Dis necessary to understand the factors that limit ECW durability, and that it is possible to predict the service lifetime of ECWs.