Voltage jump during polarization of a PEM fuel cell operated at low relative humidities

A PEM fuel cell with a Nafion 211 membrane-based membrane electrode assembly (MEA) was tested with an H₂/air stoichiometry of 2/4 at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% relative humidities. A voltage jump on the polarization curve was observed when the cell was operated at a lower humidity. This phenomenon may be explained by the water back-diffusion from the cathode into the membrane resulting in both a non-uniform water distribution in the membrane and a liquid-equilibrated interface between the membrane and the anode catalyst layer. Experimental results obtained by AC impedance spectroscopy measuring the MEA resistance (membrane+catalyst ionomer layers) at different current densities as well as collected polarization data at high feed-gas flow rates (or at low backpressures) and high temperatures all confirmed the validity of the proposed water back-diffusion hypothesis.     

Sorption kinetics in metal hydrides by leaky coating

The 3D geometry of a hydrogen absorbing metal grain (Pd) is mimicked by a membrane made of the metal with identical properties, which is sealed on one side with a hydrogen semi-impermeable surface (Cu). The hydrogen loss through the sealed membrane surface is negligible, i.e., the hydrogen uptake measurement is that of a bulk material (Sieverts measurement), but the surface desorbs sufficient hydrogen to be detected by a mass spectrometer. With this, two independent spatial and temporal kinetic properties are defined which allow the reconstruction of the time dependent hydrogen distribution inside the membrane. As proof of concept, the mechanism of hydride formation in Pd is analyzed, corroborating the formation and growth of incoherent interfaces during hydrogen sorption.     

Investigation of liquid water heterogeneities in large area proton exchange membrane fuel cells using a Darcy two-phase flow model in a multiphysics code

Proper management of the liquid water and heat produced in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells remains crucial to increase both its performance and durability. In this study, a two-phase flow and multicomponent model, called two-fluid model, is developed in the commercial COMSOL Multiphysics® software to investigate the liquid water heterogeneities in large area PEM fuel cells, considering the real flow fields in the bipolar plate. A macroscopic pseudo-3D multi-layers approach has been chosen and generalized Darcy's relation is used both in the membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) and in the channel. The model considers two-phase flow and gas convection and diffusion coupled with electrochemistry and water transport through the membrane. The numerical results are compared to one-fluid model results and liquid water measurements obtained by neutron imaging for several operating conditions. Finally, according to the good agreement between the two-fluid and experimentation results, the numerical water distribution is examined in each component of the cell, exhibiting very heterogeneous water thickness over the cell surface.     

Melatonin and its protective role against male reproductive toxicity induced by heavy metals,environmental pollutants,and chemotherapy: A review

Melatonin, as a ubiquitous indoleamine hormone, is synthesized primarily by the pineal gland. It has diversebiological effects through quite complex mechanisms. More recently, studies have focused on the mechanism ofmelatonin in anti-reproductive toxicity/damage. Since melatonin possesses strong antioxidant and anti-apoptoticproperties, researchers have examined its potential role in protecting against male reproductive toxicity/damage,which may be induced by chemotherapy or environmental toxicants and can lead to male infertility. In this article,recent progress regarding the protective effects of melatonin on male reproductive toxicity/damage is reviewed.     

Supporting the propane dehydrogenation reactors by hydrogen permselective membrane modules to produce ultra-pure hydrogen and increasing propane conversion: Process modeling and optimization

The main aim of this research is supporting the moving bed radial flow reactors in the propane dehydrogenation unit by membrane modules to produce ultra-pure hydrogen and increasing equilibrium conversion. The propane dehydrogenation is a thermodynamically limited and endothermic reaction, which decreasing hydrogen concentration and increasing operating temperature in the system could increase equilibrium conversion. In the first step, the conventional and membrane supported reactors are heterogeneously modeled based on the mass and energy conservation laws considering catalyst decay. To verify the precision of developed model, the results of simulation are compared with the available plant data. Then, the performance of designed membrane configuration is compared with the conventional process at the same feed condition. It appears that the activity of catalyst decreases along the reactors due to coke build up on the catalyst surface, and it results in the lower propane conversion. The results show that supporting the conventional reactors by hydrogen permselective membrane module increases propane conversion up to 3.09%.     

Copolymer synergistic coupling for chemical stability and improved gas barrier properties of a polymer electrolyte membrane for fuel cell applications

A novel radiation grafted ETFE based proton conducting membrane was prepared by double irradiation grafting of two different monomers. The intrinsic oxidative stability of the ETFE-g-poly(styrene sulfonic acid-co-divinylbenzene) membrane was improved by reducing the gas crossover through incorporation of polymethacrylonitrile (PMAN) containing the strong polar nitrile group. A fuel cell test was carried out at 80 °C under constant current density of 500 mA cm⁻² for a time exceeding 1′900 h. The incorporation of PMAN considerably improves the interfacial properties of the membrane-electrode assembly. No significant change in the membrane hydrogen crossover and performance over the testing time was observed, except for a measured decrease in the membrane ohmic resistance after 1′000 h. The combination of the double irradiation induced grafting with the use of the PMAN as gas barrier in addition to its chelating abilities (e. g. Ce³⁺) offers a promising strategy to develop more durable membranes for fuel cells.     

Research and development on membrane IS process for hydrogen production using solar heat

Thermochemical hydrogen production has attracted considerable interest as a clean energy solution to address the challenges of climate change and environmental sustainability. The thermochemical water-splitting iodine-sulfur (IS) process uses heat from nuclear or solar power and thus is a promising next-generation thermochemical hydrogen production method that is independent of fossil fuels and can provide energy security. This paper presents the current state of research and development (R&D) of the IS process based on membrane techniques using solar energy at a medium temperature of 600 °C. Membrane design strategies have the most potential for making the IS process using solar energy highly efficient and economical and are illustrated here in detail. Three aspects of membrane design proposed herein for the IS process have led to a considerable improvement of the total thermal efficiency of the process: membrane reactors, membranes, and reaction catalysts. Experimental studies in the applications of these membrane design techniques to the Bunsen reaction, sulfuric acid decomposition, and hydrogen iodide decomposition are discussed.     

Comparison of experimental and simulation results on catalytic HI decomposition in a silica-based ceramic membrane reactor

In this study, the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen iodide was theoretically and experimentally investigated in a silica-based ceramic membrane reactor to assess the reactor's suitability for thermochemical hydrogen production. The silica membranes were fabricated by depositing a thin silica layer onto the surface of porous alumina ceramic support tubes via counter-diffusion chemical vapor deposition of hexyltrimethoxysilane. The performance of the silica-based ceramic membrane reactor was evaluated by exploring important operating parameters such as the flow rates of the hydrogen iodide feed and the nitrogen sweep gas. The influence of the flow rates on the hydrogen iodide decomposition conversion was investigated in the lower range of the investigated feed flow rates and in the higher range of the sweep-gas flow rates. The experimental data agreed with the simulation results reasonably well, and both highlighted the possibility of achieving a conversion greater than 0.70 at decomposition temperature of 400 °C. Therefore, the developed silica-based ceramic membrane reactor could enhance the total thermal efficiency of the thermochemical process.     

On the analysis of fracture mechanisms and mechanical behavior of AA5083-based tri-modal composites reinforced with 5 wt.%B4C and toughened by AA5083 and AA2024 coarse grain phases

In this article, the influence of AA2024 and AA5083 coarse grains on mechanical properties and failure mechanisms of AA5083-5wt. %B₄C tri-modal composite has been discussed. AA2024 and AA5083 powders (<100 µm) were added to mechanically milled AA5083-5 wt.%B₄C powders in 25 and 50 wt.% and the mixtures were consolidated using the hot press and hot extrusion techniques. Results indicated that by adding AA2024 and AA5083 powders as coarse grains, hardness and tensile strength of AA5083-5 wt.%B₄C composite decreased but ductility increased. Moreover, by adding AA2024 powders as coarse grains, fracture mode changed and cracks tended to grow through along AA2024/AA5083-5 wt.%B₄C interface rather than being arrested or deflected. It seemed that dislocation mobility and the interface between coarse grains and ultra-fine grains had the main role in determining the mechanical properties and failure mechanisms in tri-modal AA5083-B₄C composites.     

针织结构生化防护材料的研究现状及发展前景

介绍各类生化防护服的防护透湿机理和防护性能的差异,以及选择性渗透膜材料的分类及性能评价方法。根据选择性透气式防护服的性能要求,分析针织结构生化防护材料的发展可行性。指出针织复合结构选择性渗透防护服的发展方向,包括基于针织结构与纳米纤维的选择性渗透防护服、基于针织结构与酶的选择性渗透防护服、基于针织结构的选择性渗透防护服。该研究可为新型复合结构生化防护服的研发提供一定的参考。