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Frontiers in Energy
Journal Prestige (SJR): 0.292  Citation Impact (citeScore): 1 Number of Followers: 4  Hybrid journal (It can contain Open Access articles)ISSN (Print) 2095-1701 - ISSN (Online) 2095-1698 Published by Springer-Verlag  [2468 journals]
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- Performance analysis of a novel medium temperature compressed air energy
storage system based on inverter-driven compressor pressure regulation-
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Abstract: Abstract In compressed air energy storage systems, throttle valves that are used to stabilize the air storage equipment pressure can cause significant exergy losses, which can be effectively improved by adopting inverter-driven technology. In this paper, a novel scheme for a compressed air energy storage system is proposed to realize pressure regulation by adopting an inverter-driven compressor. The system proposed and a reference system are evaluated through exergy analysis, dynamic characteristics analysis, and various other assessments. A comprehensive performance analysis is conducted based on key parameters such as thermal storage temperature, component isentropic efficiency, and designated discharge pressure. The results show that the novel system achieves a relative improvement of 3.64% in round-trip efficiency, demonstrating its capability to enhance efficiency without significantly increasing system complexity. Therefore, the system proposed offers a viable solution for optimizing compressed air energy storage systems.
PubDate: 2024-10-01
DOI: 10.1007/s11708-024-0921-0
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- Low-melting point metals facilitate synthesis of Pt-based intermetallic
nanocrystals-
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PubDate: 2024-08-10
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- Improvement of durability of membrane electrode assembly by frame sealing
structure in temperature shock-
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Abstract: Abstract The frame of membrane electrode assembly (MEA) influences the durability of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). In this paper, the thermal shock bench was applied as an accelerated aging test to explore the effect of frame sealing structure on MEA durability at different temperatures. Analysis of scanning electron microscope (SEM) images reveals that thermal shock results in the formation of cracks on the exposed proton exchange membrane (PEM) at the gap between the frame and the active area. Moreover, it breaks the bonding interface between the frame and the membrane and leads to the debonding of the adhesive, which exacerbates the risk of crossover of the reactant gas. A comparison of the single-layer and improved double-layer frame structures reveal that the mechanical damage is caused by frequent membrane wrinkles in the gap under temperature shock. However, addition of a cushion layer improves the continuity between the frame and the active area, and reduces deformation of the membrane, thereby preventing membrane damage.
PubDate: 2024-08-10
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- Highly efficient and active Co-N-C catalysts for oxygen reduction and
Zn–air batteries-
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Abstract: Abstract In this study, the Lewis doping approach of polyaniline (PANI) was employed to fabricate cobait–nitrogen–carbon (Co-N-C) oxygen electrocatalysts for Zn–air batteries, aiming to enhance the active spots of Co-N-C. This resulting Co-N-C catalysts exhibited well-defined nanofiber networks, and the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis confirmed their substantial specific surface area. Electrochemical experiments demonstrated that the Co-N-C catalysts achieved the half-wave potential (vs. RHE) of 0.85 V in alkaline medium, overcoming Pt/C and iron–nitrogen–carbon (Fe-N-C) counterparts in extended cycle testing with only a 25 mV change in a half-wave potential after 5000 cycles. Remarkably, the highest power density measured in the zinc (Zn)–air battery reached 227 mW/cm2, a significant improvement over the performance of 101 mW/cm2 of the platinum on activated carbon (Pt/C) catalyst. These findings highlight the advantageous stability enhancement associated with the utilization of Co in the Co-N-C catalysts.
PubDate: 2024-08-01
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- Numerical study of novel OME1−6 combustion mechanism and spray
combustion at changed ambient environments-
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Abstract: Abstract For a climate-neutral future mobility, the so-called e-fuels can play an essential part. Especially, oxygenated e-fuels containing oxygen in their chemical formula have the additional potential to burn with significantly lower soot levels. In particular, polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers or oxymethylene ethers (PODEs or OMEs) do not contain carbon-carbon bonds, prohibiting the production of soot precursors like acetylene (C2H2). These properties make OMEs a highly interesting candidate for future climate-neutral compression-ignition engines. However, to fully leverage their potential, the auto-ignition process, flame propagation, and mixing regimes of the combustion need to be understood. To achieve this, efficient oxidation mechanisms suitable for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calculations must be developed and validated. The present work aims to highlight the improvements made by developing an adapted oxidation mechanism for OME1−6 and introducing it into a validated spray combustion CFD model for OMEs. The simulations were conducted for single- and multi-injection patterns, changing ambient temperatures, and oxygen contents. The results were validated against high-pressure and high-temperature constant-pressure chamber experiments. OH*-chemiluminescence measurements accomplished the characterization of the auto-ignition process. Both experiments and simulations were conducted for two different injectors. Significant improvements concerning the prediction of the ignition delay time were accomplished while also retaining an excellent agreement for the flame lift-off length. The spatial zones of high-temperature reaction activity were also affected by the adaption of the reaction kinetics. They showed a greater tendency to form OH* radicals within the center of the spray in accordance with the experiments.
PubDate: 2024-08-01
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- Enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting with a donor-acceptor
polyimide-
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Abstract: Abstract Polyimide (PI) has emerged as a promising organic photocatalyst owing to its distinct advantages of high visible-light response, facile synthesis, molecularly tunable donor-acceptor structure, and excellent physicochemical stability. However, the synthesis of high-quality PI photoelectrode remains a challenge, and photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting for PI has been less studied. Herein, the synthesis of uniform PI photoelectrode films via a simple spin-coating method was reported, and their PEC properties were investigated using melamine as donor and various anhydrides as acceptors. The influence of the conjugate size of aromatic unit (phenyl, biphenyl, naphthalene, perylene) of electron acceptor on PEC performance were studied, where naphthalene-based PI photoelectrode exhibited the highest photocurrent response. This is resulted from the unification of wide-range light absorption, efficient charge separation and transport, and strong photooxidation capacity. This paper expands the material library of polymer films for PEC applications and contributes to the rational design of efficient polymer photoelectrodes.
PubDate: 2024-08-01
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- Two-phase early prediction method for remaining useful life of lithium-ion
batteries based on a neural network and Gaussian process regression-
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Abstract: Abstract Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are widely used in transportation, energy storage, and other fields. The prediction of the remaining useful life (RUL) of lithium batteries not only provides a reference for health management but also serves as a basis for assessing the residual value of the battery. In order to improve the prediction accuracy of the RUL of LIBs, a two-phase RUL early prediction method combining neural network and Gaussian process regression (GPR) is proposed. In the initial phase, the features related to the capacity degradation of LIBs are utilized to train the neural network model, which is used to predict the initial cycle lifetime of 124 LIBs. The Pearson coefficient’s two most significant characteristic factors and the predicted normalized lifetime form a 3D space. The Euclidean distance between the test dataset and each cell in the training dataset and validation dataset is calculated, and the shortest distance is considered to have a similar degradation pattern, which is used to determine the initial Dual Exponential Model (DEM). In the second phase, GPR uses the DEM as the initial parameter to predict each test set’s early RUL (ERUL). By testing four batteries under different working conditions, the RMSE of all capacity estimation is less than 1.2%, and the accuracy percentage (AP) of remaining life prediction is more than 98%. Experiments show that the method does not need human intervention and has high prediction accuracy.
PubDate: 2024-08-01
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- A fibrous hydroelectric generator derived from eco-friendly sodium
alginate for low-grade energy harvesting-
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Abstract: Abstract With the development of renewable energy technologies, the recovery and utilization of low-grade energy based on hydroelectric effect have drawn much attention owing to its environmental friendliness. Herein, a novel hydroelectric generator utilizing sodium alginate-graphene oxide (SA-GO) fibers is proposed, which is ecofriendly and low-cost. These fibers with a length of 5 cm and a diameter of 0.15 mm can generate an open circuit voltage (Voc) of approximately 0.25 V and a short circuit current (Isc) of 4 µA. By connecting SA-GO fibers in either series or parallel, this combination can power some electronic devices. Furthermore, these fibers enable the recovery of low-grade energy from the atmosphere or around the human body. Both experimental and theoretical analysis confirm that the directional flow of protons driven by water molecules is the main mechanism for power generation of SA-GO fibers. This study not only presents a simple energy transformation method that is expected to be applied to our daily life, but also provides a novel idea for the design of humidity electricity-generation devices.
PubDate: 2024-08-01
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- Dynamic simulation of GEH-IES with distributed parameter characteristics
for hydrogen-blending transportation-
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Abstract: Abstract For the purpose of environment protecting and energy saving, renewable energy has been distributed into the power grid in a considerable scale. However, the consuming capacity of the power grid for renewable energy is relatively limited. As an effective way to absorb the excessive renewable energy, the power to gas (P2G) technology is able to convert excessive renewable energy into hydrogen. Hydrogen-blending natural gas pipeline is an efficient approach for hydrogen transportation. However, hydrogen-blending natural gas complicates the whole integrated energy system (IES), making it more problematic to cope with the equipment failure, demand response and dynamic optimization. Nevertheless, dynamic simulation of distribution parameters of gas–electricity–hydrogen (GEH) energy system, especially for hydrogen concentration, still remains a challenge. The dynamics of hydrogen-blending IES is undiscovered. To tackle the issue, an iterative solving framework of the GEH-IES and a cell segment-based method for hydrogen mixing ratio distribution are proposed in this paper. Two typical numerical cases studying the conditions under which renewables fluctuate and generators fail are conducted on a real-word system. The results show that hydrogen blending timely and spatially influences the flow parameters, of which the hydrogen mixing ratio and gas pressure loss along the gas pipeline are negatively correlated and the response to hydrogen mixing ratio is time-delayed. Moreover, the hydrogen-blending amount and position also have a significant impact on the performance of the compressor.
PubDate: 2024-08-01
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- Economically attractive production of commercial-grade gasoline from waste
plastics-
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PubDate: 2024-07-20
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- Visualizing unleashed latent heat of liquid metal for soft intelligence
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PubDate: 2024-07-15
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- A review on plasmonic enhancement of activity and selectivity in
electrocatalytic CO2 reduction-
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Abstract: Abstract Utilizing plasmonic effects to assist electrochemical reactions exhibits a huge potential in tuning the reaction activities and product selectivity, which is most appealing especially in chemical reactions with multiple products, such as CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). However, a comprehensive review of the development and the underlying mechanisms in plasmon-assisted electrocatalytic CO2RR remains few and far between. Herein, the fundamentals of localized surface plasmonic resonance (LSPR) excitation and the properties of typical plasmonic metals (including Au, Ag, and Cu) are retrospected. Subsequently, the potential mechanisms of plasmonic effects (such as hot carrier effects and photothermal effects) on the reaction performance in the field of plasmon-assisted electrocatalytic CO2RR are summarized, which provides directions for the future development of this field. It is concluded that plasmonic catalysts exhibit potential capabilities in enhancing CO2RR while more in situ techniques are essential to further clarify the inner mechanisms.
PubDate: 2024-07-10
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- Improved cyclic stability of LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 cathode enabled by a
novel CEI forming additive-
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Abstract: Abstract The undesired side reactions at electrode/electrolyte interface as well as the irreversible phase evolution during electrochemical cycling significantly affect the cyclic performances of nickel-rich NMCs electrode materials. Electrolyte optimization is an effective approach to suppress such an adverse side reaction, thereby enhancing the electrochemical properties. Herein, a novel boron-based film forming additive, tris(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) borate (TTFEB), has been introduced to regulate the interphasial chemistry of LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) cathode to improve its long-term cyclability and rate properties. The results of multi-model diagnostic study reveal that formation lithium fluoride (LiF)-rich and boron (B) containing cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) not only stabilizes cathode surface, but also prevents electrolyte decomposition. Moreover, homogenously distributed B containing species serves as a skeleton to form more uniform and denser CEI, reducing the interphasial resistance. Remarkably, the Li/NMC811 cell with the TTFEB additive delivers an exceptional cycling stability with a high-capacity retention of 72.8% after 350 electrochemical cycles at a 1 C current rate, which is significantly higher than that of the cell cycled in the conventional electrolyte (59.7%). These findings provide a feasible pathway for improving the electrochemical performance of Ni-rich NMCs cathode by regulating the interphasial chemistry.
PubDate: 2024-07-10
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- Impact of Ni particle size on CO2 activation and CO formation during
reforming process: A density functional theory study-
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Abstract: Abstract In recent years, the dry reforming of methane (DRM) reaction has gained widespread attention due to its effective utilization of two major greenhouse gases. Supported Ni-based catalysts for DRM exhibit a strong dependence on particle size, however, the reaction mechanisms involved remain unclear. In this work, the effect of metal particle size on CO2 activation and CO formation was explored in the DRM reaction using the density functional theory. Nix/MgO (x = 13, 25, 37) was constructed to investigate the CO2 activation and the formation of CO during the DRM reaction. It is found that CO2 is more inclined to undergo chemisorption on Nix/MgO before activation. With the variation in particle size, the main activation pathway of CO2 on the catalyst changes. On the smallest Ni13/MgO, CO2 tends to directly dissociate, while on the larger Ni25/MgO and Ni37/MgO, the hydrogenation dissociation of CO2 is more kinetically favorable. Compared to Ni13/MgO and Ni37/MgO, the oxidation of surface C atoms and the oxidation of CH occur more readily on Ni25/MgO. This indicates that C atoms are less likely to form on Ni25 particle and are more easily to be oxidized. To some extent, the results suggest that Ni25/MgO exhibits superior resistance to carbon formation.
PubDate: 2024-06-30
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- Plasma-assisted ammonia synthesis under mild conditions for hydrogen and
electricity storage: Mechanisms, pathways, and application prospects-
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Abstract: Abstract Ammonia, with its high hydrogen storage density of 17.7 wt.% (mass fraction), cleanliness, efficiency, and renewability, presents itself as a promising zero-carbon fuel. However, the traditional Haber–Bosch (H–B) process for ammonia synthesis necessitates high temperature and pressure, resulting in over 420 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, and relies on fossil fuel consumption. In contrast, dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma-assisted ammonia synthesis operates at low temperatures and atmospheric pressures, utilizing nitrogen and hydrogen radicals excited by energetic electrons, offering a potential alternative to the H-B process. This method can be effectively coupled with renewable energy sources (such as solar and wind) for environmentally friendly, distributed, and efficient ammonia production. This review delves into a comprehensive analysis of the low-temperature DBD plasma-assisted ammonia synthesis technology at atmospheric pressure, covering the reaction pathway, mechanism, and catalyst system involved in plasma nitrogen fixation. Drawing from current research, it evaluates the economic feasibility of the DBD plasmaassisted ammonia synthesis technology, analyzes existing dilemmas and challenges, and provides insights and recommendations for the future of nonthermal plasma ammonia processes.
PubDate: 2024-06-20
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- High-entropy catalysts for electrochemical water-electrolysis of hydrogen
evolution and oxygen evolution reactions-
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Abstract: Abstract High entropy materials (HEMs) have developed rapidly in the field of electrocatalytic water-electrolysis for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) due to their unique properties. In particular, HEM catalysts are composed of many elements. Therefore, they have rich active sites and enhanced entropy stability relative to single atoms. In this paper, the preparation strategies and applications of HEM catalysts in electrochemical water-electrolysis are reviewed to explore the stabilization of HEMs and their catalytic mechanisms as well as their application in support green hydrogen production. First, the concept and four characteristics of HEMs are introduced based on entropy and composition. Then, synthetic strategies of HEM catalysts are systematically reviewed in terms of the categories of bottom-up and top-down. The application of HEMs as catalysts for electrochemical water-electrolysis in recent years is emphatically discussed, and the mechanisms of improving the performance of electrocatalysis is expounded by combining theoretical calculation technology and ex-situ/in situ characterization experiments. Finally, the application prospect of HEMs is proposed to conquer the challenges in HEM catalyst fabrications and applications.
PubDate: 2024-06-01
DOI: 10.1007/s11708-023-0892-6
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- Recent advances in morphology control of platinum catalysts toward oxygen
reduction reaction-
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Abstract: Abstract Exploring advanced platinum (Pt)-based electrocatalysts is vital for the widespread implementation of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Morphology control represents an effective strategy to optimize the behavior of Pt catalysts. In this work, an attempt is made to comprehensively review the effect of morphology control on the catalytic behavior of catalysts in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). First, the fundamental physicochemical changes behind morphology control, including exposing more active sites, generating appropriate lattice strains, and forming different crystalline surfaces, are highlighted. Then, recently developed strategies for tuning the morphologies of electrocatalysts, including core-shell structures, hollow structures, nanocages, nanowires, and nanosheets, are comprehensively summarized. Finally, an outlook on the future development of morphology control of Pt catalysts is presented, including rational design strategies, advanced in situ characterization techniques, novel artificial intelligence, and mechanical learning. This work is intended to provide valuable insights into designing the morphology and technological innovation of efficient redox electrocatalysts in fuel cells.
PubDate: 2024-06-01
DOI: 10.1007/s11708-024-0929-5
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- From seawater to hydrogen via direct photocatalytic vapor splitting: A
review on device design and system integration-
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Abstract: Abstract Solar-driven hydrogen production from seawater attracts great interest for its emerging role in decarbonizing global energy consumption. Given the complexity of natural seawater content, photocatalytic vapor splitting offers a low-cost and safe solution, but with a very low solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency. With a focus on cutting-edge photothermal–photocatalytic device design and system integration, the recent research advances on vapor splitting from seawater, as well as industrial implementations in the past decades were reviewed. In addition, the design strategies of the key processes were reviewed, including vapor temperature and pressure control during solar thermal vapor generation from seawater, capillary-fed vaporization with salt repellent, and direct photocatalytic vapor splitting for hydrogen production. Moreover, the existing laboratory-scale and industrial-scale systems, and the integration principles and remaining challenges in the future seawater-to-hydrogen technology were discussed.
PubDate: 2024-06-01
DOI: 10.1007/s11708-024-0917-9
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- Pyrochlore La2Zr2–xNixO7 anodes for direct ammonia solid oxide fuel
cells-
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Abstract: Abstract Developing efficient anode catalysts for direct ammonia solid oxide fuel cells (NH3-SOFCs) under intermediate-temperatures is of great importance, in support of hydrogen economy via ammonia utilization. In the present work, the pyrochlore-type La2Zr2−xNixO7+δ (LZNx, x = 0, 0.02, 0.05, 0.08, 0.10) oxides were synthesized as potential anode catalysts of NH3-SOFCs due to the abundant Frankel defect that contributes to the good conductivity and oxygen ion mobility capacity. The effects of different content of Ni2+ doping on the crystal structure, surface morphology, thermal matching with YSZ (Yttria-stabilized zirconia), conductivity, and electrochemical performance of pyrochlore oxides were examined using different characterization techniques. The findings indicate that the LZNx oxide behaves as an n-type semiconductor and exhibits an excellent high-temperature chemical compatibility and thermal matching with the YSZ electrolyte. Furthermore, LZN0.05 exhibits the smallest conductive band potential and bandgap, making it have a higher power density as anode material for NH3-SOFCs compared to other anodes. As a result, the maximum power density of the LZN0.05-40YSZ composite anode reaches 100.86 mW/cm2 at 800 °C, which is 1.8 times greater than that of NiO-based NH3-SOFCs (56.75 mW/cm2) under identical flow rate and temperature conditions. The extended durability indicates that the NH3-SOFCs utilizing the LZN0.05-40YSZ composite anode exhibits a negligible voltage degradation following uninterrupted operation at 800 °C for 100 h.
PubDate: 2024-06-01
DOI: 10.1007/s11708-024-0948-2
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- Special issue on electrochemical conversion and utilization of hydrogen
energy-
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PubDate: 2024-04-15
DOI: 10.1007/s11708-024-0944-6
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