一种无膜的自呼吸式直接醇燃料电池

采用液相化学还原法制备出多壁碳纳米管（MWCNT）负载的双金属PdNi纳米颗粒（PdNi／MWCNT）;采用水热法,在乙醇为溶剂和还原剂的体系中,制备出MWCNT负载的双金属AgCo纳米颗粒（AgCo／MWCNT）．碱性溶液中,PdNi／MWCNT对甲醇、乙醇、丙醇和丁醇的氧化具有稳定而强的电催化活性;AgCo／MWCNT对氧还原反应也表现出强的电活性,且对上述高浓度的醇具有较强的耐受力．以PdNi／MWCNT催化剂为阳极,同时将AgCo／MWCNT催化剂制备成气体扩散电极,组装成无离子交换膜的自呼吸式直接醇燃料电池．分别以甲醇、乙醇、丙醇和丁醇为燃料时,这种无膜的燃料电池均能稳定放电,且具有较高的功率密度及较大的输出电压．     

燃料电池氧还原反应核壳结构电极材料的理性设计

纳米技术的迅速发展促进了核壳纳米粒子作为一种新型功能材料的产生。通过理性设计核与壳的组成,可以构建一系列具有功能可调性的核壳纳米材料。该类材料可以作为燃料电池中氧还原反应(ORR)的阴极电极,并表现了卓越的电催化性能。本文以不同化学属性为核壳分类,依托ORR机理,综述了近几年核壳结构电极材料在ORR中的应用,提出了存在的挑战,以期为解决能源转换与储存问题提供思路。     

Electrocatalytical properties presented by Cu/Ni alloy modified electrodes toward the oxidation of glucose

This paper concerns the deposition of metal alloys formed by nickel and copper on electrode surface aiming at the development of electrocatalytic systems. Such alloys were formed on platinum electrodes by direct reduction of Ni²⁺ and Cu²⁺ sulfate salts in different proportions in a simple and straightforward electrochemical treatment. After the deposition, the conversion to the electrocatalytic oxide form was done in alkaline solutions by cyclic voltammograms. The experimental parameters, such as deposition time and the proportion of copper and nickel in the synthetic solution, were investigated toward the catalytic oxidation of glucose. The materials were characterized by electrochemical experiments, infrared and Raman spectroscopies, and X-ray diffraction, showing that the material is not a simple mixture of nickel and copper oxides. The modified electrodes showed remarkable electrocatalytic properties, indicating an interesting application in the sensor and fuel cell development.     

铂基金属间化合物纳米晶的最新进展:可控合成与电催化应用

铂基金属间化合物纳米晶因其高度有序的结构特点,优异的抗氧化及耐腐蚀性能,作为电极材料被广泛应用于各类电催化反应,目前已有的PtCo金属间化合物纳米晶在燃料电池阴极反应(氧还原反应)中的活性和稳定性均达到了美国能源部(DOE) 2020年的目标。为了进一步提高金属间化合物纳米晶的电催化性能,需要对影响纳米晶电催化性能的因素进行深入研究。本文综述了铂基金属间化合物纳米晶的研究现状,着重介绍了铂基金属间化合物的可控合成策略及其在电催化领域的最新研究进展,分析总结了该领域存在的问题,并展望了其未来发展方向。     

Electrode materials and reaction mechanisms in solid oxide fuel cells: a brief review

This work is focused on the comparative analysis of electrochemical and transport properties in the major families of cathode and anode compositions for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and materials science-related factors affecting electrode performance. The first part presents a brief overview of the electrochemical and chemical reactions in SOFCs, specific rate-determining steps of the electrode processes, solid oxide electrolyte ceramics, and effects of partial oxygen ionic and electronic conductivities in the SOFC components. The aspects associated with materials compatibility, thermal expansion, stability, and electrocatalytic behavior are also briefly discussed. Primary attention is centered on the experimental data and approaches reported during the last 10–15 years, reflecting the main challenges in the field of materials development for the ceramic fuel cells.     

Advancements in Perovskite-Based Cathode Materials for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: A Comprehensive Review

The high-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are the most efficient and green conversion technology for electricity generation from hydrogen-based fuel as compared to conventional thermal power plants. Many efforts have been made to reduce the high operating temperature (>800 °C) to intermediate/low operating temperature (400 °C<T<800 °C) in SOFCs in order to extend their life span, thermal compatibility, cost-effectiveness, and ease of fabrication. However, the major challenges in developing cathode materials for low/intermediate temperature SOFCs include structural stability, catalytic activity for oxygen adsorption and reduction, and tolerance against contaminants such as chromium, boron, and sulfur. This research aims to provide an updated review of the perovskite-based state-of-the-art cathode materials LaSrMnO₃ (LSM) and LaSrCOFeO₃ (LSCF), as well as the recent trending Ruddlesden-Popper phase (RP) and double perovskite-structured materials SOFCs technology. Our review highlights various strategies such as surface modification, codoping, infiltration/impregnation, and composites with fluorite phases to address the challenges related to LSM/LSCF-based electrode materials and improve their electrocatalytic activity. Moreover, this study also offers insight into the electrochemical performance of the double perovskite oxides and Ruddlesden-Popper phase materials as cathodes for SOFCs.     

Studies on the role of oxidation states of the platinum surface in electrocatalytic oxidation of small primary alcohols

The role of the oxidation state of a platinum polycrystalline surface in the electrocatalytic oxidation of C₁ to C₄ primary alcohols has been studied by using electrochemical techniques, in situ FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results revealed that the oxidation state of the Pt surface plays a key role in the oxidation of primary alcohols, and demonstrated that the oxidation of C₁ to C₄ primary alcohols on a Pt electrode is controlled by the formation of surface oxides on the Pt electrode at different potentials. It was found that the dependence of the reaction process on the oxidation states of the platinum surface yielded similar features in the cyclic voltammogram for oxidation of different primary alcohols at a Pt electrode. According to the effects in the oxidation of primary alcohols, the surface oxides of platinum may be classified as active and poison species. The Pt surface oxides of higher oxidation states (Pt(OH)₃ and PtO₂) formed at potentials above 1.0 V (SCE) were identified as poison species, while other lower oxidation states of Pt surface oxides such as PtOH, Pt(OH)₂ and PtO may be identified as the possible active species for primary alcohol oxidation.     

Electrochemical Reduction of Oxygen on Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes Electrode in Alkaline Solution

The multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) electrode was constructed using polytetrafluoroethylene as binder, and the electrochemical reductive behavior of oxygen in alkaline solution was first examined on this electrode. Compared with other carbon materials, MWNTs show higher electrocatalytic activity, and the reversibility of O2 reduction reaction is greatly improved. The experiments reveal that the electrochemical reduction of O2 to HO2 is controlled by adsorption. The preliminary results illustrate the potential application of MWNTs in fuel cells.     

Preparation and electrochemistry of Pd-Ni/Si nanowire nanocomposite catalytic anode for direct ethanol fuel cell

A new silicon-based anode suitable for direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs) is described. Pd-Ni nanoparticles are coated on Si nanowires (SiNWs) by electroless co-plating to form the catalytic materials. The electrocatalytic properties of the SiNWs and ethanol oxidation on the Pd-Ni catalyst (Pd-Ni/SiNWs) are investigated electrochemically. The effects of temperature and working potential limit in the anodic direction on ethanol oxidation are studied by cyclic voltammetry. The Pd-Ni/SiNWs electrode exhibits higher electrocatalytic activity and better long-term stability in an alkaline solution. It also yields a larger current density and negative onset potential thus boding well for its application to fuel cells.     

Approaching the self-consistency challenge of electrocatalysis with theory and computation

This opinion piece centers around challenges involved in developing first-principles electrochemical methods. In recent years, theory and computation have become indispensable tools to navigate the parameter space that controls the activity and stability of electrocatalytic materials and electrochemical devices. Viable methods process as input details on materials structure, composition and reaction conditions. Their output includes metrics for stability and activity, phase diagrams, as well as mechanistic insights on reaction mechanisms and pathways. The core challenge, connecting input to output, is a self-consistency problem that couples the electrode potential to variables for the electronic structure of the solid electrode, solvent properties and ion distributions in the electrolyte as well as specific properties of a boundary region in-between. We will discuss a theoretical framework and computational approaches that strive to accomplish this feat.     

Photo-responsive metal/semiconductor hybrid nanostructure:A promising electrocatalyst for solar light enhanced fuel cell reaction

Direct alcohol fuel cells(DAFCs) have received wide attention as a new type of clean energy device because of their high energy conversion efficiency,portability,non-toxicity and pollution-free.Anode catalysts are the key factors affecting the performance of DAFCs.Recently studies show that using the optical activity of semiconductor materials as the carriers of traditional precious metal electrocatalysts,under the illumination of light sources,can greatly improve the electrocatalytic activity and stability of electrodes.In this review,the research progress of photo-responsive metal/semiconductor hybrids as the electrocatalysts for DAFCs in recent years is summarized,including:(1) Mechanism and advantages of photo-assistant electrochemical alcohol oxidation reaction,(2) me tal/semiconductor electrocatalyst for the different type of fuel cell reactions,(3) different kind of metals in photo-responsive metal/semiconductor hybrid nanostructure,(4) the personal prospects of the photo-responsive metal/semiconductor electrode for future application in DAFCs.     

Ceramic-based materials for electrochemical applications

Novel catalytic ceramic-based materials that simultaneously possess high surface area and adsorptive capacity, with proton and/or electron conducting properties, were developed for electrocatalytic and waste-stream treatment processes. These novel inorganic proton conducting membranes were produced by incorporating inorganic low-temperature proton conductors such as polymeric phosphates of polyvalent metals into the porous structure of different active or inert substrates such as ceramics (in the form of tubes, discs and paper), zeolites or carbon cloth. Electrocatalytic activity was obtained by coating electroconductive surface layers that acted both as electrode and catalyst. Bench scale and pilot scale test reactors were built and commissioned. Comparison with existing technologies was undertaken for several applications. Such high surface-area inorganic materials that support nanoscale metal clusters are being tested as electrode materials in anodic oxidation, inorganic fuel cells and hydrogen generation.     

Facile Synthesis of PdCu Echinus‐Like Nanocrystals as Robust Electrocatalysts for Methanol Oxidation Reaction

Exploiting high‐performance and inexpensive electrocatalysts for methanol electro‐oxidation is conductive to promoting the commercial application of direct methanol fuel cells. Here, we present a facile synthesis of echinus‐like PdCu nanocrystals (NCs) via a one‐step and template‐free method. The echinus‐like PdCu NCs possess numerous straight and long branches which can provide abundant catalytic active sites. Owing to the novel nanoarchitecture and electronic effect of the PdCu alloy, the echinus‐like PdCu NCs display high electrocatalytic performance toward methanol oxidation reaction in an alkaline medium. The mass activity of echinus‐like PdCu NCs is 1202.1 mA mg_Pd^?1, which is 3.7 times that of Pd/C catalysts. In addition, the echinus‐like structure, as a kind of three‐dimensional self‐supported nanoarchitecture, endows PdCu NCs with significantly enhanced stability and durability. Hence, the echinus‐like PdCu NCs hold prospect of being employed as electrocatalysts for direct alcohol fuel cells.     

Nickel modified ionic liquid/carbon paste electrode for highly efficient electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol in alkaline medium

In this study, the electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol at nickel modified ionic liquid/carbon paste electrode (Ni/IL/CPE) in alkaline medium is presented. The ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, is incorporated into the electrode as a binder. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is employed to evaluate the electron transfer rate of this electrode. Ni(II) ions are incorporated into the electrode by immersion of this electrode in 1.0?M nickel sulfate solution. Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry techniques are used for the electrochemical study of this modified electrode in the absence and the presence of methanol. The effect of methanol concentration on the anodic peak current shows an increase in the anodic peak current up to 1.25?M. Current density of Ni/IL/CPE for methanol oxidation in alkaline media is investigated by comparison with some of the previously reported electrodes. Results show that this electrode exhibits a high efficient electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of methanol with the current density of 17.6?mA?cm^?2. The rate constant for chemical reaction between methanol and redox sites of electrode is calculated. This new proposed electrode is simple and efficient enough, and it can be widely used as anode in direct methanol fuel cell.     

Electrocatalytic Acitivity of rGO/PEDOT : PSS Nanocomposite towards Methanol Oxidation in Alkaline Media

Increasing demand of alternative energy sources leads to the development of new electrocatalytic materials for fuel cells. In present work, we report the synthesis of rGO/PEDOT : PSS (reduced graphene oxide/ Poly (3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) : Polystyrene sulfonate) nanocomposite by in‐situ polymerization method using EDOT as precursor and the nanocomposite is used as anode catalyst for methanol oxidation. Structural and chemical characterizations such as XRD, FTIR and Micro‐Raman confirm the formation of the nanocomposite. From TEM image, growth of nanofibrous PEDOT : PSS on rGO nanosheets is observed. Electrochemical characterizations of rGO/PEDOT : PSS/ITO electrode are performed by Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Chronoamperometry (CA) measurements. Methanol oxidation reactions are performed in 0.5 M NaOH solution. The anodic current of the nanocomposite coated ITO is found be 37.5 mA at 0.59 V due to methanol electro‐oxidation and retentivity of the electrode is 92 % of initial scan after 800 cycles. The chronoamperometric results reveal that the nanocomposite modified electrode exhibits better stability with retention factor of 42.4 % up to 3000 seconds. The rGO/PEDOT : PSS/ITO electrode exhibits enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards methanol oxidation reaction due to larger surface area and excellent conductivity of rGO nanosheet.     

Theoretical design and experimental synthesis of counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells: Amino-functionalized graphene

For some specific catalytic reaction, how to construct active sites on two dimensional materials is of great scientific significance. Dye-sensitized solar cells(DSCs) can be viewed as one representative photovoltaics because in which liquid electrolyte with triiodide/iodide(I_3~-/I~-) as redox couples are involved. In this study, amino-functionalized graphene(AFG) has been designed according to theoretically analyzing iodine reduction reaction(IRR) processes and rationally screening the volcanic plot. Then, such AFG has been successfully synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method and shows high electrocatalytic activity towards IRR when serving as counter electrode in DSCs. Finally, a high conversion efficiency of 7.39% by AFG-based DSCs was obtained, which is close to that using Pt as counter electrode.     

Electrochemical characterization of MnO2 as electrocatalytic energy material for fuel cell electrode

 Development of inexpensive non Pt based high electrocatalytic energy materials is the need of the hour for fuel cell electrode to produce clean alternative green energy from synthesized bio alcohol using biomass. MnO₂, electro synthesized at different current density is found to be well performed electrocatalytic material, comparable to Pt, with higher current density, very low overvoltage for the electrochemical oxidation of methanol. From EIS study, the polarization resistance of the coated MnO₂ is found to be much low and electrical double layer capacitance is high, the effect increases with increase in current density of electro deposition. XRD, EDX and AAS analysis confirm the MnO₂ deposition. The morphology of SEM images exhibits an enhanced 3D effective substrate area, for electro oxidation of the fuel. A few nano structured grains of the deposited MnO₂ is also observed at higher current density. The fact supports that a high energetic inexpensive electro catalytic material has been found for fuel cell electrode to synthesis renewable energy from methanol fuel.     

High electrocatalytic activity of non-noble Ni-Co/graphene catalyst for direct ethanol fuel cells

The electrocatalytic oxidation of ethanol is studied on the non-noble catalysts Ni-Co/graphene and Ni/graphene supported on glass carbon electrode (GCE) in alkaline medium. The synthesized materials are characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning transmission electron microscopy. The elements of Ni-Co/graphene and Ni/graphene catalysts are characterized using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The electrocatalytic properties of Ni-Co/graphene and Ni/graphene for ethanol oxidation are investigated by cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and Tafel plot. Compared with Ni/graphene catalyst, Ni-Co/graphene has the higher electroactivity and better stability for ethanol oxidation. The rate constant (k _s) and charge-transfer coefficient (α) are calculated for the electron exchange reaction of the modified GCE. The results indicate that Co addition could promote the oxidation reaction at the Ni/graphene catalyst. Our study demonstrates that the low-cost electrocatalyst Ni-Co/graphene has a great potential for real direct ethanol fuel cells’ application.     

Le vaporeformage catalytique : application a la production embarquee d'hydrogene a partir d'hydrocarbures ou d'alcools

Catalytic steam reforming : Use for on-board hydrogen production from hydrocarbons or alcohols. To identify the challenges in the development of electrical vehicles, literature was rapidly reviewed. Research on hydrogen production processes suitable for fuel cell applications is a major challenge. Catalytic steam reforming of hydrocarbons as well as alcohol is a very promising route. The choice of ethanol and supported rhodium catalysts will be justified in the light of ethanol physico-chemical properties, reaction mechanism, cerium-based oxides characteristics and the specifications imposed by fuel cell applications.     

双极界面聚合物膜燃料电池研究进展

双极界面聚合物膜燃料电池(BPFCs)作为一类新型的具有酸碱双极界面结构的聚合物膜燃料电池,其新颖的膜电极结构带来了突出的优势以及独特的界面问题。随着关键材料与界面工艺的发展,近年来双极界面聚合物膜燃料电池取得了显著的研究成果。本文将梳理膜电极工艺及结构、关键反应界面、水传输机制以及非铂催化剂应用等方面的研究进展。这些基础理论与关键技术的发展为双极界面聚合物膜燃料电池未来深入研究和开发奠定了良好的基础。