A fuel cell is an energy conversion device that can continuously input fuel and oxidant into the device through an electrochemical reaction to release electrical energy.Although noble metals show good activity in fuel...A fuel cell is an energy conversion device that can continuously input fuel and oxidant into the device through an electrochemical reaction to release electrical energy.Although noble metals show good activity in fuel cell-related electrochemical reactions,their ever-increasing price considerably hinders their industrial application.Improvement of atom utilization efficiency is considered one of the most effective strategies to improve the mass activity of catalysts,and this allows for the use of fewer catalysts,saving greatly on the cost.Thus,single-atom catalysts(SACs)with an atom utilization efficiency of 100%have been widely developed,which show remarkable performance in fuel cells.In this review,we will describe recent progress on the development of SACs for membrane electrode assembly of fuel cell applications.First,we will introduce several effective routes for the synthesis of SACs.The reaction mechanism of the involved reactions will also be introduced as it is highly determinant of the final activity.Then,we will systematically summarize the application of Pt group metal(PGM)and nonprecious group metal(non-PGM)catalysts in membrane electrode assembly of fuel cells.This review will offer numerous experiences for developing potential industrialized fuel cell catalysts in the future.展开更多
This paper presents the sequence of activities to improve the thermal hydraulic analysis of the IEA-R1 research reactor to operate in safe conditions after power upgrade from 2 to 5 MW and core size reduction from 30 ...This paper presents the sequence of activities to improve the thermal hydraulic analysis of the IEA-R1 research reactor to operate in safe conditions after power upgrade from 2 to 5 MW and core size reduction from 30 to 24 fuel assemblies. A realistic analysis needs the knowledge of the actual operation conditions (heat flow, flow rates) beyond the geometric data and the uncertainties associated with manufacturing and measures. A dummy fuel assembly was designed and constructed to measure the actual flow rate through the core fuel assemblies and its pressure drop. First results showed that the flow distribution over the core is nearly uniform. Nevertheless, the values are below than the calculated ones and the core bypass flow rate is greater than those estimated previously. Based on this, several activities were performed to identify and reduce the bypass flow, such as reduction of the flow rate through the sample irradiators, closing some unnecessary secondary holes on the matrix plate, improvement in the primary flow rate system and better fit of the core components on the matrix plate. A sub-aquatic visual system was used as an important tool to detect some bypass flow path. After these modifications, the fuel assemblies flow rate increased about 13%. Additional tests using the dummy fuel assembly were carried out to measure the internal flow distribution among the rectangular channels. The results showed that the flow rate through the outer channels is 10% - 15% lower than the internal ones. The flow rate in the channel formed between two adjacent fuel assemblies is an estimated parameter and it is difficult to measure because this is an open channel. A new thermal hydraulic analysis of the outermost plates of the fuel assemblies takes into account all this information. Then, a fuel design modification was proposed with the reduction of 50% in the uranium quantity in the outermost fuel plates. In order to avoid the oxidation of the outermost plates by high temperature, low flow rate, a reduction of 50% in the uranium density in the same ones was shown to be adequate to solve the problem.展开更多
As a potential candidate for generation IV reactors, lead-alloy cooled reactor has attracted much attentions in recent years. The China LEAd-based research Reactor(CLEAR) is proposed as the primary choice for the acce...As a potential candidate for generation IV reactors, lead-alloy cooled reactor has attracted much attentions in recent years. The China LEAd-based research Reactor(CLEAR) is proposed as the primary choice for the accelerator driven subcritical system project launched by Chinese Academy of Sciences. Lead-bismuth eutectic(LBE) is selected as the coolant of CLEAR owing to its efficient heat conductivity properties and high production rate of neutrons. In order to compensate the buoyancy due to the high density of lead-alloy, fixation methods of fuel assembly(FA) have become a research hotspot worldwide. In this paper, we report an integrated system of ballast and fuel element for CLEAR FA. It guarantees the correct positioning of each FA in normal and refueling operations. Force calculation and temperature analysis prove that the FA will be stable and safe under CLEAR operation conditions.展开更多
Self-assembly has been extensively studied in chemistry,physics,biology,and materials engineering and has become an important“bottom-up”approach in creating intriguing structures for different applications.Using dis...Self-assembly has been extensively studied in chemistry,physics,biology,and materials engineering and has become an important“bottom-up”approach in creating intriguing structures for different applications.Using dissipative self-assembly to construct fuel-dependent,energy-consuming,and dynamic nonequilibrium systems is important for developing intelligent life-like materials.Furthermore,dissipative self-assembly has become a research hotspot in materials chemistry,biomedical science,environmental chemistry,and physical chemistry.An in-depth understanding of the process and mechanism provides useful insights to the researchers for devel-oping materials using dissipative self-assembly and also helps guide future innovation in material fabrication.This critical review comprehensively analyzes various chemical fuel input and energy consumption mechanisms,supported by numerous illustrative examples.Versatile transient assemblies,including gels,vesicles,micelles,and nanoparticle aggregates,have been systematically studied in our and other laboratories.The relationship between the molecular structure of precursors and temporal assemblies in dissipative self-assemblies is discussed from the perspective of physical chemistry.Using dissipative self-assembly methods to construct functional assemblies provides important implications for constructing high-energy,nonequilibrium,and intelligent functional materials.展开更多
The performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells is heavily dependent on the microstructure of electrode catalyst especially at low catalyst loadings.This work shows a hybrid electrocatalyst consisting of PtNi-W...The performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells is heavily dependent on the microstructure of electrode catalyst especially at low catalyst loadings.This work shows a hybrid electrocatalyst consisting of PtNi-W alloy nanocrystals loaded on carbon surface with atomically dispersed W sites by a two-step straightforward method.Single-atomic W can be found on the carbon surface,which can form protonic acid sites and establish an extended proton transport network at the catalyst surface.When implemented in membrane electrode assembly as cathode at ultra-low loading of 0.05 mgPt cm^(−2),the peak power density of the cell is enhanced by 64.4%compared to that with the commercial Pt/C catalyst.The theoretical calculation suggests that the single-atomic W possesses a favorable energetics toward the formation of*OOH whereby the intermediates can be efficiently converted and further reduced to water,revealing a interfacial cascade catalysis facilitated by the single-atomic W.This work highlights a novel functional hybrid electrocatalyst design from the atomic level that enables to solve the bottle-neck issues at device level.展开更多
Different types of ABPBI (poly(2,5-benzimidazole)) membranes and polymer binders were evaluated to investigate the performance of MEAs for high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell (HT-PEMFC). The properties...Different types of ABPBI (poly(2,5-benzimidazole)) membranes and polymer binders were evaluated to investigate the performance of MEAs for high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell (HT-PEMFC). The properties of the prepared MEAs were evaluated and analyzed by polarization curve, electrochemistry impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and durability test. The results showed that MEA with modified ABPBI membrane (AM) has satisfactory performance and durability for fuel cell application. Compare to conventional PBI or Nafion binders, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) are more attractive as binders in the catalyst layer (CL) of gas diffusion electrode (GDE) for HT-PEMFC.展开更多
The assembly force is a crucial factor in the process of proton exchange membrane fuel cell(PEMFC)stacking,and has significant effects on the fluid flow,mass transfer,and water and thermal management,which affect the ...The assembly force is a crucial factor in the process of proton exchange membrane fuel cell(PEMFC)stacking,and has significant effects on the fluid flow,mass transfer,and water and thermal management,which affect the fuel cell performance.In this study,from the most deformable component,the gas diffusion layer(GDL),combining with a finite-element analysis,and computational fluid dynamic method,the impact of the assembly force on a single-channel PEMFC is analyzed.A nonlinear stress-strain curve obtained from a microanalysis is creatively introduced into the two-dimensional compression model.The gas diffusion coefficient in the three-dimensional model is also obtained from the microscopic simulation.The simulated effective oxygen diffusion coefficient of the compressed GDL is approximately 0.86 times the Bruggemann estimated value.When the contact resistance is ignored,the output voltage at 2.5 MPa is decreased by approximately 15.4%at 1.7 A·cm^(−2)compared with that at 0.5 MPa.After the contact resistance is considered,the effects of the assembly pressure on the cell performance(V-I curve)are qualitatively different.The pressure drop of the 2.5 MPa case is 20%higher than that of the 1.4 MPa case at 1.7 A cm^(−2).O_(2)is hard to flow into the region under the rib where the porosity and permeability are lower.The results indicate that both liquid water and membrane water contents increase when the assembly force increases.The effect of the assembly force on the temperature is also analyzed.展开更多
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China,Grant/Award Numbers:22075203,22279079,21905179Guangdong Science and Technology Department Program,Grant/Award Number:2021QN02L252+1 种基金Shenzhen Science and Technology Department Program,Grant/Award Numbers:20220810133521001,20220809165014001Natural Science Foundation of SZU,Grant/Award Numbers:000002111605,000002112215。
文摘A fuel cell is an energy conversion device that can continuously input fuel and oxidant into the device through an electrochemical reaction to release electrical energy.Although noble metals show good activity in fuel cell-related electrochemical reactions,their ever-increasing price considerably hinders their industrial application.Improvement of atom utilization efficiency is considered one of the most effective strategies to improve the mass activity of catalysts,and this allows for the use of fewer catalysts,saving greatly on the cost.Thus,single-atom catalysts(SACs)with an atom utilization efficiency of 100%have been widely developed,which show remarkable performance in fuel cells.In this review,we will describe recent progress on the development of SACs for membrane electrode assembly of fuel cell applications.First,we will introduce several effective routes for the synthesis of SACs.The reaction mechanism of the involved reactions will also be introduced as it is highly determinant of the final activity.Then,we will systematically summarize the application of Pt group metal(PGM)and nonprecious group metal(non-PGM)catalysts in membrane electrode assembly of fuel cells.This review will offer numerous experiences for developing potential industrialized fuel cell catalysts in the future.
文摘This paper presents the sequence of activities to improve the thermal hydraulic analysis of the IEA-R1 research reactor to operate in safe conditions after power upgrade from 2 to 5 MW and core size reduction from 30 to 24 fuel assemblies. A realistic analysis needs the knowledge of the actual operation conditions (heat flow, flow rates) beyond the geometric data and the uncertainties associated with manufacturing and measures. A dummy fuel assembly was designed and constructed to measure the actual flow rate through the core fuel assemblies and its pressure drop. First results showed that the flow distribution over the core is nearly uniform. Nevertheless, the values are below than the calculated ones and the core bypass flow rate is greater than those estimated previously. Based on this, several activities were performed to identify and reduce the bypass flow, such as reduction of the flow rate through the sample irradiators, closing some unnecessary secondary holes on the matrix plate, improvement in the primary flow rate system and better fit of the core components on the matrix plate. A sub-aquatic visual system was used as an important tool to detect some bypass flow path. After these modifications, the fuel assemblies flow rate increased about 13%. Additional tests using the dummy fuel assembly were carried out to measure the internal flow distribution among the rectangular channels. The results showed that the flow rate through the outer channels is 10% - 15% lower than the internal ones. The flow rate in the channel formed between two adjacent fuel assemblies is an estimated parameter and it is difficult to measure because this is an open channel. A new thermal hydraulic analysis of the outermost plates of the fuel assemblies takes into account all this information. Then, a fuel design modification was proposed with the reduction of 50% in the uranium quantity in the outermost fuel plates. In order to avoid the oxidation of the outermost plates by high temperature, low flow rate, a reduction of 50% in the uranium density in the same ones was shown to be adequate to solve the problem.
基金Supported by the Strategic Priority Science&Technology Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.XDA03040000)
文摘As a potential candidate for generation IV reactors, lead-alloy cooled reactor has attracted much attentions in recent years. The China LEAd-based research Reactor(CLEAR) is proposed as the primary choice for the accelerator driven subcritical system project launched by Chinese Academy of Sciences. Lead-bismuth eutectic(LBE) is selected as the coolant of CLEAR owing to its efficient heat conductivity properties and high production rate of neutrons. In order to compensate the buoyancy due to the high density of lead-alloy, fixation methods of fuel assembly(FA) have become a research hotspot worldwide. In this paper, we report an integrated system of ballast and fuel element for CLEAR FA. It guarantees the correct positioning of each FA in normal and refueling operations. Force calculation and temperature analysis prove that the FA will be stable and safe under CLEAR operation conditions.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.22032003 and 22072073).
文摘Self-assembly has been extensively studied in chemistry,physics,biology,and materials engineering and has become an important“bottom-up”approach in creating intriguing structures for different applications.Using dissipative self-assembly to construct fuel-dependent,energy-consuming,and dynamic nonequilibrium systems is important for developing intelligent life-like materials.Furthermore,dissipative self-assembly has become a research hotspot in materials chemistry,biomedical science,environmental chemistry,and physical chemistry.An in-depth understanding of the process and mechanism provides useful insights to the researchers for devel-oping materials using dissipative self-assembly and also helps guide future innovation in material fabrication.This critical review comprehensively analyzes various chemical fuel input and energy consumption mechanisms,supported by numerous illustrative examples.Versatile transient assemblies,including gels,vesicles,micelles,and nanoparticle aggregates,have been systematically studied in our and other laboratories.The relationship between the molecular structure of precursors and temporal assemblies in dissipative self-assemblies is discussed from the perspective of physical chemistry.Using dissipative self-assembly methods to construct functional assemblies provides important implications for constructing high-energy,nonequilibrium,and intelligent functional materials.
基金Y.Li acknowledges the financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52171199)X.Ke acknowledges the financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.12074017).
文摘The performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells is heavily dependent on the microstructure of electrode catalyst especially at low catalyst loadings.This work shows a hybrid electrocatalyst consisting of PtNi-W alloy nanocrystals loaded on carbon surface with atomically dispersed W sites by a two-step straightforward method.Single-atomic W can be found on the carbon surface,which can form protonic acid sites and establish an extended proton transport network at the catalyst surface.When implemented in membrane electrode assembly as cathode at ultra-low loading of 0.05 mgPt cm^(−2),the peak power density of the cell is enhanced by 64.4%compared to that with the commercial Pt/C catalyst.The theoretical calculation suggests that the single-atomic W possesses a favorable energetics toward the formation of*OOH whereby the intermediates can be efficiently converted and further reduced to water,revealing a interfacial cascade catalysis facilitated by the single-atomic W.This work highlights a novel functional hybrid electrocatalyst design from the atomic level that enables to solve the bottle-neck issues at device level.
文摘Different types of ABPBI (poly(2,5-benzimidazole)) membranes and polymer binders were evaluated to investigate the performance of MEAs for high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell (HT-PEMFC). The properties of the prepared MEAs were evaluated and analyzed by polarization curve, electrochemistry impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and durability test. The results showed that MEA with modified ABPBI membrane (AM) has satisfactory performance and durability for fuel cell application. Compare to conventional PBI or Nafion binders, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) are more attractive as binders in the catalyst layer (CL) of gas diffusion electrode (GDE) for HT-PEMFC.
基金the Key Project of National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.:51836005)Foundation for Innovative Research Groups of the National Natural Science Founda-tion of China(Grant No.:51721004)Basic Research Project of Shaanxi Province(Grant No.:2019ZDXM3-01)'111 Project(Grant No.:B16038).
文摘The assembly force is a crucial factor in the process of proton exchange membrane fuel cell(PEMFC)stacking,and has significant effects on the fluid flow,mass transfer,and water and thermal management,which affect the fuel cell performance.In this study,from the most deformable component,the gas diffusion layer(GDL),combining with a finite-element analysis,and computational fluid dynamic method,the impact of the assembly force on a single-channel PEMFC is analyzed.A nonlinear stress-strain curve obtained from a microanalysis is creatively introduced into the two-dimensional compression model.The gas diffusion coefficient in the three-dimensional model is also obtained from the microscopic simulation.The simulated effective oxygen diffusion coefficient of the compressed GDL is approximately 0.86 times the Bruggemann estimated value.When the contact resistance is ignored,the output voltage at 2.5 MPa is decreased by approximately 15.4%at 1.7 A·cm^(−2)compared with that at 0.5 MPa.After the contact resistance is considered,the effects of the assembly pressure on the cell performance(V-I curve)are qualitatively different.The pressure drop of the 2.5 MPa case is 20%higher than that of the 1.4 MPa case at 1.7 A cm^(−2).O_(2)is hard to flow into the region under the rib where the porosity and permeability are lower.The results indicate that both liquid water and membrane water contents increase when the assembly force increases.The effect of the assembly force on the temperature is also analyzed.
