Engineering Commons^™

Synthesis And Characterization Of Electrode Materials Of Solid Oxide Cells For Energy Conversion And Storage, Haixia Li

Theses and Dissertations

Solid oxide cells (SOCs) can directly convert chemical energy to electricity in the fuel cell mode and store electricity to chemicals in the electrolysis mode. However, there are still critical barriers, such as energy efficiency and durability, for developing and commercializing SOCs. This dissertation aims to design electrode materials and optimize the cell fabrication process to address the critical barriers for SOCs in energy conversion and energy storage applications. Therefore, one primary focus of the dissertation is to develop robust fuel electrode material for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) with improved sulfur tolerance. In addition, the design of novel fuel …

Material Development And Optimization Of Solid Oxide Cells For Energy Conversion And Storage, Wanhua Wang

Theses and Dissertations

There has been an increasing interest in clean and renewable energy generation for highlighted energy and environmental concerns. Solid oxide cell (SOC) has been considered as one of the most promising technologies since it can convert chemical energy to electricity in the fuel cell mode and store electricity to chemicals in the electrolysis mode. The present work is devoted to materials development in both oxygen ion conducting SOC (O-SOC) and proton conducting SOC (P-SOC). The objective of this study is to design and optimize the electrolyte and electrode materials for SOC in energy conversion and energy storage applications. One major …

Investigation Of Pulsed Electrolysis For Hypochlorous Acid Production, Khoa V. Kieu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Because of the Covid-19 pandemic along with the delay in the worldwide supply chain, there were disinfectant shortages that lasted for weeks around the world. Therefore, on-site production is a promising solution to satisfy the increasing demand. As more and more people are shifting toward safer and more environmentally friendly products, we are interested in investigating the electrolysis of sodium chloride (NaCl) solution to produce hypochlorous acid (HOCl). Electrolysis is inexpensive as it requires only sodium chloride and electricity, and it does not have any negative impact on the environment. Moreover, electrolysis can be coupled with renewable energy to utilize …

Disinfection Applications Of On-Site Hypochlorous Acid Production, Deborah Ngabanyi Sebagisha

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a weak acid, but strong oxidizing agent produced naturally in the human body to fight viruses and bacteria. Hypochlorous acid can be produced by electrolysis of sodium chloride and water enabling local production of disinfectant, where it is needed. Hypochlorous acid has many applications including in wound care, skin care, and disinfection of health and dental clinics. In this work, two hypochlorous acid applications were explored that could utilize local production by electrolysis. These applications were wastewater treatment and sanitization of dental operating rooms.

An electrochemical reactor and process were designed, constructed, and tested for hypochlorous …

A Techno-Economic Analysis To Determine The Levelized Cost Of Hydrogen Generation Through Electrolysis For Humboldt Transit Authority, Humboldt County, California, Deepak Tripathi

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Abstract

This thesis aims to investigate the techno-economic feasibility of on-site electrolysis-based hydrogen generation for the Humboldt Transit Authority (HTA), focusing on determining the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) for various system configurations and utility rate schedules. The study recommends using a 2.5 MW electrolyzer with the B-20 (T) utility rate schedule along with an E-GT rate supplement provided by PG&E as the most cost-effective solution to meet HTA's projected hydrogen demand. This demand is currently based on the utilization of 11 H₂ fuel cell buses, which is further expected to grow to 21 buses, and estimated public use …

Evaluation Of Aluminum Dissolution, Current Density, And Pitting Patterns During Electrocoagulation, Monica Castro Carias

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Electrocoagulation (EC) is a sustainable water treatment process involving the generation of coagulants on-site through the application of a voltage on metal (usually aluminum or iron alloys). The factors that impact EC system performance have been well researched, however further research is needed on the factors that impact anodic dissolution of aluminum electrodes, especially when the technology is transferred to full-scale applications. Electrode fouling is one of the factors that can impact dissolution of the anode during EC due to the formation of a protective oxide/hydroxide layer on the electrode surface. Previous studies have addressed electrode fouling by reversing polarity, …

Observing And Modeling Water Electrolysis Performance Limitations Attributed To Gas Generation And Porous Media Properties, Joseph S. Lopata

Theses and Dissertations

Water electrolysis has been a simple method of hydrogen production for over two centuries, but the exploration of its nuances is still accelerating. This work compiles numerous mechanisms via which electrolysis efficiency is influenced by phenomena that occur within, adjacent to, and nearby functional porous media. Computational and experimental methods are applied to electrolysis systems to quantify the impact of twophase flow patterns and porous media properties on energy losses, primarily those linked directly to the presence of the gas phase.

First, an introduction to the chemistry and operating principle of water electrolysis is presented and relevant works from the …

Development Of An Innovative Co-Treatment Technology For Produced Water And Blowdown Water: A Regional Approach Of Water Management For Energy Production, Golnoosh Khajouei

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Freshwater use for power generation represents the second-largest water use globally. In the United States, freshwater withdrawals for thermoelectric power accounted for 38% of the total freshwater withdrawals for all uses in 2010. Cooling systems are the most water-intensive part of the thermoelectric generation process. For instance, one 300 MW power generator required about 20,000 m³/h circulating cooling water. The cooling operation discharges a large volume of wastewater in the form of blowdown water (10-20% of the consumed water) that requires treatment for reuse or surface discharge. Produced water (PW), the fluid which returns to the surface from …

Polymeric Nanofibers Supported Metal Oxides For Electrochemical Energy Storage Devices, Rutul Patel

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

With increasing demand for energy, there is an increased need to find effective ways to store the available energy to sustain current and future generations. Thus, the research investigates whether polymetric nanofibers support metal oxide are a good solution to store energy. The materials used for synthesis includes N-dimethylformamide, nickel nitrate, cobalt nitrate and polyacrylonitrile.

These fibers are developed three phases. First, a homogenous mixture is prepared, followed by electrospinning of the mixture. Next, calcination of the prepared nanofibers was done to generate the 1D nanofibers embedded with metal oxides. The samples are primarily tested for supercapacitor applications, hydrogen evolution …

Engineering Of Earth-Abundant Electrochemical Catalysts, Dylan D. Rodene

Theses and Dissertations

Alternative energy research into hydrogen production via water electrolysis addresses environmental and sustainability concerns associated with fossil fuel use. Renewable-powered electrolyzers are foreseen to produce hydrogen if energy and cost requirements are achieved. Electrocatalysts reduce the energy requirements of operating electrolyzers by lowering the reaction kinetics at the electrodes. Platinum group metals (PGMs) tend to be utilized as electrocatalysts but are not readily available and are expensive. Ni_1-xMo_x alloys, as low-cost and earth-abundant transition metal nanoparticles (NPs), are emerging as promising electrocatalyst candidates to replace expensive PGM catalysts in alkaline media. Pure-phase cubic and hexagonal Ni_{1-x …}

Field-Directed Fabrication Of Hierarchical Structures Toward Electrochemical Applications, Anirudh Balram

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Dissertations

The ubiquity of hierarchical structures in nature indicates an inherent advantage to having morphological features comprised of multiple length scales. Such structures help maximize interfacial surface area, allowing for efficient chemical reactions and mass transport despite volumetric constraints. In electrochemical applications such as batteries, supercapacitors, electrolysis, fuel cells, catalysis etc. there is a similar necessity to maximize electrochemically active surface area to facilitate facile charge and mass transport. Inspired by examples in nature, this work seeks to develop scalable fabrication techniques to obtain hierarchically structured high-performance electrodes for electrochemical applications, with a focus on energy applications. Particular emphasis was laid …

Fundamentals Of Electro-Flotation And Electrophoresis And Applications In Oil Sand Tailings Management, Raquibul Alam

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

This thesis addresses two challenges facing the management of mature fine tailings (MFT) from oil sand processing. The first challenge is the high concentration of residual bitumen in tailings ponds, which poses a hazard to aquatic biota and impact to the environment. A laboratory scale study is carried out to assess the suitability of electro-flotation (EF) for removal of bitumen from oil sand tailings slurry. The results of the study confirm that EF is effective to reduce bitumen contents of tailings slurry. At a current density 150 A/m², the bitumen concentration is reduced from 106.8 mg/L to less …

Ruo2 Nanorods As An Electrocatalyst For Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis, Richard Smith

Graduate College Dissertations and Theses

The desire for pure diatomic hydrogen gas, H2(g), has been on the rise since the concept of the hydrogen economy system was proposed back in 1970. The production of hydrogen has been extensively examined over 40 + years as the need to replace current fuel sources, hydrocarbons, has become more prevalent. Currently there are only two practical and renewable production methods of hydrogen; landfill gas and power to gas. This study focuses on the later method; using various renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaics, to provide off-peak energy to perform water electrolysis. Efficient electrolysis takes place in electrochemical cells which …

Water System For Developing Countries / Disaster Relief Made With Local Materials, Shumon Hasan

Chemistry & Biochemistry Undergraduate Honors Theses

The objective of this project was to design a water purification system that can be constructed from easily available materials, common to the particular country, and is capable of the complete water purification process.

The Application Of Amalgam Metallurgy To Copper, Barry J. Hansen

Bachelors Theses and Reports, 1928 - 1970

The object of this investigation is the application of "Amalgam Metallurgy" to the extraction of copper from its ores. "Amalgam Metallurgy" as defined by Hohn is the use of liquid mercury in the extraction of metals. The ore under study was from the Kelly Mine in Butte, Montana and contains about 1.0% copper of which about 0.1% is acid soluble.

The Effects Of Acid Concentration On The Current Efficiency During The Electrolysis Of Zinc Sulfate Solution, Jon Langfeldt

Bachelors Theses and Reports, 1928 - 1970

The current efficiency during the electrolysis of zinc sulfate solution and the various factors that effect the current efficiency are major considerations of this industrial process. The factors affecting current efficiency-- temperature, current density, presence of impurities, time of electrolysis, hydrogen overvoltage, smoothness of the deposit, and acid concentration of the cell solution-- are controlled to the extent that current efficiencies of 90-93% are not uncommon in the industrial electrolytic zinc process. However, additional investigations of the effects of these various factors upon current efficiency are warranted, because of the endless search by the non-ferrous metal industries for additional information …

Refining Of Cadmium Metal By Amalgam Metallurgy, Donald Edward Macknight

Bachelors Theses and Reports, 1928 - 1970

It was the purpose of this investigation to produce copper-free-cadmium from commercially pure cadmium metal employing the principles of electrometallurgy.

Production Of Iron, Chromium And Nickel By Amalgam Metallurgy, Richard Earl Westerman

Bachelors Theses and Reports, 1928 - 1970

Certain properties of mercury, such as its affinity for other metals, its high hydrogen overpotential, and its unique liquid state, have made its use desirable for many applications in the fields of physical and process metallurgy. Though considerable research has been done on mercury amalgams, only comparatively recently has it been shown that mercury amalgams follow certain definite laws with regard to phase exchange phenomena and electrochemical properties. It is now possible to predict, with considerable accuracy, the results of amalgam reactions.

Application Of Amalgam Metallurgy To The Extraction Of Indium, John Zelem

Bachelors Theses and Reports, 1928 - 1970

In view of the greater demand for indium with the progressive development of the metal, simpler methods of recovery are necessary. The author here hopes to apply mercury in the metallurgy of indium in an effort to find a simpler method of extraction.

The Effect Of Ferric Iron Upon The Current Efficiency And The Deposition Of Copper In The Electrowinning Of Copper From Copper Sulphate Solutions, James L. Owings

Bachelors Theses and Reports, 1928 - 1970

In the hydrometallurgy of copper, probably the most widely used method for the precipitation of copper is by electrolysis using insoluble anodes. The process is similar in many respects to the electrolytic refining of copper; one of the main differences is the use of insoluble anodes in electrowinning as compared to the use of impure copper anodes in electrorefining. Impurities, however, are common to both processes. The nature of these impurities differ and the problem of purifying the electrolyte is also different.

The Effect Of Iron Upon The Electrowinning Of Copper With An Amalgam Electrode, John A. Alexander

Bachelors Theses and Reports, 1928 - 1970

Current commercial use of the mercury cathode cell is limited to two types of electrolytic sodium cells-­the Castner cell and the Sorenson cell. Mercury as a cathode medium has also found application in polarographic analysis, a method of a simultaneous quantitative and qualitative analysis of several metal components of solution.

Electrowinning With Amalgam Electrode, Ralph V. Anderson Jr.

Bachelors Theses and Reports, 1928 - 1970

Amalgam Metallurgy, a relatively new expression in the technology of metal extraction, was first chosen to describe certain new processes developed at the Duisburg Copper Works in Germany. The idea of using mercury, a costly and poisonous metal, as an intermediate in heavy chemical industry and in polarography are of recent origin; with the exception of a series of patents of little signif­icance and occasional comments in the literature, the work is hardly known.

Refining Of Low Grade Zinc-Gold Precipitates, John C. Stentz

Bachelors Theses and Reports, 1928 - 1970

The purpose of this investigation was to ascertain if advantage could be taken of the copper in the precipitates as a collecting agent of the precious metals in the direct smelting furnace.The products produced to be low grade anode bullion and a slag low in precious metals, high in zinc and lead.

Electrolysis Of Molten Mixtures Of Galena And Lead Chloride., Donald Q. Cole

Bachelors Theses and Reports, 1928 - 1970

Electrolysis of molten mixtures of lead chloride and galena was carried out under various conditions of temperature, time, composition, and current densities; without a diaphram, and with various diaphrams. Continuous runs, with necessary additions of lead sulfide and lead chloride to maintain a melt of the proper composition, were attempted on a small scale.