Engineering Commons^™

Thermodynamic Modeling Of Hydrogen–Water Systems With Gas Impurity At Various Conditions Using Cubic And Pc-Saft Equations Of State, Amer Alanazi, Saleh Bawazeer, Muhammad Ali, Alireza Keshavarz, Hussein Hoteit

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Hydrogen (H2) has emerged as a viable solution for energy storage of renewable sources, supplying off-seasonal demand. Hydrogen contamination due to undesired mixing with other fluids during operations is a significant problem. Water contamination is a regular occurrence; therefore, an accurate prediction of H2-water thermodynamics is crucial for the design of efficient storage and water removal processes. In thermodynamic modeling, the Peng–Robinson (PR) and Soave Redlich–Kwong (SRK) equations of state (EoSs) are widely applied. However, both EoSs fail to predict the vapor-liquid equilibrium (VLE) accurately for H2-blend mixtures with or without fine-tuning binary interaction parameters due to the polarity of …

Editors’ Choice-Examining Performance And Durability Of Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells With Novel Spirocyclic Anion Exchange Membranes, Ami C. Yang-Neyerlin, Samantha Medina, Kelly M. Meek, Derek J. Strasser, Cheng He, Daniel M. Knauss, Mustain E William, Svitlana Pylypenko, Bryan S. Pivovar

Faculty Publications

A series of spirocyclic copolymer membranes with varying ion exchange capacities (IECs) were investigated to probe the impact of polymer properties on in situ fuel cell performance and stability. In-situ electrochemical tests and post-mortem electron microscopy analysis of cross-sectioned membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) have been combined with voltage loss breakdown analysis to evaluate the performance and degradation of different MEAs, and to probe the catalyst morphology and electrode structure at different stages of operation. Voltage loss breakdown results show that membrane degradation and kinetic losses played only a minor role in observed performance degradation and that performance losses were primarily …

Survey Of Dc-Dc Non-Isolated Topologies For Unidirectional Power Flow In Fuel Cell Vehicles, Mahajan Sagar Bhaskar, Vigna K. Ramachandaramurthy, Sanjeevikumar Padmanaban, Frede Blaabjerg, Dan M. Ionel, Massimo Mitolo, Dhafer Almakhles

Power and Energy Institute of Kentucky Faculty Publications

The automobile companies are focusing on recent technologies such as growing Hydrogen (H2) and Fuel Cell (FC) Vehicular Power Train (VPT) to improve the Tank-To-Wheel (TTW) efficiency. Benefits, the lower cost, `Eco' friendly, zero-emission and high-power capacity, etc. In the power train of fuel cell vehicles, the DC-DC power converters play a vital role to boost the fuel cell stack voltage. Hence, satisfy the demand of the motor and transmission in the vehicles. Several DC-DC converter topologies have proposed for various vehicular applications like fuel cell, battery, and renewable energy fed hybrid vehicles etc. Most cases, the DC-DC power converters …

Nanomechanical Characterization Of Fuel Cell Ionomers, Jackson Goddard

UCARE Research Products

Energy sustainability can be achieved by improving and adopting clean energy technologies, and a better nanoscale understanding of ionomer-catalyst layers could lead to increased efficiency of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Samples of Nafion ( Perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer) and PFIA (Perfluoroimide acid ionomer) of varying film thickness were prepared and then studied using contact resonance force microscopy. It was determined that storage and loss modulus increase as relative humidity increases and ionomer film thickness goes below 100 nm. Furthermore, in this specific study, the similar storage and loss modulus of Nafion and PFIA could be attributed to similar backbone structure …

Effect Of The Electrodeposition Potential Of Platinum On The Catalytic Activity Of A Pt/Gc Catalyst Toward Formic Acid Electro−Oxidation, Islam M. Al-Akraa, Bilquis A. Al-Qodami Ms., Ahmad M. Mohammad Prof

Chemical Engineering

The electrocatalytic activity of platinum (Pt)–modified glassy carbon (GC) (referred as Pt/GC) electrodes toward the formic acid electro−oxidation (FAO) was investigated. The Pt deposition on the GC substrate was carried out by a potentiostatic technique at different potentials (from 0.2 V to −0.2 V vs. Hg/Hg2Cl2/KCl (sat.) reference electrode) and the corresponding influence on the catalytic activity toward FAO was monitored. The electrocatalytic inspection revealed a potential role for the Pt deposition potential in boosting the catalytic efficiency of the catalyst toward FAO and further in mitigating the CO poisoning that eventually deactivate the catalyst. Interestingly, the highest activity toward …

Bridging The Gap Between Automated Manufacturing Of Fuel Cell Components And Robotic Assembly Of Fuel Cell Stacks, Devin C. Fowler, Vladimir Gurau, Daniel Cox

Department of Manufacturing Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Recently demonstrated robotic assembling technologies for fuel cell stacks used fuel cell components manually pre-arranged in stacks (presenters). Identifying the original orientation of fuel cell components and loading them in presenters for a subsequent automated assembly process is a difficult, repetitive work cycle which if done manually, deceives the advantages offered by either the automated fabrication technologies for fuel cell components or by the robotic assembly processes. We present for the first time a robotic technology which enables the integration of automated fabrication processes for fuel cell components with a robotic assembly process of fuel cell stacks into a fully …

High-Throughput 3d Reconstruction Of Stochastic Heterogeneous Microstructures In Energy Storage Materials, Yanxiang Zhang, Mufu Yan, Yanhong Wan, Zhenjun Jiao, Yu Chen, Fanglin Chen, Changrong Xia, Meng Ni

Faculty Publications

Stochastic heterogeneous microstructures are widely applied in structural and functional materials, playing a crucial role in determining their performance. X-ray tomography and focused ion beam serial sectioning are frequently used methods to reconstruct three-dimensional (3D) microstructures, yet are demanding techniques and are resolution-limited. Here, a high-throughput multi-stage 3D reconstruction method via distance correlation functions is developed using a single representatively large-sized 2D micrograph for stochastic microstructures, and verified by X-ray micro-tomography datasets of isotropic and anisotropic solid oxide fuel cell electrodes. This method provides an economic, easy-to-use and high-throughput approach for reconstructing stochastic heterogeneous microstructures for energy conversion and storage …

A Promising Modification Of Pt Surfaces With Cnts For Decreasing Poisoning Impact In Direct Methanol Fuel Cells, Islam M. Al-Akraa Dr., Yaser M. Asal Mr, Aya A. Khalifa Ms.

Chemical Engineering

Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) are clean energy sources that have many applications due to the high energy density of methanol as a fuel. However, this type of fuel cells (FCs) has limitations that are preventing it from being commercialized. One such limitation is the adsorption of intermediates such as CO into the surface of the Platinum (Pt) catalyst during methanol oxidation (MO) which deactivates its active sites, where the reaction is taking place, and leads to poisoning of the electrode over the long term. In this study, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been introduced to the Pt-modified glassy carbon …

Enhanced Electro-Oxidation Of Methanol At Pt-Au Nanocatalyst For Direct Methanol Fuel Cells, Islam M. Al-Akraa Dr., Yaser M. Asal Mr, Ahmad M. Mohammad Prof

Chemical Engineering

In this investigation, a Pt-Au nanocatalyst prepared by the coelectrodeposition of Pt (PtNPs) and Au (AuNPs) nanoparticles is assembled onto a glassy carbon (GC) electrode for efficient methanol oxidation (MO). Several molar ratios between PtNPs and AuNPs have been used and the corresponding catalytic activity towards MO is tracked. The Pt1:Au1 catalyst showed the highest catalytic activity (5 times higher oxidation peak current (Ip) and a 126 mV negative shift in the onset potential (Eonset) toward MO). The catalyst’s morphology, composition and activity are investigated and the ehancement mechanism is recognized.

Fabrication Of Cuox-Pd Nanocatalyst Supported On A Glassy Carbon Electrode For Enhanced Formic Acid Electro-Oxidation, Islam M. Al-Akraa Dr., Ahmad M. Mohammad Prof, Mohamed S. El-Deab Prof, Bahgat E. El-Anadouli Prof

Chemical Engineering

Formic acid (FA) electro-oxidation (FAO) was investigated at a binary catalyst composed of palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) and copper oxide nanowires (CuOxNWs) and assembled onto a glassy carbon (GC) electrode. /e deposition sequence of PdNPs and CuOxNWs was properly adjusted in such a way that could improve the electrocatalytic activity and stability of the electrode toward FAO. Several techniques including cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction were all combined to report the catalyst’s activity and to evaluate its morphology, composition, and structure. /e highest catalytic activity and stability were obtained at the CuOx/Pd/GC …

Proton Transfer In Molten Lithium Carbonate: Mechanism And Kinetics By Density Functional Theory Calculations, Xueling Lei, Kevin Huang, Changyong Qin

Faculty Publications

Using static and dynamic density functional theory (DFT) methods with a cluster model of [(Li2CO3)8H]+, the mechanism and kinetics of proton transfer in lithium molten carbonate (MC) were investigated. The migration of proton prefers an inter-carbonate pathway with an energy barrier of 8.0 kcal/mol at the B3LYP/6-31 G(d,p) level, which is in good agreement with the value of 7.6 kcal/mol and 7.5 kcal/mol from experiment and FPMD simulation, respectively. At transition state (TS), a linkage of O–H–O involving O 2p and H 1 s orbitals is formed between two carbonate ions. The calculated trajectory of H indicates that proton has …

On The Catalytic Activity Of Palladium Nanoparticles-Based Anodes Towards Formic Acid Electro-Oxidation: Effect Of Electrodeposition Potential, Islam M. Al-Akraa Dr., Ahmad M. Mohammad Prof, Mohamed S. El-Deab Prof, Bahgat E. El-Anadouli Prof

Chemical Engineering

In this investigation, the catalytic activity of palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs)-modified glassy carbon (GC) (simply noted as PdNPs/GC) electrodes towards the formic acid electro-oxidation (FAO) was investigated. The deposition of PdNPs on the GC substrate was carried out by a potentiostatic technique at different potentials and the corresponding influence on the particles size and crystal structure of PdNPs as well as the catalytic activity towards FAO was studied. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated the deposition of PdNPs in spherical shapes and the average particle size of PdNPs deposited at a potential of 0 V vs. Ag/AgCl/KCl(sat.) was the smallest (ca. 8 …

H3Po4-Imbibed Three-Dimensional Polyacrylamide/Polyacrylamide Hydrogel As A High-Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane With Excellent Acid Retention, Qunwei Tang, Guoging Qian, Kevin Huang

Faculty Publications

We herein report the use of polyacrylamide/polyacrylamide interpenetrating polymer network (PAM/PAM IPN) hydrogel as a matrix to imbibe proton conducting H₃PO₄, forming a robust proton exchange membrane (PEM) suitable for high-temperature PEM fuel cells by combining excellent acid retention, simple synthesis, and low cost. Its extraordinary ability to absorb large quantity of aqueous solution is fully utilized to achieve high H₃PO₄ loading, showing a proton conductivity of 0.0833 S cm−1 at 183 °C in dry air. The synthesized membrane also shows excellent acid retention even under mechanical load and high humidity. These profound …

Development Of Tailor-Designed Gold-Platinum Nanoparticles Binary Catalysts For Efficient Formic Acid Electrooxidation, Islam M. Al-Akraa Dr, Ahmad M. Mohammad Prof, Mohamed S. El-Deab Prof, Bahgat E. El-Anadouli Prof

Chemical Engineering

The modification of a glassy carbon (GC) electrode with platinum (PtNPs) and gold (AuNPs) nanoparticles is targeted to fabricate efficient anodes for the electrooxidation of formic acid (FA). A proper adjustment of the deposition sequence of PtNPs and AuNPs could eventually enhance the electrocatalytic activity of the electrode in such a way that suppresses the CO poisoning effect during FA oxidation. The highest catalytic activity is obtained at the Au/Pt/GC electrode (with PtNPs firstly deposited on the GC electrode followed by AuNPs). This superb enhancement is quantified by comparing the relative ratio of the direct vs. the indirect oxidation peaks …

The Role Of Shewanella Oneidensis Mr-1 Outer Surface Structures In Extracellular Electron Transfer, Rachida A. Bouhenni, Gary J. Vora, Justin C. Biffinger, Sheetal Shirodkar, Ken Brockman, Ricky Ray, Peter Wu, Brandy J. Johnson, Eulandria M. Biddle, Matthew J. Marshall, Lisa A. Fitzgerald, Brenda J. Little, Jim K. Fredrickson, Alexander S. Beliaev, Bradley R. Ringeisen, Daad A. Saffarini

U.S. Navy Research

The ability of the metal reducer Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 to generate electricity in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) depends on the activity of a predicted type IV prepilin peptidase; PilD. Analysis of an S. oneidensis MR-1 pilD mutant indicated that it was deficient in pili production (Msh and type IV) and type II secretion (T2S). The requirement for T2S in metal reduction has been previously identified, but the role of pili remains largely unexplored. To define the role of type IV or Msh pili in electron transfer, mutants that lack one or both pilus biogenesis systems were generated and analyzed; …

Powering The Future: The Fabrication Of A Novel Passive Micro Direct Ethanol Fuel Cell, Zachary Chin

Senior Honors Projects

The scope of this research includes principles of operation, areas of enhancement, and the fabrication processes of micro direct ethanol fuel cells. This research spreads light on the technology of fuel cells, offers methods to aide the performance of the direct ethanol fuel cell, and provides the method to produce an enhanced micro direct ethanol fuel cell power supply. The proposed micro direct ethanol fuel cell provides power independent of its orientation and without external fluid pumps. In satisfying these details the fuel cell system is entirely sealed within a small package fabricated using rapid prototyping technology and operates solely …

Dynamic Sulfur Tolerant Process And System With Inline Acid Gas-Selective Removal For Generating Hydrogen For Fuel Cells, Surjit Randhava, W. S. Winston Ho, Richard L. Kao, Elias H. Camara

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Patents

This invention relates to a sulfur tolerant, dynamic, compact, lightweight fuel process and system that is capable of converting sulfur bearing carbonaceous fuels to hydrogen rich gases suitable for fuel cells or chemical processing applications. The process and system is based on the AHR and WGS reactions, followed by cleanup of byproduct sulfur-containing gases and carbon oxides that would otherwise poison the fuel cell electrocatalyst. Advantageously, this is accomplished via an ASMS and a methanator or an AWMR. The process and system preferably uses a special sulfur tolerant catalysts and hardware designs that enable the conversion in an energy efficient …

Fuel Cell Design For Gas Hydrates Exploration And Research, Gerhard Sauer

Masters

In this thesis the design, manufacture and testing of an Alkaline Fuel Cell (AFC) that provide electrical power to a deep sea measurement problem is described. The fuel cell was designed to operate in a long-term mode at low temperatures. The power required for the measurement probe was in the order of 5 Watts. The measurement probe was designed to operate at a depth of 3000m in sea water at a temperature of approx. 5°C and at 300 bar pressure

the main design issues included: The design of a Fuel Cell to operate at these conditions and produce enough energy …

Alkaline Fuel Cell Engineering And Testing, James Brunton, David Kennedy, Eugene Coyle

Conference Papers

A fuel cell is a device that directly converts the chemical energy of reactants (a fuel and an oxidant) into low d. c. electricity [1]. Used in conjunction with other sustainable energy options, hydrogen and fuel cell technology can provide a realistic alternative to fossil fuels. Although research is continuing in many areas we are no closer now to commercialisation than ten to twenty years ago. This is due to a number of key reasons, some of which include efficiency, scale, accessories and power output. This paper outlines the benefits that could be derived from switching to a hydrogen based …

Mechanics Of Composite Materials In Fuel Cell Systems, Kenneth Reifsnider, Xinyu Huang, G. Ju, Matthew Feshler, K. An

Faculty Publications

The science and technology that are fundamental to the concept of composite materials are also the foundation for the construction and function of fuel cells and fuel cell systems. The present paper outlines this relationship in the context of the physics and chemistry that are enabled by the specific selection and arrangement of constituents of the “functional composite” fuel cell. General principles of operation are described, and fundamental issues are defined that must be addressed by the composites community if the fuel cell science and engineering is to advance. Examples of several types of functional composite fuel cells are presented, …

Development Of Novel Method For Preparation Of Pemfc Electrodes, Hansung Kim, Branko N. Popov

Faculty Publications

A method based on pulse electrodeposition technique was developed for preparation of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs). In this approach, platinum is deposited directly on the surface of the carbon electrode. The method ensures most of the platinum to be in close contact with the membrane. Using this method it is possible to increase the Pt/C ratio up to 75 wt % near the surface of the electrode resulting in a 5 µm thick catalyst layer. The MEA prepared by pulse electrodeposition exhibits a current density of 0.33 A/cm² at 0.8 V with platinum loading of 0.25 mg of Pt/cm …

Solvent Diffusion Model For Aging Of Lithium-Ion Battery Cells, Harry J. Ploehn, Premanand Ramadass, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

This work presents a rigorous continuum mechanics model of solvent diffusion describing the growth of solid-electrolyte interfaces (SEIs) in Li-ion cells incorporating carbon anodes. The model assumes that a reactive solvent component diffuses through the SEI and undergoes two-electron reduction at the carbon-SEI interface. Solvent reduction produces an insoluble product, resulting in increasing SEI thickness. The model predicts that the SEI thickness increases linearly with the square root of time. Experimental data from the literature for capacity loss in two types of prototype Li-ion cells validates the solvent diffusion model. We use the model to estimate SEI thickness and extract …

Day 2. Tuesday, August 12, 2003: Delta Montrose Energy, University Of Colorado Boulder. Natural Resources Law Center

Energy Field Tour 2003 (August 11-16)

1 page.

Contains references.

Agenda: Energy Field Tour 2003, University Of Colorado Boulder. Natural Resources Law Center

Energy Field Tour 2003 (August 11-16)

Congressional staff tour held August 11-16, 2003

Summary: Binder of assorted articles, maps, brochures and other materials prepared for participants of the tour

Contents:

MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2003: BLUE SPRUCE PEAKER PLANT: University of Colorado Natural Resources Law Center : congressional staff tour of Blue Spruce Energy Center / Peggy Duxbury -- 'Power Struggle', National Journal, June 27, 2003 / Margaret Kritz -- 'Calpine's Blue Spruce Energy Center begins commercial operation', Calpine press release, April 17, 2003 -- NATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY LAB: NREL at a glance -- NREL technologies -- SHOSHONE HYDROELECTRIC PLANT: 'River District Board supports spring Shoshone call …

Electrode Performance Test On Single Ceramic Fuel Cells Using As Electrolyte Sr‐ And Mg‐Doped Lagao3, Kevin Huang, Man Feng, John B. Goodenough, Christopher Milliken

Faculty Publications

The electrode performance of a single solid oxide fuel cell was evaluated using a 500 μm thick La_0.9Sr_0.1Ga_0.8Mg_0.2O_2.85 (LSGM) as the electrolyte membrane. Comparison of La_0.6Sr_0.4CoO_3-δ (LSCo) and La_0.9Sr_0.1MnO₃ (LSM) as cathodes showed LSCo gave an exchange current density two orders of magnitude higher than that of LSM. Comparison of CeO₂/Ni and LSGM/Ni as anodes showed a degradation of the latter with time, and studies of the anode‐electrolyte interface and the reactivity of NiO and LSGM suggest better anode …

Mathematical Modeling Of Proton‐Exchange‐Membrane Fuel‐Cell Stacks, Dhanwa Thirumalai, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

A Mathematical Model Of A Hydrogen/Oxygen Alkaline Fuel Cell, Michael C. Kimble, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

A mathematical model of a hydrogen/oxygen alkaline fuel cell is presented that can be used to predict polarization behavior under various potential loads. The model describes the phenomena occurring in the solid, liquid, and gaseous phases of the anode, separator, and cathode regions, assuming a macrohomogeneous, three-phase porous electrode structure. The model calculates the spatial variation of the partial pressures of oxygen, hydrogen, and water vapor, dissolved oxygen and hydrogen concentrations, electrolyte concentration, and the solid- and solution-phase potential drops. By developing a complete model of the alkaline fuel cell, the interaction of the various transport and kinetic resistances can …