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Articles 61 - 90 of 247

Full-Text Articles in Chemical Engineering

Inhomogeneous Degradation Of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane In Pem Fuel Cells, Xinyu Huang, Wonseok Yoon Jan 2009

Inhomogeneous Degradation Of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane In Pem Fuel Cells, Xinyu Huang, Wonseok Yoon

Faculty Publications

Membrane durability is one of the technical barriers for the commercialization of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Membrane embrittlement (a form of mechanical weakening) can lead to the frequently observed “sudden death” behavior of PEM fuel cells. It is the objective of this study to explore the fundamental mechanisms of the mechanical weakening of perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) based electrolyte membranes during the accelerated degradation test.


Sulfur Dioxide Crossover During The Production Of Hydrogen And Sulfuric Acid In A Pem Electrolyzer, John A. Staser, John W. Weidner Jan 2009

Sulfur Dioxide Crossover During The Production Of Hydrogen And Sulfuric Acid In A Pem Electrolyzer, John A. Staser, John W. Weidner

Faculty Publications

A proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer has been investigated as a viable system for the electrolysis step in the thermochemical conversion of sulfur dioxide to sulfuric acid for the large-scale production of hydrogen. Unfortunately, during operation, sulfur dioxide can diffuse from the anode to the cathode. This has several negative effects, including reduction to sulfur that could potentially damage the electrode, consumption of current that would otherwise be used for the production of hydrogen, introduction of oxygen and SO2 to the hydrogen stream, and loss of sulfur to the cycle. However, proper water management can reduce or eliminate the …


Hydrogen Peroxide Formation Rates In A Pemfc Anode And Cathode: Effect Of Humidity And Temperature, Vijay A. Sethuraman, John W. Weidner, Andrew T. Haug, Sathya Motupally, Lesia V. Protsailo Jan 2008

Hydrogen Peroxide Formation Rates In A Pemfc Anode And Cathode: Effect Of Humidity And Temperature, Vijay A. Sethuraman, John W. Weidner, Andrew T. Haug, Sathya Motupally, Lesia V. Protsailo

Faculty Publications

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) formation rates in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) anode and cathode were estimated as a function of humidity and temperature by studying the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on a rotating ring disk electrode. Fuel cell conditions were replicated by depositing a film of Pt/Vulcan XC-72 catalyst onto the disk and by varying the temperature, dissolved O2 concentration, and the acidity levels in hydrochloric acid (HClO4). The HClO4 acidity was correlated to ionomer water activity and hence fuel cell humidity. The H2O2 formation rates showed …


Durability Of Perfluorosulfonic Acid And Hydrocarbon Membranes: Effect Of Humidity And Temperature, Vijay A. Sethuraman, John W. Weidner, Andrew T. Haug, Lesia V. Protsailo Jan 2008

Durability Of Perfluorosulfonic Acid And Hydrocarbon Membranes: Effect Of Humidity And Temperature, Vijay A. Sethuraman, John W. Weidner, Andrew T. Haug, Lesia V. Protsailo

Faculty Publications

The effect of humidity on the chemical stability of two types of membranes [i.e., perfluorosulfonic acid type (PFSA, Nafion 112) and biphenyl sulfone hydrocarbon type, (BPSH-35)] was studied by subjecting the membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) to open-circuit voltage (OCV) decay and potential cycling tests at elevated temperatures and low inlet-gas relative humidities. The BPSH-35 membranes showed poor chemical stability in ex situ Fenton tests compared to that of Nafion membranes. However, under fuel cell conditions, BPSH-35 MEAs outperformed Nafion 112 MEAs in both the OCV decay and potential cycling tests. For both membranes, (i) at a given temperature, …


Modeling Li/CfX-Svo Hybrid-Cathode Batteries, Parthasarathy M. Gomadam, Donald R. Merritt, Erik R. Scott, Craig L. Schmidt, Paul M. Skarstad, John W. Weidner Jan 2007

Modeling Li/CfX-Svo Hybrid-Cathode Batteries, Parthasarathy M. Gomadam, Donald R. Merritt, Erik R. Scott, Craig L. Schmidt, Paul M. Skarstad, John W. Weidner

Faculty Publications

A mathematical model is developed that predicts the voltage-capacity behavior of a primary lithium battery containing a hybrid cathode, which combines the high energy density of carbon monofluoride (CFx) and the higher power density of silver vanadium oxide (SVO). The model is developed using material balances and kinetic expressions for each material, extracting kinetic and thermodynamic parameters from data collected on CFx and SVO batteries, and then integrating this information into a hybrid system. The full model is validated by comparing simulations to experimental data on Li/CFx-SVO hybrid-cathode batteries of various designs and for a …


Development Of Ruthenium-Based Catalysts For Oxygen Reduction Reaction, Lingyun Liu, Hansung Kim, Jong-Won Lee, Branko N. Popov Jan 2007

Development Of Ruthenium-Based Catalysts For Oxygen Reduction Reaction, Lingyun Liu, Hansung Kim, Jong-Won Lee, Branko N. Popov

Faculty Publications

A process was developed to synthesize ruthenium-based chelate (RuNx) electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction, using RuCl3 and propylene diammine as the Ru and N precursors, respectively. High-temperature pyrolysis has a critical role in the formation of the catalytic Ru–N sites for oxygen reduction. The RuNx catalyst modified in the presence of nitrogen-containing organic exhibited comparable catalytic activity and selectivity for oxygen reduction to the carbon-supported Pt catalyst in acidic media. The catalyst generates less than 2% hydrogen peroxide during oxygen reduction.


Novel Pemfc Cathodes Prepared By Pulse Deposition, Subasri M. Ayyadurai, Yoon-Seok Choi, Prabhu Ganesan, Swaminatha P. Kumaraguru, Branko N. Popov Jan 2007

Novel Pemfc Cathodes Prepared By Pulse Deposition, Subasri M. Ayyadurai, Yoon-Seok Choi, Prabhu Ganesan, Swaminatha P. Kumaraguru, Branko N. Popov

Faculty Publications

A pulse electrodeposition method of preparing thin platinum catalyst layers for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) cathodes has been developed through surface activation of the gas diffusion layer (GDL) by a wetting agent. The performance of the catalyst layer was optimized by wetting agent type, immersion time in the wetting agent, and pulse deposition parameters such as total charge density, peak current density, and duty cycle ratio. The Toff time played a more important role than the Ton time in determining the electrode characteristics such as high concentration of Pt, smaller particle size, and loading. Pt cathodes …


Development Of Method For Synthesis Of Pt–Co Cathode Catalysts For Pem Fuel Cells, Xuguang Li, Héctor R. Colón-Mercado, Gang Wu, Jong-Won Lee, Branko N. Popov Jan 2007

Development Of Method For Synthesis Of Pt–Co Cathode Catalysts For Pem Fuel Cells, Xuguang Li, Héctor R. Colón-Mercado, Gang Wu, Jong-Won Lee, Branko N. Popov

Faculty Publications

A procedure was developed to synthesize a platinum–cobalt (Pt–Co) alloy electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction using Co/C composite as a support. The Pt–Co/C catalysts were synthesized through: (i) chemical oxidation of carbon black, (ii) Co deposition on the oxidized carbon using a chelation method, (iii) chemical treatment in an acidic medium to remove excess of Co on the carbon surface, (iv) Pt deposition onto the Co/C support, and (v) postheat treatment to form the Pt–Co alloy catalyst. The synthesized Pt–Co/C catalyst showed improved activity and long-term stability in polymer electrolyte membrane …


Effect Of Water On The Electrochemical Oxidation Of Gas-Phase So2 In A Pem Electrolyzer For H2 Production, John Staser, Ramaraja P. Ramasamy, Premkumar Sivasubramanian, John W. Weidner Jan 2007

Effect Of Water On The Electrochemical Oxidation Of Gas-Phase So2 In A Pem Electrolyzer For H2 Production, John Staser, Ramaraja P. Ramasamy, Premkumar Sivasubramanian, John W. Weidner

Faculty Publications

Water plays a critical role in producing hydrogen from the electrochemical oxidation of SO2 in a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer. Not only is water needed to keep the membrane hydrated, but it is also a reactant. One way to supply water is to dissolve SO2 in sulfuric acid and feed that liquid to the anode, but this process results in significant diffusion resistance for the SO2. Alternatively, we have developed a process where SO2 is fed as a gas to the anode compartment and reacts with water crossing the membrane to produce sulfuric acid. There was concern that the …


Effect Of Diphenyl Siloxane On The Catalytic Activity Of Pt On Carbon, Vijay A. Sethuraman, John W. Weidner, Lesia V V. Protsailo Jan 2007

Effect Of Diphenyl Siloxane On The Catalytic Activity Of Pt On Carbon, Vijay A. Sethuraman, John W. Weidner, Lesia V V. Protsailo

Faculty Publications

The effect of silicone on the catalytic activity of Pt for oxygen reduction and hydrogen adsorption was studied using diphenyl siloxane as a source compound at a rotating disk electrode (RDE). Diphenyl siloxane did not affect the catalytic activity of Pt when it was injected into the electrolyte. However, it blocked the oxygen reduction reaction when it was premixed with the catalyst. Proton transport was not blocked in either case. We postulate that diphenyl siloxane induces hydrophobicity and causes local water starvation, thereby blocking oxygen transport. Hence, the slow leaching of silicone seals in a fuel cell could cause silicon …


Low-Temperature Synthesis Of A Ptru/Nb0.1ti0.9o2 Electrocatalyst For Methanol Oxidation, Brenda L. García, Roderick Fuentes, John W. Weidner Jan 2007

Low-Temperature Synthesis Of A Ptru/Nb0.1ti0.9o2 Electrocatalyst For Methanol Oxidation, Brenda L. García, Roderick Fuentes, John W. Weidner

Faculty Publications

Niobium was doped into anatase TiO2 support at 10 mol % (Nb0.1Ti0.9O2) using sol-gel chemistry. A PtRu/Nb0.1Ti0.9O2 catalyst was synthesized by LiBH4 reduction in tetrahydrofuran. The methanol electro-oxidation activity of the catalyst shows that this oxide support was electrically conductive. The current (A/gPt) was 6% higher on the PtRu/Nb0.1Ti0.9O2 catalyst compared to a commercial PtRu/C catalyst at 25°C. The electrochemically active surface area of the PtRu/C was 94% higher than PtRu/Nb0.1Ti0.9O2, thus the current per active site was 100% higher on PtRu/Nb0.1Ti0.9O2. A membrane electrode assembly with PtRu/Nb0.1Ti0.9O2 had 46% higher current (A/gPt) than an equivalent E-TEK membrane electrode assembly …


Exafs Characterization Of Dendrimer-Derived Pt/Γ-Al2o3, A. Siani, O. S. Alexeev, C. T. Williams, Harry J. Ploehn, M. D. Amiridis Jan 2007

Exafs Characterization Of Dendrimer-Derived Pt/Γ-Al2o3, A. Siani, O. S. Alexeev, C. T. Williams, Harry J. Ploehn, M. D. Amiridis

Faculty Publications

The various steps involved in the preparation of a Pt/-Al2O3 material using hydroxyl-terminated generation four (G4OH) PAMAM dendrimers as templates were monitored by EXAFS. The results indicate that Cl ligands in the Pt precursors (H2PtCl6 and K2PtCl4) were partially replaced by aquo ligands upon hydrolysis to form [PtCl3(H2O)3]+ and [PtCl2(H2O)2] species. After interaction of such species with G4OH, Cl ligands from the first coordination shell of Pt were further replaced by nitrogen atoms from the dendrimer interior, …


Development Of An Electroless Method To Deposit Corrosion-Resistant Silicate Layers On Metallic Substrates, Swaminatha P. Kumaraguru, Basker Veeraraghavan, Branko N. Popov Jan 2006

Development Of An Electroless Method To Deposit Corrosion-Resistant Silicate Layers On Metallic Substrates, Swaminatha P. Kumaraguru, Basker Veeraraghavan, Branko N. Popov

Faculty Publications

A novel electroless method for depositing corrosion-resistant silicate layers on metallic substrates from aqueous solutions has been developed. The silicate layer was deposited from an aqueous solution of sodium silicate (3.22 weight ratio sodium silicate, 37.5% solution in water from PQ Corporation) and sodium borohydride. The technique is demonstrated by forming a passive film on galvanized steel. Deposition parameters such as concentration of the bath, temperature, and pH have been optimized based on the corrosion characteristics of the final coating. Studies on the coating reveal the formation of a very thin (5 nm) zinc disilicate layer followed by a much …


Modeling Volume Changes In Porous Electrodes, Parthasarathy M. Gomadam, John W. Weidner Jan 2006

Modeling Volume Changes In Porous Electrodes, Parthasarathy M. Gomadam, John W. Weidner

Faculty Publications

A three-dimensional mathematical model is presented to describe volume changes in porous electrodes occurring during operation. Material conservation equations are used to derive governing relationships between electrode dimensions and porosity for deposition/precipitation, intercalation, and ionomer-based electrodes. By introducing a parameter, called the swelling coefficient, the relative magnitudes of the change in electrode dimensions and the change in porosity are determined. The swelling coefficient is design-dependent and measured experimentally for a given cell design. The model is general and forms a critical addition required to extend the existing porous electrode models to include volume change effects. For the special case of …


A Mathematical Model For A Lithium-Ion Battery/Electrochemical Capacitor Hybrid System, Godfrey Sikha, Ralph E. White, Branko N. Popov Jan 2005

A Mathematical Model For A Lithium-Ion Battery/Electrochemical Capacitor Hybrid System, Godfrey Sikha, Ralph E. White, Branko N. Popov

Faculty Publications

A one-dimensional model for predicting the performance of a battery/electrochemical capacitor-hybrid system has been developed. Simulation results are presented for a LiCoO2|LiPF6 ethylene carbonate/dimethyl carbonate|carbon battery system and a Maxwell PC 10F carbon double-layer electrochemical capacitor. The current shared between the battery and the electrochemical capacitor at very short times depends on the ohmic resistances of the battery and the capacitor. As the discharge proceeds, the operating conditions such as frequency, duty ratio, and peak pulse discharge current control the current shared among parallel circuits. These parameters also determine the extent of the run time increase of …


Effect Of Porosity On The Capacity Fade Of A Lithium-Ion Battery: Theory, Godfrey Sikha, Branko N. Popov, Ralph E. White Jan 2004

Effect Of Porosity On The Capacity Fade Of A Lithium-Ion Battery: Theory, Godfrey Sikha, Branko N. Popov, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

A mathematical model is presented to predict the performance of a lithium-ion battery. It includes the changes in the porosity of the material due to the reversible intercalation processes and the irreversible parasitic reaction. The model was also extended to predict the capacity fade in a lithium-ion battery based on the unwanted parasitic reaction that consumes Li+ along with the changes in the porosities of the electrodes with cycling due to the continuous parasitic side reaction. The model can be used to predict the drop in the voltage profile, change in the state of charge, and the effects of …


Cycle Life Modeling Of Lithium-Ion Batteries, Gang Ning, Branko N. Popov Jan 2004

Cycle Life Modeling Of Lithium-Ion Batteries, Gang Ning, Branko N. Popov

Faculty Publications

A first-principles-based charge-discharge model was developed to simulate the capacity fade of Li-ion batteries. The model is based on the loss of active lithium ions due to solvent reduction reaction and on the rise of the anode film resistance. The effect of parameters such as exchange current density, depth of discharge (DOD), end of charge voltage, film resistance, and the overvoltage of parasitic reaction were studied quantitatively. The model controls the required DOD by controlling the discharge time and estimates the end of discharge voltages as a function of cycle number.


Development Of First Principles Capacity Fade Model For Li-Ion Cells, P. Ramadass, Bala Haran, Parthasarathy M. Gomadam, Ralph E. White, Branko N. Popov Jan 2004

Development Of First Principles Capacity Fade Model For Li-Ion Cells, P. Ramadass, Bala Haran, Parthasarathy M. Gomadam, Ralph E. White, Branko N. Popov

Faculty Publications

A first principles-based model has been developed to simulate the capacity fade of Li-ion batteries. Incorporation of a continuous occurrence of the solvent reduction reaction during constant current and constant voltage (CC-CV) charging explains the capacity fade of the battery. The effect of parameters such as end of charge voltage and depth of discharge, the film resistance, the exchange current density, and the over voltage of the parasitic reaction on the capacity fade and battery performance were studied qualitatively. The parameters that were updated for every cycle as a result of the side reaction were state-of-charge of the electrode materials …


Development Of Novel Method For Preparation Of Pemfc Electrodes, Hansung Kim, Branko N. Popov Jan 2004

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 Jan 2004

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 …


Synthesis And Characterization Of Mno2-Based Mixed Oxides As Supercapacitors, Hansung Kim, Branko N. Popov Jan 2003

Synthesis And Characterization Of Mno2-Based Mixed Oxides As Supercapacitors, Hansung Kim, Branko N. Popov

Faculty Publications

Mn/Pb and Mn/Ni mixed oxide were prepared at ambient temperature by reduction of KMnO4 with Mn, Pb, and Ni salts. This low-temperature approach provides amorphous structure of the active material. The specific capacitance of pure MnO2 was estimated to be 166 F/g and increased to 210 and 185 F/g for Mn/Ni and Mn/Pb oxides, respectively. The carbon loading was optimized at 20 wt %. Based on a single electrode, the Mn/Ni mixed oxide showed a high rate capability of 3.12 Wh/kg at constant power discharge of 1 kW/kg.


Corrosion Protection Of Steel Using Nonanomalous Ni-Zn-P Coatings, Basker Veeraraghavan, Bala Haran, Swaminatha P. Kumaraguru, Branko N. Popov Jan 2003

Corrosion Protection Of Steel Using Nonanomalous Ni-Zn-P Coatings, Basker Veeraraghavan, Bala Haran, Swaminatha P. Kumaraguru, Branko N. Popov

Faculty Publications

A novel technique for obtaining nonanomalous Ni-Zn-P coatings with high Ni content (74 wt % as compared to 15-20 wt % in the conventional plating method) has been developed. These coatings show promise as a replacement for Cd in sacrificially protecting steel. Ni-Zn-P coatings were deposited using an electroless method from a solution containing NiSO4, complexing agent and ammonium chloride. Varying the concentration of ZnSO4 in the bath controls the final amount of Zn in the deposit. The Zn content in the coating was optimized based on the corrosion resistance of the final deposit. Coatings with 16.2 …


Full Cell Mathematical Model Of A Mcfc, N. Subramanian, B. S. Haran, Ralph E. White, Branko N. Popov Jan 2003

Full Cell Mathematical Model Of A Mcfc, N. Subramanian, B. S. Haran, Ralph E. White, Branko N. Popov

Faculty Publications

A theoretical model for the molten carbonate fuel cell was developed based on the three-phase homogeneous approach. Using this model, the contribution of different cell components to losses in cell performance has been studied. In general, at low current densities, the electrolyte matrix contributed to the major fraction of potential losses. Mass transfer effects became important at high current densities and were more prominent at the cathode. Electrolyte conductivity and cathode exchange current density seemed to play a limiting role in determining cell performance. Using the model, the maximum power density from a single cell for different cell thicknesses was …


Thermally Stable Gel Polymer Electrolytes, Min-Kyu Song, Young-Taek Kim, Yong Tae Kim, Byung Won Cho, Branko N. Popov, Hee-Woo Rhee Jan 2003

Thermally Stable Gel Polymer Electrolytes, Min-Kyu Song, Young-Taek Kim, Yong Tae Kim, Byung Won Cho, Branko N. Popov, Hee-Woo Rhee

Faculty Publications

To prepare miscible polyethylene glycol diacrylate/polyvinylidene fluoride (PEGDA/PVdF) blend gel polymer electrolytes, low molecular weight (M = 742) liquid PEGDA oligomer was mixed with PVdF-HFP dissolved in ethylene carbonate/dimethyl carbonate/LiPF6 liquid electrolytes, and then cured under ultraviolet irradiation. Room temperature conductivity of PEGDA/PVdF blend films was found to be comparable to that of PVdF-HFP gel polymer electrolytes, and they were electrochemically stable up to 4.6 V vs. Li/Li+. Scanning electron micrographs revealed that PEGDA/PVdF blend electrolytes have pore size intermediate between dense PEGDA and highly porous PVdF-HFP. It was confirmed by weight change measurement that liquid electrolyte …


Development Of A Novel Electrochemical Method To Deposit High Corrosion Resistant Silicate Layers On Metal Substrates, Basker Veeraraghavan, Bala Haran, Dragan Slavkov, Swaminatha Prabhu, Branko N. Popov, Bob Heimann Jan 2003

Development Of A Novel Electrochemical Method To Deposit High Corrosion Resistant Silicate Layers On Metal Substrates, Basker Veeraraghavan, Bala Haran, Dragan Slavkov, Swaminatha Prabhu, Branko N. Popov, Bob Heimann

Faculty Publications

A novel method for electrodepositing silicates on metallic substrates from aqueous solutions has been developed. The technique is demonstrated by forming a passive film on galvanized steel. The silicate layer was deposited cathodically from a bath containing PQ Corporation N sodium silicate solution (3.22 weight ratio sodium silicate, 37.5% solution in water). A post-treatment drying process increased the Si content in the coating and improved the corrosion characteristics of the silicate layer. Deposition parameters like bath concentration and temperature have been optimized using corrosion characteristics and surface morphology of the final coating. Finally, stability studies show that the silicate coatings …


Polyetheretherketone Membranes For Elevated Temperature Pemfcs, Balasubramanian Lakshmanan, Wayne Huang, David Olmeijer, John W. Weidner Jan 2003

Polyetheretherketone Membranes For Elevated Temperature Pemfcs, Balasubramanian Lakshmanan, Wayne Huang, David Olmeijer, John W. Weidner

Faculty Publications

Membrane electrode assemblies ~MEAs! made from polyetheretherketone ~PEEK! showed excellent fuel cell performance and thermal stability in the presence of substantial CO at elevated temperatures ~i.e., 120°C! in proton exchange membrane fuel cells ~PEMFCs!. For example, the current from a MEA made from PEEK membrane at 0.6 V and 120°C was 0.50 A/cm2 when run on pure hydrogen and 0.45 A/cm2 when run on reformate ~50% H2 , 1300 ppm CO, and balance N2). The current density from a MEA made from Nafion at 0.6 V and 120°C was 0.61 A/cm2 when run on pure hydrogen. The main difference between …


Theoretical Analysis For Obtaining Physical Properties Of Composite Electrodes, Parthasarathy M. Gomadam, John W. Weidner, Thomas A. Zawodzinski, Andrew P. Saab Jan 2003

Theoretical Analysis For Obtaining Physical Properties Of Composite Electrodes, Parthasarathy M. Gomadam, John W. Weidner, Thomas A. Zawodzinski, Andrew P. Saab

Faculty Publications

A theoretical analysis is presented that allows in situ measurements of the physical properties of a composite electrode, namely, the electronic conductivity, the ionic conductivity, the exchange-current density, and the double-layer capacitance. Use is made of the current-voltage responses of the composite electrode to dc and ac polarizations under three different experimental configurations. This analysis allows the physical properties to be obtained even when the various resistances in the composite (e.g., ionic, electronic, and charge-transfer) are of comparable values.


Modeling Heat Conduction In Spiral Geometries, Parthasarathy M. Gomadam, Ralph E. White, John W. Weidner Jan 2003

Modeling Heat Conduction In Spiral Geometries, Parthasarathy M. Gomadam, Ralph E. White, John W. Weidner

Faculty Publications

A two-dimensional (2-D) energy balance (the 2D model) is reduced to a one-dimensioanl (1-D) energy balance (the 1D-radial-spiral model) by a coordinate transformation approach. The 1D-radial-spiral model, even though 1-D, captures both radial and spiral heat conductions over a wide range of design parameters. By comparing the temperature predictions of the 1D-radial-spiral model and the 2D model, parameter ranges were identified where spiral conduction was important and where the 1D-radial-spiral model held. The 1D-radial-spiral model provided a sixtyfold savings in computation time over the 2D model. When coupled to electrochemistry, the 2D model took approximately 20 h to simulate a …


Analysis Of Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell Performance Using A Three-Phase Homogeneous Model, N. Subramanian, B. S. Haran, P. Ganesan, Ralph E. White, Branko N. Popov Jan 2003

Analysis Of Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell Performance Using A Three-Phase Homogeneous Model, N. Subramanian, B. S. Haran, P. Ganesan, Ralph E. White, Branko N. Popov

Faculty Publications

In this study a three-phase homogeneous model was developed to simulate the performance of the molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) cathode. The homogeneous model is based on volume averaging of different variables in the three phases over a small volume element. This approach can be used to model porous electrodes as it represents the real system much better than the conventional agglomerate model. Using the homogeneous model the polarization characteristics of the MCFC cathode was studied under different operating conditions.


A Mathematical Model Of Oxide/Carbon Composite Electrode For Supercapacitors, Hansung Kim, Branko N. Popov Jan 2003

A Mathematical Model Of Oxide/Carbon Composite Electrode For Supercapacitors, Hansung Kim, Branko N. Popov

Faculty Publications

A pseudo two-dimensional model is developed for the general application of supercapacitors consisting of an oxide/carbon composite electrode. The model takes into account the diffusion of protons in the oxide particle by employing the method of superposition. RuO2/carbon system is modeled as a specific example. From the simulation data, it is found that the oxide particle size and proton diffusion coefficient have an enormous effect on the performance at high discharge rate due to the limitation of proton transport into RuO2 particles. With increasing carbon ratio, the porosity of electrode increases, which causes the potential drop in …