As an excellent source of sustainable green energy, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) become a compelling energy conversion and storage device which has been attractive to stakeholders worldwide for their high fuel efficiency, lower air pollution, reduced cost, and admirable steadiness. The electrodes, anode, and cathode, are the significant components of SOFC, facilitate byproducts transportation via electrochemical reaction, and fuel oxidation with electron and ion transportation. SOFCs with a lower operating temperature will reduce system and operating costs while increasing long-term durability. The performance of electrodes in SOFCs has been developed and investigated using a variety of material compositions, as the key determinant of efficiency is dependent on lower operating temperatures. Nanostructured materials, in particular, have demonstrated the greatest potential for improving electrodes at low operating temperatures by enhancing the surface area and improving electrocatalytic activity. Artificial intelligence (AI) is used to create the theoretical SOFC model to minimize the time necessary to identify the operational optimum over a wide range of parameters as well as the total cost of the system. In this review, we have highlighted the development of nanostructured electrodes, their preparation techniques, and the function of AI in the creation of a range of nanoelectrodes and SOFC modeling as well as their significant roles in improving SOFC performance.

Intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cell (IT-SOFC) work at moderate temperature range (600—800 ℃), thereby eliminating the issue of thermal degradation of electrode materials, reduce operational cost, increase flexibility of material selections, and enhance electrochemical stability of cell components. At intermediate-temperature range, there exists sluggish cathodic reaction, high activation energy and slow oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode. Several cobalt-containing cathode perovskite materials with mixed ionic and electronic properties have been developed, which has helped in resolving sluggish ORR and enhances cathodic reaction, thereby increasing the overall performance of IT-SOFC. The expensive nature of cobalt, high evaporation rate and poor thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) means cobalt-free cathode materials need to be investigated. The present study gives an insight into the current trends of cobalt-free cathode materials development in IT-SOFC. Literature reviewed showed composite La0.65Ca0.35FeO3-δ-Gd0.2Ce0.8O2-δ (LCF-GDC), and La0.7Sr0.3Cu0.15Fe0.85O3-δ cathode materials has good polarisation resistance of 0.28 Ωcm2 at 750 ℃, and 0.0153 Ωcm2 at 700 ℃, respectively. Limitations, challenges, gaps were identified, and possible future research direction was recommended. The study also analysed the use of symmetrical electrodes, as it will help resolve the complexity of developing different electrode materials for cathode and anode in IT-SOFC. Holistic efforts were devoted to ensuring that the literature reviewed was recent (within the last 4yrs), and relevant to the current constraints impeding cathode materials use in IT-SOFC. This review study is meant to serve as a reference material to related researchers, and industry experts looking for the most recent accomplishments in cobalt-free cathode materials development.

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have played a significant role in various applications, such as powering electronics and electric vehicles. However, due to the rising cost of lithium and its limited availability in the earth's crust arises, doubts whether the LIBs only have the capability to meet the increasing energy demand in the transportation sector in the future. Hence, researchers viewed sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) as a viable alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) for future energy storage applications due to the abundant availability of sodium resources, and their excellent electrochemical performance as comparable to that of LIBs. But, the commercialization of Na-ion batteries has been hindered by the degradation of conventional anode material performance and their unstable performance. To address these issues, Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) based metal sulfide (MS) composites were recently employed as anode materials due to their low cost and higher gravimetric capacities. This review discusses the recent advancements in carbon nanotube-based metal sulfide anode materials, their various synthesis methods, morphological characteristics, and electrochemical properties. Finally, we also present strategies for increasing the electrochemical performance of future-generation SIBs. Carbon nanotube-based anodes make sodium-ion batteries stronger.

Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Peer Review Share Icon Share Twitter Facebook Reddit LinkedIn Tools Icon Tools Reprints and Permissions Cite Icon Cite Search Site Citation Abdalla M. Abdalla, Shammya Afroze, Mahendra Rao Somalu, Abul K. Azad; NiAl2O4 spinel structure as an electrode material for solid oxide fuel cells. AIP Conference Proceedings 10 January 2023; 2643 (1): 050074. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0110937 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentAIP Publishing PortfolioAIP Conference Proceedings Search Advanced Search |Citation Search

Energy consumption is rising dramatically at the price of depleting fossil fuel supplies and rising greenhouse gas emissions. To resolve this crisis, barley waste, which is hazardous for the environment and landfill, was studied through thermochemical characterization and pyrolysis to use it as a feedstock as a source of renewable energy. According to proximate analysis, the concentrations of ash, volatile matter, fixed carbon, and moisture were 5.43%, 73.41%, 18.15%, and 3.01%, consecutively. The ultimate analysis revealed that the composition included an acceptable H/C, O/C, and (N+O)/C atomic ratio, with the carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen amounts being 46.04%, 6.84%, 3.895%, and 0.91%, respectively. The higher and lower heating values of 20.06 MJ/kg and 18.44 MJ/kg correspondingly demonstrate the appropriateness and promise for the generation of biofuel effectively. The results of the morphological study of biomass are promising for renewable energy sources. Using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, the main link between carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen was discovered, which is also important for bioenergy production. The maximum degradation rate was found by thermogravimetric analysis and derivative thermogravimetry to be 4.27% per minute for pyrolysis conditions at a temperature of 366 °C and 5.41% per minute for combustion conditions at a temperature of 298 °C. The maximum yields of biochar (38.57%), bio-oil (36.79%), and syngas (40.14%) in the pyrolysis procedure were obtained at 400, 500, and 600 °C, respectively. With the basic characterization and pyrolysis yields of the raw materials, it can be concluded that barley waste can be a valuable source of renewable energy. Further analysis of the pyrolyzed products is recommended to apply in the specific energy fields.

Energy demands keep increasing in this modern world as the world population increases, which leads to a reduction in fossil fuels. To resolve these challenges, Pennisetum purpureum, an invasive grass in Brunei Darussalam, was examined as the feedstock for renewable energy through a catalytic pyrolysis process. The activated carbon was applied as the catalyst for a simple and economical solution. The catalytic pyrolysis was executed at 500 °C (the temperature for the highest biofuel yield) for both reactors to produce the highest amount of upgraded biofuels. The biochar produced from the non-catalytic and catalytic pyrolysis processes showed a consistent yield due to stable operating conditions, from which the activated carbon was generated and used as the catalyst in this work. A significant amount of improvement was found in the production of biofuels, especially bio-oil. It was found that for catalysts, the number of phenolic, alcohol, furans, and ketones was increased by reducing the amount of acidic, aldehyde, miscellaneous oxygenated, and nitrogenous composites in bio-oils. The highest amount of phenolic compounds was produced due to a number of functional groups (-C=O and -OH) in activated carbon. The regenerated activated carbons also showed promising outcomes as catalysts for upgrading the bio-oils. The overall performance of synthesized and regenerated activated carbon as a catalyst in catalytic pyrolysis was highly promising for improving the quality and stability of bio-oil.

The demand for energy has increased tremendously around the whole world due to rapid urbanization and booming industrialization. Energy is the major key to achieving an improved social life, but energy production and utilization processes are the main contributors to environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Mitigation of the energy crisis and reduction in pollution (water and air) difficulties are the leading research topics nowadays. Carbonaceous materials offer some of the best solutions to minimize these problems in an easy and effective way. It is also advantageous that the sources of carbon-based materials are economical, the synthesis processes are comfortable, and the applications are environmentally friendly. Among carbonaceous materials, activated carbons, graphene, and carbon nanotubes have shown outstanding performance in mitigating the energy crisis and environmental pollution. These three carbonaceous materials exhibit unique adsorption properties for energy storage, water purification, and gas cleansing due to their outstanding electrical conductivity, large specific surface areas, and strong mechanical strength. This paper reviews the synthesis methods for activated carbons, carbon nanotubes, and graphene and their significant applications in energy storage, water treatment, and carbon dioxide gas capture to improve environmental sustainability.

Solid oxide fuel cells with protonic ion conducting electrolytes (H-SOFCs) are recognized and anticipated as eco-friendly electrochemical devices fueled with several kinds of fuels. One distinct feature of SOFCs that makes them different from others is fuel flexibility. Ammonia is a colorless gas with a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen with a distinct strong smell at room temperature. It is easily dissolved in water and is a great absorbent. Ammonia plays a vital role as a caustic for its alkaline characteristics. Nowadays, ammonia is being used as a hydrogen carrier because it has carbon-free molecules and prosperous physical properties with transportation characteristics, distribution options, and storage capacity. Using ammonia as a fuel in H-SOFCs has the advantage of its ammonia cracking attributes and quality of being easily separated from generated steam. Moreover, toxic NOx gases are not formed in the anode while using ammonia as fuel in H-SOFCs. Recently, various numerical studies have been performed to comprehend the electrochemical and physical phenomena of H-SOFCs in order to develop a feasible and optimized design under different operating conditions rather than doing costlier experimentation. The aim of this concisely reviewed article is to present the current status of ammonia-fueled H-SOFC numerical modeling and the application of numerical modeling in ammonia-fueled H-SOFC geometrical shape optimization, which is still more desirable than traditional SOFCs.

The global population has increased over time, therefore the need for sufficient energy has risen. However, many countries depend on nonrenewable resources for daily usage. Nonrenewable resources take years to produce and sources are limited for generations to come. Apart from that, storing and energy distribution from nonrenewable energy production has caused environmental degradation over the years. Hence, many researchers have been actively participating in the development of energy storage devices for renewable resources using batteries. For this purpose, the lithium-ion battery is one of the best known storage devices due to its properties such as high power and high energy density in comparison with other conventional batteries. In addition, for the fabrication of Li-ion batteries, there are different types of cell designs including cylindrical, prismatic, and pouch cells. The development of Li-ion battery technology, the different widely used cathode and anode materials, and the benefits and drawbacks of each in relation to the most appropriate application were all thoroughly studied in this work. The electrochemical processes that underlie battery technologies were presented in detail and substantiated by current safety concerns regarding batteries. Furthermore, this review collected the most recent and current LIB recycling technologies and covered the three main LIB recycling technologies. The three recycling techniques—pyrometallurgical, hydrometallurgical, and direct recycling—have been the subject of intense research and development. The recovery of valuable metals is the primary goal of most recycling processes. The growth in the number of used LIBs creates a business opportunity to recover and recycle different battery parts as daily LIB consumption rises dramatically.

The depletion of fossil fuels in the current world has been a major concern due to their role as a primary source of energy for many countries. As non-renewable sources continue to deplete, there is a need for more research and initiatives to reduce reliance on these sources and explore better alternatives, such as renewable energy. Hydrogen is one of the most intriguing energy sources for producing power from fuel cells and heat engines without releasing carbon dioxide or other pollutants. The production of hydrogen via the electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources, such as solar energy, is one of the possible uses for solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs). SOECs can be classified as either oxygen-ion conducting or proton-conducting, depending on the electrolyte materials used. This article aims to highlight broad and important aspects of the hybrid SOEC-based solar hydrogen-generating technology, which utilizes a mixed-ion conductor capable of transporting both oxygen ions and protons simultaneously. In addition to providing useful information on the technological efficiency of hydrogen production in SOEC, this review aims to make hydrogen production more efficient than any other water electrolysis system.

In the modern world, as the population rises and fossil fuel supplies decline, energy demands continue to rise. Moreover, the use of fossil fuels harms the ecology, contributing to pollution and global warming. In order to overcome these difficulties, several approaches are revealed, such as the utilization of biomass as a renewable source of energy. Studies revealed that biomass can be converted into bioenergy via several thermal conversion processes, like pyrolysis, gasification, and torrefaction. Pyrolysis is the most convenient process to obtain three different types of biofuels (biochar as a solid, bio-oil as a liquid, and syngas as a gas). The biofuels produced in this process are normally lower in quality and cannot be used directly as fuel because they contain many undesirable components. Catalytic pyrolysis is one of the best processes to upgrade the quality of biofuels. Several varieties of catalysts are used in the catalytic pyrolysis process (ex situ and in situ). Due to stable operating conditions, both catalytic and non-catalytic pyrolysis procedures produce biochar that has a consistent output. Meanwhile, the effects of catalysts in the catalytic pyrolysis process considerably enhance the quality and quantity of bio-oils and syngas. By removing the unwanted oxygenated and nitrogenous components, the bio-oils produced through the catalytic pyrolysis method have a higher calorific value, reduced viscosity, and improved stability. Many researchers have looked at ways to increase the rate of pyrolysis, whereas a few have focused on maximizing the effects of the factors in order to improve the efficiency of catalytic pyrolysis. This review addresses the impact of catalysts on the catalytic pyrolysis of biomass to enhance the quality of the bio-oils in great detail. Machine learning and techno-economic analysis were investigated, as well as the future potential of the catalytic pyrolysis method for the generation of bio-oil.

Hydrogen is a free, limitless, and environmentally friendly resource. To enhance the production performance of hydrogen by photocatalytic water splitting, its preparation and application was investigated using carbon-based materials (graphene, graphite, carbon nanotubes, activated carbon). Photocatalytic hydrogen processing is among the most promising strategies for ensuring long-term energy stability and preventing further environmental degradation. The selection of co-catalysts and sacrificial agents to support the main catalyst is crucial for increasing hydrogen production. Several analyses were conducted to examine the characteristics as well as the use of various parameters to determine how carbonaceous materials would improve hydrogen production.

Nanostructured materials have gained much attention in recent engineering and material- science research due to their unique structural makeup, which stands them out from their bulk counterparts. Their novel properties of tiny-size structural elements (molecules or crystallites, clusters) of nanoscale dimensions (1 to 100 nm) make them a perfect material for energy applications. The recent keen interest in nanostructured materials research by academia and industrial experts arises from the unique variable characteristics of increased electrical and thermal conductivity. This occurs as nanostructured materials undergo a transient process from infinite-extended solid to a particle of ascertainable numbers of atoms. The commercial and energy sectors are very interested in developing and expanding simple synthetic pathways for nanostructured-electrocatalysts materials to aid in optimizing the number of active regions. Over the decades, various techniques have been put forward to design and synthesize nanostructured-electrocatalysts materials for electrochemical generation of energy and storage applications. As a result, the design of fuel cells, supercapacitors, and energy-storage devices has advanced significantly. This review provides a comprehensive outlook of various synthesis techniques and highlight the challenges of nanostructured- electrocatalysts materials application in fuel cells. Several synthesis methods are discussed and summarized for enhanced nanomaterial preparation and high product attainment with the sol-gel synthesis method being emphasized. The design methodology for an effective nanostructured electrocatalysts with high efficiency for fuel cells was also discussed.

Global warming and climate change represent current threats for island states in the Pacific Ocean region. Next to global warming and the effects of Sea Level Rise, the resulting vulnerability of coastal offshore, shoreline, and oceanic ecosystems are additional factors that need to be considered urgently. As a coastal atoll area and part of the Pacific Small Island States, Tuvalu is now under threat with its cultural landscapes due to climate change impacts. The country and its landscapes surround an area of only 26 km(2), where 11,810 people live in hostile climatic conditions. The Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change projected that Tuvalu would probably be the first country to sink underwater. The question arises about sustainable solutions for ongoing security and a habitable situation for people, culture, landscapes, and ecosystems. Unstable agricultural crop production, fishing, and coconuts cultivation are some of the challenges on the island. The exemplary derived polynomial curve of nine different islands and their islands' population displacement behavior shows up results of hostile conditions with six islands having lost their inhabitants, and only three islands' populations have increased. This study aims to analyze the overall situation of Tuvalu and find an alternative solution to safeguard Tuvaluan people, the island ecosystems and heritage, and cultural landscapes. Specific objectives of this study are the following: (1.) Understanding the theoretical concept of climate change impacts, sea-level rise impacts, the protection of Tuvaluan people, and the islands' unique biodiversity; (2.) Analyzing the socio-economic condition, livelihoods, culture, heritage, and environmental scenarios of Tuvalu; (3.) Giving potential recommendations for creating an international network, applied research, and training for the future development of ecosystems and cultural landscapes of Tuvalu in the Pacific Ocean. This paper analyzed the present affected situation of Tuvalu; it also highlighted socio-economic and livelihoods sustainability, future scenarios, and alternative suggestion to mitigate this hostile environment of Tuvalu. GIS applications for visualizing and analyzing environmental data were one of the appropriate tools for decision-makers to support long-term planning for Tuvalu.

Recently, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has brought the whole world into a pandemic condition, where the number of infected cases and deaths is exponentially high. A number of vaccines are available for this novel virus, but these are in the preliminary stage and are also not available to everyone. As the virus is very contagious, protection and prevention are the best way to survive and get rid of this disease. The virus affects the human body by entering through the nose, mouth, and eyes, so face protection with an appropriate mask is highly advisable. Combined masks made with activated carbon (AC) can effectively adsorb the virus because of its high surface area and broad functional groups. Such combined masks can also control coronavirus transmission by capturing harmful gases and smoke as they help in decreasing the spread of the virus

Protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs) have become the most efficient, clean and cost-effective electrochemical energy conversion devices in recent years. While significant progress has been made in developing proton conducting electrolyte materials, mechanical strength and durability still need to be improved for efficient applications. We report that adding 5 mol% Zn to the Y-doped barium cerate-zirconate perovskite electrolyte material can significantly improve the sintering properties, mechanical strength, durability and performance. Using same proton conducting material in anodes, electrolytes and cathodes to make a strong structural backbone shows clear advantages in mechanical strength over other arrangements with different materials. Rietveld analysis of the X-ray and neutron diffraction data of BaCe 0.7 Zr 0.1 Y 0.15 Zn 0.05 O 3−δ (BCZYZn05) revealed a pure orthorhombic structure belonging to the Pbnm space group. Structural and electrochemical analyses indicate highly dense and high proton conductivity at intermediate temperature (400–700 °C). The anode-supported single cell, NiO-BCZYZn05|BCZYZn05|BSCF-BCZYZn05, demonstrates a peak power density of 872 mW cm −2 at 700 °C which is one of the highest power density in an all-protonic solid oxide fuel cell. This observation represents an important step towards commercially viable SOFC technology.

The structural and electrochemical properties of the double perovskite-type oxide, PrBaMnMoO6-delta, was in-vestigated using neutron diffraction with in-situ conductivity measurement under a dry Argon atmosphere from 25 degrees C to 700 degrees C. A Rietveld refinement of the neutron diffraction data confirmed monoclinic symmetry in the P2(1)/n space group. Rietveld refinement also confirms the unit cell parameters of a = 5.6567 (1) angstrom, b = 5.6065 (2) angstrom, c = 7.9344 (1) angstrom and beta = 84.43 degrees with reliable atomic positions and refinement factors (R-factors). Neutron diffraction data refinement shows two minor phases (< 5%), an orthorhombic AB(2)O(5) type phase of PrMn2O5 in the Pbam (No. 32) space group with unit cell parameters, a = 7.9672 (1) angstrom, b = 8.9043 (2) angstrom and c = 5.8540 (1) angstrom and a scheelite phase of BaMoO4 in the tetragonal I4(1)/a (88) space group with the unit cell parameters, a = b = 5.9522 (1) angstrom, and c = 12.3211 (2) angstrom. Morphological images revealed a porous and intertwined microstructure. In-situ conductivity measurement shows that the total conductivity of this material was 130.84 Scm(-1) at 700 degrees C.

COVID-19 was identified all over the world as a pandemic in December 2019. This novel coronavirus affects the lower respiratory area, which causes pneumonia in the human body and transfers from human to human. Every day, the number of new patients and the number of deaths are increasing immensely, while specific drugs for this virus are still being developed. Hospitals are struggling to accommodate patients, resulting in a large number of temporary hospitals. These makeshift hospitals need an uninterrupted power supply to continuously maintain all the electrical facilities. Fuel cells, especially solid oxide fuel cells, play an essential role in meeting the additional energy needs of humankind during this critical moment. SOFCs are able to supply power to those makeshift hospitals from the main hospital building, as well as supplying electricity to locked-down residential areas to ease the strain on the electrical grid during this pandemic situation. As a result of their extensive applicability and numerous uses, SOFCs can be used to address electrical needs challenges in various sectors.

Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is an alternative energy generation device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy from the use of hydrogen or hydrogen-rich fuel. A light hydrocarbon, e.g. methane (CH4), is a hydrogen-rich fuel that can be used as an alternative fuel to hydrogen in SOFC application. Carbon-containing fuel is accessible from natural gas, biogas, biomass gasification, etc. Biomass gasification produces methane, hydrogen (H2), etc. as syngas products which could be integrated with SOFC. As anode is an outer layer of SOFC which exposes to fuel, the development of anode for carbon-containing fuel application is essential. Conventional Ni-containing anode is found to create carbon deposition which degrades the cell. The replacement of copper (Cu) to Ni has been studied to enhance the direct electrochemical oxidation of dry hydrocarbons which is free from carbon deposition. With the interest of Cu doping, a La-based anode has been doped with 10 % Cu at B-site of perovskite structure as La0.67Ca0.33Cr0.9Cu0.1O3-δ and studied the X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) for future application in syngas-fuelled SOFC.