Effects of hydraulic pressure on the performance of single chamber air-cathode microbial fuel cells.

PubMed

Cheng, Shaoan; Liu, Weifeng; Guo, Jian; Sun, Dan; Pan, Bin; Ye, Yaoli; Ding, Weijun; Huang, Haobin; Li, Fujian

2014-06-15

Scaling up of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) without losing power density requires a thorough understanding of the effect of hydraulic pressure on MFC performance. In this work, the performance of an activated carbon air-cathode MFC was evaluated under different hydraulic pressures. The MFC under 100 mmH2O hydraulic pressure produced a maximum power density of 1260 ± 24 mW m(-2), while the power density decreased by 24.4% and 44.7% as the hydraulic pressure increased to 500 mmH2O and 2000 mmH2O, respectively. Notably, the performance of both the anode and the cathode had decreased under high hydraulic pressures. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests of the cathode indicated that both charge transfer resistance and diffusion transfer resistance increased with the increase in hydraulic pressure. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of PCR-amplified partial 16S rRNA genes demonstrated that the similarity among anodic biofilm communities under different hydraulic pressures was ≥ 90%, and the communities of all MFCs were dominated by Geobacter sp. These results suggested that the reduction in power output of the single chamber air-cathode MFC under high hydraulic pressures can be attributed to water flooding of the cathode and suppression the metabolism of anodic exoelectrogenic bacteria. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Observation of Li Diffusion in Cathode Sheets of Li-ion Battery by μ+SR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Umegaki, Izumi; Kawauchi, Shigehiro; Nozaki, Hiroshi; Sawada, Hiroshi; Nakano, Hiroyuki; Harada, Masashi; Cottrell, Stephen P.; Coomer, Fiona C.; Telling, Mark; Sugiyama, Jun

In order to know the change in Li diffusion during the operation of Li-ion batteries, we have initiated to measure Li diffusion not only in a powder sample but also in a cathode sheet with μ+SR. As the first step, we have measured μ+SR spectra on a cathode sheet, in which a mixture of a cathode material Li(Ni, Co)O2, a binder, and conducting additives is coated on an Al foil. The zero-field μ+SR spectrum exhibited a typical Kubo-Toyabe (KT) type relaxation at 100 K. By subtracting the contribution of the muons stopped in the Al foil, we found that Li+ ion starts to diffuse above 100 K in the Li(Ni, Co)O2. A self diffusion coefficient (DLi) at 300 K was estimated as 10-11 (cm2/s), which comparable with DLi (300 K) in the cathode materials previously reported. This leads to the future "in operando" measurements of DLi in Li-ion batteries.

Bent paths of a positive streamer and a cathode-directed spark leader in diffuse discharges preionized by runaway electrons

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Cheng; Shao, Tao, E-mail: st@mail.iee.ac.cn; Wang, Ruixue

2015-03-15

Diffuse discharges preionized by runaway electrons can produce large-area homogeneous discharges at elevated pressures, which is an intriguing phenomenon in the physics of pulsed discharges. In this paper, runaway-electron-preionized diffuse discharge (REP DD) was obtained in a wide pressure range (0.05–0.25 MPa), and under certain conditions a positive streamer and a cathode-directed spark leader could be observed to propagate at some angles to the applied (background) electric field lines. For a 16-mm gap at an air pressure of 0.08–0.1 MPa, the percentage of pulses in which such propagation is observed is about 5%–50% of their total number, and in the other pulsesmore » such bent paths could not be observed because there is even no streamer or cathode-directed spark leader in diffuse discharges. In our opinion, such propagation of the positive streamer and the cathode-directed spark leader at some angle to the background electric field lines owes to different increase rates of the electron density in different regions of the discharge volume under REP DD conditions. Therefore, during the formation of a REP DD, the increase of the electron density is inhomogeneous and nonsimultaneous, resulting in an electron density gradient at the ionization wave front.« less

Lithium-Air Battery: High Performance Cathodes for Lithium-Air Batteries

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

2010-08-01

BEEST Project: Researchers at Missouri S&T are developing an affordable lithium-air (Li-Air) battery that could enable an EV to travel up to 350 miles on a single charge. Today’s EVs run on Li-Ion batteries, which are expensive and suffer from low energy density compared with gasoline. This new Li-Air battery could perform as well as gasoline and store 3 times more energy than current Li-Ion batteries. A Li-Air battery uses an air cathode to breathe oxygen into the battery from the surrounding air, like a human lung. The oxygen and lithium react in the battery to produce electricity. Current Li-Airmore » batteries are limited by the rate at which they can draw oxygen from the air. The team is designing a battery using hierarchical electrode structures to enhance air breathing and effective catalysts to accelerate electricity production.« less

Design of experiments and principal component analysis as approaches for enhancing performance of gas-diffusional air-breathing bilirubin oxidase cathode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Babanova, Sofia; Artyushkova, Kateryna; Ulyanova, Yevgenia; Singhal, Sameer; Atanassov, Plamen

2014-01-01

Two statistical methods, design of experiments (DOE) and principal component analysis (PCA) are employed to investigate and improve performance of air-breathing gas-diffusional enzymatic electrodes. DOE is utilized as a tool for systematic organization and evaluation of various factors affecting the performance of the composite system. Based on the results from the DOE, an improved cathode is constructed. The current density generated utilizing the improved cathode (755 ± 39 μA cm-2 at 0.3 V vs. Ag/AgCl) is 2-5 times higher than the highest current density previously achieved. Three major factors contributing to the cathode performance are identified: the amount of enzyme, the volume of phosphate buffer used to immobilize the enzyme, and the thickness of the gas-diffusion layer (GDL). PCA is applied as an independent confirmation tool to support conclusions made by DOE and to visualize the contribution of factors in individual cathode configurations.

Template-directed fabrication of porous gas diffusion layer for magnesium air batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xue, Yejian; Miao, He; Sun, Shanshan; Wang, Qin; Li, Shihua; Liu, Zhaoping

2015-11-01

The uniform micropore distribution in the gas diffusion layers (GDLs) of the air-breathing cathode is very important for the metal air batteries. In this work, the super-hydrophobic GDL with the interconnected regular pores is prepared by a facile silica template method, and then the electrochemical properties of the Mg air batteries containing these GDLs are investigated. The results indicate that the interconnected and uniform pore structure, the available water-breakout pressure and the high gas permeability coefficient of the GDL can be obtained by the application of 30% silica template. The maximum power density of the Mg air battery containing the GDL with 30% regular pores reaches 88.9 mW cm-2 which is about 1.2 times that containing the pristine GDL. Furthermore, the GDL with 30% regular pores exhibits the improved the long term hydrophobic stability.

An air-breathing enzymatic cathode with extended lifetime by continuous laccase supply.

PubMed

Kipf, Elena; Sané, Sabine; Morse, Daniel; Messinger, Thorsten; Zengerle, Roland; Kerzenmacher, Sven

2018-04-22

We present a novel concept of an air-breathing enzymatic biofuel cell cathode combined with continuous supply of unpurified laccase-containing supernatant of the white-rot fungus Trametes versicolor for extended lifetime. The air-breathing cathode design obviates the need for energy-intensive active aeration. In a corresponding long-term experiment at a constant current density of 50 µA cm -2 , we demonstrated an increased lifetime of 33 days (cathode potential above 0.430 V vs. SCE), independent of enzyme degradation. The obtained data suggest that theoretically a longer lifetime is feasible. However, further engineering efforts are required to prevent clogging and fouling of the supply tubes. These results represent an important step towards the realization of enzymatic biofuel cell cathodes with extended lifetime and enhanced performance. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

External CO2 and water supplies for enhancing electrical power generation of air-cathode microbial fuel cells.

PubMed

Ishizaki, So; Fujiki, Itto; Sano, Daisuke; Okabe, Satoshi

2014-10-07

Alkalization on the cathode electrode limits the electrical power generation of air-cathode microbial fuel cells (MFCs), and thus external proton supply to the cathode electrode is essential to enhance the electrical power generation. In this study, the effects of external CO2 and water supplies to the cathode electrode on the electrical power generation were investigated, and then the relative contributions of CO2 and water supplies to the total proton consumption were experimentally evaluated. The CO2 supply decreased the cathode pH and consequently increased the power generation. Carbonate dissolution was the main proton source under ambient air conditions, which provides about 67% of total protons consumed for the cathode reaction. It is also critical to adequately control the water content on the cathode electrode of air-cathode MFCs because the carbonate dissolution was highly dependent on water content. On the basis of these experimental results, the power density was increased by 400% (143.0 ± 3.5 mW/m(2) to 575.0 ± 36.0 mW/m(2)) by supplying a humid gas containing 50% CO2 to the cathode chamber. This study demonstrates that the simultaneous CO2 and water supplies to the cathode electrode were effective to increase the electrical power generation of air-cathode MFCs for the first time.

A solvent-free microbial-activated air cathode battery paper platform made with pencil-traced graphite electrodes.

PubMed

Lee, Seung Ho; Ban, Ju Yeon; Oh, Chung-Hun; Park, Hun-Kuk; Choi, Samjin

2016-06-23

We present the fabrication of an ultra-low cost, disposable, solvent-free air cathode all-paper microbial fuel cell (MFC) that does not utilize any chemical treatments. The anode and cathode were fabricated by depositing graphite particles by drawing them on paper with a pencil (four strokes). Hydrophobic parchment paper was used as a proton exchange membrane (PEM) to allow only H(+) to pass. Air cathode MFC technology, where O2 was used as an electron acceptor, was implemented on the paper platform. The bioelectric current was generated by an electrochemical process involving the redox couple of microbial-activated extracellular electron transferred electrons, PEM-passed H(+), and O2 in the cathode. A fully micro-integrated pencil-traced MFC showed a fast start-time, producing current within 10 s after injection of bacterial cells. A single miniaturized all-paper air cathode MFC generated a maximum potential of 300 mV and a maximum current of 11 μA during 100 min after a single injection of Shewanella oneidensis. The micro-fabricated solvent-free air cathode all-paper MFC generated a power of 2,270 nW (5.68 mW/m(2)). The proposed solvent-free air cathode paper-based MFC device could be used for environmentally-friendly energy storage as well as in single-use medical power supplies that use organic matter.

A solvent-free microbial-activated air cathode battery paper platform made with pencil-traced graphite electrodes

PubMed Central

Lee, Seung Ho; Ban, Ju Yeon; Oh, Chung-Hun; Park, Hun-Kuk; Choi, Samjin

2016-01-01

We present the fabrication of an ultra-low cost, disposable, solvent-free air cathode all-paper microbial fuel cell (MFC) that does not utilize any chemical treatments. The anode and cathode were fabricated by depositing graphite particles by drawing them on paper with a pencil (four strokes). Hydrophobic parchment paper was used as a proton exchange membrane (PEM) to allow only H+ to pass. Air cathode MFC technology, where O2 was used as an electron acceptor, was implemented on the paper platform. The bioelectric current was generated by an electrochemical process involving the redox couple of microbial-activated extracellular electron transferred electrons, PEM-passed H+, and O2 in the cathode. A fully micro-integrated pencil-traced MFC showed a fast start-time, producing current within 10 s after injection of bacterial cells. A single miniaturized all-paper air cathode MFC generated a maximum potential of 300 mV and a maximum current of 11 μA during 100 min after a single injection of Shewanella oneidensis. The micro-fabricated solvent-free air cathode all-paper MFC generated a power of 2,270 nW (5.68 mW/m2). The proposed solvent-free air cathode paper-based MFC device could be used for environmentally-friendly energy storage as well as in single-use medical power supplies that use organic matter. PMID:27333815

A solvent-free microbial-activated air cathode battery paper platform made with pencil-traced graphite electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Seung Ho; Ban, Ju Yeon; Oh, Chung-Hun; Park, Hun-Kuk; Choi, Samjin

2016-06-01

We present the fabrication of an ultra-low cost, disposable, solvent-free air cathode all-paper microbial fuel cell (MFC) that does not utilize any chemical treatments. The anode and cathode were fabricated by depositing graphite particles by drawing them on paper with a pencil (four strokes). Hydrophobic parchment paper was used as a proton exchange membrane (PEM) to allow only H+ to pass. Air cathode MFC technology, where O2 was used as an electron acceptor, was implemented on the paper platform. The bioelectric current was generated by an electrochemical process involving the redox couple of microbial-activated extracellular electron transferred electrons, PEM-passed H+, and O2 in the cathode. A fully micro-integrated pencil-traced MFC showed a fast start-time, producing current within 10 s after injection of bacterial cells. A single miniaturized all-paper air cathode MFC generated a maximum potential of 300 mV and a maximum current of 11 μA during 100 min after a single injection of Shewanella oneidensis. The micro-fabricated solvent-free air cathode all-paper MFC generated a power of 2,270 nW (5.68 mW/m2). The proposed solvent-free air cathode paper-based MFC device could be used for environmentally-friendly energy storage as well as in single-use medical power supplies that use organic matter.

A comparison of Fick and Maxwell-Stefan diffusion formulations in PEMFC gas diffusion layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lindstrom, Michael; Wetton, Brian

2017-01-01

This paper explores the mathematical formulations of Fick and Maxwell-Stefan diffusion in the context of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell cathode gas diffusion layers. The simple Fick law with a diagonal diffusion matrix is an approximation of Maxwell-Stefan. Formulations of diffusion combined with mass-averaged Darcy flow are considered for three component gases. For this application, the formulations can be compared computationally in a simple, one dimensional setting. Despite the models' seemingly different structure, it is observed that the predictions of the formulations are very similar on the cathode when air is used as oxidant. The two formulations give quite different results when the Nitrogen in the air oxidant is replaced by helium (this is often done as a diagnostic for fuel cells designs). The two formulations also give quite different results for the anode with a dilute Hydrogen stream. These results give direction to when Maxwell-Stefan diffusion, which is more complicated to implement computationally in many codes, should be used in fuel cell simulations.

Metal-air batteries: from oxygen reduction electrochemistry to cathode catalysts.

PubMed

Cheng, Fangyi; Chen, Jun

2012-03-21

Because of the remarkably high theoretical energy output, metal-air batteries represent one class of promising power sources for applications in next-generation electronics, electrified transportation and energy storage of smart grids. The most prominent feature of a metal-air battery is the combination of a metal anode with high energy density and an air electrode with open structure to draw cathode active materials (i.e., oxygen) from air. In this critical review, we present the fundamentals and recent advances related to the fields of metal-air batteries, with a focus on the electrochemistry and materials chemistry of air electrodes. The battery electrochemistry and catalytic mechanism of oxygen reduction reactions are discussed on the basis of aqueous and organic electrolytes. Four groups of extensively studied catalysts for the cathode oxygen reduction/evolution are selectively surveyed from materials chemistry to electrode properties and battery application: Pt and Pt-based alloys (e.g., PtAu nanoparticles), carbonaceous materials (e.g., graphene nanosheets), transition-metal oxides (e.g., Mn-based spinels and perovskites), and inorganic-organic composites (e.g., metal macrocycle derivatives). The design and optimization of air-electrode structure are also outlined. Furthermore, remarks on the challenges and perspectives of research directions are proposed for further development of metal-air batteries (219 references).

In-situ Electrodeposition of Highly Active Silver Catalyst on Carbon Fiber Papers as Binder Free Cathodes for Aluminum-air Battery.

PubMed

Hong, Qingshui; Lu, Huimin

2017-06-13

Carbon fiber papers supported Ag catalysts (Ag/CFP) with different coverage of electro-active site are prepared by electrochemical deposition and used as binder free cathodes in primary aluminum-air (Al-air) battery. Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-ray Diffraction studies are carried out to characterize the as-prepared Ag/CFP air cathodes. Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activities on these air cathodes in alkaline solutions are systematic studied. A newly designed aluminum-air cell is used to further determine the cathodes performance under real operation condition and during the test, the Ag/CFP electrodes show outstanding catalytic activity for ORR in concentrated alkaline electrolyte, and no obvious activity degradation is observed after long-time discharge. The electrochemical test results display the dependence of coverage of the electro-active Ag on the catalytic performance of the air cathodes. The resulting primary Al-air battery made from the best-performing cathode shows an impressive discharge peak power density, outperforming that of using commercial nano-manganese catalyst air electrodes.

Co3O4 nanoparticles decorated carbon nanofiber mat as binder-free air-cathode for high performance rechargeable zinc-air batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Bing; Ge, Xiaoming; Goh, F. W. Thomas; Hor, T. S. Andy; Geng, Dongsheng; Du, Guojun; Liu, Zhaolin; Zhang, Jie; Liu, Xiaogang; Zong, Yun

2015-01-01

An efficient, durable and low cost air-cathode is essential for a high performance metal-air battery for practical applications. Herein, we report a composite bifunctional catalyst, Co3O4 nanoparticles-decorated carbon nanofibers (CNFs), working as an efficient air-cathode in high performance rechargeable Zn-air batteries (ZnABs). The particles-on-fibers nanohybrid materials were derived from electrospun metal-ion containing polymer fibers followed by thermal carbonization and a post annealing process in air at a moderate temperature. Electrochemical studies suggest that the nanohybrid material effectively catalyzes oxygen reduction reaction via an ideal 4-electron transfer process and outperforms Pt/C in catalyzing oxygen evolution reactions. Accordingly, the prototype ZnABs exhibit a low discharge-charge voltage gap (e.g. 0.7 V, discharge-charge at 2 mA cm-2) with higher stability and longer cycle life compared to their counterparts constructed using Pt/C in air-cathode. Importantly, the hybrid nanofiber mat readily serves as an integrated air-cathode without the need of any further modification. Benefitting from its efficient catalytic activities and structural advantages, particularly the 3D architecture of highly conductive CNFs and the high loading density of strongly attached Co3O4 NPs on their surfaces, the resultant ZnABs show significantly improved performance with respect to the rate capability, cycling stability and current density, promising good potential in practical applications.An efficient, durable and low cost air-cathode is essential for a high performance metal-air battery for practical applications. Herein, we report a composite bifunctional catalyst, Co3O4 nanoparticles-decorated carbon nanofibers (CNFs), working as an efficient air-cathode in high performance rechargeable Zn-air batteries (ZnABs). The particles-on-fibers nanohybrid materials were derived from electrospun metal-ion containing polymer fibers followed by thermal carbonization

Air-cathode microbial fuel cell array: a device for identifying and characterizing electrochemically active microbes.

PubMed

Hou, Huijie; Li, Lei; de Figueiredo, Paul; Han, Arum

2011-01-15

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have generated excitement in environmental and bioenergy communities due to their potential for coupling wastewater treatment with energy generation and powering diverse devices. The pursuit of strategies such as improving microbial cultivation practices and optimizing MFC devices has increased power generating capacities of MFCs. However, surprisingly few microbial species with electrochemical activity in MFCs have been identified because current devices do not support parallel analyses or high throughput screening. We have recently demonstrated the feasibility of using advanced microfabrication methods to fabricate an MFC microarray. Here, we extend these studies by demonstrating a microfabricated air-cathode MFC array system. The system contains 24 individual air-cathode MFCs integrated onto a single chip. The device enables the direct and parallel comparison of different microbes loaded onto the array. Environmental samples were used to validate the utility of the air-cathode MFC array system and two previously identified isolates, 7Ca (Shewanella sp.) and 3C (Arthrobacter sp.), were shown to display enhanced electrochemical activities of 2.69 mW/m(2) and 1.86 mW/m(2), respectively. Experiments using a large scale conventional air-cathode MFC validated these findings. The parallel air-cathode MFC array system demonstrated here is expected to promote and accelerate the discovery and characterization of electrochemically active microbes. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dry Pressed Holey Graphene Composites for Li-air Battery Cathodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lacey, Steven; Lin, Yi; Hu, Liangbing

Graphene is considered an ``omnipotent'' material due to its unique structural characteristics and chemical properties. By heating graphene powder in an open-ended tube furnace, a novel compressible carbon material, holey graphene (hG), can be created with controlled porosity and be further decorated with nanosized catalysts to increase electrocatalytic activity. All hG-based materials were characterized using various microscopic and spectroscopic techniques to obtain morphological, topographical, and chemical information as well as to identify any disordered/crystalline phases. In this work, an additive-free dry press method was employed to press the hG composite materials into high mass loading mixed, sandwich, and double-decker Li-air cathode architectures using a hydraulic press. The sandwich and double-decker (i.e. Big Mac) cathode architectures are the first of its kind and can be discharged for more than 200 hours at a current density of 0.2 mA/cm2. The scalable, binderless, and solventless dry press method and unique Li-air cathode architectures presented here greatly advance electrode fabrication possibilities and could promote future energy storage advancements. Support appreciated from the NASA Internships Fellowships Scholarships (NIFS) Program.

Electricity generation of microbial fuel cell with waterproof breathable membrane cathode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xing, Defeng; Tang, Yu; Mei, Xiaoxue; Liu, Bingfeng

2015-12-01

Simplification of fabrication and reduction of capital cost are important for scale-up and application of microbial electrochemical systems (MES). A fast and inexpensive method of making cathode was developed via assembling stainless steel mesh (SSM) with waterproof breathable membrane (WBM). Three assemble types of cathodes were fabricated; Pt@SSM/WBM (SSM as cathode skeleton, WBM as diffusion layer, platinum (Pt) catalyst applied on SSM), SSM/Pt@WBM and Pt@WBM. SSM/Pt@WBM cathode showed relatively preferable with long-term stability and favorable power output (24.7 W/m3). Compared to conventional cathode fabrication, air-cathode was made for 0.5 h. The results indicated that the novel fabrication method could remarkably reduce capital cost and simplify fabrication procedures with a comparable power output, making MFC more prospective for future application.

Electro-fenton and photoelectro-fenton degradation of sulfanilic acid using a boron-doped diamond anode and an air diffusion cathode.

PubMed

El-Ghenymy, Abdellatif; Garrido, José Antonio; Centellas, Francesc; Arias, Conchita; Cabot, Pere Lluís; Rodríguez, Rosa María; Brillas, Enric

2012-04-05

The mineralization of sulfanilic acid has been studied by electro-Fenton (EF) and photoelectro-Fenton (PEF) reaction with UVA light using an undivided electrochemical cell with a boron-doped diamond (BDD) anode and an air diffusion cathode able to generate H(2)O(2). Organics were then oxidized by hydroxyl radicals formed at the anode surface from water oxidation and in the bulk from Fenton's reaction between generated H(2)O(2) and added Fe(2+). The UVA irradiation in PEF enhanced the production of hydroxyl radicals in the bulk, accelerating the removal of organics and photodecomposed intermediates like Fe(III)-carboxylate complexes. Partial decontamination of 1.39 mM sulfanilic acid solutions was achieved by EF until 100 mA cm(-2) at optimum conditions of 0.4 mM Fe(2+) and pH 3.0. The increase in current density and substrate content led to an almost total mineralization. In contrast, the PEF process was more powerful, yielding almost complete mineralization in less electrolysis time under comparable conditions. The kinetics for sulfanilic acid decay always followed a pseudo-first-order reaction. Hydroquinone and p-benzoquinone were detected as aromatic intermediates, whereas acetic, maleic, formic, oxalic, and oxamic acids were identified as generated carboxylic acids. NH(4)(+) ion was preferentially released in both treatments, along with NO(3)(-) ion in smaller proportion.

Modeling and validation of single-chamber microbial fuel cell cathode biofilm growth and response to oxidant gas composition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ou, Shiqi; Zhao, Yi; Aaron, Douglas S.; Regan, John M.; Mench, Matthew M.

2016-10-01

This work describes experiments and computational simulations to analyze single-chamber, air-cathode microbial fuel cell (MFC) performance and cathodic limitations in terms of current generation, power output, mass transport, biomass competition, and biofilm growth. Steady-state and transient cathode models were developed and experimentally validated. Two cathode gas mixtures were used to explore oxygen transport in the cathode: the MFCs exposed to a helium-oxygen mixture (heliox) produced higher current and power output than the group of MFCs exposed to air or a nitrogen-oxygen mixture (nitrox), indicating a dependence on gas-phase transport in the cathode. Multi-substance transport, biological reactions, and electrochemical reactions in a multi-layer and multi-biomass cathode biofilm were also simulated in a transient model. The transient model described biofilm growth over 15 days while providing insight into mass transport and cathodic dissolved species concentration profiles during biofilm growth. Simulation results predict that the dissolved oxygen content and diffusion in the cathode are key parameters affecting the power output of the air-cathode MFC system, with greater oxygen content in the cathode resulting in increased power output and fully-matured biomass.

Modeling and validation of single-chamber microbial fuel cell cathode biofilm growth and response to oxidant gas composition

DOE PAGES

Ou, Shiqi; Zhao, Yi; Aaron, Douglas S.; ...

2016-08-15

This work describes experiments and computational simulations to analyze single-chamber, air-cathode microbial fuel cell (MFC) performance and cathodic limitations in terms of current generation, power output, mass transport, biomass competition, and biofilm growth. Steady-state and transient cathode models were developed and experimentally validated. Two cathode gas mixtures were used to explore oxygen transport in the cathode: the MFCs exposed to a helium-oxygen mixture (heliox) produced higher current and power output than the group of MFCs exposed to air or a nitrogen-oxygen mixture (nitrox), indicating a dependence on gas-phase transport in the cathode. Multi-substance transport, biological reactions, and electrochemical reactions inmore » a multi-layer and multi-biomass cathode biofilm were also simulated in a transient model. The transient model described biofilm growth over 15 days while providing insight into mass transport and cathodic dissolved species concentration profiles during biofilm growth. Lastly, simulation results predict that the dissolved oxygen content and diffusion in the cathode are key parameters affecting the power output of the air-cathode MFC system, with greater oxygen content in the cathode resulting in increased power output and fully-matured biomass.« less

One-dimensional manganese-cobalt oxide nanofibres as bi-functional cathode catalysts for rechargeable metal-air batteries

PubMed Central

Jung, Kyu-Nam; Hwang, Soo Min; Park, Min-Sik; Kim, Ki Jae; Kim, Jae-Geun; Dou, Shi Xue; Kim, Jung Ho; Lee, Jong-Won

2015-01-01

Rechargeable metal-air batteries are considered a promising energy storage solution owing to their high theoretical energy density. The major obstacles to realising this technology include the slow kinetics of oxygen reduction and evolution on the cathode (air electrode) upon battery discharging and charging, respectively. Here, we report non-precious metal oxide catalysts based on spinel-type manganese-cobalt oxide nanofibres fabricated by an electrospinning technique. The spinel oxide nanofibres exhibit high catalytic activity towards both oxygen reduction and evolution in an alkaline electrolyte. When incorporated as cathode catalysts in Zn-air batteries, the fibrous spinel oxides considerably reduce the discharge-charge voltage gaps (improve the round-trip efficiency) in comparison to the catalyst-free cathode. Moreover, the nanofibre catalysts remain stable over the course of repeated discharge-charge cycling; however, carbon corrosion in the catalyst/carbon composite cathode degrades the cycling performance of the batteries. PMID:25563733

High-Thermal- and Air-Stability Cathode Material with Concentration-Gradient Buffer for Li-Ion Batteries.

PubMed

Shi, Ji-Lei; Qi, Ran; Zhang, Xu-Dong; Wang, Peng-Fei; Fu, Wei-Gui; Yin, Ya-Xia; Xu, Jian; Wan, Li-Jun; Guo, Yu-Guo

2017-12-13

Delivery of high capacity with high thermal and air stability is a great challenge in the development of Ni-rich layered cathodes for commercialized Li-ion batteries (LIBs). Herein we present a surface concentration-gradient spherical particle with varying elemental composition from the outer end LiNi 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 (NCM) to the inner end LiNi 0.8 Co 0.15 Al 0.05 O 2 (NCA). This cathode material with the merit of NCM concentration-gradient protective buffer and the inner NCA core shows high capacity retention of 99.8% after 200 cycles at 0.5 C. Furthermore, this cathode material exhibits much improved thermal and air stability compared with bare NCA. These results provide new insights into the structural design of high-performance cathodes with high energy density, long life span, and storage stability materials for LIBs in the future.

A novel method for effective diffusion coefficient measurement in gas diffusion media of polymer electrolyte fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Linlin; Sun, Hai; Fu, Xudong; Wang, Suli; Jiang, Luhua; Sun, Gongquan

2014-07-01

A novel method for measuring effective diffusion coefficient of porous materials is developed. The oxygen concentration gradient is established by an air-breathing proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). The porous sample is set in a sample holder located in the cathode plate of the PEMFC. At a given oxygen flux, the effective diffusion coefficients are related to the difference of oxygen concentration across the samples, which can be correlated with the differences of the output voltage of the PEMFC with and without inserting the sample in the cathode plate. Compared to the conventional electrical conductivity method, this method is more reliable for measuring non-wetting samples.

Cathodic electrocatalyst layer for electrochemical generation of hydrogen peroxide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tennakoon, Charles L. K. (Inventor); Singh, Waheguru Pal (Inventor); Rhodes, Christopher P. (Inventor); Anderson, Kelvin C. (Inventor)

2011-01-01

A cathodic gas diffusion electrode for the electrochemical production of aqueous hydrogen peroxide solutions. The cathodic gas diffusion electrode comprises an electrically conductive gas diffusion substrate and a cathodic electrocatalyst layer supported on the gas diffusion substrate. A novel cathodic electrocatalyst layer comprises a cathodic electrocatalyst, a substantially water-insoluble quaternary ammonium compound, a fluorocarbon polymer hydrophobic agent and binder, and a perfluoronated sulphonic acid polymer. An electrochemical cell using the novel cathodic electrocatalyst layer has been shown to produce an aqueous solution having between 8 and 14 weight percent hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, such electrochemical cells have shown stable production of hydrogen peroxide solutions over 1000 hours of operation including numerous system shutdowns.

Air plasma spray processing and electrochemical characterization of SOFC composite cathodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

White, B. D.; Kesler, O.; Rose, Lars

Air plasma spraying has been used to produce porous composite cathodes containing (La 0.8Sr 0.2) 0.98MnO 3- y (LSM) and yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) for use in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Preliminary investigations focused on determining the range of plasma conditions under which each of the individual materials could be successfully deposited. A range of conditions was thereby determined that was suitable for the deposition of a composite cathode from pre-mixed LSM and YSZ powders. A number of composite cathodes were produced using different combinations of parameter values within the identified range according to a Uniform Design experimental grid. Coatings were then characterized for composition and microstructure using EDX and SEM. As a result of these tests, combinations of input parameter values were identified that are best suited to the production of coatings with microstructures appropriate for use in SOFC composite cathodes. A selection of coatings representative of the types of observed microstructures were then subjected to electrochemical testing to evaluate the performance of these cathodes. From these tests, it was found that, in general, the coatings that appeared to have the most suitable microstructures also had the highest electrochemical performances, provided that the deposition efficiency of both phases was sufficiently high.

Performance of MnO2 Crystallographic Phases in Rechargeable Lithium-Air Oxygen Cathode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oloniyo, Olubukun; Kumar, Senthil; Scott, Keith

2012-05-01

Manganese dioxide (MnO2) has been shown to be effective for improving the efficiency of cathodes in lithium-air cells. Different crystallographic phases including α-, β-, and γ-MnO2 nanowires, α-MnO2 nanospheres, and α-MnO2 nanowires on carbon ( α-MnO2/C) were synthesized using the hydrothermal method. Their physical properties were examined using x-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area measurements, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and found to be in agreement with the literature. Electrochemical properties of the synthesized catalyst particles were investigated by fabricating cathodes and testing them in a lithium-air cell with lithium hexafluorophosphate in propylene carbonate (LiPF6/PC) and tetra(ethylene glycol)dimethyl ether (LiTFSi/TEGDME) electrolytes. α-MnO2 had the highest discharge capacity in the LiTFSi/TEGDME electrolyte (2500 mAh/g), whilst α-MnO2/C in LiPF6/PC showed a significantly higher discharge capacity of 11,000 mAh/g based on total mass of the catalytic cathode. However, the latter showed poor capacity retention compared with γ-MnO2 nanowires, which was stable for up to 30 cycles. The reported discharge capacity is higher than recorded in previous studies on lithium-air cells.

Inhibition of microbial growth on air cathodes of single chamber microbial fuel cells by incorporating enrofloxacin into the catalyst layer.

PubMed

Liu, Weifeng; Cheng, Shaoan; Sun, Dan; Huang, Haobin; Chen, Jie; Cen, Kefa

2015-10-15

The inevitable growth of aerobic bacteria on the surface of air cathodes is an important factor reducing the performance stability of air cathode single-chamber membrane-free microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Thus searching for effective methods to inhibit the cathodic microbial growth is critical for the practical application of MFCs. In this study, enrofloxacin (ENR), a broad spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic, was incorporated into the catalyst layer of activated carbon air cathodes (ACACs) to inhibit the cathodic microbial growth. The biomass content on ACACs was substantially reduced by 60.2% with ENR treatment after 91 days of MFCs operation. As a result of the inhibited microbial growth, the oxygen reduction catalytic performance of the ENR treated ACACs was much stable compared to the fast performance decline of the untreated control. Consequently, a quite stable electricity production was obtained for the MFCs with the ENR treated ACACs, in contrast with a 22.5% decrease in maximum power density of the MFCs with the untreated cathode. ENR treatment of ACACs showed minimal effects on the anode performance. These results indicate that incorporating antibiotics into ACACs should be a simple and effective strategy to inhibit the microbial growth and improve the long-term stability of the performance of air cathode and the electricity production of MFCs. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Metalized, three-dimensional structured oxygen cathode materials for lithium/air batteries and method for making and using the same

DOEpatents

Xing, Weibing; Buettner-Garrett, Josh

2017-04-18

This disclosure relates generally to cathode materials for electrochemical energy cells, more particularly to metal/air electrochemical energy cell cathode materials containing silver vanadium oxide and methods of making and using the same. The metal/air electrochemical energy cell can be a lithium/air electrochemical energy cell. Moreover the silver vanadium oxide can be a catalyst for one or more of oxidation and reduction processes of the electrochemical energy cell.

Solid oxide fuel cell power plant having a fixed contact oxidation catalyzed section of a multi-section cathode air heat exchanger

DOEpatents

Saito, Kazuo; Lin, Yao

2015-02-17

The multi-section cathode air heat exchanger (102) includes at least a first heat exchanger section (104), and a fixed contact oxidation catalyzed section (126) secured adjacent each other in a stack association. Cool cathode inlet air flows through cool air channels (110) of the at least first (104) and oxidation catalyzed sections (126). Hot anode exhaust flows through hot air channels (124) of the oxidation catalyzed section (126) and is combusted therein. The combusted anode exhaust then flows through hot air channels (112) of the first section (104) of the cathode air heat exchanger (102). The cool and hot air channels (110, 112) are secured in direct heat exchange relationship with each other so that temperatures of the heat exchanger (102) do not exceed 800.degree. C. to minimize requirements for using expensive, high-temperature alloys.

Efficient polymer light-emitting diode with air-stable aluminum cathode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abbaszadeh, D.; Wetzelaer, G. A. H.; Doumon, N. Y.; Blom, P. W. M.

2016-03-01

The fast degradation of polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) in ambient conditions is primarily due to the oxidation of highly reactive metals, such as barium or calcium, which are used as cathode materials. Here, we report the fabrication of PLEDs using an air-stable partially oxidized aluminum (AlOx) cathode. Usually, the high work function of aluminum (4.2 eV) imposes a high barrier for injecting electrons into the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of the emissive polymer (2.9 eV below the vacuum level). By partially oxidizing aluminum, its work function is decreased, but not sufficiently low for efficient electron injection. Efficient injection is obtained by inserting an electron transport layer of poly[(9,9-di-n-octylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl)-alt-(benzo[2,1,3]thiadiazol-4,8-diyl)] (F8BT), which has its LUMO at 3.3 eV below vacuum, between the AlOx cathode and the emissive polymer. The intermediate F8BT layer not only serves as a hole-blocking layer but also provides an energetic staircase for electron injection from AlOx into the emissive layer. PLEDs with an AlOx cathode and F8BT interlayer exhibit a doubling of the efficiency as compared to conventional Ba/Al PLEDs, and still operate even after being kept in ambient atmosphere for one month without encapsulation.

Electrode Modification and Optimization in Air-Cathode Single-Chamber Microbial Fuel Cells.

PubMed

Wang, Yanhua; Wu, Jiayan; Yang, Shengke; Li, Huihui; Li, Xiaoping

2018-06-27

Due to the known problems of microbial fuel cells (MFCs), such as low electricity generation performance and high cost of operation, we modified the electrode with graphene and polyaniline (PANI) is a single-chamber air-cathode MFC and then evaluated the effects of electrode modification on MFC electricity generation performance. Carbon cloth electrodes (unmodified, CC; graphene-modified, G/CC; and polyaniline-graphene-modified, PANI-G/CC) were prepared using the impregnation method. Sulfonated cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPcS) was then introduced as a cathode catalyst. The Co-PANI-G/CC cathode showed higher catalytic activity toward oxygen reduction compared with other electrodes. The maximum power density of the MFC with Co-PANI-G/CC cathode was 32.2 mW/m², which was 1.8 and 6.1 times higher than the value obtained with Co-G/CC and Co/CC cathodes, respectively. This indicates a significant improvement in the electricity generation of single-chamber MFCs and provides a simple, effective cathode modification method. Furthermore, we constructed single-chamber MFCs using the modified anode and cathode and analyzed electricity generation and oxytetracycline (OTC) degradation with different concentrations of OTC as the fuel. With increasing added OTC concentration, the MFC performance in both electricity generation and OTC degradation gradually decreased. However, when less than 50 mg/L OTC was added, the 5-day degradation rate of OTC reached more than 90%. It is thus feasible to process OTC-containing wastewater and produce electricity using single-chamber MFCs, which provides a new concept for wastewater treatment.

Dual gas-diffusion membrane- and mediatorless dihydrogen/air-breathing biofuel cell operating at room temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Hong-qi; So, Keisei; Kitazumi, Yuki; Shirai, Osamu; Nishikawa, Koji; Higuchi, Yoshiki; Kano, Kenji

2016-12-01

A membraneless direct electron transfer (DET)-type dihydrogen (H2)/air-breathing biofuel cell without any mediator was constructed wherein bilirubin oxidase from Myrothecium verrucaria (BOD) and membrane-bound [NiFe] hydrogenase from Desulfovibrio vulgaris Miyazaki F (MBH) were used as biocatalysts for the cathode and the anode, respectively, and Ketjen black-modified water proof carbon paper (KB/WPCC) was used as an electrode material. The KB/WPCC surface was modified with 2-aminobenzoic acid and p-phenylenediamine, respectively, to face the positively charged electron-accepting site of BOD and the negatively charged electron-donating site of MBH to the electrode surface. A gas-diffusion system was employed for the electrodes to realize high-speed substrate supply. As result, great improvement in the current density of O2 reduction with BOD and H2 reduction with MBH were realized at negatively and postively charged surfaces, respectively. Gas diffusion system also suppressed the oxidative inactivation of MBH at high electrode potentials. Finally, based on the improved bioanode and biocathode, a dual gas-diffusion membrane- and mediatorless H2/air-breathing biofuel cell was constructed. The maximum power density reached 6.1 mW cm-2 (at 0.72 V), and the open circuit voltage was 1.12 V using 1 atm of H2 gas as a fuel at room temperature and under passive and quiescent conditions.

Graphite fiber brush anodes for increased power production in air-cathode microbial fuel cells.

PubMed

Logan, Bruce; Cheng, Shaoan; Watson, Valerie; Estadt, Garett

2007-05-01

To efficiently generate electricity using bacteria in microbial fuel cells (MFCs), highly conductive noncorrosive materials are needed that have a high specific surface area (surface area per volume) and an open structure to avoid biofouling. Graphite brush anodes, consisting of graphite fibers wound around a conductive, but noncorrosive metal core, were examined for power production in cube (C-MFC) and bottle (B-MFC) air-cathode MFCs. Power production in C-MFCs containing brush electrodes at 9600 m2/m3 reactor volume reached a maximum power density of 2400 mW/m2 (normalized to the cathode projected surface area), or 73 W/m3 based on liquid volume, with a maximum Coulombic efficiency (CE) of 60%. This power density, normalized by cathode projected area, is the highest value yet achieved by an air-cathode system. The increased power resulted from a reduction in internal resistance from 31 to 8 Q. Brush electrodes (4200 m2/m3) were also tested in B-MFCs, consisting of a laboratory media bottle modified to have a single side arm with a cathode clamped to its end. B-MFCs inoculated with wastewater produced up to 1430 mW/m2 (2.3 W/m3, CE = 23%) with brush electrodes, versus 600 mW/m2 with a plain carbon paper electrode. These findings show that brush anodes that have high surface areas and a porous structure can produce high power densities, and therefore have qualities that make them ideal for scaling up MFC systems.

Study of Stable Cathodes and Electrolytes for High Specific Density Lithium-Air Battery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hernandez-Lugo, Dionne M.; Wu, James; Bennett, William; Ming, Yu; Zhu, Yu

2015-01-01

Future NASA missions require high specific energy battery technologies, greater than 400 Wh/kg. Current NASA missions are using "state-of-the-art" (SOA) Li-ion batteries (LIB), which consist of a metal oxide cathode, a graphite anode and an organic electrolyte. NASA Glenn Research Center is currently studying the physical and electrochemical properties of the anode-electrolyte interface for ionic liquid based Li-air batteries. The voltage-time profiles for Pyr13FSI and Pyr14TFSI ionic liquids electrolytes studies on symmetric cells show low over-potentials and no dendritic lithium morphology. Cyclic voltammetry measurements indicate that these ionic liquids have a wide electrochemical window. As a continuation of this work, sp2 carbon cathode and these low flammability electrolytes were paired and the physical and electrochemical properties were studied in a Li-air battery system under an oxygen environment.

Textile Inspired Lithium-Oxygen Battery Cathode with Decoupled Oxygen and Electrolyte Pathways.

PubMed

Xu, Shaomao; Yao, Yonggang; Guo, Yuanyuan; Zeng, Xiaoqiao; Lacey, Steven D; Song, Huiyu; Chen, Chaoji; Li, Yiju; Dai, Jiaqi; Wang, Yanbin; Chen, Yanan; Liu, Boyang; Fu, Kun; Amine, Khalil; Lu, Jun; Hu, Liangbing

2018-01-01

The lithium-air (Li-O 2 ) battery has been deemed one of the most promising next-generation energy-storage devices due to its ultrahigh energy density. However, in conventional porous carbon-air cathodes, the oxygen gas and electrolyte often compete for transport pathways, which limit battery performance. Here, a novel textile-based air cathode is developed with a triple-phase structure to improve overall battery performance. The hierarchical structure of the conductive textile network leads to decoupled pathways for oxygen gas and electrolyte: oxygen flows through the woven mesh while the electrolyte diffuses along the textile fibers. Due to noncompetitive transport, the textile-based Li-O 2 cathode exhibits a high discharge capacity of 8.6 mAh cm -2 , a low overpotential of 1.15 V, and stable operation exceeding 50 cycles. The textile-based structure can be applied to a range of applications (fuel cells, water splitting, and redox flow batteries) that involve multiple phase reactions. The reported decoupled transport pathway design also spurs potential toward flexible/wearable Li-O 2 batteries. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Efficient polymer light-emitting diode with air-stable aluminum cathode

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Abbaszadeh, D.; Dutch Polymer Institute, P.O. Box 902, 5600 AX Eindhoven; Wetzelaer, G. A. H.

2016-03-07

The fast degradation of polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) in ambient conditions is primarily due to the oxidation of highly reactive metals, such as barium or calcium, which are used as cathode materials. Here, we report the fabrication of PLEDs using an air-stable partially oxidized aluminum (AlO{sub x}) cathode. Usually, the high work function of aluminum (4.2 eV) imposes a high barrier for injecting electrons into the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of the emissive polymer (2.9 eV below the vacuum level). By partially oxidizing aluminum, its work function is decreased, but not sufficiently low for efficient electron injection. Efficient injection is obtainedmore » by inserting an electron transport layer of poly[(9,9-di-n-octylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl)-alt-(benzo[2,1,3] thiadiazol-4,8-diyl)] (F8BT), which has its LUMO at 3.3 eV below vacuum, between the AlO{sub x} cathode and the emissive polymer. The intermediate F8BT layer not only serves as a hole-blocking layer but also provides an energetic staircase for electron injection from AlO{sub x} into the emissive layer. PLEDs with an AlO{sub x} cathode and F8BT interlayer exhibit a doubling of the efficiency as compared to conventional Ba/Al PLEDs, and still operate even after being kept in ambient atmosphere for one month without encapsulation.« less

Study on the water flooding in the cathode of direct methanol fuel cells.

PubMed

Im, Hun Suk; Kim, Sang-Kyung; Lim, Seongyop; Peck, Dong-Hyun; Jung, Doohwan; Hong, Won Hi

2011-07-01

Water flooding phenomena in the cathode of direct methanol fuel cells were analyzed by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Two kinds of commercial gas diffusion layers with different PTFE contents of 5 wt% (GDL A5) and 20 wt% (GDL B20) were used to investigate the water flooding under various operating conditions. Water flooding was divided into two types: catalyst flooding and backing flooding. The cathode impedance spectra of each gas diffusion layer was obtained and compared under the same conditions. The diameter of the capacitive semicircle became larger with increasing current density for both, and this increase was greater for GDL B20 than GDL A5. Catalyst flooding is dominant and backing flooding is negligible when the air flow rate is high and current density is low. An equivalent model was suggested and fitted to the experimental data. Parameters for catalyst flooding and backing flooding were individually obtained. The capacitance of the catalyst layer decreases as the air flow rate decreases when the catalyst flooding is dominant.

A Single-Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell without an Air Cathode

PubMed Central

Nimje, Vanita Roshan; Chen, Chien-Cheng; Chen, Hau-Ren; Chen, Chien-Yen; Tseng, Min-Jen; Cheng, Kai-Chien; Shih, Ruey-Chyuan; Chang, Young-Fo

2012-01-01

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) represent a novel technology for wastewater treatment with electricity production. Electricity generation with simultaneous nitrate reduction in a single-chamber MFC without air cathode was studied, using glucose (1 mM) as the carbon source and nitrate (1 mM) as the final electron acceptor employed by Bacillus subtilis under anaerobic conditions. Increasing current as a function of decreased nitrate concentration and an increase in biomass were observed with a maximum current of 0.4 mA obtained at an external resistance (Rext) of 1 KΩ without a platinum catalyst of air cathode. A decreased current with complete nitrate reduction, with further recovery of the current immediately after nitrate addition, indicated the dependence of B. subtilis on nitrate as an electron acceptor to efficiently produce electricity. A power density of 0.0019 mW/cm2 was achieved at an Rext of 220 Ω. Cyclic voltammograms (CV) showed direct electron transfer with the involvement of mediators in the MFC. The low coulombic efficiency (CE) of 11% was mainly attributed to glucose fermentation. These results demonstrated that electricity generation is possible from wastewater containing nitrate, and this represents an alternative technology for the cost-effective and environmentally benign treatment of wastewater. PMID:22489190

Electricity generation using an air-cathode single chamber microbial fuel cell in the presence and absence of a proton exchange membrane.

PubMed

Liu, Hong; Logan, Bruce E

2004-07-15

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are typically designed as a two-chamber system with the bacteria in the anode chamber separated from the cathode chamber by a polymeric proton exchange membrane (PEM). Most MFCs use aqueous cathodes where water is bubbled with air to provide dissolved oxygen to electrode. To increase energy output and reduce the cost of MFCs, we examined power generation in an air-cathode MFC containing carbon electrodes in the presence and absence of a polymeric proton exchange membrane (PEM). Bacteria present in domestic wastewater were used as the biocatalyst, and glucose and wastewater were tested as substrates. Power density was found to be much greater than typically reported for aqueous-cathode MFCs, reaching a maximum of 262 +/- 10 mW/m2 (6.6 +/- 0.3 mW/L; liquid volume) using glucose. Removing the PEM increased the maximum power density to 494 +/- 21 mW/m2 (12.5 +/- 0.5 mW/L). Coulombic efficiency was 40-55% with the PEM and 9-12% with the PEM removed, indicating substantial oxygen diffusion into the anode chamber in the absence of the PEM. Power output increased with glucose concentration according to saturation-type kinetics, with a half saturation constant of 79 mg/L with the PEM-MFC and 103 mg/L in the MFC without a PEM (1000 omega resistor). Similar results on the effect of the PEM on power density were found using wastewater, where 28 +/- 3 mW/m2 (0.7 +/- 0.1 mW/L) (28% Coulombic efficiency) was produced with the PEM, and 146 +/- 8 mW/m2 (3.7 +/- 0.2 mW/L) (20% Coulombic efficiency) was produced when the PEM was removed. The increase in power output when a PEM was removed was attributed to a higher cathode potential as shown by an increase in the open circuit potential. An analysis based on available anode surface area and maximum bacterial growth rates suggests that mediatorless MFCs may have an upper order-of-magnitude limit in power density of 10(3) mW/m2. A cost-effective approach to achieving power densities in this range will likely

Directed Vertical Diffusion of Photovoltaic Active Layer Components into Porous ZnO-Based Cathode Buffer Layers.

PubMed

Kang, Jia-Jhen; Yang, Tsung-Yu; Lan, Yi-Kang; Wu, Wei-Ru; Su, Chun-Jen; Weng, Shih-Chang; Yamada, Norifumi L; Su, An-Chung; Jeng, U-Ser

2018-04-01

Cathode buffer layers (CBLs) can effectively further the efficiency of polymer solar cells (PSCs), after optimization of the active layer. Hidden between the active layer and cathode of the inverted PSC device configuration is the critical yet often unattended vertical diffusion of the active layer components across CBL. Here, a novel methodology of contrast variation with neutron and anomalous X-ray reflectivity to map the multicomponent depth compositions of inverted PSCs, covering from the active layer surface down to the bottom of the ZnO-based CBL, is developed. Uniquely revealed for a high-performance model PSC are the often overlooked porosity distributions of the ZnO-based CBL and the differential diffusions of the polymer PTB7-Th and fullerene derivative PC 71 BM of the active layer into the CBL. Interface modification of the ZnO-based CBL with fullerene derivative PCBEOH for size-selective nanochannels can selectively improve the diffusion of PC 71 BM more than that of the polymer. The deeper penetration of PC 71 BM establishes a gradient distribution of fullerene derivatives over the ZnO/PCBE-OH CBL, resulting in markedly improved electron mobility and device efficiency of the inverted PSC. The result suggests a new CBL design concept of progressive matching of the conduction bands. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Performance of air-cathode stacked microbial fuel cells systems for wastewater treatment and electricity production.

PubMed

Estrada-Arriaga, Edson Baltazar; Guillen-Alonso, Yvonne; Morales-Morales, Cornelio; García-Sánchez, Liliana; Bahena-Bahena, Erick Obed; Guadarrama-Pérez, Oscar; Loyola-Morales, Félix

2017-07-01

Two different air-cathode stacked microbial fuel cell (MFC) configurations were evaluated under continuous flow during the treatment of municipal wastewater and electricity production at a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 3, 1, and 0.5 d. Stacked MFC 1 was formed by 20 individual air-cathode MFC units. The second stacked MFC (stacked MFC 2) consisted of 40 air-cathode MFC units placed in a shared reactor. The maximum voltages produced at closed circuit (1,000 Ω) were 170 mV for stacked MFC 1 and 94 mV for stacked MFC 2. Different power densities in each MFC unit were obtained due to a potential drop phenomenon and to a change in chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentrations inside reactors. The maximum power densities from individual MFC units were up to 1,107 mW/m 2 for stacked MFC 1 and up to 472 mW/m 2 for stacked MFC 2. The maximum power densities in stacked MFC 1 and MFC 2 connected in series were 79 mW/m 2 and 4 mW/m 2 , respectively. Electricity generation and COD removal efficiencies were reduced when the HRT was decreased. High removal efficiencies of 84% of COD, 47% of total nitrogen, and 30% of total phosphorus were obtained during municipal wastewater treatment.

Temperature-Dependent Lithium-Ion Diffusion and Activation Energy of Li1.2Co0.13Ni0.13Mn0.54O2 Thin-Film Cathode at Nanoscale by Using Electrochemical Strain Microscopy.

PubMed

Yang, Shan; Yan, Binggong; Wu, Jiaxiong; Lu, Li; Zeng, Kaiyang

2017-04-26

This paper presents the in situ mapping of temperature-dependent lithium-ion diffusion at the nanometer level in thin film Li 1.2 Co 0.13 Ni 0.13 Mn 0.54 O 2 cathode using electrochemical strain microscopy. The thin-film Li 1.2 Co 0.13 Ni 0.13 Mn 0.54 O 2 cathode exhibits higher lithium-ion diffusivities with increasing temperature, which explains the higher capacity observed in the lithium-ion batteries with a Li-rich cathode at elevated temperature. In addition, the activation energy for lithium-ion diffusion can be extracted in an Arrhenius-type plot at the level of grain structure with the assumption that the ionic movement is diffusion controlled. Compared with the grain interiors, the grain boundaries show relatively lower activation energy; hence, it is the preferred diffusion path for lithium ions. This study has bridged the gap between atomistic calculations and traditional macroscopic experiments, showing direct evidence as well as mechanisms for ionic diffusion for Li-rich cathode material.

A novel high energy density rechargeable lithium/air battery.

PubMed

Zhang, Tao; Imanishi, Nobuyuki; Shimonishi, Yuta; Hirano, Atsushi; Takeda, Yasuo; Yamamoto, Osamu; Sammes, Nigel

2010-03-14

A novel rechargeable lithium/air battery was fabricated, which consisted of a water-stable multilayer Li-metal anode, acetic acid-water electrolyte, and a fuel-cell analogous air-diffusion cathode and possessed a high energy density of 779 W h kg(-1), twice that of the conventional graphite/LiCoO(2) cell.

Substantial Humic Acid Adsorption to Activated Carbon Air Cathodes Produces a Small Reduction in Catalytic Activity.

PubMed

Yang, Wulin; Watson, Valerie J; Logan, Bruce E

2016-08-16

Long-term operation of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) can result in substantial degradation of activated carbon (AC) air-cathode performance. To examine a possible role in fouling from organic matter in water, cathodes were exposed to high concentrations of humic acids (HA). Cathodes treated with 100 mg L(-1) HA exhibited no significant change in performance. Exposure to 1000 mg L(-1) HA decreased the maximum power density by 14% (from 1310 ± 30 mW m(-2) to 1130 ± 30 mW m(-2)). Pore blocking was the main mechanism as the total surface area of the AC decreased by 12%. Minimization of external mass transfer resistances using a rotating disk electrode exhibited only a 5% reduction in current, indicating about half the impact of HA adsorption was associated with external mass transfer resistance and the remainder was due to internal resistances. Rinsing the cathodes with deionized water did not restore cathode performance. These results demonstrated that HA could contribute to cathode fouling, but the extent of power reduction was relatively small in comparison to large mass of humics adsorbed. Other factors, such as biopolymer attachment, or salt precipitation, are therefore likely more important contributors to long-term fouling of MFC cathodes.

Full cell simulation and the evaluation of the buffer system on air-cathode microbial fuel cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ou, Shiqi; Kashima, Hiroyuki; Aaron, Douglas S.; Regan, John M.; Mench, Matthew M.

2017-04-01

This paper presents a computational model of a single chamber, air-cathode MFC. The model considers losses due to mass transport, as well as biological and electrochemical reactions, in both the anode and cathode half-cells. Computational fluid dynamics and Monod-Nernst analysis are incorporated into the reactions for the anode biofilm and cathode Pt catalyst and biofilm. The integrated model provides a macro-perspective of the interrelation between the anode and cathode during power production, while incorporating microscale contributions of mass transport within the anode and cathode layers. Model considerations include the effects of pH (H+/OH- transport) and electric field-driven migration on concentration overpotential, effects of various buffers and various amounts of buffer on the pH in the whole reactor, and overall impacts on the power output of the MFC. The simulation results fit the experimental polarization and power density curves well. Further, this model provides insight regarding mass transport at varying current density regimes and quantitative delineation of overpotentials at the anode and cathode. Overall, this comprehensive simulation is designed to accurately predict MFC performance based on fundamental fluid and kinetic relations and guide optimization of the MFC system.

Graphene oxide electrocatalyst on MnO2 air cathode as an efficient electron pump for enhanced oxygen reduction in alkaline solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basirun, Wan Jeffrey; Sookhakian, Mehran; Baradaran, Saeid; Endut, Zulkarnain; Mahmoudian, Mohammad Reza; Ebadi, Mehdi; Yousefi, Ramin; Ghadimi, Hanieh; Ahmed, Sohail

2015-03-01

Graphene oxide (GO) was deposited on the surface of a MnO2 air cathode by thermal evaporation at 50°C from a GO colloidal suspension. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy confirmed the presence of GO on the MnO2 air cathode (GO-MnO2). Voltammetry and chrono-amperometry showed increased currents for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in 6 M KOH solution for GO-MnO2 compared to the MnO2 cathode. The GO-MnO2 was used as an air cathode in an alkaline tin-air cell and produced a maximum power density of 13 mW cm-2, in contrast to MnO2, which produced a maximum power density of 9.2 mW cm-2. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results suggest that the chemical step for the ORR is the rate determining step, as proposed earlier by different researchers. It is suggested that the presence of GO and electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ERGO) on the MnO2 surface are responsible for the increased rate of this step, whereby GO and ERGO accelerate the process of electron donation to the MnO2 and to adsorbed oxygen atoms.

Highly ordered and ultra-long carbon nanotube arrays as air cathodes for high-energy-efficiency Li-oxygen batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Ruimin; Fan, Wugang; Guo, Xiangxin; Dong, Shaoming

2016-02-01

Carbonaceous air cathodes with rational architecture are vital for the nonaqueous Li-O2 batteries to achieve large energy density, high energy efficiency and long cycle life. In this work, we report the cathodes made of highly ordered and vertically aligned carbon nanotubes grown on permeable Ta foil substrates (VACNTs-Ta) via thermal chemical vapour deposition. The VACNTs-Ta, composed of uniform carbon nanotubes with approximately 240 μm in superficial height, has the super large surface area. Meanwhile, the oriented carbon nanotubes provide extremely outstanding passageways for Li ions and oxygen species. Electrochemistry tests of VACNTs-Ta air cathodes show enhancement in discharge capacity and cycle life compared to those made from short-range oriented and disordered carbon nanotubes. By further combining with the LiI redox mediator that is dissolved in the tetraethylene dimethyl glycol based electrolytes, the batteries exhibit more than 200 cycles at the current density of 200 mA g-1 with a cut-off discharge capacity of 1000 mAh g-1, and their energy efficiencies increase from 50% to 82%. The results here demonstrate the importance of cathode construction for high-energy-efficiency and long-life Li-O2 batteries.

Isotope effect of mercury diffusion in air

PubMed Central

Koster van Groos, Paul G.; Esser, Bradley K.; Williams, Ross W.; Hunt, James R.

2014-01-01

Identifying and reducing impacts from mercury sources in the environment remains a considerable challenge and requires process based models to quantify mercury stocks and flows. The stable isotope composition of mercury in environmental samples can help address this challenge by serving as a tracer of specific sources and processes. Mercury isotope variations are small and result only from isotope fractionation during transport, equilibrium, and transformation processes. Because these processes occur in both industrial and environmental settings, knowledge of their associated isotope effects is required to interpret mercury isotope data. To improve the mechanistic modeling of mercury isotope effects during gas phase diffusion, an experimental program tested the applicability of kinetic gas theory. Gas-phase elemental mercury diffusion through small bore needles from finite sources demonstrated mass dependent diffusivities leading to isotope fractionation described by a Rayleigh distillation model. The measured relative atomic diffusivities among mercury isotopes in air are large and in agreement with kinetic gas theory. Mercury diffusion in air offers a reasonable explanation of recent field results reported in the literature. PMID:24364380

Isotope effect of mercury diffusion in air.

PubMed

Koster van Groos, Paul G; Esser, Bradley K; Williams, Ross W; Hunt, James R

2014-01-01

Identifying and reducing impacts from mercury sources in the environment remains a considerable challenge and requires process based models to quantify mercury stocks and flows. The stable isotope composition of mercury in environmental samples can help address this challenge by serving as a tracer of specific sources and processes. Mercury isotope variations are small and result only from isotope fractionation during transport, equilibrium, and transformation processes. Because these processes occur in both industrial and environmental settings, knowledge of their associated isotope effects is required to interpret mercury isotope data. To improve the mechanistic modeling of mercury isotope effects during gas phase diffusion, an experimental program tested the applicability of kinetic gas theory. Gas-phase elemental mercury diffusion through small bore needles from finite sources demonstrated mass dependent diffusivities leading to isotope fractionation described by a Rayleigh distillation model. The measured relative atomic diffusivities among mercury isotopes in air are large and in agreement with kinetic gas theory. Mercury diffusion in air offers a reasonable explanation of recent field results reported in the literature.

Evaluation of Cathode Air Flow Transients in a SOFC/GT Hybrid System Using Hardware in the Loop Simulation.

PubMed

Zhou, Nana; Yang, Chen; Tucker, David

2015-02-01

Thermal management in the fuel cell component of a direct fired solid oxide fuel cell gas turbine (SOFC/GT) hybrid power system can be improved by effective management and control of the cathode airflow. The disturbances of the cathode airflow were accomplished by diverting air around the fuel cell system through the manipulation of a hot-air bypass valve in open loop experiments, using a hardware-based simulation facility designed and built by the U.S. Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL). The dynamic responses of the fuel cell component and hardware component of the hybrid system were studied in this paper.

Full cell simulation and the evaluation of the buffer system on air-cathode microbial fuel cell

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ou, Shiqi; Kashima, Hiroyuki; Aaron, Douglas S.

This paper presents a computational model of a single chamber, air-cathode MFC. The model considers losses due to mass transport, as well as biological and electrochemical reactions, in both the anode and cathode half-cells. Computational fluid dynamics and Monod-Nernst analysis are incorporated into the reactions for the anode biofilm and cathode Pt catalyst and biofilm. The integrated model provides a macro-perspective of the interrelation between the anode and cathode during power production, while incorporating microscale contributions of mass transport within the anode and cathode layers. Model considerations include the effects of pH (H +/OH – transport) and electric field-driven migrationmore » on concentration overpotential, effects of various buffers and various amounts of buffer on the pH in the whole reactor, and overall impacts on the power output of the MFC. The simulation results fit the experimental polarization and power density curves well. Further, this model provides insight regarding mass transport at varying current density regimes and quantitative delineation of overpotentials at the anode and cathode. Altogether, this comprehensive simulation is designed to accurately predict MFC performance based on fundamental fluid and kinetic relations and guide optimization of the MFC system.« less

Full cell simulation and the evaluation of the buffer system on air-cathode microbial fuel cell

DOE PAGES

Ou, Shiqi; Kashima, Hiroyuki; Aaron, Douglas S.; ...

2017-02-23

This paper presents a computational model of a single chamber, air-cathode MFC. The model considers losses due to mass transport, as well as biological and electrochemical reactions, in both the anode and cathode half-cells. Computational fluid dynamics and Monod-Nernst analysis are incorporated into the reactions for the anode biofilm and cathode Pt catalyst and biofilm. The integrated model provides a macro-perspective of the interrelation between the anode and cathode during power production, while incorporating microscale contributions of mass transport within the anode and cathode layers. Model considerations include the effects of pH (H +/OH – transport) and electric field-driven migrationmore » on concentration overpotential, effects of various buffers and various amounts of buffer on the pH in the whole reactor, and overall impacts on the power output of the MFC. The simulation results fit the experimental polarization and power density curves well. Further, this model provides insight regarding mass transport at varying current density regimes and quantitative delineation of overpotentials at the anode and cathode. Altogether, this comprehensive simulation is designed to accurately predict MFC performance based on fundamental fluid and kinetic relations and guide optimization of the MFC system.« less

Turning Waste Chemicals into Wealth-A New Approach To Synthesize Efficient Cathode Material for an Li-O2 Battery.

PubMed

Yao, Ying; Wu, Feng

2017-09-20

An Li-O 2 battery requires the oxygen-breathing cathode to be highly electronically conductive, rapidly oxygen diffusive, structurally stable, and often times electrocatalytically active. Catalyst-decorated porous carbonaceous materials are the chosen air cathode in this regard. Alternatively, biomass-derived carbonaceous materials possess great ability to remove heavy and toxic metal ions from waste, forming a metal-adsorbed porous carbonaceous material. The similar structure between the air cathode and the metal-adsorbed biomass-derived carbon nicely bridges these two irrelevant areas. In this study, we investigated the electrochemical activity of a biochar material Ag-ESB directly synthesized from ethanol sludge residue in a rechargeable aprotic Li-O 2 battery. Ag ions were adsorbed from sewage and became Ag nanoparticles with uniform coverage on the biochar surface. The as-prepared material exhibits good electrochemical behavior in battery testing, especially toward the battery efficiency and cyclability. This study provides the possibility of synthetically efficient cathode material by reusing "waste" such as biofuel sludge residue. It is an economically and environmentally friendly approach both for an energy-storage system and for waste recycling.

Fuel cell stack with passive air supply

DOEpatents

Ren, Xiaoming; Gottesfeld, Shimshon

2006-01-17

A fuel cell stack has a plurality of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) where each PEFC includes a rectangular membrane electrode assembly (MEA) having a fuel flow field along a first axis and an air flow field along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, where the fuel flow field is long relative to the air flow field. A cathode air flow field in each PEFC has air flow channels for air flow parallel to the second axis and that directly open to atmospheric air for air diffusion within the channels into contact with the MEA.

Electronic modification of Pt via Ti and Se as tolerant cathodes in air-breathing methanol microfluidic fuel cells.

PubMed

Ma, Jiwei; Habrioux, Aurélien; Morais, Cláudia; Alonso-Vante, Nicolas

2014-07-21

We reported herein on the use of tolerant cathode catalysts such as carbon supported Pt(x)Ti(y) and/or Pt(x)Se(y) nanomaterials in an air-breathing methanol microfluidic fuel cell. In order to show the improvement of mixed-reactant fuel cell (MRFC) performances obtained with the developed tolerant catalysts, a classical Pt/C nanomaterial was used for comparison. Using 5 M methanol concentration in a situation where the fuel crossover is 100% (MRFC-mixed reactant fuel cell application), the maximum power density of the fuel cell with a Pt/C cathodic catalyst decreased by 80% in comparison with what is observed in the laminar flow fuel cell (LFFC) configuration. With Pt(x)Ti(y)/C and Pt(x)Se(y)/C cathode nanomaterials, the performance loss was only 55% and 20%, respectively. The evaluation of the tolerant cathode catalysts in an air-breathing microfluidic fuel cell suggests the development of a novel nanometric system that will not be size restricted. These interesting results are the consequence of the high methanol tolerance of these advanced electrocatalysts via surface electronic modification of Pt. Herein we used X-ray photoelectron and in situ FTIR spectroscopies to investigate the origin of the high methanol tolerance on modified Pt catalysts.

N-type Cu2O doped activated carbon as catalyst for improving power generation of air cathode microbial fuel cells.

PubMed

Zhang, Xi; Li, Kexun; Yan, Pengyu; Liu, Ziqi; Pu, Liangtao

2015-01-01

A novel n-type Cu2O doped activated carbon (AC) air cathode (Cu/AC) was developed as an alternative to Pt electrode for oxygen reduction in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). The maximum power density of MFCs using this novel air cathode was as high as 1390±76mWm(-2), almost 59% higher than the bare AC air cathode. Specifically, the resistance including total resistance and charge transfer resistance significantly decreased comparing to the control. Tafel curve also showed the faster electro-transfer kinetics of Cu/AC with exchange current density of 1.03×10(-3)Acm(-2), which was 69% higher than the control. Ribbon-like Cu2O was deposited on the surface of AC with the mesopore surface area increasing. Cubic Cu2O crystals exclusively expose (111) planes with the interplanar crystal spacing of 2.48Å, which was the dominate active sites for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). N-type Cu2O with oxygen vacancies played crucial roles in electrochemical catalytic activity. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Experimental study on copper cathode erosion rate and rotational velocity of magnetically driven arcs in a well-type cathode non-transferred plasma torch operating in air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chau, S. W.; Hsu, K. L.; Lin, D. L.; Tzeng, C. C.

2007-04-01

The cathode erosion rate, arc root velocity and output power of a well-type cathode (WTC), non-transferred plasma torch operating in air are studied experimentally in this paper. An external solenoid to generate a magnetically driven arc and a circular swirler to produce a vortex flow structure are equipped in the studied torch system, which is designed to reduce the erosion rate at the cathode. A least square technique is applied to correlate the system parameters, i.e. current, axial magnetic field and mass flow rate, with the cathode erosion rate, arc root velocity and system power output. In the studied WTC torch system, the cathode erosion has a major thermal erosion component and a minor component due to the ion-bombardment effect. The cathode erosion increases with the increase of current due to the enhancement in both Joule heating and ion bombardment. The axial magnetic field can significantly reduce the cathode erosion by reducing the thermal loading of cathode materials at the arc root and improving the heat transfer to gas near the cathode. But, the rise in the mass flow rate leads to the deterioration of erosion, since the ion-bombardment effect prevails over the convective cooling at the cathode. The most dominant system parameter to influence the arc root velocity is the axial magnetic field, which is mainly contributed to the magnetic force driving the arc. The growth in current has a negative impact on increasing the arc root velocity, because the friction force acting at the spot due to a severe molten condition becomes the dominant component counteracting the magnetic force. The mass flow rate also suppresses the arc root velocity, as a result of which the arc root moves in the direction against that of the swirled working gas. All system parameters such as current, magnetic field and gas flow rate increase with the increase in the torch output power. The experimental evidences suggest that the axial magnetic field is the most important parameter

Diffusion of pent-1-ene (1); air (2)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winkelmann, J.

This document is part of Subvolume A `Gases in Gases, Liquids and their Mixtures' of Volume 15 `Diffusion in Gases, Liquids and Electrolytes' of Landolt-Börnstein Group IV `Physical Chemistry'. It is part of the chapter of the chapter `Diffusion in Pure Gases' and contains data on diffusion of (1) pent-1-ene; (2) air

Enhanced hydroxyl radical generation in the combined ozonation and electrolysis process using carbon nanotubes containing gas diffusion cathode.

PubMed

Wu, Donghai; Lu, Guanghua; Zhang, Ran; Lin, Qiuhong; Yan, Zhenhua; Liu, Jianchao; Li, Yi

2015-10-01

Combination of ozone together with electrolysis (ozone-electrolysis) is a promising wastewater treatment technology. This work investigated the potential use of carbon nanotube (CNT)-based gas diffusion cathode (GDC) for ozone-electrolysis process employing hydroxyl radicals (·OH) production as an indicator. Compared with conventional active carbon (AC)-polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and carbon black (CB)-PTFE cathodes, the production of ·OH in the coupled process was improved using CNTs-PTFE GDC. Appropriate addition of acetylene black (AB) and pore-forming agent Na2SO4 could enhance the efficiency of CNTs-PTFE GDC. The optimum GDC composition was obtained by response surface methodology (RSM) analysis and was determined as CNTs 31.2 wt%, PTFE 60.6 wt%, AB 3.5 wt%, and Na2SO4 4.7 wt%. Moreover, the optimized CNT-based GDC exhibited much more effective than traditional Ti and graphite cathodes in Acid Orange 7 (AO7) mineralization and possessed the desirable stability without performance decay after ten times reaction. The comparison tests revealed that peroxone reaction was the main pathway of ·OH production in the present system, and cathodic reduction of ozone could significantly promote ·OH generation. These results suggested that application of CNT-based GDC offers considerable advantages in ozone-electrolysis of organic wastewater.

Active water management at the cathode of a planar air-breathing polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell using an electroosmotic pump

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fabian, T.; O'Hayre, R.; Litster, S.; Prinz, F. B.; Santiago, J. G.

In a typical air-breathing fuel cell design, ambient air is supplied to the cathode by natural convection and dry hydrogen is supplied to a dead-ended anode. While this design is simple and attractive for portable low-power applications, the difficulty in implementing effective and robust water management presents disadvantages. In particular, excessive flooding of the open-cathode during long-term operation can lead to a dramatic reduction of fuel cell power. To overcome this limitation, we report here on a novel air-breathing fuel cell water management design based on a hydrophilic and electrically conductive wick in conjunction with an electroosmotic (EO) pump that actively pumps water out of the wick. Transient experiments demonstrate the ability of the EO-pump to "resuscitate" the fuel cell from catastrophic flooding events, while longer term galvanostatic measurements suggest that the design can completely eliminate cathode flooding using less than 2% of fuel cell power, and lead to stable operation with higher net power performance than a control design without EO-pump. This demonstrates that active EO-pump water management, which has previously only been demonstrated in forced-convection fuel cell systems, can also be applied effectively to miniaturized (<5 W) air-breathing fuel cell systems.

The performance of spinel bulk-like oxygen-deficient CoGa2O4 as an air-cathode catalyst in microbial fuel cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Di; Mo, Xiaoping; Li, Kexun; Liu, Yi; Wang, Junjie; Yang, Tingting

2017-08-01

Nano spinel bulk-like CoGa2O4 prepared via a facile hydrothermal method is used as a high efficient electrochemical catalyst in activated carbon (AC) air-cathode microbial fuel cell (MFC). The maximum power density of the modified MFC is 1911 ± 49 mW m-2, 147% higher than the MFC of untreated AC cathode. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) exhibit the morphology and crystal structure of CoGa2O4. Rotating disk electrode (RDE) confirms the four-electron pathway at the cathode during the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) illustrate that the high rate oxygen vacancy exist in the CoGa2O4. The oxygen vacancy of CoGa2O4 plays an important role in catalytic activity. In a word, the prepared nano spinel bulk-like CoGa2O4 provides an alternative to the costly Pt in air-cathode for power output.

Electrochemically influenced cation inter-diffusion and Co 3O 4 formation on La 0.6Sr 0.4CoO 3 infiltrated into SOFC cathodes

DOE PAGES

Song, Xueyan; Lee, Shiwoo; Chen, Yun; ...

2015-06-18

Nanosized LSC electrocatalyst was infiltrated into a porous scaffold cathode composed of Sm 2O 3-doped CeO 2 (SDC) and La 0.6Sr 0.4Co 0.2Fe 0.8O 3-δ (LSCF) in a commercial button solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). To understand the stability of cathodes infiltrated with LSC, the infiltrated composite cells were subjected to both electrochemical operating and thermal aging states at 750 °C for 1500 h. Nanostructure and local chemistry evolution of La 0.6Sr 0.4CoO 3 (LSC) infiltrated cathodes upon operation and aging were investigated by transmission electron microscopy. After operation, the LSC remained a cubic perovskite, and the crystal grains exhibitmore » comparable size to as-infiltrated LSC grains. Inter-diffusion of Fe from the LSCF to a Fe-incorporated LSC layer developed on the LSCF backbone. However, only sharp interfaces were observed between LSC and SDC backbone in the as-infiltrated cathode and such interfaces remain after operation. The infiltrated LSC on the SDC backbone also retains granular particle morphology. Furthermore, newly grown Co 3O 4 nanocrystals were found in the operated cathode. After thermal aging, on the other hand, cation inter-diffusion across the interfaces of the infiltrate particles and the cathode backbones is less than that from the operated cells. Lastly, the following hypothesis is proposed: Co 3O 4 forms on LSC arising from local charge balancing between cobalt and oxygen vacancies.« less

Free-Standing Air Cathodes Based on 3D Hierarchically Porous Carbon Membranes: Kinetic Overpotential of Continuous Macropores in Li-O2 Batteries.

PubMed

Xu, Shu-Mao; Liang, Xiao; Ren, Zhi-Chu; Wang, Kai-Xue; Chen, Jie-Sheng

2018-06-04

Free-standing macroporous air electrodes with enhanced interfacial contact, rapid mass transport, and tailored deposition space for large amounts of Li 2 O 2 are essential for improving the rate performance of Li-O 2 batteries. An ordered mesoporous carbon membrane with continuous macroporous channels was prepared by inversely topological transformation from ZnO nanorod array. Utilized as a free-standing air cathode for Li-O 2 battery, the hierarchically porous carbon membrane shows superior rate performance. However, the increased cross-sectional area of the continuous macropores on the cathode surface leads to a kinetic overpotential with large voltage hysteresis and linear voltage variation against Butler-Volmer behavior. The kinetics were investigated based on the rate-determining step of second electron transfer accompanied by migration of Li + in solid or quasi-solid intermediates. These discoveries shed light on the design of the air cathode for Li-O 2 batteries with high-rate performance. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Continuous treatment of high strength wastewaters using air-cathode microbial fuel cells.

PubMed

Kim, Kyoung-Yeol; Yang, Wulin; Evans, Patrick J; Logan, Bruce E

2016-12-01

Treatment of low strength wastewaters using microbial fuel cells (MFCs) has been effective at hydraulic retention times (HRTs) similar to aerobic processes, but treatment of high strength wastewaters can require longer HRTs. The use of two air-cathode MFCs hydraulically connected in series was examined to continuously treat high strength swine wastewater (7-8g/L of chemical oxygen demand) at an HRT of 16.7h. The maximum power density of 750±70mW/m 2 was produced after 12daysof operation. However, power decreased by 85% after 185d of operation due to serious cathode fouling. COD removal was improved by using a lower external resistance, and COD removal rates were substantially higher than those previously reported for a low strength wastewater. However, removal rates were inconsistent with first order kinetics as the calculated rate constant was an order of magnitude lower than rate constant for the low strength wastewater. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

High Capacity Cathode Materials for Next Generation Energy Storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Papandrea, Benjamin John

Energy storage devices are of increasing importance for applications in mobile electronics, hybrid electric vehicles, and can also play a critical role in renewable energy harvesting, conversion and storage. Since its commercial inception in the 1990's, the lithium-ion battery represents the dominant energy storage technology for mobile power supply today. However, the total capacity of lithium-ion batteries is largely limited by the theoretical capacities of the cathode materials such as LiCoO2 (272 mAh g-1), and LiFePO4 (170 mAh g-1), and cannot satisfy the increasing consumer demand, thus new cathode materials with higher capacities must be explored. Two of the most promising cathode materials with significantly larger theoretical capacities are sulfur (1675 mAh g-1) and air, specifically the oxygen (3840 mAh g-1). However, the usage of either of these cathodic materials is plagued with numerous issues that must be overcome before their commercialization. In the first part of my dissertation, we investigated the usage of a three-dimensional graphene membrane for a high energy density lithium-air (Li-Air) battery in ambient condition. One of the issues with Li-Air batteries is the many side reaction that can occur during discharge in ambient condition, especially with water vapor. Using a hydrophobic tortuous three-dimensional graphene membrane we are able to inhibit the diffusion of water vapor and create a lithium-air battery that cycles over 2000 times with a capacity limited at 140 mAh g-1, over 100 cycles with a capacity limited at 1425 mAh g-1, and over 20 cycles at the high capacity of 5700 mAh g-1. In the second part of my dissertation, we investigate the usage of a three-dimensional graphene aerogel to maximize the loading of sulfur to create a freestanding electrode with high capacity for a lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery. We demonstrated that our three-dimensional graphene aerogel could sustain a loading of 95% by weight, and we achieved a capacity of

Soot Formation in Hydrocarbon/Air Laminar Jet Diffusion Flames

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sunderland, P. B.; Faeth, G. M.

1994-01-01

Soot processes within hydrocarbon/air diffusion flames are important because they affect the durability and performance of propulsion systems, the hazards of unwanted fires, the pollutant and particulate emissions from combustion processes, and the potential for developing computational combustion. Motivated by these observations, this investigation involved an experimental study of the structure and soot properties of round laminar jet diffusion flames, seeking an improved understanding of soot formation (growth and nucleation) within diffusion flames. The present study extends earlier work in this laboratory concerning laminar smoke points (l) and soot formation in acetylene/air laminar jet diffusion flames (2), emphasizing soot formation in hydrocarbon/air laminar jet diffusion flames for fuels other than acetylene. In the flame system, acetylene is the dominant gas species in the soot formation region and both nucleation and growth were successfully attributed to first-order reactions of acetylene, with nucleation exhibiting an activation energy of 32 kcal/gmol while growth involved negligible activation energy and a collision efficiency of O.53%. In addition, soot growth in the acetylene diffusion flames was comparable to new soot in premixed flame (which also has been attributed to first-order acetylene reactions). In view of this status, a major issue is the nature of soot formation processes in diffusion flame involving hydrocarbon fuels other than acetylene. In particular, information is needed about th dominant gas species in the soot formation region and the impact of gas species other than acetylene on soot nucleation and growth.

Low cost fuel cell diffusion layer configured for optimized anode water management

DOEpatents

Owejan, Jon P; Nicotera, Paul D; Mench, Matthew M; Evans, Robert E

2013-08-27

A fuel cell comprises a cathode gas diffusion layer, a cathode catalyst layer, an anode gas diffusion layer, an anode catalyst layer and an electrolyte. The diffusion resistance of the anode gas diffusion layer when operated with anode fuel is higher than the diffusion resistance of the cathode gas diffusion layer. The anode gas diffusion layer may comprise filler particles having in-plane platelet geometries and be made of lower cost materials and manufacturing processes than currently available commercial carbon fiber substrates. The diffusion resistance difference between the anode gas diffusion layer and the cathode gas diffusion layer may allow for passive water balance control.

Modeling of hydrogen-air diffusion flame

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Isaac, Kakkattukuzhy

1988-01-01

The present research objective is to determine the effects of contaminants on extinction limits of simple, well defined, counterflow Hydrogen 2-air diffusion flames, with combustion at 1 atmosphere. Results of extinction studies and other flame characterizations, with appropriate mechanistic modeling (presently underway), will be used to rationalize the observed effects of contamination over a reasonably wide range of diffusion flame conditions. The knowledge gained should help efforts to anticipate the effects of contaminants on combustion processes in Hydrogen 2-fueled scramjets.

Turning Waste Chemicals into Wealth—A New Approach To Synthesize Efficient Cathode Material for an Li–O 2 Battery

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yao, Ying; Wu, Feng

An Li–O 2 battery requires the oxygen-breathing cathode to be highly electronically conductive, rapidly oxygen diffusive, structurally stable, and often times electrocatalytically active. Catalyst-decorated porous carbonaceous materials are the chosen air cathode in this regard. Alternatively, biomass-derived carbonaceous materials possess great ability to remove heavy and toxic metal ions from waste, forming a metal-adsorbed porous carbonaceous material. The similar structure between the air cathode and the metal-adsorbed biomass-derived carbon nicely bridges these two irrelevant areas. In this study, we investigated the electrochemical activity of a biochar material Ag-ESB directly synthesized from ethanol sludge residue in a rechargeable aprotic Li–O 2more » battery. Ag ions were adsorbed from sewage and became Ag nanoparticles with uniform coverage on the biochar surface. The as-prepared material exhibits good electrochemical behavior in battery testing, especially toward the battery efficiency and cyclability. This study provides the possibility of synthetically efficient cathode material by reusing “waste” such as biofuel sludge residue. It is an economically and environmentally friendly approach both for an energy-storage system and for waste recycling.« less

Combinatorial high-throughput optical screening of high performance Pd alloy cathode for hybrid Li-air battery.

PubMed

Jun, Young Jin; Park, Sung Hyeon; Woo, Seong Ihl

2014-12-08

Combinatorial high-throughput optical screening method was developed to find the optimum composition of highly active Pd-based catalysts at the cathode of the hybrid Li-air battery. Pd alone, which is one-third the cost of Pt, has difficulty in replacing Pt; therefore, the integration of other metals was investigated to improve its performance toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Among the binary Pd-based catalysts, the composition of Pd-Ir derived catalysts had higher performance toward ORR compared to other Pd-based binary combinations. The composition at 88:12 at. % (Pd: Ir) showed the highest activity toward ORR at the cathode of the hybrid Li-air battery. The prepared Pd(88)Ir(12)/C catalyst showed a current density of -2.58 mA cm(-2) at 0.8 V (vs RHE), which was around 30% higher compared to that of Pd/C (-1.97 mA cm(-2)). When the prepared Pd(88)Ir(12)/C catalyst was applied to the hybrid Li-air battery, the polarization of the cell was reduced and the energy efficiency of the cell was about 30% higher than that of the cell with Pd/C.

Effect of breathing-hole size on the electrochemical species in a free-breathing cathode of a DMFC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hwang, J. J.; Wu, S. D.; Lai, L. K.; Chen, C. K.; Lai, D. Y.

A three-dimensional numerical model is developed to study the electrochemical species characteristics in a free-breathing cathode of a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). A perforated current collector is attached to the porous cathode that breathes the fresh air through an array of orifices. The radius of the orifice is varied to examine its effect on the electrochemical performance. Gas flow in the porous cathode is governed by the Darcy equation with constant porosity and permeability. The multi-species diffusive transports in the porous cathode are described using the Stefan-Maxwell equation. Electrochemical reaction on the surfaces of the porous matrices is depicted via the Butler-Volmer equation. The charge transports in the porous matrices are dealt with by Ohm's law. The coupled equations are solved by a finite-element-based CFD technique. Detailed distributions of electrochemical species characteristics such as flow velocities, species mass fractions, species fluxes, and current densities are presented. The optimal breathing-hole radius is derived from the current drawn out of the porous cathode under a fixed overpotential.

Carbon-containing cathodes for enhanced electron emission

DOEpatents

Cao, Renyu; Pan, Lawrence; Vergara, German; Fox, Ciaran

2000-01-01

A cathode has electropositive atoms directly bonded to a carbon-containing substrate. Preferably, the substrate comprises diamond or diamond-like (sp.sup.3) carbon, and the electropositive atoms are Cs. The cathode displays superior efficiency and durability. In one embodiment, the cathode has a negative electron affinity (NEA). The cathode can be used for field emission, thermionic emission, or photoemission. Upon exposure to air or oxygen, the cathode performance can be restored by annealing or other methods. Applications include detectors, electron multipliers, sensors, imaging systems, and displays, particularly flat panel displays.

Electron diffusion through the baffle aperture of a hollow cathode thruster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brophy, J. R.; Wilbur, P. J.

1979-01-01

The use of a hollow cathode in place of an oxide cathode to increase thruster operating lifetimes requires, among other things, the addition of a baffle to restrict the flow of electrons from the hollow cathode. A theoretical model is developed which relates the baffle aperture area of a hollow-cathode thruster to the magnetic flux density and plasma properties in the aperture region, with the result that this model could be used as an aid in thruster design. Extensive Langmuir probing is undertaken to verify the validity of the model and demonstrate its capability. It is shown that the model can be used to calculate the aperture area required to effect discharge operation at a specified discharge voltage and arc current.

Electricity generation and nutrients removal from high-strength liquid manure by air-cathode microbial fuel cells.

PubMed

Lin, Hongjian; Wu, Xiao; Nelson, Chad; Miller, Curtis; Zhu, Jun

2016-01-01

Air-cathode microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are widely tested to recover electrical energy from waste streams containing organic matter. When high-strength wastewater, such as liquid animal manure, is used as a medium, inhibition on anode and cathode catalysts potentially impairs the effectiveness of MFC performance in power generation and pollutant removal. This study evaluated possible inhibitive effects of liquid swine manure components on MFC power generation, improved liquid manure-fed MFCs performance by pretreatment (dilution and selective adsorption), and modeled the kinetics of organic matter and nutrients removal kinetics. Parameters monitored included pH, conductivity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), volatile fatty acids (VFAs), total ammoniacal nitrogen (TAN), nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate concentrations. The removals of VFA and TAN were efficient, indicated by the short half-life times of 4.99 and 7.84 d, respectively. The mechanism for phosphate decrease was principally the salt precipitation on cathode, but the removal was incomplete after 42-d operation. MFC with an external resistor of 2.2 kΩ and fed with swine wastewater generated relatively small power (28.2 μW), energy efficiency (0.37%) and Coulombic efficiency (1.5%). Dilution of swine wastewater dramatically improved the power generation as the inhibitory effect was decreased. Zeolite and granular activated carbon were effective in the selective adsorption of ammonia or organic matter in swine wastewater, and so substantially improved the power generation, energy efficiency, and Coulombic efficiency. A smaller external resistor in the circuit was also observed to promote the organic matter degradation and thus to shorten the treatment time. Overall, air-cathode MFCs are promising for generating electrical power from livestock wastewater and meanwhile reducing the level of organic matter and nutrients.

Portable Cathode-Air Vapor-Feed Electrochemical Medical Oxygen Concentrator (OC)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Balasubramanian, Ashwin

2015-01-01

Missions on the International Space Station and future space exploration will present significant challenges to crew health care capabilities, particularly in the efficient utilization of onboard oxygen resources. Exploration vehicles will require lightweight, compact, and portable oxygen concentrators that can provide medical-grade oxygen from the ambient cabin air. Current pressure-swing adsorption OCs are heavy and bulky, require significant start-up periods, operate in narrow temperature ranges, and require a liquid water feed. Lynntech, Inc., has developed an electrochemical OC that operates with a cathode-air vapor feed, eliminating the need for a bulky onboard water supply. Lynntech's OC is smaller and lighter than conventional pressure-swing OCs, is capable of instant start-up, and operates over a temperature range of 5-80 C. Accomplished through a unique nanocomposite proton exchange membrane and catalyst technology, the unit delivers 4 standard liters per minute of humidified oxygen at 60 percent concentration. The technology enables both ambient-pressure operating devices for portable applications and pressurized (up to 3,600 psi) OC devices for stationary applications.

Designing Air-Stable O 3-Type Cathode Materials by Combined Structure Modulation for Na-Ion Batteries

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yao, Hu-Rong; Wang, Peng-Fei; Gong, Yue

As promising high-capacity cathode materials for Na-ion batteries, O 3-type Na-based metal oxides always suffer from their poor air stability originating from the spontaneous extraction of Na and oxidation of transition metals when exposed to air. Here, a combined structure modulation is proposed to tackle concurrently the two handicaps via reducing Na layers spacing and simultaneously increasing valence state of transition metals. Guided by density functional theory calculations, we demonstrate such a modulation can be subtly realized through cosubstitution of one kind of heteroatom with comparable electronegativity and another one with substantially different Fermi level, by adjusting the structure ofmore » NaNi 0.5Mn 0.5O 2 via Cu/Ti codoping. The as-obtained NaNi 0.45Cu 0.05Mn 0.4Ti 0.1O 2 exhibits an increase of 20 times in stable air-exposure period and 9 times in capacity retention after 500 cycles, and even retains its structure and capacity after being soaked in water. In such a simple and effective structure modulation reveals a new avenue for high-performance O 3-type cathodes and pushes the large-scale industrialization of Na-ion batteries a decisive step forward.« less

Designing Air-Stable O 3-Type Cathode Materials by Combined Structure Modulation for Na-Ion Batteries

DOE PAGES

Yao, Hu-Rong; Wang, Peng-Fei; Gong, Yue; ...

2017-06-09

As promising high-capacity cathode materials for Na-ion batteries, O 3-type Na-based metal oxides always suffer from their poor air stability originating from the spontaneous extraction of Na and oxidation of transition metals when exposed to air. Here, a combined structure modulation is proposed to tackle concurrently the two handicaps via reducing Na layers spacing and simultaneously increasing valence state of transition metals. Guided by density functional theory calculations, we demonstrate such a modulation can be subtly realized through cosubstitution of one kind of heteroatom with comparable electronegativity and another one with substantially different Fermi level, by adjusting the structure ofmore » NaNi 0.5Mn 0.5O 2 via Cu/Ti codoping. The as-obtained NaNi 0.45Cu 0.05Mn 0.4Ti 0.1O 2 exhibits an increase of 20 times in stable air-exposure period and 9 times in capacity retention after 500 cycles, and even retains its structure and capacity after being soaked in water. In such a simple and effective structure modulation reveals a new avenue for high-performance O 3-type cathodes and pushes the large-scale industrialization of Na-ion batteries a decisive step forward.« less

Centrifugal Compressor Surge Margin Improved With Diffuser Hub Surface Air Injection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Skoch, Gary J.

2002-01-01

Aerodynamic stability is an important parameter in the design of compressors for aircraft gas turbine engines. Compression system instabilities can cause compressor surge, which may lead to the loss of an aircraft. As a result, engine designers include a margin of safety between the operating line of the engine and the stability limit line of the compressor. The margin of safety is typically referred to as "surge margin." Achieving the highest possible level of surge margin while meeting design point performance objectives is the goal of the compressor designer. However, performance goals often must be compromised in order to achieve adequate levels of surge margin. Techniques to improve surge margin will permit more aggressive compressor designs. Centrifugal compressor surge margin improvement was demonstrated at the NASA Glenn Research Center by injecting air into the vaned diffuser of a 4:1-pressure-ratio centrifugal compressor. Tests were performed using injector nozzles located on the diffuser hub surface of a vane-island diffuser in the vaneless region between the impeller trailing edge and the diffuser-vane leading edge. The nozzle flow path and discharge shape were designed to produce an air stream that remained tangent to the hub surface as it traveled into the diffuser passage. Injector nozzles were located near the leading edge of 23 of the 24 diffuser vanes. One passage did not contain an injector so that instrumentation located in that passage would be preserved. Several orientations of the injected stream relative to the diffuser vane leading edge were tested over a range of injected flow rates. Only steady flow (nonpulsed) air injection was tested. At 100 percent of the design speed, a 15-percent improvement in the baseline surge margin was achieved with a nozzle orientation that produced a jet that was bisected by the diffuser vane leading edge. Other orientations also improved the baseline surge margin. Tests were conducted at speeds below the

The addition of ortho-hexagon nano spinel Co3O4 to improve the performance of activated carbon air cathode microbial fuel cell.

PubMed

Ge, Baochao; Li, Kexun; Fu, Zhou; Pu, Liangtao; Zhang, Xi

2015-11-01

Commercial Co3O4 and ortho-hexagon spinel nano-Co3O4 (OHSNC) were doped in the AC at a different percentage (5%, 10% and 15%) to enhance the performance of microbial fuel cell (MFC). The maximum power density of MFC with 10% OHSNC doped cathode was 1500±14 mW m(-2), which was 97.36% and 41.24% higher than that with the bare AC air cathode and commercial Co3O4 respectively. The electrocatalytic behavior for their better performance was discussed in detail with the help of various structural and electrochemical techniques. The OHSNC was characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that the improved performance owed to the enhancement of both kinetics activity and the number of electron transfer in the ORR, and the internal resistance was largely reduced. Therefore, OHSNC was proved to be an excellent cathodic catalyst in AC air cathode MFC. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Real scale experimental study for performance evaluation of unidirectional air diffuser perforated panels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tăcutu, Laurenţiu; Nastase, Ilinca; Iordache, Vlad; Catalina, Tiberiu; Croitoru, Cristiana Verona

2018-02-01

Nowadays, there is an increasing emphasis on indoor air quality due to technological evolution and the fact that people spend most of the time in enclosed spaces. Also, energy efficiency is another related factor that gains more and more attention. Improving air distribution in an enclosure can lead to achieve these goals. This improvement can be done by adjustingthe air terminals position, theredimensions or the air diffuser perforations. The paper presents the study of 8 types of panels with different perforations shapes. The systems were characterized by flow, pressure loss and noise. Usualand special geometries were chosen, all having the same flowsurface. The perforated panels were mounted in a unidirectional air flow (UAF)diffuser, also called a laminar air flow (LAF)diffuser, that is placed in a real scale operating room (OR) in our laboratory.The purpose of this study is to determine whether changing the shape in the perforated panels can improve the technical parameters of the diffuser.

Hollow-spherical Co/N-C nanoparticle as an efficient electrocatalyst used in air cathode microbial fuel cell.

PubMed

Yang, Tingting; Li, Kexun; Pu, Liangtao; Liu, Ziqi; Ge, Baochao; Pan, Yajun; Liu, Ying

2016-12-15

The hollow-spherical Co/N-C nanoparticle, which is synthesized via a simple hydrothermal reaction followed by heat treatment, is firstly used as electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in air-cathode microbial fuel cell (MFC). The maximum power density of MFC with 10% Co/N-C air-cathode is as high as 2514±59mWm(-2), which is almost 174% higher than the control. The exchange current density (i0) of cathode equipped with 10% Co/N-C is 238% higher than that of untreated AC. While the total resistance of treated samples decreases from 13.017 to 10.255Ω. The intensity ratio of Raman D to G band (ID/IG) decreases from 0.93 (N-C) to 0.73 (Co/N-C), indicating the catalyst forms graphite structure. Both XRD and XPS testify that Co is bonded to N within graphitic sheets and serves as the active sites in ORR. The four-electron pathway of the Co/N-C also plays a crucial role in electrochemical catalytic activity. As a result, it can be expected that the as-synthesized Co/N-C, with extraordinary electro-catalytic performance towards ORR, will be a promising alternative to the state-of-the-art non-precious metal ORR electro-catalysts for electrochemical energy applications. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nitrogen, Fluorine, and Boron Ternary Doped Carbon Fibers as Cathode Electrocatalysts for Zinc-Air Batteries.

PubMed

Wang, Lei; Wang, Yueqing; Wu, Mingguang; Wei, Zengxi; Cui, Chunyu; Mao, Minglei; Zhang, Jintao; Han, Xiaopeng; Liu, Quanhui; Ma, Jianmin

2018-05-01

Zinc-air batteries with high-density energy are promising energy storage devices for the next generation of energy storage technologies. However, the battery performance is highly dependent on the efficiency of oxygen electrocatalyst in the air electrode. Herein, the N, F, and B ternary doped carbon fibers (TD-CFs) are prepared and exhibited higher catalytic properties via the efficient 4e - transfer mechanism for oxygen reduction in comparison with the single nitrogen doped CFs. More importantly, the primary and rechargeable Zn-air batteries using TD-CFs as air-cathode catalysts are constructed. When compared to batteries with Pt/C + RuO 2 and Vulcan XC-72 carbon black catalysts, the TD-CFs catalyzed batteries exhibit remarkable battery reversibility and stability over long charging/discharging cycles. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Voltage instability in a simulated fuel cell stack correlated to cathode water accumulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Owejan, J. P.; Trabold, T. A.; Gagliardo, J. J.; Jacobson, D. L.; Carter, R. N.; Hussey, D. S.; Arif, M.

Single fuel cells running independently are often used for fundamental studies of water transport. It is also necessary to assess the dynamic behavior of fuel cell stacks comprised of multiple cells arranged in series, thus providing many paths for flow of reactant hydrogen on the anode and air (or pure oxygen) on the cathode. In the current work, the flow behavior of a fuel cell stack is simulated by using a single-cell test fixture coupled with a bypass flow loop for the cathode flow. This bypass simulates the presence of additional cells in a stack and provides an alternate path for airflow, thus avoiding forced convective purging of cathode flow channels. Liquid water accumulation in the cathode is shown to occur in two modes; initially nearly all the product water is retained in the gas diffusion layer until a critical saturation fraction is reached and then water accumulation in the flow channels begins. Flow redistribution and fuel cell performance loss result from channel slug formation. The application of in-situ neutron radiography affords a transient correlation of performance loss to liquid water accumulation. The current results identify a mechanism whereby depleted cathode flow on a single cell leads to performance loss, which can ultimately cause an operating proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack to fail.

Hollow cathodes for arcjet thrusters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Luebben, Craig R.; Wilbur, Paul J.

1987-01-01

In an attempt to prevent exterior spot emission, hollow cathode bodies and orifice plates were constructed from boron nitride which is an electrical insulator, but the orifice plates melted and/or eroded at high interelectrode pressures. The most suitable hollow cathodes tested included a refractory metal orifice plate in a boron nitride body, with the insert insulated electrically from the orifice plate. In addition, the hollow cathode interior was evacuated to assure a low pressure at the insert surface, thus promoting diffuse electron emission. At high interelectrode pressures, the electrons tended to flow through the orifice plate rather than through the orifice, which could result in overheating of the orifice plate. Using a carefully aligned centerline anode, electron flow through the orifice could be sustained at interelectrode pressures up to 500 torr - but the current flow path still occasionally jumped from the orifice to the orifice plate. Based on these tests, it appears that a hollow cathode would operate most effectively at pressures in the arcjet regime with a refractory, chemically stable, and electrically insulating cathode body and orifice plate.

Oxygen-selective immobilized liquid membranes for operation of lithium-air batteries in ambient air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jian; Xu, Wu; Liu, Wei

In this work, nonaqueous electrolyte-based Li-air batteries with an O 2-selective membrane have been developed for operation in ambient air of 20-30% relative humidity (RH). The O 2 gas is continuously supplied through a membrane barrier layer at the interface of the cathode and ambient air. The membrane allows O 2 to permeate through while blocking moisture. Such membranes can be prepared by loading O 2-selective silicone oils into porous supports such as porous metal sheets and Teflon (PTFE) films. It was found that the silicone oil of high viscosity shows better performance. The immobilized silicone oil membrane in the porous PTFE film enabled the Li-air batteries with carbon black air electrodes to operate in ambient air (at 20% RH) for 16.3 days with a specific capacity of 789 mAh g -1 carbon and a specific energy of 2182 Wh kg -1 carbon. Its performance is much better than a reference battery assembled with a commercial, porous PTFE diffusion membranes as the moisture barrier layer on the cathode, which only had a discharge time of 5.5 days corresponding to a specific capacity of 267 mAh g -1 carbon and a specific energy of 704 Wh kg -1 carbon. The Li-air battery with the present selective membrane barrier layer even showed better performance in ambient air operation (20% RH) than the reference battery tested in the dry air box (<1% RH).

Novel strategy to mitigate cathode catalyst degradation during air/air startup cycling via the atmospheric resistive switching mechanism of a hydrogen anode with a platinum catalyst supported on tantalum-doped titanium dioxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shintani, Haruhiko; Kojima, Yuya; Kakinuma, Katsuyoshi; Watanabe, Masahiro; Uchida, Makoto

2015-10-01

We propose a new strategy for alleviating the reverse current phenomenon using a unique ;atmospheric resistive switching mechanism; (ARSM) of a metal oxide semiconductor support, such that the electrical resistivity changes depending on the gas atmosphere. The membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) using Ta-doped TiO2-supported platinum (Pt/Ta-TiO2) as the anode catalyst showed approximately one order of magnitude greater resistance in air than in hydrogen. The overpotential of the hydrogen oxidation reaction was negligible up to at least 1.5 A cm-2. The losses of electrochemically active surface area and carbon corrosion of the cathode catalyst during air/air startup cycling were significantly suppressed by the use of the Pt/Ta-TiO2 anode. The decrease in the degradation is attributed to a reduction of the reverse current due to a low oxygen reduction reaction rate at the anode, which showed high resistivity in air. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the ARSM in mitigating cathode catalyst degradation during air/air startup cycling.

Methods and apparatus for using gas and liquid phase cathodic depolarizers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Murphy, Oliver J. (Inventor); Hitchens, G. Duncan (Inventor)

1998-01-01

The invention provides methods for using gas and liquid phase cathodic depolarizers in an electrochemical cell having a cation exchange membrane in intimate contact with the anode and cathode. The electrochemical conversion of cathodic depolarizers at the cathode lowers the cell potential necessary to achieve a desired electrochemical conversion, such as ozone evolution, at the anode. When gaseous cathodic depolarizers, such as oxygen, are used, a gas diffusion cathode having the cation exchange membrane bonded thereto is preferred. When liquid phase cathodic depolarizers are used, the cathode may be a flow-by electrode, flow-through electrode, packed-bed electrode or a fluidized-bed electrode in intimate contact with the cation exchange membrane.

Self-Driven Desalination and Advanced Treatment of Wastewater in a Modularized Filtration Air Cathode Microbial Desalination Cell.

PubMed

Zuo, Kuichang; Wang, Zhen; Chen, Xi; Zhang, Xiaoyuan; Zuo, Jiaolan; Liang, Peng; Huang, Xia

2016-07-05

Microbial desalination cells (MDCs) extract organic energy from wastewater for in situ desalination of saline water. However, to desalinate salt water, traditional MDCs often require an anolyte (wastewater) and a catholyte (other synthetic water) to produce electricity. Correspondingly, the traditional MDCs also produced anode effluent and cathode effluent, and may produce a concentrate solution, resulting in a low production of diluate. In this study, nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube membranes and Pt carbon cloths were utilized as filtration material and cathode to fabricate a modularized filtration air cathode MDC (F-MDC). With real wastewater flowing from anode to cathode, and finally to the middle membrane stack, the diluate volume production reached 82.4%, with the removal efficiency of salinity and chemical oxygen demand (COD) reached 93.6% and 97.3% respectively. The final diluate conductivity was 68 ± 12 μS/cm, and the turbidity was 0.41 NTU, which were sufficient for boiler supplementary or industrial cooling. The concentrate production was only 17.6%, and almost all the phosphorus and salt, and most of the nitrogen were recovered, potentially allowing the recovery of nutrients and other chemicals. These results show the potential utility of the modularized F-MDC in the application of municipal wastewater advanced treatment and self-driven desalination.

Carbonate-mediated Fe(II) oxidation in the air-cathode fuel cell: a kinetic model in terms of Fe(II) speciation.

PubMed

Song, Wei; Zhai, Lin-Feng; Cui, Yu-Zhi; Sun, Min; Jiang, Yuan

2013-06-06

Due to the high redox activity of Fe(II) and its abundance in natural waters, the electro-oxidation of Fe(II) can be found in many air-cathode fuel cell systems, such as acid mine drainage fuel cells and sediment microbial fuel cells. To deeply understand these iron-related systems, it is essential to elucidate the kinetics and mechanisms involved in the electro-oxidation of Fe(II). This work aims to develop a kinetic model that adequately describes the electro-oxidation process of Fe(II) in air-cathode fuel cells. The speciation of Fe(II) is incorporated into the model, and contributions of individual Fe(II) species to the overall Fe(II) oxidation rate are quantitatively evaluated. The results show that the kinetic model can accurately predict the electro-oxidation rate of Fe(II) in air-cathode fuel cells. FeCO3, Fe(OH)2, and Fe(CO3)2(2-) are the most important species determining the electro-oxidation kinetics of Fe(II). The Fe(II) oxidation rate is primarily controlled by the oxidation of FeCO3 species at low pH, whereas at high pH Fe(OH)2 and Fe(CO3)2(2-) are the dominant species. Solution pH, carbonate concentration, and solution salinity are able to influence the electro-oxidation kinetics of Fe(II) through changing both distribution and kinetic activity of Fe(II) species.

A fundamental study of chromium deposition on solid oxide fuel cell cathode materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tucker, Michael C.; Kurokawa, Hideto; Jacobson, Craig P.; De Jonghe, Lutgard C.; Visco, Steven J.

Chromium contamination of metal oxides and SOFC cathode catalysts is studied in the range 700-1000 °C. Samples are exposed to a moist air atmosphere saturated with volatile Cr species in the presence and absence of direct contact between the sample and ferritic stainless steel powder. Chromium contamination of the samples is observed to occur via two separate pathways: surface diffusion from the stainless steel surface and vapor deposition from the atmosphere. Surface diffusion dominates in all cases. Surface diffusion is found to be a significant source of Cr contamination for LSM and LSCF at 700, 800, and 1000 °C. Vapor deposition of Cr onto LSCF was observed at each of these temperatures, but was not observed for LSM at 700 or 800 °C. Comparison of the behavior for LSM, LSCF, and single metal oxides suggests that Mn and Co, respectively, are responsible for the Cr contamination of these catalysts.

Gradient porous electrode architectures for rechargeable metal-air batteries

DOEpatents

Dudney, Nancy J.; Klett, James W.; Nanda, Jagjit; Narula, Chaitanya Kumar; Pannala, Sreekanth

2016-03-22

A cathode for a metal air battery includes a cathode structure having pores. The cathode structure has a metal side and an air side. The porosity decreases from the air side to the metal side. A metal air battery and a method of making a cathode for a metal air battery are also disclosed.

Decay of the zincate concentration gradient at an alkaline zinc cathode after charging

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kautz, H. E.; May, C. E.

1979-01-01

The transport of the zincate ion to the alkaline zinc cathode was studied by observing the decay of the zincate concentration gradient at a horizontal zinc cathode after charging. This decay was found to approximate first order kinetics as expected from a proposed boundary layer model. The concentrations were calculated from polarization voltages. The decay half life was shown to be a linear function of the thickness of porous zinc deposit on the cathode indicating a very rapid transport of zincate through porous zinc metal. The rapid transport is attributed to an electrochemical mechanism. From the linear dependence of the half life on the thickness the boundary layer thickness was found to be about 0.010 cm when the cathode was at the bottom of the cell. No significant dependence of the boundary layer thickness on the viscosity of electrolyte was observed. The data also indicated a relatively sharp transition between the diffusion and convection transport regions. When the cathode was at the top of the cell, the boundary layer thickness was found to be roughly 0.080 cm. The diffusion of zincate ion through asbestos submerged in alkaline electrolyte was shown to be comparable with that predicted from the bulk diffusion coefficient of the zincate ion in alkali.

Fabricating Ir/C Nanofiber Networks as Free-Standing Air Cathodes for Rechargeable Li-CO2 Batteries.

PubMed

Wang, Chengyi; Zhang, Qinming; Zhang, Xin; Wang, Xin-Gai; Xie, Zhaojun; Zhou, Zhen

2018-06-07

Li-CO 2 batteries are promising energy storage systems by utilizing CO 2 at the same time, though there are still some critical barriers before its practical applications such as high charging overpotential and poor cycling stability. In this work, iridium/carbon nanofibers (Ir/CNFs) are prepared via electrospinning and subsequent heat treatment, and are used as cathode catalysts for rechargeable Li-CO 2 batteries. Benefitting from the unique porous network structure and the high activity of ultrasmall Ir nanoparticles, Ir/CNFs exhibit excellent CO 2 reduction and evolution activities. The Li-CO 2 batteries present extremely large discharge capacity, high coulombic efficiency, and long cycling life. Moreover, free-standing Ir/CNF films are used directly as air cathodes to assemble Li-CO 2 batteries, which show high energy density and ultralong operation time, demonstrating great potential for practical applications. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Modified High-Nickel Cathodes with Stable Surface Chemistry Against Ambient Air for Lithium-Ion Batteries.

PubMed

You, Ya; Celio, Hugo; Li, Jianyu; Dolocan, Andrei; Manthiram, Arumugam

2018-03-30

High-Ni layered oxides are promising next-generation cathodes for lithium-ion batteries owing to their high capacity and lower cost. However, as the Ni content increases over 70 %, they have a high dynamic affinity towards moisture and CO 2 in ambient air, primarily reacting to form LiOH, Li 2 CO 3 , and LiHCO 3 on the surface, which is commonly termed "residual lithium". Air exposure occurs after synthesis as it is common practice to handle and store them under ambient conditions. The air exposure leads to significant performance losses, and hampers the electrode fabrication, impeding their practical viability. Herein, we show that substituting a small amount of Al for Ni in the crystal lattice notably improves the chemical stability against air by limiting the formation of LiOH, Li 2 CO 3 , LiHCO 3 , and NiO in the near-surface region. The Al-doped high-Ni oxides display a high capacity retention with excellent rate capability and cycling stability after being exposed to air for 30 days. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

In Situ Imaging the Oxygen Reduction Reactions of Solid State Na-O2 Batteries with CuO Nanowires as the Air Cathode.

PubMed

Liu, Qiunan; Yang, Tingting; Du, Congcong; Tang, Yongfu; Sun, Yong; Jia, Peng; Chen, Jingzhao; Ye, Hongjun; Shen, Tongde; Peng, Qiuming; Zhang, Liqiang; Huang, Jianyu

2018-06-13

We report real time imaging of the oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) in all solid state sodium oxygen batteries (SOBs) with CuO nanowires (NWs) as the air cathode in an aberration-corrected environmental transmission electron microscope under an oxygen environment. The ORR occurred in a distinct two-step reaction, namely, a first conversion reaction followed by a second multiple ORR. In the former, CuO was first converted to Cu 2 O and then to Cu; in the latter, NaO 2 formed first, followed by its disproportionation to Na 2 O 2 and O 2 . Concurrent with the two distinct electrochemical reactions, the CuO NWs experienced multiple consecutive large volume expansions. It is evident that the freshly formed ultrafine-grained Cu in the conversion reaction catalyzed the latter one-electron-transfer ORR, leading to the formation of NaO 2 . Remarkably, no carbonate formation was detected in the oxygen cathode after cycling due to the absence of carbon source in the whole battery setup. These results provide fundamental understanding into the oxygen chemistry in the carbonless air cathode in all solid state Na-O 2 batteries.

Morphological bubble evolution induced by air diffusion on submerged hydrophobic structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lv, Pengyu; Xiang, Yaolei; Xue, Yahui; Lin, Hao; Duan, Huiling

2017-03-01

Bubbles trapped in the cavities always play important roles in the underwater applications of structured hydrophobic surfaces. Air exchange between bubbles and surrounding water has a significant influence on the morphological bubble evolution, which in turn frequently affects the functionalities of the surfaces, such as superhydrophobicity and drag reduction. In this paper, air diffusion induced bubble evolution on submerged hydrophobic micropores under reduced pressures is investigated experimentally and theoretically. The morphological behaviors of collective and single bubbles are observed using confocal microscopy. Four representative evolution phases of bubbles are captured in situ. After depressurization, bubbles will not only grow and coalesce but also shrink and split although the applied pressure remains negative. A diffusion-based model is used to analyze the evolution behavior and the results are consistent with the experimental data. A criterion for bubble growth and shrinkage is also derived along with a phase diagram, revealing that the competition of effective gas partial pressures across the two sides of the diffusion layer dominates the bubble evolution process. Strategies for controlling the bubble evolution behavior are also proposed based on the phase diagram. The current work provides a further understanding of the general behavior of bubble evolution induced by air diffusion and can be employed to better designs of functional microstructured hydrophobic surfaces.

Efficient removal of nitrobenzene and concomitant electricity production by single-chamber microbial fuel cells with activated carbon air-cathode.

PubMed

Zhang, Enren; Wang, Feng; Zhai, Wenjing; Scott, Keith; Wang, Xu; Diao, Guowang

2017-04-01

Single-chamber microbial fuel cells (S-MFCs) with bio-anodes and activated carbon (AC) air-cathodes showed high nitrobenzene (NB) tolerance and NB removal with concomitant electricity production. The maximum power over 25Wm -3 could be obtained when S-MFCs were operated in the NB loading range of 1.2-6.2molm -3 d -1 , and stable electricity production over 13.7Wm -3 could be produced in a NB loading range of 1.2-14.7molm -3 d -1 . The present S-MFCs exhibited high NB removal performance with NB removal efficiency over 97% even when the NB loading rate was increased to 17.2molm -3 d -1 . The potential NB reduced product (i.e. aniline) could also be effectively removed from influents. The findings in this study means that single-chamber MFCs assembled with pre-enriched bio-anodes and AC air-cathodes could be developed as effective bio-electrochemical systems to remove NB from wastewaters and to harvest energy instead of consuming energy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Long-term calibration monitoring of Spectralon diffusers BRDF in the air-ultraviolet.

PubMed

Georgiev, Georgi T; Butler, James J

2007-11-10

Long-term calibration monitoring of the bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) of Spectralon diffusers in the air-ultraviolet is presented. Four Spectralon diffusers were monitored in this study. Three of the diffusers, designated as H1, H2, and H3, were used in the prelaunch radiance calibration of the Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet/2 (SBUV/2) satellite instruments on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 14 and 16. A fourth diffuser, designated as the 400 diffuser, was used in the prelaunch calibration of the Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (OMPS) instrument scheduled for initial flight in 2009 on the National Polar Orbiting Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project. The BRDF data of this study were obtained between 1994 and 2005 using the scatterometer located in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Goddard Space Flight Center Diffuser Calibration Laboratory. The diffusers were measured at 13 wavelengths between 230 and 425 nm at the incident and scatter angles used in the prelaunch calibrations of SBUV/2 and OMPS. Spectral features in the BRDF of Spectralon are also discussed. The comparison shows how the air-ultraviolet BRDF of these Spectralon samples changed over time under clean room deployment conditions.

High Performance Pillared Vanadium Oxide Cathode for Lithium Ion Batteries

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-04-24

As a result, two major approaches have been taken to increase electrode- electrolyte interfacial area while minimizing lithium diffusion lengths...Performance Pillared Vanadium Oxide Cathode for Lithium Ion Batteries Siu on Tung, Krista L. Hawthorne, Yi Ding, James Mainero, and Levi T. Thompson...Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center, Warren, MI 48387, USA Keywords: nanostructured materials, lithium ion batteries, cathode

The diffusion and impact of clean indoor air laws.

PubMed

Eriksen, Michael P; Cerak, Rebecca L

2008-01-01

Over the past quarter century, primarily as a result of scientific discovery, citizen advocacy, and legislative action, comprehensive clean indoor air laws have spread rapidly throughout the world. Laws that establish completely smoke-free indoor environments have many relative advantages including being low cost, safe, effective, and easy to implement. The diffusion of these laws has been associated with a dramatic and rapid reduction in population levels of serum cotinine among nonsmokers and has also contributed to a reduction in overall cigarette consumption among smokers, with no adverse economic impact, except to the tobacco industry. Currently, nearly half of the U.S. population lives in jurisdictions with some combination of completely smoke-free workplaces, restaurants, or bars. The diffusion of clean indoor air laws is spreading rapidly throughout the world, stimulated by the first global health treaty, the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

Diffusion of 4-methyl-pent-3-en-2-one (1); air (2)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winkelmann, J.

This document is part of Subvolume A `Gases in Gases, Liquids and their Mixtures' of Volume 15 `Diffusion in Gases, Liquids and Electrolytes' of Landolt-Börnstein Group IV `Physical Chemistry'. It is part of the chapter of the chapter `Diffusion in Pure Gases' and contains data on diffusion of (1) 4-methyl-pent-3-en-2-one; (2) air

Improved Cathode Structure for a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Valdez, Thomas; Narayanan, Sekharipuram

2005-01-01

An improved cathode structure on a membrane/electrode assembly has been developed for a direct methanol fuel cell, in a continuing effort to realize practical power systems containing such fuel cells. This cathode structure is intended particularly to afford better cell performance at a low airflow rate. A membrane/electrode assembly of the type for which the improved cathode structure was developed (see Figure 1) is fabricated in a process that includes brush painting and spray coating of catalyst layers onto a polymer-electrolyte membrane and onto gas-diffusion backings that also act as current collectors. The aforementioned layers are then dried and hot-pressed together. When completed, the membrane/electrode assembly contains (1) an anode containing a fine metal black of Pt/Ru alloy, (2) a membrane made of Nafion 117 or equivalent (a perfluorosulfonic acid-based hydrophilic, proton-conducting ion-exchange polymer), (3) a cathode structure (in the present case, the improved cathode structure described below), and (4) the electrically conductive gas-diffusion backing layers, which are made of Toray 060(TradeMark)(or equivalent) carbon paper containing between 5 and 6 weight percent of poly(tetrafluoroethylene). The need for an improved cathode structure arises for the following reasons: In the design and operation of a fuel-cell power system, the airflow rate is a critical parameter that determines the overall efficiency, cell voltage, and power density. It is desirable to operate at a low airflow rate in order to obtain thermal and water balance and to minimize the size and mass of the system. The performances of membrane/electrode assemblies of prior design are limited at low airflow rates. Methanol crossover increases the required airflow rate. Hence, one way to reduce the required airflow rate is to reduce the effect of methanol crossover. Improvement of the cathode structure - in particular, addition of hydrophobic particles to the cathode - has been

Evaluation of activated carbon adsorbent for fuel cell cathode air filtration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Xiaowei; Yang, Daijun; Zhou, Wei; Zhang, Cunman; Pan, Xiangmin; Xu, Lin; Wu, Minzhong; Ma, Jianxin

The effectiveness of a commercial activated carbon modified by KOH (KMAC) was evaluated as adsorbent for purifying NO x and SO 2, which are the major contaminants in fuel cell cathode air stream. The N 2 adsorption-desorption isotherms of KMAC samples showed that the surface structure of the activated carbon was changed significantly by KOH impregnation. The sample of KMAC with a loading of 10.1% KOH by weight presented the highest adsorption capacities for both NO x and SO 2, which were 96 mg g -1 and 255 mg g -1, respectively. A pre-exposure of KMAC to CO 2 caused neither effect on the adsorption of NO x nor on the adsorption of SO 2. KMAC could fully protect a 250 W proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack from 1100 ppb of NO x and 250 ppb of SO 2 for about 130 h.

A novel enhanced diffusion sampler for collecting gaseous pollutants without air agitation.

PubMed

Pan, Xuelian; Zhuo, Shaojie; Zhong, Qirui; Chen, Yuanchen; Du, Wei; Cheng, Hefa; Wang, Xilong; Zeng, Eddy Y; Xing, Baoshan; Tao, Shu

2018-03-06

A novel enhanced diffusion sampler for collecting gaseous phase polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) without air agitation is proposed. The diffusion of target compounds into a sampling chamber is facilitated by continuously purging through a closed-loop flow to create a large concentration difference between the ambient air and the air in the sampling chamber. A glass-fiber filter-based prototype was developed. It was demonstrated that the device could collect gaseous PAHs at a much higher rate (1.6 ± 1.4 L/min) than regular passive samplers, while the ambient air is not agitated. The prototype was also tested in both the laboratory and field for characterizing the concentration gradients over a short distance from the soil surface. The sampler has potential to be applied in other similar situations to characterize the concentration profiles of other chemicals.

Hollow-Cathode Source Generates Plasma

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deininger, W. D.; Aston, G.; Pless, L. C.

1989-01-01

Device generates argon, krypton, or xenon plasma via thermionic emission and electrical discharge within hollow cathode and ejects plasma into surrounding vacuum. Goes from cold start up to full operation in less than 5 s after initial application of power. Exposed to moist air between operations without significant degradation of starting and running characteristics. Plasma generated by electrical discharge in cathode barrel sustained and aided by thermionic emission from emitter tube. Emitter tube does not depend on rare-earth oxides, making it vulnerable to contamination by exposure to atmosphere. Device modified for use as source of plasma in laboratory experiments or industrial processes.

Measurement of effective air diffusion coefficients for trichloroethene in undisturbed soil cores.

PubMed

Bartelt-Hunt, Shannon L; Smith, James A

2002-06-01

In this study, we measure effective diffusion coefficients for trichloroethene in undisturbed soil samples taken from Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey. The measured effective diffusion coefficients ranged from 0.0053 to 0.0609 cm2/s over a range of air-filled porosity of 0.23-0.49. The experimental data were compared to several previously published relations that predict diffusion coefficients as a function of air-filled porosity and porosity. A multiple linear regression analysis was developed to determine if a modification of the exponents in Millington's [Science 130 (1959) 100] relation would better fit the experimental data. The literature relations appeared to generally underpredict the effective diffusion coefficient for the soil cores studied in this work. Inclusion of a particle-size distribution parameter, d10, did not significantly improve the fit of the linear regression equation. The effective diffusion coefficient and porosity data were used to recalculate estimates of diffusive flux through the subsurface made in a previous study performed at the field site. It was determined that the method of calculation used in the previous study resulted in an underprediction of diffusive flux from the subsurface. We conclude that although Millington's [Science 130 (1959) 100] relation works well to predict effective diffusion coefficients in homogeneous soils with relatively uniform particle-size distributions, it may be inaccurate for many natural soils with heterogeneous structure and/or non-uniform particle-size distributions.

Co-flow anode/cathode supply heat exchanger for a solid-oxide fuel cell assembly

DOEpatents

Haltiner, Jr., Karl J.; Kelly, Sean M.

2005-11-22

In a solid-oxide fuel cell assembly, a co-flow heat exchanger is provided in the flow paths of the reformate gas and the cathode air ahead of the fuel cell stack, the reformate gas being on one side of the exchanger and the cathode air being on the other. The reformate gas is at a substantially higher temperature than is desired in the stack, and the cathode gas is substantially cooler than desired. In the co-flow heat exchanger, the temperatures of the reformate and cathode streams converge to nearly the same temperature at the outlet of the exchanger. Preferably, the heat exchanger is formed within an integrated component manifold (ICM) for a solid-oxide fuel cell assembly.

Highly exposed Fe-N4 active sites in porous poly-iron-phthalocyanine based oxygen reduction electrocatalyst with ultrahigh performance for air cathode.

PubMed

Anandhababu, Ganesan; Abbas, Syed Comail; Lv, Jiangquan; Ding, Kui; Liu, Qin; Babu, Dickson D; Huang, Yiyin; Xie, Jiafang; Wu, Maoxiang; Wang, Yaobing

2017-02-14

Progress in the development of efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reactions is imperative for various energy systems such as metal-air batteries and fuel cells. In this paper, an innovative porous two-dimensional (2D) poly-iron-phthalocyanine (PFe-Pc) based oxygen reduction electrocatalyst created with a simple solid-state chemical reaction without pyrolysis is reported. In this strategy, silicon dioxide nanoparticles play a pivotal role in preserving the Fe-N 4 structure during the polymerization process and thereby assist in the development of a porous structure. The new polymerized phthalocyanine electrocatalyst with tuned porous structure, improved specific surface area and more exposed catalytic active sites via the 2D structure shows an excellent performance towards an oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline media. The onset potential (E = 1.033 V) and limiting current density (I = 5.58 mA cm -2 ) are much better than those obtained with the commercial 20% platinum/carbon electrocatalyst (1.046 V and 4.89 mA cm -2 ) and also show better stability and tolerance to methanol crossover. For practical applications, a zinc-air (Zn-air) battery and methanol fuel cell equipped with the PFe-Pc electrocatalyst as an air cathode reveal a high open circuit voltage and maximum power output (1.0 V and 23.6 mW cm -2 for a methanol fuel cell, and 1.6 V and 192 mW cm -2 for the liquid Zn-air battery). In addition, using the PFe-Pc electrocatalyst as an air cathode in a flexible cable-type Zn-air battery exhibits excellent performance with an open-circuit voltage of 1.409 V. This novel porous 2D PFe-Pc has been designed logically using a new, simple strategy with ultrahigh electrochemical performances in Zn-air batteries and methanol fuel cell applications.

Decay of the zincate concentration gradient at an alkaline zinc cathode after charging

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kautz, H. E.; May, C. E.

1979-01-01

The study was carried out by observing the decay of the zincate concentration gradient at a horizontal zinc cathode after charging. This decay was found to approximate first order kinetics as expected from a proposed boundary layer model. The decay half life was shown to be a linear function of the thickness of porous zinc deposit on the cathode indicating a very rapid transport of zincate through porous zinc metal. The rapid transport is attributed to an electrochemical mechanism. The data also indicated a relatively sharp transition between the diffusion and convection transport regions. The diffusion of zincate ion through asbestos submerged in alkaline electrolyte was shown to be comparable with that predicted from the bulk diffusion coefficient of the zincate ion in alkali.

Kinetics of intercalation of lithium into NbSe3 and TiS2 cathodes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ratnakumar, B. V.; Nagasubramanian, G.; Di Stefano, S.; Bankston, C. P.

1992-01-01

Titanium disulfide and niobium triselenide are two well-studied candidate materials for positive electrodes in rechargeable lithium cells. A comparative study of the kinetics of intercalation of lithium in both the cathodes is made here based on various electrochemical techniques, i.e., linear polarization, potentiodynamic polarization, and ac impedance under different experimental conditions such as prismatic or disk configuration of fresh, partially discharged, or cycled electrode. Further, the diffusion coefficients of lithium ions in these cathodes are estimated under these conditions using conventional techniques, i.e., ac impedance, chronocoulometry, chronoamperometry, and current pulse relaxation. Based on the values of the diffusion coefficients, the applicability of these methods for the determination of diffusion coefficients is discussed.

Atomistic Modeling of Cation Diffusion in Transition Metal Perovskites La1-xSrxMnO3+/-δfor Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Cathodes Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Yueh-Lin; Duan, Yuhua; Morgan, Dane; Sorescu, Dan; Abernathy, Harry

Cation diffusion in La1-xSrxMnO3+/-δ (LSM) and in related perovskite materials play an important role in controlling long term performance and stability of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFCs) cathodes. Due to sluggish rates of cation diffusion and complex coupling between defect chemistry and cation diffusion pathways, currently there is still lack of quantitative theoretical model predictions on cation diffusivity vs. T and P(O2) to describe experimental cation tracer diffusivities. In this work, based on ab initio modeling of LSM defect chemistry and migration barriers of the possible cation diffusion pathways, we assess the rates of A-site and B-site cation diffusion in a wide range of T and P(O2) at x =0.0 and 0.2 for SOFC applications. We demonstrate the active cation diffusion pathways in LSM involve cation defect clusters as cation transport carriers, where reduction in the cation migration barriers, which are governed by the steric effect associated with the metal-oxygen cage in the perovskite lattice, is much greater than the penalty of repulsive interaction in the A-site and B-site cation vacancy clusters, leading to higher cation diffusion rates as compared to those of single cation vacancy hopping mechanisms. The predicted Mn and La/Sr cation self-diffusion coefficients of LSM at at x =0.0 and 0.2 along with their 1/T and P(O2) dependences, are in good agreement with the experimental tracer diffusion coefficients.

Performance and microbial diversity of microbial fuel cells coupled with different cathode types during simultaneous azo dye decolorization and electricity generation.

PubMed

Hou, Bin; Hu, Yongyou; Sun, Jian

2012-05-01

To study the effect of cathode type on performance and microbial diversity of the MFC, aerobic biocathode and air-cathode were incorporated into microbial fuel cells (MFCs) which were explored for simultaneous azo dye decolorization and electricity generation. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results demonstrated that the catalytic activity of the microorganisms on the biocathode surface was comparable with that of the platinum coated on the air-cathode. The power density achieved by using biocathode was lower than air-cathode, but the biocathode could greatly improve the Congo red decolorization rate. By using the biocathode, 96.4% decolorization of Congo red was obtained within 29 h, whereas, about 107 h was required to achieve the same decolorization efficiency with the air-cathode. 16S rRNA sequencing analysis demonstrated a phylogenetic diversity in the communities of the anode biofilm and showed clear differences between the anode-attached populations in the MFCs with a different cathode type. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Characterization and optimization of cathodic conditions for H2O2 synthesis in microbial electrochemical cells.

PubMed

Sim, Junyoung; An, Junyeong; Elbeshbishy, Elsayed; Ryu, Hodon; Lee, Hyung-Sool

2015-11-01

Cathode potential and O2 supply methods were investigated to improve H2O2 synthesis in an electrochemical cell, and optimal cathode conditions were applied for microbial electrochemical cells (MECs). Using aqueous O2 for the cathode significantly improved current density, but H2O2 conversion efficiency was negligible at 0.3-12%. Current density decreased for passive O2 diffusion to the cathode, but H2O2 conversion efficiency increased by 65%. An MEC equipped with a gas diffusion cathode was operated with acetate medium and domestic wastewater, which presented relatively high H2O2 conversion efficiency from 36% to 47%, although cathode overpotential was fluctuated. Due to different current densities, the maximum H2O2 production rate was 141 mg H2O2/L-h in the MEC fed with acetate medium, but it became low at 6 mg H2O2/L-h in the MEC fed with the wastewater. Our study clearly indicates that improving anodic current density and mitigating membrane fouling would be key parameters for large-scale H2O2-MECs. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A large-area diffuse air discharge plasma excited by nanosecond pulse under a double hexagon needle-array electrode.

PubMed

Liu, Zhi-Jie; Wang, Wen-Chun; Yang, De-Zheng; Wang, Sen; Zhang, Shuai; Tang, Kai; Jiang, Peng-Chao

2014-01-01

A large-area diffuse air discharge plasma excited by bipolar nanosecond pulse is generated under a double hexagon needle-array electrode at atmospheric pressure. The images of the diffuse discharge, electric characteristics, and the optical emission spectra emitted from the diffuse air discharge plasma are obtained. Based on the waveforms of pulse voltage and current, the power consumption, and the power density of the diffuse air discharge plasma are investigated under different pulse peak voltages. The electron density and the electron temperature of the diffuse plasma are estimated to be approximately 1.42×10(11) cm(-3) and 4.4 eV, respectively. The optical emission spectra are arranged to determine the rotational and vibrational temperatures by comparing experimental with simulated spectra. Meanwhile, the rotational and vibrational temperatures of the diffuse discharge plasma are also discussed under different pulse peak voltages and pulse repetition rates, respectively. In addition, the diffuse air discharge plasma can form an area of about 70×50 mm(2) on the surface of dielectric layer and can be scaled up to the required size. Crown Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of pressure on structure and NO sub X formation in CO-air diffusion flames

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maahs, H. G.; Miller, I. M.

1979-01-01

A study was made of nitric oxide formation in a laminar CO-air diffusion flame over a pressure range from 1 to 50 atm. The carbon monoxide (CO) issued from a 3.06 mm diameter port coaxially into a coflowing stream of air confined within a 20.5 mm diameter chimney. Nitric oxide concentrations from the flame were measured at two carbon monoxide (fuel) flow rates: 73 standard cubic/min and 146 sccm. Comparison of the present data with data in the literature for a methane-air diffusion flame shows that for flames of comparable flame height (8 to 10 mm) and pseudoequivalence ratio (0.162), the molar emission index of a CO-air flame is significantly greater than that of a methane-air flame.

Enzymatic Fuel Cells: Integrating Flow-Through Anode and Air-Breathing Cathode into a Membrane-Less Biofuel Cell Design (Postprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-06-01

AFRL-RX-TY-TP-2011-0081 ENZYMATIC FUEL CELLS: INTEGRATING FLOW- THROUGH ANODE AND AIR-BREATHING CATHODE INTO A MEMBRANE-LESS BIOFUEL CELL...RESPONSIBLE PERSON 19b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (Include area code) 01-JUN-2011 Journal Article (POSTPRINT) 01-JAN-2010 -- 31-JAN-2011 Enzymatic Fuel Cells...unlimited. Ref Public Affairs Case # 88ABW-2011-2228, 14 Apr 11. Document contains color images. One of the key goals of enzymatic biofuel cells

Polymeric hydrogen diffusion barrier, high-pressure storage tank so equipped, method of fabricating a storage tank and method of preventing hydrogen diffusion

DOEpatents

Lessing, Paul A [Idaho Falls, ID

2008-07-22

An electrochemically active hydrogen diffusion barrier which comprises an anode layer, a cathode layer, and an intermediate electrolyte layer, which is conductive to protons and substantially impermeable to hydrogen. A catalytic metal present in or adjacent to the anode layer catalyzes an electrochemical reaction that converts any hydrogen that diffuses through the electrolyte layer to protons and electrons. The protons and electrons are transported to the cathode layer and reacted to form hydrogen. The hydrogen diffusion barrier is applied to a polymeric substrate used in a storage tank to store hydrogen under high pressure. A storage tank equipped with the electrochemically active hydrogen diffusion barrier, a method of fabricating the storage tank, and a method of preventing hydrogen from diffusing out of a storage tank are also disclosed.

Polymeric hydrogen diffusion barrier, high-pressure storage tank so equipped, method of fabricating a storage tank and method of preventing hydrogen diffusion

DOEpatents

Lessing, Paul A.

2004-09-07

An electrochemically active hydrogen diffusion barrier which comprises an anode layer, a cathode layer, and an intermediate electrolyte layer, which is conductive to protons and substantially impermeable to hydrogen. A catalytic metal present in or adjacent to the anode layer catalyzes an electrochemical reaction that converts any hydrogen that diffuses through the electrolyte layer to protons and electrons. The protons and electrons are transported to the cathode layer and reacted to form hydrogen. The hydrogen diffusion barrier is applied to a polymeric substrate used in a storage tank to store hydrogen under high pressure. A storage tank equipped with the electrochemically active hydrogen diffusion barrier, a method of fabricating the storage tank, and a method of preventing hydrogen from diffusing out of a storage tank are also disclosed.

Development and study of aluminum-air electrochemical generator and its main components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ilyukhina, A. V.; Kleymenov, B. V.; Zhuk, A. Z.

2017-02-01

Aluminum-air power sources are receiving increased attention for applications in portable electronic devices, transportation, and energy systems. This study reports on the development of an aluminum-air electrochemical generator (AA ECG) and provides a technical foundation for the selection of its components, i.e., aluminum anode, gas diffusion cathode, and alkaline electrolyte. A prototype 1.5 kW AA ECG with specific energy of 270 Wh kg-1 is built and tested. The results of this study demonstrate the feasibility of AA ECGs as portable reserve and emergency power sources, as well as power sources for electric vehicles.

Effects of water-contaminated air on blowoff limits of opposed jet hydrogen-air diffusion flames

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pellett, Gerald L.; Jentzen, Marilyn E.; Wilson, Lloyd G.; Northam, G. Burton

1988-01-01

The effects of water-contaminated air on the extinction and flame restoration of the central portion of N2-diluted H2 versus air counterflow diffusion flames are investigated using a coaxial tubular opposed jet burner. The results show that the replacement of N2 contaminant in air by water on a mole for mole basis decreases the maximum sustainable H2 mass flow, just prior to extinction, of the flame. This result contrasts strongly with the analogous substitution of water for N2 in a relatively hot premixed H2-O2-N2 flame, which was shown by Koroll and Mulpuru (1986) to lead to a significant, kinetically controlled increase in laminar burning velocity.

Controlling porosity of porous carbon cathode for lithium oxygen batteries: Influence of micro and meso porosity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Minjae; Yoo, Eunjoo; Ahn, Wha-Seung; Shim, Sang Eun

2018-06-01

In rechargeable lithium-oxygen (Li-O2) batteries, the porosity of porous carbon materials plays a crucial role in the electrochemical performance serving as oxygen diffusion path and Li ion transfer passage. However, the influence of optimization of porous carbon as an air electrode on cell electrochemical performance remains unclear. To understand the role of carbon porosity in Li-O2 batteries, carbon materials featuring controlled pore sizes and porosity, including C-800 (nearly 96% microporous) and AC-950 (55:45 micro/meso porosity), are designed and synthesized by carbonization using a triazine-based covalent organic polymer (TCOP). We find that the microporous C-800 cathode allows 120 cycles with a limited capacity of 1000 mAh g-1, about 2 and 10 times higher than that of mixed-porosity AC-950 and mesoporous CMK-3, respectively. Meanwhile, the specific discharge capacity of the C-800 electrode at 200 mA g-1 is 6003 mAh g-1, which is lower than that of the 8433 and 9960 mAh g-1 when using AC-950 and CMK-3, respectively. This difference in the electrochemical performance of the porous carbon cathode with different porosity causes to the generation and decomposition of Li2O2 during the charge and discharge cycle, which affects oxygen diffusion and Li ion transfer.

Molecular dynamics simulations of lithium silicate/vanadium pentoxide interfacial lithium ion diffusion in thin film lithium ion-conducting devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Weiqun

The lithium ion diffusion behavior and mechanism in the glassy electrolyte and the electrolyte/cathode interface during the initial stage of lithium ion diffusing from electrolyte into cathode were investigated using Molecular Dynamics simulation technique. Lithium aluminosilicate glass electrolytes with different R (ratio of the concentration of Al to Li) were simulated. The structural features of the simulated glasses are analyzed using Radial Distribution Function (RDF) and Pair Distribution Function (PDF). The diffusion coefficient and activation energy of lithium ion diffusion in simulated lithium aluminosilicate glasses were calculated and the values are consistent with those in experimental glasses. The behavior of lithium ion diffusion from the glassy electrolyte into a polycrystalline layered intercalation cathode has been studied. The solid electrolyte was a model lithium silicate glass while the cathode was a nanocrystalline vanadia with amorphous V2O5 intergranular films (IGF) between the V2O5 crystals. Two different orientations between the V2O5 crystal planes are presented for lithium ion intercalation via the amorphous vanadia IGF. A series of polycrystalline vanadia cathodes with 1.3, 1.9, 2.9 and 4.4 nm thickness IGFs were simulated to examine the effects of the IGF thickness on lithium ion transport in the polycrystalline vanadia cathodes. The simulated results showed that the lithium ions diffused from the glassy electrolyte into the IGF of the polycrystalline vanadia cathode and then part of those lithium ions diffused into the crystalline V2O5 from the IGF. The simulated results also showed an ordering of the vanadium ion structure in the IGF near the IGF/V2 O5 interface. The ordering structure still existed with glass former silica additive in IGF. Additionally, 2.9 run is suggested to be the optimal thickness of the IGF, which is neither too thick to decrease the capacity of the cathode nor too thin to impede the transport of lithium from

Performance and Structural Evolution of Nano-Scale Infiltrated Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Cathodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Call, Ann Virginia

low pO2. The cells were subjected to life testing at temperatures between 650°C and 800°C for as long as 1500 h. EIS measurements, carried out periodically during the life tests, were done in air at 600°C, a typical expected intermediate-temperature SOFC operating temperature. These were accelerated tests because the aging temperatures > 600ºC should accelerate most degradation processes such as nano-particle coarsening. Long-term RP versus time data was fitted to a combined surface resistance and coarsening kinetics model, and a t0.25 power law coarsening model was found to provide the best fits to the data, suggesting that surface diffusion is the dominant mass transport pathway in SSC-GDC infiltrated cathodes. That is, cathode degradation was due primarily to the coarsening-induced decrease in active SSC surface area. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) performed after electrochemical life testing confirmed the extent of coarsening of the SSC nanoparticles. The model is used to make predictions regarding long-term stability of infiltrated SSC electrodes, and is also compared with prior results on a similar perovskite MIEC electrode, LSCF. An important new finding is that increasing infiltration loadings yields a marked decrease in the long term degradation rate. Predictions based on accelerated life tests found the lowest possible operating temperature while achieving a degradation rate of 0.5% per kh is 595°C, corresponding to an initial particle size of 40 nm.

Porous nitrogen-doped carbon nanosheet on graphene as metal-free catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction in air-cathode microbial fuel cells.

PubMed

Wen, Qing; Wang, Shaoyun; Yan, Jun; Cong, Lijie; Chen, Ye; Xi, Hongyuan

2014-02-01

Porous nitrogen-doped carbon nanosheet on graphene (PNCN) was used as an alternative cathode catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in air-cathode microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Here we report a novel, low-cost, scalable, synthetic method for preparation of PNCN via the carbonization of graphite oxide-polyaniline hybrid (GO-PANI), subsequently followed by KOH activation treatment. Due to its high concentration of nitrogen and high specific surface area, PNCN exhibited an excellent catalytic activity for ORR. As a result, the maximum power density of 1159.34mWm(-2) obtained with PNCN catalyst was higher than that of Pt/C catalyst (858.49mWm(-2)) in a MFC. Therefore, porous nitrogen-doped carbon nanosheet could be a good alternative to Pt catalyst in MFCs. © 2013.

Photoemission experiments of a large area scandate dispenser cathode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Huang; Liu, Xing-guang; Chen, Yi; Chen, De-biao; Jiang, Xiao-guo; Yang, An-min; Xia, Lian-sheng; Zhang, Kai-zhi; Shi, Jin-shui; Zhang, Lin-wen

2010-09-01

A 100-mm-diameter scandate dispenser cathode was tested as a photocathode with a 10 ns Nd:YAG laser (266 nm) on an injector test stand for linear induction accelerators. This thermionic dispenser cathode worked at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 930 °C (below or near the thermionic emission threshold) while the vacuum was better than 4×10 -7 Torr. The laser pulse was synchronized with a 120 ns diode voltage pulse stably and they were in single pulse mode. Emission currents were measured by a Faraday cup. The maximum peak current collected at the anode was about 100 A. The maximum quantum efficiency measured at low laser power was 2.4×10 -4. Poisoning effect due to residual gas was obvious and uninterrupted heating was needed to keep cathode's emission capability. The cathode was exposed to air one time between experiments and recovered after being reconditioned. Photoemission uniformity of the cathode was also explored by changing the laser spot's position.

Analysis of opposed jet hydrogen-air counter flow diffusion flame

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ho, Y. H.; Isaac, K. M.

1989-01-01

A computational simulation of the opposed-jet diffusion flame is performed to study its structure and extinction limits. The present analysis concentrates on the nitrogen-diluted hydrogen-air diffusion flame, which provides the basic information for many vehicle designs such as the aerospace plane for which hydrogen is a candidate as the fuel. The computer program uses the time-marching technique to solve the energy and species equations coupled with the momentum equation solved by the collocation method. The procedure is implemented in two stages. In the first stage, a one-step forward overal chemical reaction is chosen with the gas phase chemical reaction rate determined by comparison with experimental data. In the second stage, a complete chemical reaction mechanism is introduced with detailed thermodynamic and transport property calculations. Comparison between experimental extinction data and theoretical predictions is discussed. The effects of thermal diffusion as well as Lewis number and Prandtl number variations on the diffusion flame are also presented.

Effect of high donor number solvent and cathode morphology on interfacial processes in Li-air batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kislenko, S. A.

2018-01-01

The work is focused on the investigation of the effect of solvent and carbon cathode morphology on the performance of Li-air batteries. Molecular dynamics simulation was used to explore the interfacial behavior of the main reactants (O2 and Li+) of the oxygen reduction reaction in high donor number solvent dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at the following carbon surfaces: graphene plane, graphene edge, nanotube. It was shown that the adsorption barrier of O2 molecules decreases in the order graphene plane > nanotube > graphene edge, leading to the fastest adsorption kinetics on graphene edges. Strong solvation of Li+ in DMSO prevents ions adsorption on defect-free graphene planes and nanotubes, which is qualitatively different from low donor number solvents, such as acetonitrile. It can be concluded from these results, that nucleation and growth of discharge products in DMSO is shifted from the surface towards the solvent bulk that, in turn, leads to capacity increase of Li-air batteries.

Air-cooled, hydrogen-air fuel cell

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shelekhin, Alexander B. (Inventor); Bushnell, Calvin L. (Inventor); Pien, Michael S. (Inventor)

1999-01-01

An air-cooled, hydrogen-air solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) fuel cell with a membrane electrode assembly operatively associated with a fluid flow plate having at least one plate cooling channel extending through the plate and at least one air distribution hole extending from a surface of the cathode flow field into the plate cooling channel.

Cathode architectures for alkali metal / oxygen batteries

DOEpatents

Visco, Steven J; Nimon, Vitaliy; De Jonghe, Lutgard C; Volfkovich, Yury; Bograchev, Daniil

2015-01-13

Electrochemical energy storage devices, such as alkali metal-oxygen battery cells (e.g., non-aqueous lithium-air cells), have a cathode architecture with a porous structure and pore composition that is tailored to improve cell performance, especially as it pertains to one or more of the discharge/charge rate, cycle life, and delivered ampere-hour capacity. A porous cathode architecture having a pore volume that is derived from pores of varying radii wherein the pore size distribution is tailored as a function of the architecture thickness is one way to achieve one or more of the aforementioned cell performance improvements.

MEASUREMENT OF EFFECTIVE AIR DIFFUSION COEFFICIENTS FOR TRICHLOROETHENE IN UNDISTURBED SOIL CORES. (R826162)

EPA Science Inventory

Abstract

In this study, we measure effective diffusion coefficients for trichloroethene in undisturbed soil samples taken from Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey. The measured effective diffusion coefficients ranged from 0.0053 to 0.0609 cm²/s over a range of air...

Air breathing direct methanol fuel cell

DOEpatents

Ren, Xiaoming; Gottesfeld, Shimshon

2002-01-01

An air breathing direct methanol fuel cell is provided with a membrane electrode assembly, a conductive anode assembly that is permeable to air and directly open to atmospheric air, and a conductive cathode assembly that is permeable to methanol and directly contacting a liquid methanol source. Water loss from the cell is minimized by making the conductive cathode assembly hydrophobic and the conductive anode assembly hydrophilic.

Bio-electrochemical characterization of air-cathode microbial fuel cells with microporous polyethylene/silica membrane as separator.

PubMed

Kircheva, Nina; Outin, Jonathan; Perrier, Gérard; Ramousse, Julien; Merlin, Gérard; Lyautey, Emilie

2015-12-01

The aim of this work was to study the behavior over time of a separator made of a low-cost and non-selective microporous polyethylene membrane (RhinoHide®) in an air-cathode microbial fuel cell with a reticulated vitreous carbon foam bioanode. Performances of the microporous polyethylene membrane (RhinoHide®) were compared with Nafion®-117 as a cationic exchange membrane. A non-parametric test (Mann-Whitney) done on the different sets of coulombic or energy efficiency data showed no significant difference between the two types of tested membrane (p<0.05). Volumetric power densities were ranging from 30 to 90 W·m(-3) of RVC foam for both membranes. Similar amounts of biomass were observed on both sides of the polyethylene membrane illustrating bacterial permeability of this type of separator. A monospecific denitrifying population on cathodic side of RhinoHide® membrane has been identified. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used at OCV conditions to characterize electrochemical behavior of MFCs by equivalent electrical circuit fitted on both Nyquist and Bode plots. Resistances and pseudo-capacitances from EIS analyses do not differ in such a way that the nature of the membrane could be considered as responsible. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Li-air batteries: Decouple to stabilize

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Ji-Jing; Zhang, Xin-Bo

2017-09-01

The utilization of porous carbon cathodes in lithium-air batteries is hindered by their severe decomposition during battery cycling. Now, dual redox mediators are shown to decouple the complex electrochemical reactions at the cathode, avoiding cathode passivation and decomposition.

Analysis and experimental study on formation conditions of large-scale barrier-free diffuse atmospheric pressure air plasmas in repetitive pulse mode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Lee; Liu, Lun; Liu, Yun-Long; Bin, Yu; Ge, Ya-Feng; Lin, Fo-Chang

2014-01-01

Atmospheric air diffuse plasmas have enormous application potential in various fields of science and technology. Without dielectric barrier, generating large-scale air diffuse plasmas is always a challenging issue. This paper discusses and analyses the formation mechanism of cold homogenous plasma. It is proposed that generating stable diffuse atmospheric plasmas in open air should meet the three conditions: high transient power with low average power, excitation in low average E-field with locally high E-field region, and multiple overlapping electron avalanches. Accordingly, an experimental configuration of generating large-scale barrier-free diffuse air plasmas is designed. Based on runaway electron theory, a low duty-ratio, high voltage repetitive nanosecond pulse generator is chosen as a discharge excitation source. Using the wire-electrodes with small curvature radius, the gaps with highly non-uniform E-field are structured. Experimental results show that the volume-scaleable, barrier-free, homogeneous air non-thermal plasmas have been obtained between the gap spacing with the copper-wire electrodes. The area of air cold plasmas has been up to hundreds of square centimeters. The proposed formation conditions of large-scale barrier-free diffuse air plasmas are proved to be reasonable and feasible.

In Situ X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy Studies of Discharge Reactions in a Thick Cathode of a Lithium Sulfur Battery

DOE PAGES

Wujcik, Kevin H.; Wang, Dunyang Rita; Pascal, Tod A.; ...

2016-12-01

Lithium sulfur (Li-S) batteries are well known for their high theoretical specific capacities, but are plagued with scientific obstacles that make practical implementation of the technology impossible. The success of Li-S batteries will likely necessitate the use of thick sulfur cathodes that enable high specific energy densities. However, little is known about the fundamental reaction mechanisms and chemical processes that take place in thick cathodes, as most research has focused on studying thinner cathodes that enable high performance. In this study, in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy at the sulfur K-edge is used to examine the back of a 115 μmmore » thick Li-S cathode during discharge. Our results show that in such systems, where electrochemical reactions between sulfur and lithium are likely to proceed preferentially toward the front of the cathode, lithium polysulfide dianions formed in this region diffuse to the back of the cathode during discharge. We show that high conversion of elemental sulfur is achieved by chemical reactions between elemental sulfur and polysulfide dianions of intermediate chain length (Li 2S x, 4 ≤ x ≤ 6). Our work suggests that controlling the formation and diffusion of intermediate chain length polysulfide dianions is crucial for insuring full utilization of thick sulfur cathodes.« less

Mixed Polyanion Glass Cathodes: Mixed Alkali Effect

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kercher, A. K.; Chapel, A. S.; Kolopus, J. A.

2017-01-01

In lithium-ion batteries, mixed polyanion glass cathodes have demonstrated high capacities (200-500 mAh/g) by undergoing conversion and intercalation reactions. Mixed polyanion glasses typically have the same fundamental issues as other conversion cathodes, i.e.: large hysteresis, capacity fade, and 1st-cycle irreversible loss. A key advantage of glass cathodes is the ability to tailor their composition to optimize the desired physical properties and electrochemical performance. The strong dependence of glass physical properties (e.g., ionic diffusivity, electrical conductivity, and chemical durability) on the composition of alkali mixtures in a glass is well known and has been named the mixed alkali effect. The mixedmore » alkali effect on battery electrochemical properties is reported here for the first time. Depending on glass composition, the mixed alkali effect is shown to improve capacity retention during cycling (from 39% to 50% after 50 cycle test), to reduce the 1st-cycle irreversible loss (from 41% to 22%), and improve the high power (500 mA/g) capacity (from 50% to 67% of slow discharge capacity).« less

Contribution of Atmospheric Diffusion Conditions to the Recent Improvement in Air Quality in China

PubMed Central

Wang, Xiaoyan; Wang, Kaicun; Su, Liangyuan

2016-01-01

This study analyzed hourly mass concentration observations of PM2.5 (particulate matters with diameter less than 2.5 μm) at 512 stations in China from December 2013 to May 2015. We found that the mean concentrations of PM2.5 during the winter and spring of 2015 Dec. 2014 to Feb. 2015 and Mar. 2015 to May 2015) decreased by 20% and 14% compared to the previous year, respectively. Hazardous air-quality days decreased by 11% in 2015 winter, with more frequent good to unhealthy days; and the good and moderate air-quality days in 2015 spring increased by 9% corresponding to the less occurrence of unhealthy conditions. We compared the atmospheric diffusion conditions during these two years and quantified its contribution to the improvement of air quality during the first half of 2015 over China. Our results show that during the 2015 winter and spring, 70% and 57% of the 512 stations experienced more favorable atmospheric diffusion conditions compared to those of previous year. Over central and northern China, approximately 40% of the total decrease in PM2.5 during the 2015 winter can be attributed to the favorable atmospheric diffusion conditions. The atmospheric diffusion conditions during the spring of 2015 were not as favorable as in winter; and the average contributions of the atmospheric conditions were slight. PMID:27805030

Nanostructured MnO2-Based Cathodes for Li-Ion/Polymer Cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Skandan, Ganesh; Singhal, Amit

2005-01-01

Nanostructured MnO2-based cathodes for Li-ion/polymer electrochemical cells have been investigated in a continuing effort to develop safe, high-energy-density, reliable, low-toxicity, rechargeable batteries for a variety of applications in NASA programs and in mass-produced commercial electronic equipment. Whereas the energy densities of state-of-the-art lithium-ion/polymer batteries range from 150 to 175 W h/kg, the goal of this effort is to increase the typical energy density to about 250 W h/kg. It is also expected that an incidental benefit of this effort will be increases in power densities because the distances over which Li ions must diffuse through nanostructured cathode materials are smaller than those through solid bulk cathode materials.

Effects of proton exchange membrane on the performance and microbial community composition of air-cathode microbial fuel cells.

PubMed

Lee, Yun-Yeong; Kim, Tae Gwan; Cho, Kyung-Suk

2015-10-10

This study investigated the effects of proton exchange membranes (PEMs) on performance and microbial community of air-cathode microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Air-cathode MFCs with reactor volume of 1L were constructed in duplicate with or without PEM (designated as ACM-MFC and AC-MFC, respectively) and fed with a mixture of glucose and acetate (1:1, w:w). The maximum power density and coulombic efficiency did not differ between MFCs in the absence or presence of a PEM. However, PEM use adversely affected maximum voltage production and the rate of organic compound removal (p<0.05). Quantitative droplet digital PCR indicated that AC-MFCs had a greater bacterial population than ACM-MFCs (p<0.05). Likewise, ribosomal tag pyrosequencing revealed that the diversity index of bacterial communities was greater for AC-MFCs (p<0.05). Network analysis revealed that the most abundant genus was Enterococcus, which comprised ≥62% of the community and was positively associated with PEM and negatively associated with the rate of chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal (Pearson correlation>0.9 and p<0.05). Geobacter, which is known as an exoelectrogen, was positively associated with maximum power density and negatively associated with PEM. Thus, these results suggest that the absence of PEM favored the growth of Geobacter, a key player for electricity generation in MFC systems. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that MFC systems without PEM are more efficient with respect to power production and COD removal as well as exoelectrogen growth. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Estimation of the temporary service life of DC arc plasmatron cathode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kulygin, V. M.; Pereslavtsev, A. V.; Tresvyatskii, S. S.

2017-09-01

The service life of the cathode of a DC arc plasmatron continuously working with tubular electrodes that operate in the air has been considered using the semi-phenomenological approach. The thermal emission, that ensures the necessary flow of electrons, and the evaporation of the cathode material, which determines its erosion, have been taken as the basic physical phenomena that constitute the workflow. The relationships that enable the estimation of the cathode's operating time have been obtained using the known regularities of these phenomena and experimental data available in the literature. The resulting evaluations coincide satisfactorily with the endurance test results.

The excellent performance of nest-like oxygen-deficient Cu1.5Mn1.5O4 applied in activated carbon air-cathode microbial fuel cell.

PubMed

Wang, Junjie; Tian, Pei; Li, Kexun; Ge, Baochao; Liu, Di; Liu, Yi; Yang, Tingting; Ren, Rong

2016-12-01

This study investigated the performance of nano spinel nest-like oxygen-deficient Cu 1.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 doping activated carbon (AC) as air cathode in microbial fuel cell (MFC). The Cu 1.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 was synthesized via hydrothermal method and subsequent annealed. The maximum power density (MPD) of MFC with oxygen-deficient Cu 1.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 modified cathode was 1928±18mWm -2 , which was 1.53 times higher than the bare cathode. The electrochemical studies showed that Cu 1.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 doping AC exhibited higher kinetic activity and lower resistance. The mechanism of oxygen reduction for the catalyst was a four electron pathway. The oxygen deficient of Cu 1.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 played an important role in catalytic activity. So Cu 1.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 would be an excellent promising catalyst for ORR in MFC. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

On transition from diffuse mode to the constricted one with high-current cathode spot in overvoltage open discharge in D2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akishev, Yu S.; Karalnik, V. B.; Medvedev, M. A.; Petryakov, A. V.; Trushkin, N. I.; Shafikov, A. G.

2017-11-01

So called “open discharges” in a narrow gap between the solid cathode and grid anode are widely used for generation of the pulsed high-current electron beams with energy up to 100 keV. The need to get high-energy e-beams leads to the necessity in using of strong overvoltage of the short gas gap with the reduced electric field of the order of 105 Td or higher. The discharge under strong overvoltage is unstable and tends to transit into high-current regime with low voltage. In the case of the open discharge in D2 at low pressure (about 0.5-2 Torr) and powered by stepwise voltage with amplitude up to 25 kV we revealed that this discharge exhibits two diffuse regimes which follow one by one and finally transits into the constricted mode with formation of high-current spots on the cathode. The physical properties of these gas discharge regimes have been explored in detail with the usage of the fast multi-frame camera synchronized with the current and voltage of discharge. Our findings promote more insight into physics of the overvoltage open discharge generating the e-beams with energy up to 25 keV.

Using elastin protein to develop highly efficient air cathodes for lithium-O2 batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Guilue; Yao, Xin; Ang, Huixiang; Tan, Huiteng; Zhang, Yu; Guo, Yuanyuan; Fong, Eileen; Yan, Qingyu

2016-01-01

Transition metal-nitrogen/carbon (M-N/C, M = Fe, Co) catalysts are synthesized using environmentally friendly histidine-tag-rich elastin protein beads, metal sulfate and water soluble carbon nanotubes followed by post-annealing and acid leaching processes. The obtained catalysts are used as cathode materials in lithium-O2 batteries. It has been discovered that during discharge, Li2O2 nanoparticles first nucleate and grow around the bead-decorated CNT regions (M-N/C centres) and coat on the catalysts at a high degree of discharge. The Fe-N/C catalyst-based cathodes deliver a capacity of 12 441 mAh g-1 at a current density of 100 mA g-1. When they were cycled at a limited capacity of 800 mAh g-1 at current densities of 200 or 400 mA g-1, these cathodes showed stable charge voltages of ˜3.65 or 3.90 V, corresponding to energy efficiencies of ˜71.2 or 65.1%, respectively. These results are considerably superior to those of the cathodes based on bare annealed CNTs, which prove that the Fe-N/C catalysts developed here are promising for use in non-aqueous lithium-O2 battery cathodes.

In situ study of Li-ions diffusion and deformation in Li-rich cathode materials by using scanning probe microscopy techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeng, Kaiyang; Li, Tao; Tian, Tian

2017-08-01

In this paper, the scanning probe microscopy (SPM) based techniques, namely, conductive-AFM, electrochemical strain microscopy (ESM) and AM-FM (amplitude modulation-frequency modulation) techniques, are used to in situ characterize the changes in topography, conductivity and elastic properties of Li-rich layered oxide cathode (Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2) materials, in the form of nanoparticles, when subject to the external electric field. Nanoparticles are the basic building blocks for composite cathode in a Li-ion rechargeable battery. Characterization of the structure and electrochemical properties of the nanoparticles is very important to understand the performance and reliability of the battery materials and devices. In this study, the conductivity, deformation and mechanical properties of the Li-rich oxide nanoparticles under different polarities of biases are studied using the above-mentioned SPM techniques. This information can be correlated with the Li+-ion diffusion and migration in the particles under external electrical field. The results also confirm that the SPM techniques are ideal tools to study the changes in various properties of electrode materials at nano- to micro-scales during or after the ‘simulated’ battery operation conditions. These techniques can also be used to in situ characterize the electrochemical performances of other energy storage materials, especially in the form of the nanoparticles.

Non-isothermal electrochemical model for lithium-ion cells with composite cathodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basu, Suman; Patil, Rajkumar S.; Ramachandran, Sanoop; Hariharan, Krishnan S.; Kolake, Subramanya Mayya; Song, Taewon; Oh, Dukjin; Yeo, Taejung; Doo, Seokgwang

2015-06-01

Transition metal oxide cathodes for Li-ion batteries offer high energy density and high voltage. Composites of these materials have shown excellent life expectancy and improved thermal performance. In the present work, a comprehensive non-isothermal electrochemical model for a Lithium ion cell with a composite cathode is developed. The present work builds on lithium concentration-dependent diffusivity and thermal gradient of cathode potential, obtained from experiments. The model validation is performed for a wide range of temperature and discharge rates. Excellent agreement is found for high and room temperature with moderate success at low temperatures, which can be attributed to the low fidelity of material properties at low temperature. Although the cell operation is limited by electronic conductivity of NCA at room temperature, at low temperatures a shift in controlling process is seen, and operation is limited by electrolyte transport. At room temperature, the lithium transport in Cathode appears to be the main source of heat generation with entropic heat as the primary contributor at low discharge rates and ohmic heat at high discharge rates respectively. Improvement in electronic conductivity of the cathode is expected to improve the performance of these composite cathodes and pave way for its wider commercialization.

Insights into PEMFC Performance Degradation from HCl in Air

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

O Baturina; A Epshteyn; P Northrup

2011-12-31

The performance degradation of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is studied in the presence of HCl in the air stream. The cathode employing carbon-supported platinum nanoparticles (Pt/C) was exposed to 4 ppm HCl in air while the cell voltage was held at 0.6 V. The HCl poisoning results in generation of chloride and chloroplatinate ions on the surface of Pt/C catalyst as determined by a combination of electrochemical tests and ex-situ chlorine K-edge X-Ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. The chloride ions inhibit the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and likely affect the wetting properties of diffusion media/catalyst layer,more » while the chloroplatinate ions are responsible for enhanced platinum particle growth most likely due to platinum dissolution-redeposition. The chloride ions can cause corrosion of the Pt nanoparticles in the presence of aqueous HCl in air even if no potential is applied. Although the majority of chloride ions are desorbed from the Pt surface by hydrogen treatment of the cathode, they partially remain in the system and re-adsorb on platinum at cell voltages of 0.5-0.9 V. Chloride ions are removed from the system and fuel cell performance at 0.5-0.7 V is restored by multiple exposures to low potentials.« less

Note: Measurement of the cathode layer thickness in glow discharges with a Langmuir probe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Hao; Hou, Xinyu; Zou, Xiaobing; Luo, Haiyun; Wang, Xinxin

2018-06-01

A method using a Langmuir probe to determine the thickness of the cathode layer for a glow discharge is developed. The method is based on the phenomenon that the curve of the voltage-current characteristics changes in shape as the Langmuir probe moves from the positive column into the cathode layer. The method was used to measure the thicknesses of the cathode layer in the normal glow discharges of argon and air with the cathodes made from stainless steel and aluminum. The results are in good agreement with those given in a book of gas discharge.

Improved Rare-Earth Emitter Hollow Cathode

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goebel, Dan M.

2011-01-01

An improvement has been made to the design of the hollow cathode geometry that was created for the rare-earth electron emitter described in Compact Rare Earth Emitter Hollow Cathode (NPO-44923), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 34, No. 3 (March 2010), p. 52. The original interior assembly was made entirely of graphite in order to be compatible with the LaB6 material, which cannot be touched by metals during operation due to boron diffusion causing embrittlement issues in high-temperature refractory materials. Also, the graphite tube was difficult to machine and was subject to vibration-induced fracturing. This innovation replaces the graphite tube with one made out of refractory metal that is relatively easy to manufacture. The cathode support tube is made of molybdenum or molybdenum-rhenium. This material is easily gun-bored to near the tolerances required, and finish machined with steps at each end that capture the orifice plate and the mounting flange. This provides the manufacturability and robustness needed for flight applications, and eliminates the need for expensive e-beam welding used in prior cathodes. The LaB6 insert is protected from direct contact with the refractory metal tube by thin, graphite sleeves in a cup-arrangement around the ends of the insert. The sleeves, insert, and orifice plate are held in place by a ceramic spacer and tungsten spring inserted inside the tube. To heat the cathode, an insulating tube is slipped around the refractory metal hollow tube, which can be made of high-temperature materials like boron nitride or aluminum nitride. A screw-shaped slot, or series of slots, is machined in the outside of the ceramic tube to constrain a refractory metal wire wound inside the slot that is used as the heater. The screw slot can hold a single heater wire that is then connected to the front of the cathode tube by tack-welding to complete the electrical circuit, or it can be a double slot that takes a bifilar wound heater with both leads coming out

Enhancement of electricity production in a mediatorless air-cathode microbial fuel cell using Klebsiella sp. IR21.

PubMed

Lee, Yun-Yeong; Kim, Tae Gwan; Cho, Kyung-Suk

2016-06-01

A novel dissimilatory iron-reducing bacteria, Klebsiella sp. IR21, was isolated from the anode biofilm of an MFC reactor. Klebsiella sp. IR21 reduced 27.8 % of ferric iron to ferrous iron demonstrating that Klebsiella sp. IR21 has electron transfer ability. Additionally, Klebsiella sp. IR21 generated electricity forming a biofilm on the anode surface. When a pure culture of Klebsiella sp. IR21 was supplied into a single chamber, air-cathode MFC fed with a mixture of glucose and acetate (500 mg L(-1) COD), 40-60 mV of voltage (17-26 mA m(-2) of current density) was produced. Klebsiella sp. IR21 was also utilized as a biocatalyst to improve the electrical performance of a conventional MFC reactor. A single chamber, air-cathode MFC was fed with reject wastewater (10,000 mg L(-1) COD) from a H2 fermentation reactor. The average voltage, current density, and power density were 142.9 ± 25.74 mV, 60.5 ± 11.61 mA m(-2), and 8.9 ± 3.65 mW m(-2), respectively, in the MFC without inoculation of Klebsiella sp. IR21. However, these electrical performances of the MFC were significantly increased to 204.7 ± 40.24 mV, 87.5 ± 17.20 mA m(-2), and 18.6 ± 7.23 mW m(-2), respectively, with inoculation of Klebsiella sp. IR21. The results indicate that Klebsiella sp. IR21 can be utilized as a biocatalyst for enhancement of electrical performance in MFC systems.

From Coating to Dopant: How the Transition Metal Composition Affects Alumina Coatings on Ni-Rich Cathodes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Han, Binghong; Key, Baris; Lapidus, Saul H.

Surface alumina coatings have been shown to be an effective way to improve the stability and cyclability of cathode materials. However, a detailed understanding of the relationship between the surface coatings and the bulk layered oxides is needed to better define the critical cathode–electrolyte interface. In this work, we systematically studied the effect of the composition of Ni-rich LiNi xMn yCo 1–x–yO 2 (NMC) on the surface alumina coatings. Changing cathode composition from LiNi 0.5Mn 0.3Co 0.2O 2 (NMC532) to LiNi 0.6Mn 0.2Co 0.2O 2 (NMC622) and LiNi 0.8Mn 0.1Co 0.1O 2 (NMC811) was found to facilitate the diffusion ofmore » surface alumina into the bulk after high-temperature annealing. By use of a variety of spectroscopic techniques, Al was seen to have a high bulk compatibility with higher Ni/Co content, and low bulk compatibility was associated with Mn in the transition metal layer. It was also noted that the cathode composition affected the observed morphology and surface chemistry of the coated material, which has an effect on electrochemical cycling. The presence of a high surface Li concentration and strong alumina diffusion into the bulk led to a smoother surface coating on NMC811 with no excess alumina aggregated on the surface. Structural characterization of pristine NMC particles also suggests surface Co segregation, which may act to mediate the diffusion of the Al from the surface to the bulk. The diffusion of Al into the bulk was found to be detrimental to the protection function of surface coatings leading to poor overall cyclability, indicating the importance of compatibility between surface coatings and bulk oxides on the electrochemical performance of coated cathode materials.In conclusion, these results are important in developing a better coating method for synthesis of next-generation cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries.« less

From Coating to Dopant: How the Transition Metal Composition Affects Alumina Coatings on Ni-Rich Cathodes

DOE PAGES

Han, Binghong; Key, Baris; Lapidus, Saul H.; ...

2017-11-01

Surface alumina coatings have been shown to be an effective way to improve the stability and cyclability of cathode materials. However, a detailed understanding of the relationship between the surface coatings and the bulk layered oxides is needed to better define the critical cathode–electrolyte interface. In this work, we systematically studied the effect of the composition of Ni-rich LiNi xMn yCo 1–x–yO 2 (NMC) on the surface alumina coatings. Changing cathode composition from LiNi 0.5Mn 0.3Co 0.2O 2 (NMC532) to LiNi 0.6Mn 0.2Co 0.2O 2 (NMC622) and LiNi 0.8Mn 0.1Co 0.1O 2 (NMC811) was found to facilitate the diffusion ofmore » surface alumina into the bulk after high-temperature annealing. By use of a variety of spectroscopic techniques, Al was seen to have a high bulk compatibility with higher Ni/Co content, and low bulk compatibility was associated with Mn in the transition metal layer. It was also noted that the cathode composition affected the observed morphology and surface chemistry of the coated material, which has an effect on electrochemical cycling. The presence of a high surface Li concentration and strong alumina diffusion into the bulk led to a smoother surface coating on NMC811 with no excess alumina aggregated on the surface. Structural characterization of pristine NMC particles also suggests surface Co segregation, which may act to mediate the diffusion of the Al from the surface to the bulk. The diffusion of Al into the bulk was found to be detrimental to the protection function of surface coatings leading to poor overall cyclability, indicating the importance of compatibility between surface coatings and bulk oxides on the electrochemical performance of coated cathode materials.In conclusion, these results are important in developing a better coating method for synthesis of next-generation cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries.« less

Strain-induced extinction of hydrogen-air counterflow diffusion flames - Effects of steam, CO2, N2, and O2 additives to air

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pellett, G. L.; Northam, G. B.; Wilson, L. G.

1992-01-01

A fundamental study was performed using axisymmetric nozzle and tubular opposed jet burners to measure the effects of laminar plug flow and parabolic input velocity profiles on the extinction limits of H2-air counterflow diffusion flames. Extinction limits were quantified by 'flame strength', (average axial air jet velocity) at blowoff of the central flame. The effects of key air contaminants, on the extinction limits, are characterized and analyzed relative to utilization of combustion contaminated vitiated air in high enthalpy supersonic test facilities.

Li 3Mo 4P 5O 24: A two-electron cathode for lithium-ion batteries with three-dimensional diffusion pathways

DOE PAGES

Wen, Bohua; Khalifah, Peter G.; Liu, Jue; ...

2016-04-12

The structure of the novel compound Li 3Mo 4P 5O 24 has been solved from single crystal X-ray diffraction data. The Mo cations in Li 3Mo 4P 5O 24 are present in four distinct types of MoO 6 octahedra, each of which has one open vertex at the corner participating in a Mo=O double bond and whose other five corners are shared with PO 4 tetrahedra. On the basis of a bond valence sum difference map (BVS-DM) analysis, this framework is predicted to support the facile diffusion of Li + ions, a hypothesis that is confirmed by electrochemical testing data,more » which show that Li 3Mo 4P 5O 24 can be utilized as a rechargeable battery cathode material. It is found that Li can both be removed from and inserted into Li 3Mo 4P 5O 24. The involvement of multiple redox processes occurring at the same Mo site is reflected in electrochemical plateaus around 3.8 V associated with the Mo 6+/Mo 5+ redox couple and 2.2 V associated with the Mo 5+/Mo 4+ redox couple. The two-electron redox properties of Mo cations in this structure lead to a theoretical capacity of 198 mAh/g. When cycled between 2.0 and 4.3 V versus Li +/Li, an initial capacity of 113 mAh/g is observed with 80% of this capacity retained over the first 20 cycles. Lastly, this compound therefore represents a rare example of a solid state cathode able to support two-electron redox capacity and provides important general insights about pathways for designing next-generation cathodes with enhanced specific capacities.« less

Advection-diffusion model for the simulation of air pollution distribution from a point source emission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ulfah, S.; Awalludin, S. A.; Wahidin

2018-01-01

Advection-diffusion model is one of the mathematical models, which can be used to understand the distribution of air pollutant in the atmosphere. It uses the 2D advection-diffusion model with time-dependent to simulate air pollution distribution in order to find out whether the pollutants are more concentrated at ground level or near the source of emission under particular atmospheric conditions such as stable, unstable, and neutral conditions. Wind profile, eddy diffusivity, and temperature are considered in the model as parameters. The model is solved by using explicit finite difference method, which is then visualized by a computer program developed using Lazarus programming software. The results show that the atmospheric conditions alone influencing the level of concentration of pollutants is not conclusive as the parameters in the model have their own effect on each atmospheric condition.

Molecular dynamics simulations of Li transport between cathode crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garofalini, S. H.

The molecular dynamics (MD) computer simulation technique has been used to study the effect of an amorphous intergranular film (IGF) present in a polycrystalline cathode on Li transport. The solid electrolyte is a model lithium silicate glass while the cathode is a nanocrystalline vanadia with an amorphous V 2O 5 IGF separating the crystals. Thin (˜1 to a few nanometer thick) IGFs are known to be present in most polycrystalline oxide materials. However, the role of such a film on Li transport in oxide cathodes has not been addressed. Current scanning probe microscopy (SPM) studies have shown that the orientation of the layered nanocrystalline vanadia crystals near the cathode/solid electrolyte interface is not optimized for Li ion transport. While the precise structure of the material between the crystals has not been identified, initially it can be initially considered as likely to be a thin non-crystalline (amorphous) film. This is based on the ubiquitous presence of such a structure in other polycrystalline oxides. Also, and with more relevance to the materials used in thin film batteries, an amorphous film can be expected to form between nanocrystals that crystallized from an amorphous matrix, as would be the case in a deposited thin film cathode. Consistent with simulations of Li transport in amorphous vanadia, the current simulations show that Li ions diffuse more rapidly into the amorphous intergranular thin film than into the layered vanadia with the (0 0 1) planes parallel to the cathode/electrolyte interface.

Sintered wire cathode

DOEpatents

Falce, Louis R [San Jose, CA; Ives, R Lawrence [Saratoga, CA

2009-06-09

A porous cathode structure is fabricated from a plurality of wires which are placed in proximity to each other in elevated temperature and pressure for a sintering time. The sintering process produces the porous cathode structure which may be divided into a plurality of individual porous cathodes, one of which may be placed into a dispenser cathode support which includes a cavity for containing a work function reduction material such as BaO, CaO, and Al.sub.2O.sub.3. The work function reduction material migrates through the pores of the porous cathode from a work replenishment surface adjacent to the cavity of the dispenser cathode support to an emitting cathode surface, thereby providing a dispenser cathode which has a uniform work function and therefore a uniform electron emission.

Mitigating external and internal cathode fouling using a polymer bonded separator in microbial fuel cells.

PubMed

Yang, Wulin; Rossi, Ruggero; Tian, Yushi; Kim, Kyoung-Yeol; Logan, Bruce E

2018-02-01

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) cathodes rapidly foul when treating domestic wastewater, substantially reducing power production over time. Here a wipe separator was chemically bonded to an activated carbon air cathode using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) to mitigate cathode fouling and extend cathode performance over time. MFCs with separator-bonded cathodes produced a maximum power density of 190 ± 30 mW m -2 after 2 months of operation using domestic wastewater, which was ∼220% higher than controls (60 ± 50 mW m -2 ) with separators that were not chemically bonded to the cathode. Less biomass (protein) was measured on the bonded separator surface than the non-bonded separator, indicating chemical bonding reduced external bio-fouling. Salt precipitation that contributed to internal fouling was also reduced using separator-bonded cathodes. Overall, the separator-bonded cathodes showed better performance over time by mitigating both external bio-fouling and internal salt fouling. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Exploring Lithium Deficiency in Layered Oxide Cathode for Li-Ion Battery

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cho, Sung-Jin; Uddin, Md-Jamal; Alaboina, Pankaj K.

Abstract or short description: The ever-growing demand for high capacity cathode materials is on the rise since the futuristic applications are knocking on the door. Conventional approach to developing such cathode relies on the lithium-excess materials to operate the cathode at high voltage and extract more lithium-ion. Yet, they fail to satiate the needs because of their unresolved issues upon cycling such as, for lithium manganese-rich layered oxides – their voltage fading, and for as nickel-based layered oxides – the structural transition. Here, in contrast, lithium-deficient ratio is demonstrated as a new approach to attain high capacity at high voltagemore » for layered oxide cathodes. Rapid and cost effective lithiation of a porous hydroxide precursor with lithium deficient ratio acted as a driving force to partially convert the layered material to spinel phase yielding in a multiphase structure (MPS) cathode material. Upon cycling, MPS revealed structural stability at high voltage and high temperature and resulted in fast lithium-ion diffusion by providing a distinctive SEI chemistry – MPS displayed minimum lithium loss in SEI and formed a thinner SEI. MPS thus offer high energy and high power applications and provides a new perspective compared to the conventional layered cathode materials denying the focus for lithium excess material.« less

Ferroelectric Emission Cathodes for Low-Power Electric Propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kovaleski, Scott D.; Burke, Tom (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Low- or no-flow electron emitters are required for low-power electric thrusters, spacecraft plasma contactors, and electrodynamic tether systems to reduce or eliminate the need for propellant/expellant. Expellant-less neutralizers can improve the viability of very low-power colloid thrusters, field emission electric propulsion devices, ion engines, Hall thrusters, and gridded vacuum arc thrusters. The NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) is evaluating ferroelectric emission (FEE) cathodes as zero expellant flow rate cathode sources for the applications listed above. At GRC, low voltage (100s to approx. 1500 V) operation of FEE cathodes is examined. Initial experiments, with unipolar, bipolar, and RF burst applied voltage, have produced current pulses 250 to 1000 ns in duration with peak currents of up to 2 A at voltages at or below 1500 V. In particular, FEE cathodes driven by RF burst voltages from 1400 to 2000 V peak to peak, at burst frequencies from 70 to 400 kHz, emitted average current densities from 0.1 to 0.7 A/sq cm. Pulse repeatability as a function of input voltage has been initially established. Reliable emission has been achieved in air background at pressures as high as 10(exp -6) Torr.

Effect of Soret diffusion on lean hydrogen/air flames at normal and elevated pressure and temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Zhen; Hernández-Pérez, Francisco E.; Shoshin, Yuriy; van Oijen, Jeroen A.; de Goey, Laurentius P. H.

2017-09-01

The influence of Soret diffusion on lean premixed flames propagating in hydrogen/air mixtures is numerically investigated with a detailed chemical and transport models at normal and elevated pressure and temperature. The Soret diffusion influence on the one-dimensional (1D) flame mass burning rate and two-dimensional (2D) flame propagating characteristics is analysed, revealing a strong dependency on flame stretch rate, pressure and temperature. For 1D flames, at normal pressure and temperature, with an increase of Karlovitz number from 0 to 0.4, the mass burning rate is first reduced and then enhanced by Soret diffusion of H2 while it is reduced by Soret diffusion of H. The influence of Soret diffusion of H2 is enhanced by pressure and reduced by temperature. On the contrary, the influence of Soret diffusion of H is reduced by pressure and enhanced by temperature. For 2D flames, at normal pressure and temperature, during the early phase of flame evolution, flames with Soret diffusion display more curved flame cells. Pressure enhances this effect, while temperature reduces it. The influence of Soret diffusion of H2 on the global consumption speed is enhanced at elevated pressure. The influence of Soret diffusion of H on the global consumption speed is enhanced at elevated temperature. The flame evolution is more affected by Soret diffusion in the early phase of propagation than in the long run due to the local enrichment of H2 caused by flame curvature effects. The present study provides new insights into the Soret diffusion effect on the characteristics of lean hydrogen/air flames at conditions that are relevant to practical applications, e.g. gas engines and turbines.

Doped carbon-sulfur species nanocomposite cathode for Li--S batteries

DOEpatents

Wang, Donghai; Xu, Tianren; Song, Jiangxuan

2015-12-29

We report a heteroatom-doped carbon framework that acts both as conductive network and polysulfide immobilizer for lithium-sulfur cathodes. The doped carbon forms chemical bonding with elemental sulfur and/or sulfur compound. This can significantly inhibit the diffusion of lithium polysulfides in the electrolyte, leading to high capacity retention and high coulombic efficiency.

Investigation of a Mercury-Argon Hot Cathode Discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wamsley, Robert Charles

Classical absorption and laser induced fluorescence (LIF) experiments are used to investigate processes in the cathode region of a Hg-Ar hot cathode discharge. The absorption and LIF measurements are used to test the qualitative understanding and develop a quantitative model of a hot cathode discharge. The main contribution of this thesis is a model of the negative glow region that demonstrates the importance of Penning ionization to the ionization balance in the negative glow. We modeled the excited argon balance equation using a Monte Carlo simulation. In this simulation we used the trapped radiative decay rate of the resonance levels and the Penning ionization rate as the dominant loss terms in the balance equation. The simulated data is compared to and found to agree with absolute excited argon densities measured in a classical absorption experiment. We found the primary production rate per unit volume of excited Ar atoms in the simulation is sharply peaked near the cathode hot spot. We used the ion production rate from this simulation and a Green's function solution to the ambipolar diffusion equation to calculate the contribution of Penning ionization to the total ion density. We compared the results of this calculation to our experimental values of the Hg ^+ densities in the negative glow. We found that Penning ionization is an important and possibly the dominant ionization process in the negative glow.

Synergistic Effects between Doped Nitrogen and Phosphorus in Metal-Free Cathode for Zinc-Air Battery from Covalent Organic Frameworks Coated CNT.

PubMed

Li, Zhongtao; Zhao, Weinan; Yin, Changzhi; Wei, Liangqin; Wu, Wenting; Hu, Zhenpeng; Wu, Mingbo

2017-12-27

A covalent organic framework that is composed of hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene and dicyanamide has been coated on CNT to prepare metal-free oxygen reduction reaction catalyst through thermal polymerization of the Zn-air battery cathode. The N,P-codoped nanohybrids have highly porous structure and active synergistic effect between graphitic-N and -P, which promoted the electrocatalytic performance. The electrocatalysts exhibits remarkable half-wave potential (-0.162 V), high current density (6.1 mA/cm -2 ), good stability (83%), and excellent methanol tolerance for ORR in alkaline solution. Furthermore, the N,P-codoped nanohybrids were used as an air electrode for fabrication of a high performance Zn-air battery. The battery achieves a high open-circuit potential (1.53 V) and peak power density (0.255 W cm -2 ). Moreover, the effect of N,P codoping on the conjugate carbon system and the synergistic effect between graphitic-N and P have been calculated through density functional theory calculations, which are essentially in agreement with experimental data.

Synthesis cathode material LiNi0.80Co0.15Al0.05O2 with two step solid-state method under air stream

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Shubiao; Zhang, Yingjie; Dong, Peng; Zhang, Yannan

2014-01-01

A facile generic strategy of solid-state reaction under air atmosphere is employed to prepare LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 layer structure micro-sphere as cathodes for Li-ion batteries. The impurity phase has been eliminated wholly without changing the R-3m space group of LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2. The electrochemical performance of LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 cathodes depend on the sintering step, temperature, particle size and uniformity. The sample pre-sintered at 540 °C for 12 h and then sintered at 720 °C for 28 h exhibits the best electrochemical performance, which delivers a reversible capacity of 180.4, 165.8, 154.7 and 135.6 mAhg-1 at 0.2 C, 1 C, 2 C and 5 C, respectively. The capacity retention keeps over 87% after 76 cycles at 1 C. This method is simple, cheap and mass-productive, and thus suitable to large scale production of NCA cathodes directly used for lithium ion batteries.

Determination of Microbial Growth by Protein Assay in an Air-Cathode Single Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell.

PubMed

Li, Na; Kakarla, Ramesh; Moon, Jung Mi; Min, Booki

2015-07-01

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have gathered attention as a novel bioenergy technology to simultaneously treat wastewater with less sludge production than the conventional activated sludge system. In two different operations of the MFC and aerobic process, microbial growth was determined by the protein assay method and their biomass yields using real wastewater were compared. The biomass yield on the anode electrode of the MFC was 0.02 g-COD-cell/g- COD-substrate and the anolyte planktonic biomass was 0.14 g-COD-cell/g-COD-substrate. An MFC without anode electrode resulted in the biomass yield of 0.07 ± 0.03 g-COD-cell/g-COD-substrate, suggesting that oxygen diffusion from the cathode possibly supported the microbial growth. In a comparative test, the biomass yield under aerobic environment was 0.46 ± 0.07 g-COD-cell/g-COD-substrate, which was about 3 times higher than the total biomass value in the MFC operation.

The influence of fuel-air swirl intensity on flame structures of syngas swirl-stabilized diffusion flame

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shao, Weiwei; Xiong, Yan; Mu, Kejin; Zhang, Zhedian; Wang, Yue; Xiao, Yunhan

2010-06-01

Flame structures of a syngas swirl-stabilized diffusion flame in a model combustor were measured using the OH-PLIF method under different fuel and air swirl intensity. The flame operated under atmospheric pressure with air and a typical low heating-value syngas with a composition of 28.5% CO, 22.5% H2 and 49% N2 at a thermal power of 34 kW. Results indicate that increasing the air swirl intensity with the same fuel, swirl intensity flame structures showed little difference except a small reduction of flame length; but also, with the same air swirl intensity, fuel swirl intensity showed great influence on flame shape, length and reaction zone distribution. Therefore, compared with air swirl intensity, fuel swirl intensity appeared a key effect on the flame structure for the model combustor. Instantaneous OH-PLIF images showed that three distinct typical structures with an obvious difference of reaction zone distribution were found at low swirl intensity, while a much compacter flame structure with a single, stable and uniform reaction zone distribution was found at large fuel-air swirl intensity. It means that larger swirl intensity leads to efficient, stable combustion of the syngas diffusion flame.

Hydrothermal Synthesis of Nanostructured Manganese Oxide as Cathodic Catalyst in a Microbial Fuel Cell Fed with Leachate

PubMed Central

Haoran, Yuan; Lifang, Deng; Tao, Lu; Yong, Chen

2014-01-01

Much effort has been devoted to the synthesis of novel nanostructured MnO2 materials because of their unique properties and potential applications as cathode catalyst in Microbial fuel cell. Hybrid MnO2 nanostructures were fabricated by a simple hydrothermal method in this study. Their crystal structures, morphology, and electrochemical characters were carried out by FESEM, N2-adsorption-desorption, and CV, indicating that the hydrothermally synthesized MnO2 (HSM) was structured by nanorods of high aspect ratio and multivalve nanoflowers and more positive than the naturally synthesized MnO2 (NSM), accompanied by a noticeable increase in oxygen reduction peak current. When the HSM was employed as the cathode catalyst in air-cathode MFC which fed with leachate, a maximum power density of 119.07 mW/m2 was delivered, 64.68% higher than that with the NSM as cathode catalyst. Furthermore, the HSM via a 4-e pathway, but the NSM via a 2-e pathway in alkaline solution, and as 4-e pathway is a more efficient oxygen reduction reaction, the HSM was more positive than NSM. Our study provides useful information on facile preparation of cost-effective cathodic catalyst in air-cathode MFC for wastewater treatment. PMID:24723824

Inkjet-Printed Porous Silver Thin Film as a Cathode for a Low-Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cell.

PubMed

Yu, Chen-Chiang; Baek, Jong Dae; Su, Chun-Hao; Fan, Liangdong; Wei, Jun; Liao, Ying-Chih; Su, Pei-Chen

2016-04-27

In this work we report a porous silver thin film cathode that was fabricated by a simple inkjet printing process for low-temperature solid oxide fuel cell applications. The electrochemical performance of the inkjet-printed silver cathode was studied at 300-450 °C and was compared with that of silver cathodes that were fabricated by the typical sputtering method. Inkjet-printed silver cathodes showed lower electrochemical impedance due to their porous structure, which facilitated oxygen gaseous diffusion and oxygen surface adsorption-dissociation reactions. A typical sputtered nanoporous silver cathode became essentially dense after the operation and showed high impedance due to a lack of oxygen supply. The results of long-term fuel cell operation show that the cell with an inkjet-printed cathode had a more stable current output for more than 45 h at 400 °C. A porous silver cathode is required for high fuel cell performance, and the simple inkjet printing technique offers an alternative method of fabrication for such a desirable porous structure with the required thermal-morphological stability.

Characteristics of Gaseous Diffusion Flames with High Temperature Combustion Air in Microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ghaderi, M.; Gupta, A. K.

2003-01-01

The characteristics of gaseous diffusion flames have been obtained using high temperature combustion air under microgravity conditions. The time resolved flame images under free fall microgravity conditions were obtained from the video images obtained. The tests results reported here were conducted using propane as the fuel and about 1000 C combustion air. The burner included a 0.686 mm diameter central fuel jet injected into the surrounding high temperature combustion air. The fuel jet exit Reynolds number was 63. Several measurements were taken at different air preheats and fuel jet exit Reynolds number. The resulting hybrid color flame was found to be blue at the base of the flame followed by a yellow color flame. The length and width of flame during the entire free fall conditions has been examined. Also the relative flame length and width for blue and yellow portion of the flame has been examined under microgravity conditions. The results show that the flame length decreases and width increases with high air preheats in microgravity condition. In microgravity conditions the flame length is larger with normal temperature combustion air than high temperature air.

Carbonate species as OH- carriers for decreasing the pH gradient between cathode and anode in biological fuel cells.

PubMed

Torres, César I; Lee, Hyung-Sool; Rittmann, Bruce E

2008-12-01

Anodes of biological fuel cells (BFCs) normally must operate at a near-neutral pH in the presence of various ionic species required for the function of the biological catalyst (e.g., substrate, nutrients, and buffers). These ionic species are in higher concentration than protons (H+) and hydroxides (OH-); slow transport of H+ and OH- equivalents between anode and cathode compartments can lead to a large pH gradient that can inhibit the function of biological components, decrease voltage efficiency in BFCs, or both. We evaluate the use of carbonate species as OH- carriers from the cathode to the anode compartment. This is achieved by adding CO2 to the influent air in the cathode. CO2 is an acid that combines with OH- in the cathode to produce bicarbonate and carbonate. These species can migrate to the anode compartment as OH- carriers at a rate much greater than can OH- itself when the pH is not extremely high in the cathode compartment We demonstrate this concept by feeding different air/CO2 mixtures to the cathode of a dual-chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC) fed with acetate as substrate. Our results show a 45% increase in power density (from 1.9 to 2.8 W/m2) by feeding air augmented with 2-10% CO2. The cell voltage increased by as much as 120 mV, indicating that the pH gradient decreased by as much as 2 pH units. Analysis of the anode effluent showed an average increase of 4.9 mM in total carbonate, indicating that mostly carbonate was transferred from the cathode compartment This process provides a simple way to minimize potential losses in BFCs due to pH gradients between anode and cathode compartments.

Lithium-air batteries, method for making lithium-air batteries

DOEpatents

Vajda, Stefan; Curtiss, Larry A.; Lu, Jun; Amine, Khalil; Tyo, Eric C.

2016-11-15

The invention provides a method for generating Li.sub.2O.sub.2 or composites of it, the method uses mixing lithium ions with oxygen ions in the presence of a catalyst. The catalyst comprises a plurality of metal clusters, their alloys and mixtures, each cluster consisting of between 3 and 18 metal atoms. The invention also describes a lithium-air battery which uses a lithium metal anode, and a cathode opposing the anode. The cathode supports metal clusters, each cluster consisting of size selected clusters, taken from a range of between approximately 3 and approximately 18 metal atoms, and an electrolyte positioned between the anode and the cathode.

Opposed jet diffusion flames of nitrogen-diluted hydrogen vs air - Axial LDA and CARS surveys; fuel/air rates at extinction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pellett, G. L.; Northam, G. B.; Wilson, L. G.; Jarrett, Olin, Jr.; Antcliff, R. R.

1989-01-01

An experimental study of H-air counterflow diffusion flames (CFDFs) is reported. Coaxial tubular opposed jet burners were used to form dish-shaped CFDFs centered by opposing laminar jets of H2/N2 and air in an argon bath at 1 atm. Jet velocities for extinction and flame restoration limits are shown versus input H2 concentration. LDA velocity data and CARS temperature and absolute N2, O2 density data give detailed flame structure on the air side of the stagnation point. The results show that air jet velocity is a more fundamental and appropriate measure of H2-air CFDF extinction than input H2 mass flux or fuel jet velocity. It is proposed that the observed constancy of air jet velocity for fuel mixtures containing 80 to 100 percent H2 measure a maximum, kinetically controlled rate at which the CFDF can consume oxygen in air. Fuel velocity mainly measures the input jet momentum required to center an H2/N2 versus air CFDF.

Effects of preheated combustion air on laminar coflow diffusion flames under normal and microgravity conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghaderi Yeganeh, Mohammad

Global energy consumption has been increasing around the world, owing to the rapid growth of industrialization and improvements in the standard of living. As a result, more carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide are being released into the environment. Therefore, techniques for achieving combustion at reduced carbon dioxide and nitric oxide emission levels have drawn increased attention. Combustion with a highly preheated air and low-oxygen concentration has been shown to provide significant energy savings, reduce pollution and equipment size, and uniform thermal characteristics within the combustion chamber. However, the fundamental understanding of this technique is limited. The motivation of the present study is to identify the effects of preheated combustion air on laminar coflow diffusion flames. Combustion characteristics of laminar coflow diffusion flames are evaluated for the effects of preheated combustion air temperature under normal and low-gravity conditions. Experimental measurements are conducted using direct flame photography, particle image velocimetry (PIV) and optical emission spectroscopy diagnostics. Laminar coflow diffusion flames are examined under four experimental conditions: normal-temperature/normal-gravity (case I), preheated-temperature/normal gravity (case II), normal-temperature/low-gravity (case III), and preheated-temperature/low-gravity (case IV). Comparisons between these four cases yield significant insights. In our studies, increasing the combustion air temperature by 400 K (from 300 K to 700 K), causes a 37.1% reduction in the flame length and about a 25% increase in peak flame temperature. The results also show that a 400 K increase in the preheated air temperature increases CH concentration of the flame by about 83.3% (CH is a marker for the rate of chemical reaction), and also increases the C2 concentration by about 60% (C2 is a marker for the soot precursor). It can therefore be concluded that preheating the combustion air

Measurements of the Growth of Air Bubbles by Rectified Diffusion

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-08-01

diffusion was obtained by acoustically levitating the air bubbles near the antinode of an acoustic stationary wave. This techniqueI12,3,17,18 has become...observing the bubi;le’s growth rate as a function of time and acoustic pressure amplitude. A bubble was levitated in the system and observed through the...at 21.6 kHz. Values of the threshold acoustic pressure ampli"uitwere obtained as a function of bubble radius and liquid surface tensionr and show

Polyaniline/β-MnO2 nanocomposites as cathode electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction in microbial fuel cells.

PubMed

Zhou, Xinxing; Xu, Yunzhi; Mei, Xiaojie; Du, Ningjie; Jv, Rongmao; Hu, Zhaoxia; Chen, Shouwen

2018-05-01

An efficient and inexpensive catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), polyaniline (PANI) and β-MnO 2 nanocomposites (PANI/β-MnO 2 ), was developed for air-cathode microbial fuel cells (MFCs). The PANI/β-MnO 2 , β-MnO 2 , PANI and β-MnO 2 mixture modified graphite felt electrodes were fabricated as air-cathodes in double-chambered MFCs and their cell performances were compared. At a dosage of 6 mg cm -2 , the maximum power densities of MFCs with PANI/β-MnO 2 , β-MnO 2 , PANI and β-MnO 2 mixture cathodes reached 248, 183 and 204 mW m -2 , respectively, while the cathode resistances were 38.4, 45.5 and 42.3 Ω, respectively, according to impedance analysis. Weak interaction existed between the rod-like β-MnO 2 and surficial growth granular PANI, this together with the larger specific surface area and PANI electric conducting nature enhanced the electrochemical activity for ORR and improved the power generation. The PANI/β-MnO 2 nanocomposites are a promising cathode catalyst for practical application of MFCs. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

New design of a cathode flow-field with a sub-channel to improve the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yulin; Yue, Like; Wang, Shixue

2017-03-01

The cathode flow-field design of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells determines the distribution of reactant gases and the removal of liquid water. A suitable design can result in perfect water management and thus high cell performance. In this paper, a new design for a cathode flow-field with a sub-channel was proposed and had been experimentally analyzed in a parallel flow-field PEM fuel cell. Three sub-channel inlets were placed along the cathode channel. The main-channel inlet was fed with moist air to humidify the membrane and maintain high proton conductivity, whereas, the sub-channel inlet was fed with dry air to enhance water removal in the flow channel. The experimental results indicated that the sub-channel design can decrease the pressure drop in the flow channel, and the sub-channels inlet positions (SIP, where the sub-channel inlets were placed along the cathode channel) and flow rates (SFR, percentage of air from the sub-channel inlet in the total cathode flow rate) had a considerable impact on water removal and cell performance. A proposed design that combines the SIP and SFR can effectively eliminate water from the fuel cell, increasing the maximum power density by more than 13.2% compared to the conventional design.

Anolyte recirculation effects in buffered and unbuffered single-chamber air-cathode microbial fuel cells.

PubMed

Zhang, Liang; Zhu, Xun; Kashima, Hiroyuki; Li, Jun; Ye, Ding-Ding; Liao, Qiang; Regan, John M

2015-03-01

Two identical microbial fuel cells (MFCs) with a floating air-cathode were operated under either buffered (MFC-B) or bufferless (MFC-BL) conditions to investigate anolyte recirculation effects on enhancing proton transfer. With an external resistance of 50 Ω and recirculation rate of 1.0 ml/min, MFC-BL had a 27% lower voltage (9.7% lower maximal power density) but a 64% higher Coulombic efficiency (CE) than MFC-B. MFC-B had a decreased voltage output, batch time, and CE with increasing recirculation rate resulting from more oxygen transfer into the anode. However, increasing the recirculation rate within a low range significantly enhanced proton transfer in MFC-BL, resulting in a higher voltage output, a longer batch time, and a higher CE. A further increase in recirculation rate decreased the batch time and CE of MFC-BL due to excess oxygen transfer into anode outweighing the proton-transfer benefits. The unbuffered MFC had an optimal recirculation rate of 0.35 ml/min. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Study and development of non-aqueous silicon-air battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cohn, Gil; Ein-Eli, Yair

Silicon-air battery utilizing a single-crystal heavily doped n-type silicon wafer anode and an air cathode is reported in this paper. The battery employs hydrophilic 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium oligofluorohydrogenate [EMI·(HF) 2.3F] room temperature ionic liquid electrolyte. Electrochemical studies, including polarization and galvanostatic experiments, performed on various silicon types reveal the predominance performance of heavily doped n-type. Cell discharging at constant current densities of 10, 50, 100 and 300 μA cm -2 in ambient atmosphere, shows working voltages of 1.1-0.8 V. The study shows that as discharge advances, the moist interface of the air electrode is covered by discharge products, which prevent a continuous diffusion of oxygen to the electrode-electrolyte interface. The oxygen suffocation, governed by the settlement of the cell reaction products, is the main factor for an early failure of the cells. Based on the results obtained from scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies, we propose a series of reactions governing the discharge process in silicon-air batteries, as well as a detailed mechanism for silicon oxide deposition on the air electrode porous carbon.

Lateral Diffusion in a DMPC:DMPE-EO Binary Monolayer at the Air/Water Interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adalsteinsson, Thorsteinn; Porter, Ryan; Yu, Hyuk

2002-03-01

Polyethylene glycol tethered phospholipids (lipo-polymers) have recently attracted attention for improving the stability of liposomes and other bilayer delivery systems. Here, we report a study of surface pressure measurement and diffusion measurements of a probe lipid (NBD-DMPC) in a binary monolayer of DMPC and DMPE-EO at the Air/Water interface. Our findings are that the DMPE-EO lipo-polymer desorbs from the interface at intermediate surface pressures if the EO tail is sufficiently large (i.e. EO_45) and does not interfere with the diffusion of the probe thereafter. In the case where the EO tail is short (i.e. EO_17) the lipo-polymer retards the diffusion of the probe, but as the surface pressure increases, the diffusion behavior approaches that of pure DMPC monolayer independent of lipo-polymer. Thus, we conclude that the surface pressure and EO molar mass dependent desorption of the lipo-polymer modulates the probe diffusion retardation.

Planar-focusing cathodes.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lewellen, J. W.; Noonan, J.; Accelerator Systems Division

2005-01-01

Conventional {pi}-mode rf photoinjectors typically use magnetic solenoids for emittance compensation. This provides independent focusing strength but can complicate rf power feed placement, introduce asymmetries (due to coil crossovers), and greatly increase the cost of the photoinjector. Cathode-region focusing can also provide for a form of emittance compensation. Typically this method strongly couples focusing strength to the field gradient on the cathode, however, and usually requires altering the longitudinal position of the cathode to change the focusing. We propose a new method for achieving cathode-region variable-strength focusing for emittance compensation. The new method reduces the coupling to the gradient onmore » the cathode and does not require a change in the longitudinal position of the cathode. Expected performance for an S-band system is similar to conventional solenoid-based designs. This paper presents the results of rf cavity and beam dynamics simulations of the new design. We have proposed a method for performing emittance compensation using a cathode-region focusing scheme. This technique allows the focusing strength to be adjusted somewhat independently of the on-axis field strength. Beam dynamics calculations indicate performance should be comparable to presently in-use emittance compensation schemes, with a simpler configuration and fewer possibilities for emittance degradation due to the focusing optics. There are several potential difficulties with this approach, including cathode material selection, cathode heating, and peak fields in the gun. We hope to begin experimenting with a cathode of this type in the near future, and several possibilities exist for reducing the peak gradients to more acceptable levels.« less

Prediction of the blowout of jet diffusion flames in a coflowing stream of air

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Karbasi, M.; Wierzba, I.

1995-12-31

The blowout limits of a lifted diffusion flame in a coflowing stream of air are estimated using a simple model for extinction, for a range of fuels, jet diameters and co-flowing stream velocities. The proposed model uses a parameter which relates to the ratio of a time associated with the mixing processes in a turbulent jet to a characteristic chemical time. The Kolmogorov microscale of time is used as time scale in this model. It is shown that turbulent diffusion flames are quenched by excessive turbulence for a critical value of this parameter. The predicted blowout velocity of diffusion flamesmore » obtained using this model is in good agreement with the available experimental data.« less

Evaluation of Cation Migration in Lanthanum Strontium Cobalt Ferrite Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Cathodes via In-operando X-ray Diffraction

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hardy, John S.; Coyle, Christopher A.; Bonnett, Jeff F.

2018-01-28

Anode-supported SOFCs with LSCF-6428 cathodes were operated at various temperatures for hundreds of hours in dry or humid (~3% water) cathode air with continuous cathode XRD. Additionally, one cell in dry air was held at OCV and another had 12% CO2 added to the humid air. Long cumulative XRD count times allowed identification of minor phases at <0.1 wt%. In humid air, performance improved during the first couple of hundred hours and Fe-rich Fe,Co spinel XRD peaks gradually shifted to lower angles while nano-nodules formed on LSCF surfaces. With 12% CO2 added, performance degraded after initial activation, unlike without CO2,more » where stability followed activation. In CO2, LSCF XRD peaks shifted indicating gradual decomposition. In dry air, fast initial degradation that decelerated over time occurred at constant current while the cell at OCV was stable. At OCV and 750°C or at constant current and 700°C in dry air, Fe-rich spinel XRD peaks shifted more slowly than in humid air tests; Co-rich Fe,Co spinel peaks shifted to higher angles; and SEM discovered smaller nano-nodules on LSCF than after humid air tests. At constant current at 750°C and 800°C in dry air, no nano-nodules or gradual changes in the XRD patterns were discovered.« less

Bi-metallic nanoparticles as cathode electrocatalysts

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lu, Jun; Amine, Khalil; Wang, Xiaoping

A lithium-air battery cathode catalyst includes core-shell nanoparticles on a carbon support, wherein: a core of the core-shell nanoparticles is platinum metal; and a shell of the core-shell nanoparticles is copper metal; wherein: the core-shell nanoparticles have a weight ratio of the copper metal to the platinum metal from about 4% to about 6% copper to from about 2% to about 12% platinum, with a remaining percentage being the carbon support.

Linear air-fuel sensor development

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Garzon, F.; Miller, C.

1996-12-14

The electrochemical zirconia solid electrolyte oxygen sensor, is extensively used for monitoring oxygen concentrations in various fields. They are currently utilized in automobiles to monitor the exhaust gas composition and control the air-to-fuel ratio, thus reducing harmful emission components and improving fuel economy. Zirconia oxygen sensors, are divided into two classes of devices: (1) potentiometric or logarithmic air/fuel sensors; and (2) amperometric or linear air/fuel sensors. The potentiometric sensors are ideally suited to monitor the air-to-fuel ratio close to the complete combustion stoichiometry; a value of about 14.8 to 1 parts by volume. This occurs because the oxygen concentration changesmore » by many orders of magnitude as the air/fuel ratio is varied through the stoichiometric value. However, the potentiometric sensor is not very sensitive to changes in oxygen partial pressure away from the stoichiometric point due to the logarithmic dependence of the output voltage signal on the oxygen partial pressure. It is often advantageous to operate gasoline power piston engines with excess combustion air; this improves fuel economy and reduces hydrocarbon emissions. To maintain stable combustion away from stoichiometry, and enable engines to operate in the excess oxygen (lean burn) region several limiting-current amperometric sensors have been reported. These sensors are based on the electrochemical oxygen ion pumping of a zirconia electrolyte. They typically show reproducible limiting current plateaus with an applied voltage caused by the gas diffusion overpotential at the cathode.« less

An Air Breathing Lithium-Oxygen Battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sayahpour, Baharak Sayah

Given that the current Li-ion battery technology is approaching theoretical specific capacity and specific energy values that are still not enough for powering satisfactorily electric vehicles or providing enough grid level storage capacities, interest in other electrochemical energy conversion and storage devices have emerged. Although systems based on multi-valent cations (Mg 2+, Zn2+, etc.) are also been studied, metal air batteries have shown the highest theoretical capacity and energy densities of any other battery chemistries. However, some fundamental challenges have hampered the applications of this class of batteries as the alternative for metal-ion batteries. In brief, the major challenges holding the metal air system from large scale applications are: (i) absence of an effective air electrode which easily transfer oxygen to the heterogenous reaction interphase for oxygen reduction and evolution reactions. (ii) electrolyte instability in large voltage windows which usually occurs because of high charge overpotentials. (iii) anode poisoning and corrosion due to oxidation or reaction with air species such as CO 2 and moisture. Given such obstacles, development of novel materials is needed to overcome these challenges in metal air batteries. In this thesis, a system comprised of a protected anode based on lithium carbonate, molybdenum disulfide cathode, and ionic liquid/dimethyl sulfoxide electrolyte is studied that work together, in presence of air components, such as Nitrogen, Carbon dioxide, and humidity, as a real Li-air battery with high cyclability performance up to 700 cycles. The combination of experimental and computational studies are used to provide insight into how this system operates in air and revealed that the long-life performance of this system is due to (i) a suppression of side reactions on the cathode side, which prevent the formation of by-products such as Li2CO 3 and LiOH, and (ii) an effective protected anode covered with a Li 2CO3

Synthesis, Characterization and Performance of Cathodes for Lithium Ion Batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Jianxin

Lithium ion batteries provide a high energy density, higher voltage as well as a long shelf life compared to traditionally used lead acid, NiMH and NiCd batteries. Thus, they are a very promising energy storage system for our daily life. As one of the most important components in a battery, cathode materials have been investigated intensively in recent years as they play a key role in determining the cell voltage and discharge capacity in a battery. Both layered Li(Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)O 2 (NCM) and olivine-structured LiFePO4 (LFP) materials are promising cathode candidates. However, these cathodes also have some disadvantages that have hindered further commercialization. The main issue with NCM is its rapid performance decay upon cycling. In addition, LFP is hindered by a low rate capacity and low lithium ion diffusivity. We studied the crystal growth behavior and performance of both Li(Ni 1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)O2 and LiFePO4 cathodes in order to develop synthesis-structure-function relationships. Three different crystal growth behaviors were observed for the NCM annealing process: surface, volume and grain boundary diffusion. Further exploration of the mechanism of NCM performance decay revealed that microstructural changes were related to the strain accommodation ability in this system and that nanostructured materials were more stable during cycling. In the LFP synthesis, we observed both oriented attachment (OA) and Ostwald ripening (OR) during growth in a triethylene-glycol system. Both polycrystalline and single crystalline particles evolved as a function of a time-dependent pH change. Thus, the lithium ion diffusion rate of LiFePO4 was improved by tailoring the morphology and size though our modification of the precursor environment, revealing that polycrystalline LFP displayed better performance than single crystalline particles. Finally, the electronic conductivity of LiFePO4 was successfully increased via a polymer solution coating method. By producing more uniform

Effect of Gas Pressure on Polarization of SOFC Cathode Prepared by Plasma Spray

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Cheng-Xin; Wang, Zhun-Zhun; Liu, Shuai; Li, Chang-Jiu

2013-06-01

A cermet-supported tubular SOFC was fabricated using thermal spray. The cell performance was investigated at temperatures from 750 to 900 °C and pressures from 0.1 to 0.5 MPa to examine the effect of operating gas pressure on the cell performance. The influence of gas pressure on the cathodic polarization was studied through the electrochemical impedance approach to examine the controlling electrochemical processes during cell operation. Results show that increasing the operating gas pressure improves the power output performance significantly. When the gas pressure is increased from 0.1 to 0.3 MPa, the maximum power density is increased by a factor of 32% at a temperature of 800 °C. The cathode polarization decreases significantly with the increase of the gas pressure. The electrochemical analysis shows that the main control processes of the cathode reaction are the oxygen species transfer at the three-phase boundary and oxygen diffusion on the surface or in the bulk of the cathode, which are enhanced with increasing gas pressure.

Metal-air flow batteries using oxygen enriched electrolyte

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zheng, Jian-ping; Andrei, Petru; Shellikeri, Annadanesh

A metal air flow battery includes an electrochemical reaction unit and an oxygen exchange unit. The electrochemical reaction unit includes an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, and an ionic conductive membrane between the anode and the cathode, an anode electrolyte, and a cathode electrolyte. The oxygen exchange unit contacts the cathode electrolyte with oxygen separate from the electrochemical reaction unit. At least one pump is provided for pumping cathode electrolyte between the electrochemical reaction unit and the oxygen exchange unit. A method for producing an electrical current is also disclosed.

Metal-air flow batteries using oxygen enriched electrolyte

DOEpatents

Zheng, Jian-ping; Andrei, Petru; Shellikeri, Annadanesh; Chen, Xujie

2017-08-01

A metal air flow battery includes an electrochemical reaction unit and an oxygen exchange unit. The electrochemical reaction unit includes an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, and an ionic conductive membrane between the anode and the cathode, an anode electrolyte, and a cathode electrolyte. The oxygen exchange unit contacts the cathode electrolyte with oxygen separate from the electrochemical reaction unit. At least one pump is provided for pumping cathode electrolyte between the electrochemical reaction unit and the oxygen exchange unit. A method for producing an electrical current is also disclosed.

High pressure flame system for pollution studies with results for methane-air diffusion flames

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, I. M.; Maahs, H. G.

1977-01-01

A high pressure flame system was designed and constructed for studying nitrogen oxide formation in fuel air combustion. Its advantages and limitations were demonstrated by tests with a confined laminar methane air diffusion flame over the pressure range from 1 to 50 atm. The methane issued from a 3.06 mm diameter port concentrically into a stream of air contained within a 20.5 mm diameter chimney. As the combustion pressure is increased, the flame changes in shape from wide and convex to slender and concave, and there is a marked increase in the amount of luminous carbon. The height of the flame changes only moderately with pressure.

Oxygen transport in the internal xenon plasma of a dispenser hollow cathode

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Capece, Angela M., E-mail: acapece@pppl.gov; Shepherd, Joseph E.; Polk, James E.

2014-04-21

Reactive gases such as oxygen and water vapor modify the surface morphology of BaO dispenser cathodes and degrade the electron emission properties. For vacuum cathodes operating at fixed temperature, the emission current drops rapidly when oxygen adsorbs on top of the low work function surface. Previous experiments have shown that plasma cathodes are more resistant to oxygen poisoning and can operate with O{sub 2} partial pressures one to two orders of magnitude higher than vacuum cathodes before the onset of poisoning occurs. Plasma cathodes used for electric thrusters are typically operated with xenon; however, gas phase barium, oxygen, and tungstenmore » species may be found in small concentrations. The densities of these minor species are small compared with the plasma density, and thus, their presence in the discharge does not significantly alter the xenon plasma parameters. It is important, however, to consider the transport of these minor species as they may deposit on the emitter surface and affect the electron emission properties. In this work, we present the results of a material transport model used to predict oxygen fluxes to the cathode surface by solving the species conservation equations in a cathode with a 2.25 mm diameter orifice operated at a discharge current of 15 A, a Xe flow rate of 3.7 sccm, and 100 ppm of O{sub 2}. The dominant ionization process for O{sub 2} is resonant charge exchange with xenon ions. Ba is effectively recycled in the plasma; however, BaO and O{sub 2} are not. The model shows that the oxygen flux to the surface is not diffusion-limited; therefore, the high resistance to oxygen poisoning observed in plasma cathodes likely results from surface processes not considered here.« less

Outgassing rate analysis of a velvet cathode and a carbon fiber cathode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, An-Kun; Fan, Yu-Wei; Qian, Bao-Liang; Zhang, Zi-cheng; Xun, Tao

2017-11-01

In this paper, the outgassing-rates of a carbon fiber array cathode and a polymer velvet cathode are tested and discussed. Two different methods of measurements are used in the experiments. In one scheme, a method based on dynamic equilibrium of pressure is used. Namely, the cathode works in the repetitive mode in a vacuum diode, a dynamic equilibrium pressure would be reached when the outgassing capacity in the chamber equals the pumping capacity of the pump, and the outgassing rate could be figured out according to this equilibrium pressure. In another scheme, a method based on static equilibrium of pressure is used. Namely, the cathode works in a closed vacuum chamber (a hard tube), and the outgassing rate could be calculated from the pressure difference between the pressure in the chamber before and after the work of the cathode. The outgassing rate is analyzed from the real time pressure evolution data which are measured using a magnetron gauge in both schemes. The outgassing rates of the carbon fiber array cathode and the velvet cathode are 7.3 ± 0.4 neutrals/electron and 85 ± 5 neutrals/electron in the first scheme and 9 ± 0.5 neutrals/electron and 98 ± 7 neutrals/electron in the second scheme. Both the results of two schemes show that the outgassing rate of the carbon fiber array cathode is an order smaller than that of the velvet cathode under similar conditions, which shows that this carbon fiber array cathode is a promising replacement of the velvet cathode in the application of magnetically insulated transmission line oscillators and relativistic magnetrons.

Optimisation of air cooled, open-cathode fuel cells: Current of lowest resistance and electro-thermal performance mapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meyer, Quentin; Ronaszegi, Krisztian; Pei-June, Gan; Curnick, Oliver; Ashton, Sean; Reisch, Tobias; Adcock, Paul; Shearing, Paul R.; Brett, Daniel J. L.

2015-09-01

Selecting the ideal operating point for a fuel cell depends on the application and consequent trade-off between efficiency, power density and various operating considerations. A systematic methodology for determining the optimal operating point for fuel cells is lacking; there is also the need for a single-value metric to describe and compare fuel cell performance. This work shows how the 'current of lowest resistance' can be accurately measured using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and used as a useful metric of fuel cell performance. This, along with other measures, is then used to generate an 'electro-thermal performance map' of fuel cell operation. A commercial air-cooled open-cathode fuel cell is used to demonstrate how the approach can be used; in this case leading to the identification of the optimum operating temperature of ∼45 °C.

Use of Both Anode and Cathode Reactions in Wastewater Treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brillas, Enric; Sirés, Ignasi; Cabot, Pere LluíS.

Here, we describe the fundamentals, laboratory experiments, and environmental applications of indirect electrooxidation methods based on H2O2 electrogeneration such as electro-Fenton, photoelectro-Fenton and peroxicoagulation for the treatment of acidic wastewaters containing toxic and recalcitrant organics. These methods are electrochemical advanced oxidation processes that can be used in divided and undivided electrolytic cells in which pollutants are oxidized by hydroxyl radical (•OH) produced from anode and/or cathode reactions. H2O2 is generated from the two-electron reduction of O2 at reticulated vitreous carbon, graphite, carbon-felt, and O2-diffusion cathodes. The most usual method is electro-Fenton where Fe2 + added to the wastewater reacts with electrogenerated H2O2 to yield •OH and Fe3 + from Fenton's reaction. An advantage of this technique is that Fe2 + is continuously regenerated from cathodic reduction of Fe3 +. The characteristics of different electro-Fenton systems where pollutants are simultaneously destroyed by •OH formed in the medium from Fenton's reaction and at the anode surface from water oxidation are explained. The effect of the anode [Pt or boron-doped diamond (BDD)] and cathode (carbon-felt or O2-diffusion) on the degradation rate of persistent industrial by-products, herbicides, pharmaceuticals, dyes, etc. is examined. Initial pollutants react much more rapidly with •OH formed in the medium and their degradation sequences are discussed from aromatic intermediates and finally short aliphatic acids are detected. The synergetic positive catalytic effect of Cu2 + on the electro-Fenton process is evidenced. The photoelectro-Fenton method involves the irradiation of the wastewater with UVA light that rapidly photodecomposes complexes of Fe3 + with final carboxylic acids enhancing total decontamination. The peroxicoagulation method uses a sacrificial Fe anode that is continuously oxidized to Fe2 + and organics are either mineralized

Efficient degradation of rhodamine B using modified graphite felt gas diffusion electrode by electro-Fenton process.

PubMed

Tian, Jiangnan; Olajuyin, Ayobami Matthew; Mu, Tingzhen; Yang, Maohua; Xing, Jianmin

2016-06-01

The electro-Fenton (EF) process treatment of 0.1-M (rhodamine B) RhB solution was studied with different graphite cathode materials, and graphite felt (GF) was selected as a promising material in further investigation. Then, the degradation performances of gas diffusion electrode (GDE) and graphite felt (GF) were compared, and GDE was confirmed to be more efficient in RhB removal. The operational parameters such as Fe(2+) dosage and current density were optimized, and comparison among different modified methods-polytetrafluoroethylene-carbon black (PTFE-CB), polytetrafluoroethylene-carbon nanotube (PTFE-CNT), electrodeposition-CB, and electrodeposition-CNT-showed 98.49 % RhB removal by PTFE-CB-modified cathode in 0.05 M Na2SO4 at a current density of 50 A/m(2) and an air flow rate of 1 L/min after 20 min. Meanwhile, after cathode modified by PTFE-CB, the mineralization efficiency and mineralization current efficiency performed absolutely better than the pristine one. Cyclic voltammograms, SEM images, contact angles, and BET surface area were carried out to demonstrate stronger current responses and higher hydrophilicity of GF after modified. The value of biochemical oxygen demand/chemical oxygen demand (BOD5/COD) increased from 0.049 to 0.331 after 90-min treatment, suggesting the solution was biodegradable, and the modified cathode was confirmed to be stable after ten circle runs. Finally, a proposed degradation pathway of RhB was put forward.

[Measurement of Chemical Compounds in Indoor and Outdoor Air in Chiba City Using Diffusive Sampling Devices].

PubMed

Sakamoto, Hironari; Uchiyama, Shigehisa; Kihara, Akiko; Tsutake, Toyoshige; Bekki, Kanae; Inaba, Yohei; Nakagome, Hideki; Kunugita, Naoki

2015-01-01

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a major concern, because people on average spend the vast majority of their time indoors and they are repeatedly exposed to indoor air pollutants. In this study, to assess indoor air quality in Chiba City, gaseous chemical compounds were surveyed using four types of diffusive sampler. Gaseous chemical compounds such as carbonyls, volatile organic compounds (VOC), acid gases, basic gases, and ozone were measured in indoor and outdoor air of 50 houses throughout Chiba City in winter and summer. Four types of diffusive sampler were used in this study: DSD-BPE/DNPH packed with 2,4-dinitrophenyl hydrazine and trans-1,2-bis(2-pyridyl)ethylene-coated silica for ozone and carbonyls; VOC-SD packed with Carboxen 564 particles for volatile organic compounds; DSD-TEA packed with triethanolamine-impregnated silica for acid gases; and DSD-NH3 packed with phosphoric acid-impregnated silica for basic gases. Almost all compounds in indoor air were detected at higher concentrations in summer than in winter. However, the nitrogen dioxide concentration in indoor air particularly increased only in winter, which well correlated with the formic acid concentration (correlation coefficient=0.974). The compound with the highest concentrations in indoor air was p-dichlorobenzene, with recorded levels of 13,000 μg m(-3) in summer and 1,100 μg m(-3) in winter in indoor air. p-Dichlorobenzene in summer and nitrogen dioxide in winter are detected at markedly high concentrations. Pollution control and continuous monitoring of IAQ are indispensable for human health.

Virtual cathode emission of an annular cold cathode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, S.-d.; Kim, J.-h.; Han, J.; Yoon, M.; Park, S. Y.; Choi, D. W.; Shin, J. W.; So, J. H.

2009-11-01

Recent measurement of voltage V and current I of the electron gun of a relativistic klystron amplifier revealed that the resulting current-voltage relationship appeared to differ from the usual Child-Langmuir law (I∝V3/2) especially during the initial period of voltage increase. This paper attempts to explain this deviation by examining the emission mechanism using particle-in-cell simulation. The emission area in the cathode increased stepwise as the applied voltage increased and within each step the current and voltage followed the Child-Langmuir law. The electron emission began when the voltage reached a threshold, and the perveance increased with the emission area. Furthermore, an apparent virtual cathode was formed which was larger than the cathode tip. This occurs because, above a certain voltage, the emission from the edge and the side of the cathode surface dominates the emission from the front-end surface.

Application of diffuse discharges of atmospheric pressure formed by runaway electrons for modification of copper and stainless steel surface

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tarasenko, V. F., E-mail: VFT@loi.hcei.tsc.ru; Shulepov, M. A.; Erofeev, M. V.

The results of studies devoted to the influence of a runaway electron pre-ionized diffuse discharge (REP DD) formed in air and nitrogen at atmospheric pressure on the surface of copper and stainless steel are presented. Nanosecond high-voltage pulses were used to obtain REP DD in different gases at high pressures in a chamber with a flat anode and a cathode possessing a small radius of curvature. This mode of discharge was implemented owing to the generation of runaway electrons and X-rays. The conditions under which the surface of copper and stainless steel was cleaned from carbon and oxidized are described.

Storage battery aspects of air-electrode research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buzelli, E. S.; Berk, L. B.; Demczyk, B. G.; Zuckerbrod, D.

The use of air electrodes in secondary, alkaline energy storage systems offers several significant advantages over other conventional cathode systems. The oxygen, required for operation, is not stored or carried within the battery system. The weight of the air electrode is significantly lower than alternative cathode couples for the same mission. The cost of the air electrode is potentially low. As a result of these characteristics, alkaline electrolyte energy storage systems with air electrodes have the potential for achieving energy density levels in excess of 150 Whr/kg at low costs, $30-$40/kWh. The primary key to a successful metal-air secondary battery for an EV application is the development of a bifunctinal air electrode. This paper discusses the various aspects of air electrode research for this application, as well as the physical and performance requirements of the air electrode in this advanced technology battery system.

Study on Dy0.45Ba0.05Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ-Ce0.85Gd0.15O1.95 composite cathode material for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kautkar, Pranay R.; Acharya, Smita A.

2018-05-01

xDy0.45Ba0.05Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ - xCe0.85Gd0.15O1.95 (x = 50 %) composite cathode supported on Ce0.85Gd0.15O1.95 (GDC15) electrolyte are studied for applications in IT-SOFCs. Results attribute that Dy0.45Ba0.05Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ material is chemically compatible with Ce0.85Gd0.15O1.95 (GDC15). Rietveld refined X-ray diffraction patterns notify orthorhombic (space group:Pbnm) symmetry for Dy0.45 Ba0.05Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ and fluorite type structure (space group: Fm-3m) symmetry for GDC15. The polarization resistance (Rp) of composite cathode reduces to the minimum value of 1.35 Ω cm2 at 650 °C in air. Area specific resistance (ASR) of composite cathode has found 0.67 Ω.cm2 at 650°C respectively. Result shows that the surface diffusion of the dissociative adsorbed oxygen at electrode/electrolyte interface on the composite cathode.

Palladium-assisted electrodehalogenation of 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane on lead cathodes combined with hydrogen diffusion anodes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cabot, P.L.; Centelles, M.; Segarra, L.

1997-11-01

In this work, the efficiency and product formation in the electroreduction of 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane (CFC 113) to obtain completely dechlorinated products has been studied using constant-current electrolysis at different current densities, gas chromatography, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive x-ray. While chlorotrifluoroethene was the main product obtained from CFC 113 in MeOH-water solutions containing NH{sub 4}Cl, different and suitable conditions which lead to its complete dechlorination are described in this paper. In the presence of small amounts of Pd{sup 2+} in solution, a very thin film of Pd black was electrodeposited on the Pb cathode and the efficiency of the CFCmore » 113 electroreduction was about 98%. The efficiency was much smaller and the product composition very different in the absence of Pd{sup 2+} in solution, even in the presence of Pd black electrodeposited on the cathode. In the presence of Pd{sup 2+}, the main products in the gas were difluoroethene and trifluoroethene. Small amounts of 1,2-dichloro-1,1,2-trifluoroethane, chlorotrifluoroethene, difluoroethane, and fluoroethane were also present in the gas phase. The liquid composition was enriched in the less volatile compounds. A possible reaction pathway involving the removal of halides by successive reactions is discussed. The anode employed in these experiments was a thin Pd foil with electrodeposited Pd black, which permitted hydrogen diffusion and its further oxidation to H{sup +}. Because of this reaction, contamination of the working electrolyte by other oxidation products such as Cl{sub 2} or MeOH derivatives were avoided. This system allows new electrosynthetic processes along with CFC electrodegradation.« less

Miniaturized cathodic arc plasma source

DOEpatents

Anders, Andre; MacGill, Robert A.

2003-04-15

A cathodic arc plasma source has an anode formed of a plurality of spaced baffles which extend beyond the active cathode surface of the cathode. With the open baffle structure of the anode, most macroparticles pass through the gaps between the baffles and reflect off the baffles out of the plasma stream that enters a filter. Thus the anode not only has an electrical function but serves as a prefilter. The cathode has a small diameter, e.g. a rod of about 1/4 inch (6.25 mm) diameter. Thus the plasma source output is well localized, even with cathode spot movement which is limited in area, so that it effectively couples into a miniaturized filter. With a small area cathode, the material eroded from the cathode needs to be replaced to maintain plasma production. Therefore, the source includes a cathode advancement or feed mechanism coupled to cathode rod. The cathode also requires a cooling mechanism. The movable cathode rod is housed in a cooled metal shield or tube which serves as both a current conductor, thus reducing ohmic heat produced in the cathode, and as the heat sink for heat generated at or near the cathode. Cooling of the cathode housing tube is done by contact with coolant at a place remote from the active cathode surface. The source is operated in pulsed mode at relatively high currents, about 1 kA. The high arc current can also be used to operate the magnetic filter. A cathodic arc plasma deposition system using this source can be used for the deposition of ultrathin amorphous hard carbon (a-C) films for the magnetic storage industry.

Cold Cathode Electron Beam Controlled CO2 Laser Performance.

DTIC Science & Technology

1974-10-01

Siegman (ref. 7), the cavity parameters are g, - 3/2, g2 3/4 so that 0he cavity will be confocal when the mirror separation is 2.5 m. The laser output was...E. Siegman , Laser Focus 7, 42, 1971. 8. W. F. Krupke and W. R. Sooy, IEEE Journal Quant. Elec. QE-5, 575, 1969. 9. 0. R. Wood, et al., Appl. Phys...U t AD/A-000 413 COLD CATHODE ELECTRON BEAM CONTROLLED C02 LASER PERFORMANCE Leslie L. McKee, 1II, et al Air Force Weapons Laboratory Kirtland Air

Partitioned airs at microscale and nanoscale: thermal diffusivity in ultrahigh porosity solids of nanocellulose

PubMed Central

Sakai, Koh; Kobayashi, Yuri; Saito, Tsuguyuki; Isogai, Akira

2016-01-01

High porosity solids, such as plastic foams and aerogels, are thermally insulating. Their insulation performance strongly depends on their pore structure, which dictates the heat transfer process in the material. Understanding such a relationship is essential to realizing highly efficient thermal insulators. Herein, we compare the heat transfer properties of foams and aerogels that have very high porosities (97.3–99.7%) and an identical composition (nanocellulose). The foams feature rather closed, microscale pores formed with a thin film-like solid phase, whereas the aerogels feature nanoscale open pores formed with a nanofibrous network-like solid skeleton. Unlike the aerogel samples, the thermal diffusivity of the foam decreases considerably with a slight increase in the solid fraction. The results indicate that for suppressing the thermal diffusion of air within high porosity solids, creating microscale spaces with distinct partitions is more effective than directly blocking the free path of air molecules at the nanoscale. PMID:26830144

Shapes of Nonbuoyant Round Luminous Laminar-Jet Diffusion Flames in Coflowing Air. Appendix F

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lin, K.-C.; Faeth, G. M.; Urban, David L. (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

The shapes (luminous flame boundaries) of steady nonbuoyant round luminous hydrocarbon-fueled laminar-jet diffusion flames in coflowing air were studied both experimentally and theoretically. Flame shapes were measured from photographs of flames burning at low pressures in order to minimize the effects of buoyancy. Test conditions involved acetylene-, propylene. and 1,3-butadiene-fueled flames having initial reactant temperatures of 300 K, ambient pressures of 19-50 kPa, jet-exit Reynolds numbers of 18-121, and initial air/fuel velocity ratios of 0.22-32.45 to yield luminous flame lengths of 21-198 mm. The present flames were close to the laminar smoke point but were not soot emitting. Simple expressions to estimate the shapes of nonbuoyant laminar-jet diffusion flames in coflow were found by extending an earlier analysis of Mahalingam et al. These formulas provided a good correlation of present measurements except near the burner exit where self-similar approximations used in the simplified analysis are no longer appropriate.

Fundamental Investigations and Rational Design of Durable High-Performance SOFC Cathodes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chen, Yu; Ding, Dong; Wei, Tao

cathodes as well as the cathode/electrolyte interfaces under realistic operating conditions has been studied. It is found that SrO readily segregated/enriched on the LSCF surface. More severe contamination conditions cause more SrO on surface. Novel catalyst coatings through particle depositions (PrOx) or continuous thin films (PNM) were successfully developed to improve the activity and stability of LSCF cathodes. Finally, we have demonstrated enhanced activity and stability of LSCF cathodes over longer periods of time in homemade and commercially available cells by an optimized PNM (dense film and particles) infiltration process, under clean air and realistic operating conditions (3% H 2O, 5% CO 2 and direct Crofer contact). Both performance and durability of single cells with PNM coating has been enhanced compared with those without coating. Raman analysis of cathodes surface indicated that the intensity of SrCrO 4 was significantly decreased.« less

Potential contamination of shipboard air samples by diffusive emissions of PCBs and other organic pollutants: implications and solutions.

PubMed

Lohmann, Rainer; Jaward, Foday M; Durham, Louise; Barber, Jonathan L; Ockenden, Wendy; Jones, Kevin C; Bruhn, Regina; Lakaschus, Soenke; Dachs, Jordi; Booij, Kees

2004-07-15

Air samples were taken onboard the RRS Bransfield on an Atlantic cruise from the United Kingdom to Halley, Antarctica, from October to December 1998, with the aim of establishing PCB oceanic background air concentrations and assessing their latitudinal distribution. Great care was taken to minimize pre- and post-collection contamination of the samples, which was validated through stringent QA/QC procedures. However, there is evidence that onboard contamination of the air samples occurred,following insidious, diffusive emissions on the ship. Other data (for PCBs and other persistent organic pollutants (POPs)) and examples of shipboard contamination are presented. The implications of these findings for past and future studies of global POPs distribution are discussed. Recommendations are made to help critically appraise and minimize the problems of insidious/diffusive shipboard contamination.

A QSPR model for prediction of diffusion coefficient of non-electrolyte organic compounds in air at ambient condition.

PubMed

Mirkhani, Seyyed Alireza; Gharagheizi, Farhad; Sattari, Mehdi

2012-03-01

Evaluation of diffusion coefficients of pure compounds in air is of great interest for many diverse industrial and air quality control applications. In this communication, a QSPR method is applied to predict the molecular diffusivity of chemical compounds in air at 298.15K and atmospheric pressure. Four thousand five hundred and seventy nine organic compounds from broad spectrum of chemical families have been investigated to propose a comprehensive and predictive model. The final model is derived by Genetic Function Approximation (GFA) and contains five descriptors. Using this dedicated model, we obtain satisfactory results quantified by the following statistical results: Squared Correlation Coefficient=0.9723, Standard Deviation Error=0.003 and Average Absolute Relative Deviation=0.3% for the predicted properties from existing experimental values. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pressed boride cathodes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wolski, W.

1985-01-01

Results of experimental studies of emission cathodes made from lanthanum, yttrium, and gadolinium hexaborides are presented. Maximum thermal emission was obtained from lanthanum hexaboride electrodes. The hexaboride cathodes operated stably under conditions of large current density power draw, at high voltages and poor vacuum. A microtron electron gun with a lanthanum hexaboride cathode is described.

Rapid Thermal Annealing of Cathode-Garnet Interface toward High-Temperature Solid State Batteries.

PubMed

Liu, Boyang; Fu, Kun; Gong, Yunhui; Yang, Chunpeng; Yao, Yonggang; Wang, Yanbin; Wang, Chengwei; Kuang, Yudi; Pastel, Glenn; Xie, Hua; Wachsman, Eric D; Hu, Liangbing

2017-08-09

High-temperature batteries require the battery components to be thermally stable and function properly at high temperatures. Conventional batteries have high-temperature safety issues such as thermal runaway, which are mainly attributed to the properties of liquid organic electrolytes such as low boiling points and high flammability. In this work, we demonstrate a truly all-solid-state high-temperature battery using a thermally stable garnet solid-state electrolyte, a lithium metal anode, and a V 2 O 5 cathode, which can operate well at 100 °C. To address the high interfacial resistance between the solid electrolyte and cathode, a rapid thermal annealing method was developed to melt the cathode and form a continuous contact. The resulting interfacial resistance of the solid electrolyte and V 2 O 5 cathode was significantly decreased from 2.5 × 10 4 to 71 Ω·cm 2 at room temperature and from 170 to 31 Ω·cm 2 at 100 °C. Additionally, the diffusion resistance in the V 2 O 5 cathode significantly decreased as well. The demonstrated high-temperature solid-state full cell has an interfacial resistance of 45 Ω·cm 2 and 97% Coulombic efficiency cycling at 100 °C. This work provides a strategy to develop high-temperature all-solid-state batteries using garnet solid electrolytes and successfully addresses the high contact resistance between the V 2 O 5 cathode and garnet solid electrolyte without compromising battery safety or performance.

Mesoscale Elucidation of Surface Passivation in the Li-Sulfur Battery Cathode.

PubMed

Liu, Zhixiao; Mukherjee, Partha P

2017-02-15

The cathode surface passivation caused by Li 2 S precipitation adversely affects the performance of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. Li 2 S precipitation is a complicated mesoscale process involving adsorption, desorption and diffusion kinetics, which are affected profoundly by the reactant concentration and operating temperature. In this work, a mesoscale interfacial model is presented to study the growth of Li 2 S film on carbon cathode surface. Li 2 S film growth experiences nucleation, isolated Li 2 S island growth and island coalescence. The slow adsorption rate at small S 2- concentration inhibits the formation of nucleation seeds and the lateral growth of Li 2 S islands, which deters surface passivation. An appropriate operating temperature, especially in the medium-to-high temperature range, can also defer surface passivation. Fewer Li 2 S nucleation seeds form in such an operating temperature range, thereby facilitating heterogeneous growth and potentially inhibiting the lateral growth of the Li 2 S film, which may ultimately result in reduced surface passivation. The high specific surface area of the cathode microstructure is expected to mitigate the surface passivation.

POWER AND THERMAL TECHNOLOGIES FOR AIR AND SPACE-SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH PROGRAM Delivery Order 0018: Single Ion Conducting Solid-State Lithium Electrochemical Technologies (Task 4)

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-08-01

a mathematical equation relates the cathode reaction reversible electric potential to the lithium content of the cathode electrode. Based on the...Transport of Lithium in the Cell Cathode Active Material The Nernst -Einstein relation linking the lithium-ion mass diffusivity and its ionic...transient, isothermal and isobaric conditions. The differential model equation describing the lithium diffusion and accumulation in a spherical, active

Effects of nitrate and sulfate on the performance and bacterial community structure of membrane-less single-chamber air-cathode microbial fuel cells.

PubMed

Seo, Yoonjoo; Kang, Hyemin; Chang, Sumin; Lee, Yun-Yeong; Cho, Kyung-Suk

2018-01-02

Membrane-less, single-chamber, air-cathode, microbial fuel cells (ML-SC MFCs) have attracted attention as being suitable for wastewater treatment. In this study, the effects of nitrate and sulfate on the performance of ML-SC MFCs and their bacterial structures were evaluated. The maximum power density increased after nitrate addition from 8.6 mW·m -2 to 14.0 mW·m -2 , while it decreased after sulfate addition from 11.5 mW·m -2 to 7.7 mW·m -2 . The chemical oxygen demand removal efficiencies remained at more than 90% regardless of the nitrate or sulfate additions. The nitrate was removed completely (93.0%) in the ML-SC MFC, while the sulfate removal efficiency was relatively low (17.6%). Clostridium (23.1%), Petrimonas (20.0%), and unclassified Rhodocyclaceae (6.2%) were dominant on the anode before the addition of nitrate or sulfate. After the addition of nitrate, Clostridium was still the most dominant on the anode (23.6%), but Petrimonas significantly decreased (6.0%) and unclassified Rhodocyclaceae increased (17.1%). After the addition of sulfate, the amount of Clostridium almost doubled in the composition on the anode (43.2%), while Petrimonas decreased (5.5%). The bacterial community on the cathode was similar to that on the anode after the addition of nitrate. However, Desulfovibrio was remarkably dominant on the cathode (32.9%) after the addition of sulfate. These results promote a deeper understanding of the effects of nitrate or sulfate on the ML-SC MFCs' performance and their bacterial community.

Storage battery aspects of air-electrode research

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Buzzelli, E.S.; Berk, L.B.; Demczyk, B.G.

1983-08-01

The use of air electrodes in secondary, alkaline energy storage systems offers several significant advantages over other conventional cathode systems. The oxygen, required for operation, is not stored or carried within the battery system. The weight of the air electrode is significantly lower than alternative cathode couples for the same mission. The cost of the air electrode is potentially low. As a result of these characteristics, alkaline electrolyte energy storage systems with air electrodes have the potential for achieving energy density levels in excess of 150 Whr/kg at low costs, $30-$40/kWh. The primary key to a successful metal-air secondary batterymore » for an EV application is the development of a bifunctional air electrode. This paper discusses the various aspects of air electrode research for this application, as well as the physical and performance requirements of the air electrode in this advanced technology battery system.« less

Air breathing direct methanol fuel cell

DOEpatents

Ren, Xiaoming

2002-01-01

An air breathing direct methanol fuel cell is provided with a membrane electrode assembly, a conductive anode assembly that is permeable to air and directly open to atmospheric air, and a conductive cathode assembly that is permeable to methanol and directly contacting a liquid methanol source.

Coating of porous carbon for use in lithium air batteries

DOEpatents

Amine, Khalil; Lu, Jun; Du, Peng; Lei, Yu; Elam, Jeffrey W

2015-04-14

A cathode includes a carbon material having a surface, the surface having a first thin layer of an inert material and a first catalyst overlaying the first thin layer, the first catalyst including metal or metal oxide nanoparticles, wherein the cathode is configured for use as the cathode of a lithium-air battery.

Processes For Cleaning a Cathode Tube and Assemblies In A Hollow Cathode Assembly

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patterson, Michael J. (Inventor); Verhey, Timothy R. R. (Inventor); Soulas, George C. (Inventor)

2001-01-01

The present invention is a process for cleaning a cathode tube and other subassemblies in a hollow cathode assembly. In the disclosed process, hand covering elastomer gloves are used for handling all cathode assembly parts. The cathode tube and other subassemblies are cleaned with a lint-free cloth damped with acetone, then wiped with alcohol, immersed in ethyl alcohol or acetone, and ultrasonic agitation is applied, heating to 60 C. for ethyl alcohol or 56 C. for acetone. The cathode tube and other subassemblies are dried by blowing with nitrogen gas.

Suppressing Manganese Dissolution from Lithium Manganese Oxide Spinel Cathodes with Single-Layer Graphene

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jaber-Ansari, Laila; Puntambekar, Kanan P.; Kim, Soo

2015-06-24

Spinel-structured LiMn 2 O 4 (LMO) is a desirable cathode material for Li-ion batteries due to its low cost, abundance, and high power capability. However, LMO suffers from limited cycle life that is triggered by manganese dissolution into the electrolyte during electrochemical cycling. Here, it is shown that single-layer graphene coatings suppress manganese dissolution, thus enhancing the performance and lifetime of LMO cathodes. Relative to lithium cells with uncoated LMO cathodes, cells with graphene-coated LMO cathodes provide improved capacity retention with enhanced cycling stability. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals that graphene coatings inhibit manganese depletion from the LMO surface. Additionally, transmissionmore » electron microscopy demonstrates that a stable solid electrolyte interphase is formed on graphene, which screens the LMO from direct contact with the electrolyte. Density functional theory calculations provide two mechanisms for the role of graphene in the suppression of manganese dissolution. First, common defects in single-layer graphene are found to allow the transport of lithium while concurrently acting as barriers for manganese diffusion. Second, graphene can chemically interact with Mn 3+ at the LMO electrode surface, promoting an oxidation state change to Mn 4+ , which suppresses dissolution.« less

Aqueous lithium air batteries

DOEpatents

Visco, Steven J.; Nimon, Yevgeniy S.; De Jonghe, Lutgard C.; Petrov, Alexei; Goncharenko, Nikolay

2017-05-23

Aqueous Li/Air secondary battery cells are configurable to achieve high energy density and prolonged cycle life. The cells include a protected a lithium metal or alloy anode and an aqueous catholyte in a cathode compartment. The aqueous catholyte comprises an evaporative-loss resistant and/or polyprotic active compound or active agent that partakes in the discharge reaction and effectuates cathode capacity for discharge in the acidic region. This leads to improved performance including one or more of increased specific energy, improved stability on open circuit, and prolonged cycle life, as well as various methods, including a method of operating an aqueous Li/Air cell to simultaneously achieve improved energy density and prolonged cycle life.

Evaluation of a diffusive sampler for measurement of carbonyl compounds in air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uchiyama, Shigehisa; Aoyagi, Shohei; Ando, Masanori

A diffusive sampling device (DSD-DNPH) has been developed for collection of ppb levels of 21 carbonyl compounds in indoor air. It is comprised of silica gel coated with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) as the absorbent, a porous sintered polyethylene tube (PSP-diffusion filter) which acts as a diffusive membrane, and a small polypropylene syringe (PP-reservoir) which is used for the elution of the analytes from the absorbent. As the diffusive membrane comprises the entire cylindrical surface of the tube, it allows 'radial' exposure from all sides. A side-by-side comparison was made with active samplers, demonstrating good correlation (formaldehyde r2=0.992). The sampling rate (71.9 ml min -1) of formaldehyde was determined from comparison with an active sampling method and the sampling rates of other carbonyl compounds were calculated from their diffusion coefficients. These calculated sampling rates agreed with the experimental values. Little influence of wind velocity on the sampler was observed. The relative standard deviations for formaldehyde and acetaldehyde concentrations were 5.5% and 8.6%, respectively, with face velocity from 0 to 5.0 m/s. The DSD-DNPH enables the estimation of time-weighted average concentration of carbonyl compounds. Concentrations of formaldehyde estimated by the 7-day sampling method were nearly equal to the mean value calculated from the 24-hour sampling method measured over 7 days. This confirmed that the concentration of formaldehyde could be precisely monitored by 7-day continuous sampling.

Air quality assessment in Southern Kuwait using diffusive passive samplers.

PubMed

Ramadan, A A

2010-01-01

Measurements of fortnightly average concentrations of NO, NO2, SO2, H2S, NH3, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (aromatics=benzene, toluene, o-xylene, m+p-xylene, ethyl benzene; non-aromatics=nonane and octane) were carried out in the period from 26/10/05 to 24/11/05 at 20 points in the southern part of Kuwait as part of a baseline environmental impact assessment study requested by Kuwait National Petroleum Company. Two waves of triplicate diffusive passive samplers were used. A high volume air sampler was used to measure PM10 too. During the sampling period, the wind was observed to be mainly from the west and northwest with an average of 4.28 m/s. The consistency of the results allowed the production of spatial distribution maps of the pollutants measured and consequently the comparison between levels of air pollution at different locations. A comparison between the measured concentrations and the applicable air quality standards promulgated by Kuwait Environment Public Authority (KEPA) showed that those compounds had low concentrations compared to both industrial and residential KEPA standards. For other compounds which are not covered by KEPA standards, the results were compared with relevant limits of US Environment Protect Agency (USEPA) and US Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The comparison showed that the measured compounds had low concentrations compared to the existing standards and, accordingly, no violation of air quality standards is reported.

N- and S-doped mesoporous carbon as metal-free cathode catalysts for direct biorenewable alcohol fuel cells

DOE PAGES

Qiu, Yang; Huo, Jiajie; Jia, Fan; ...

2015-11-06

Nitrogen and sulfur were simultaneously doped into the framework of mesoporous CMK-3 as metal-free catalysts for direct biorenewable alcohol fuel cells. Glucose, NH 3, and thiophene were used as carbon, nitrogen and sulfur precursors, respectively, to prepare mesoporous N-S-CMK-3 with uniform mesopores and extra macropores, resulting in good O 2 diffusion both in half cell and alcohol fuel cell investigations. Among all investigated CMK-3 based catalysts, N-S-CMK-3 prepared at 800 °C exhibited the highest ORR activity with the onset potential of 0.92 V vs. RHE, Tafel slope of 68 mV dec -1, and 3.96 electron transfer number per oxygen moleculemore » in 0.1 M KOH. In addition, the alkaline membrane-based direct alcohol fuel cell (DAFC) with N-S-CMK-3 cathode displayed 88.2 mW cm -2 peak power density without obvious O 2 diffusion issue, reaching 84% initial performance of that with a Pt/C cathode. The high catalyst durability and fuel-crossover tolerance led to stable performance of the N-S-CMK-3 cathode DAFC with 90.6 mW cm -2 peak power density after 2 h operation, while the Pt/C cathode-based DAFC lost 36.9% of its peak power density. In conclusion, the high ORR activity of N-S-CMK-3 can be attributed to the synergistic effect between graphitic-N and S (C–S–C structure), suggesting great potential to use N-S-CMK-3 as an alternative to noble metal catalysts in the fuel cell cathode.« less

N- and S-doped mesoporous carbon as metal-free cathode catalysts for direct biorenewable alcohol fuel cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Qiu, Yang; Huo, Jiajie; Jia, Fan

Nitrogen and sulfur were simultaneously doped into the framework of mesoporous CMK-3 as metal-free catalysts for direct biorenewable alcohol fuel cells. Glucose, NH 3, and thiophene were used as carbon, nitrogen and sulfur precursors, respectively, to prepare mesoporous N-S-CMK-3 with uniform mesopores and extra macropores, resulting in good O 2 diffusion both in half cell and alcohol fuel cell investigations. Among all investigated CMK-3 based catalysts, N-S-CMK-3 prepared at 800 °C exhibited the highest ORR activity with the onset potential of 0.92 V vs. RHE, Tafel slope of 68 mV dec -1, and 3.96 electron transfer number per oxygen moleculemore » in 0.1 M KOH. In addition, the alkaline membrane-based direct alcohol fuel cell (DAFC) with N-S-CMK-3 cathode displayed 88.2 mW cm -2 peak power density without obvious O 2 diffusion issue, reaching 84% initial performance of that with a Pt/C cathode. The high catalyst durability and fuel-crossover tolerance led to stable performance of the N-S-CMK-3 cathode DAFC with 90.6 mW cm -2 peak power density after 2 h operation, while the Pt/C cathode-based DAFC lost 36.9% of its peak power density. In conclusion, the high ORR activity of N-S-CMK-3 can be attributed to the synergistic effect between graphitic-N and S (C–S–C structure), suggesting great potential to use N-S-CMK-3 as an alternative to noble metal catalysts in the fuel cell cathode.« less

Microbial stratification structure within cathodic biofilm of the microbial fuel cell using the freezing microtome method.

PubMed

Li, Xiao; Lu, Yaobin; Luo, Haiping; Liu, Guangli; Zhang, Renduo

2017-10-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the microbial stratification structure within cathodic biofilm of the microbial fuel cell (MFC) using the freezing microtome method. Experiments were conducted in a single-chamber air-cathode MFC with 0.8g/L maltodextrin as substrate for ∼30d operation. The maximum power density was 945±10mW/m 2 in the MFC. Maltodextrin resulted in the relative abundance of Candidatus Saccharibacteria of 37.0% in the anodic biofilm. Different bacterial communities were identified in different layers within the cathodic biofilm. The relative abundance of Enterococcus was 3.7%, 10.5%, and 1.6% in the top (100-150μm), middle (50-100μm), and bottom (0-50μm) layers, respectively. Higher bacterial viability was observed within the top and bottom layers of the cathodic biofilm. Understanding the stratification of bacterial community in cathodic biofilm should be important to control the cathodic biofilm in the MFC. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Requirements for long-life operation of inert gas hollow cathodes: Preliminary report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Verhey, Timothy R.; Macrae, Gregory S.

1990-01-01

An experimental investigation was initiated to establish conditioning procedures for reliable hollow cathode operation via the characterization of critical parameters in a representative cathode test facility. From vacuum pumpdown rates, it was found that approximately 1.5 hours were required to achieve pressure levels within 5 percent of the lowest attainable pressure for this facility, depending on the purge conditions. The facility atmosphere was determined by a residual gas analyzer to be composed of primarily air and water vapor. The effects of vacuum pumping and inert gas purging were evaluated. A maximum effective leakage rate of 2.0 x 10(exp -3)sccm was observed and its probable causes were examined. An extended test of a 0.64 cm diameter Mo-Re hollow cathode was successfully completed. This test ran for 504 hours at an emission current of 23.0 amperes and a xenon flow rate of 6.1 sccm. Discharge voltage rose continuously from 15 to 21 volts over the course of the test. The temperature of the cathode body during the test was relatively stable at 1160 C. Post-test examination revealed ion-bombardment texturing of the orifice plate to be the only detectable sign of wear on the hollow cathode.

Modeling of hydrogen-air diffusion flame

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Isaac, K. M.

1988-01-01

Work performed during the first six months of the project duration for NASA Grant (NAG-1-861) is reported. An analytical and computational study of opposed jet diffusion flame for the purpose of understanding the effects of contaminants in the reactants and thermal diffusion of light species on extinction and reignition of diffusion flames is in progress. The methodologies attempted so far are described.

An experimental investigation of cathode erosion in high current magnetoplasmadynamic arc discharges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Codron, Douglas A.

(SEM) in conjunction with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Such studies have provided a qualitative understanding of the typical pathways in which thorium diffuses and how it is normally redistributed along the cathode surface. Lastly, the erosion rates of both pure and thoriated tungsten cathodes were measured after various run times by use of an analytical scale. These measurements have revealed the ability of thoriated tungsten cathodes to run as long as that of pure tungsten but with significantly less material erosion.

Characteristics and applications of diffuse discharge of water electrode in air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wenzheng, LIU; Tahan, WANG; Xiaozhong, CHEN; Chuanlong, MA

2018-01-01

Plasma water treatment technology, which aims to produce strong oxidizing reactive particles that act on the gas-liquid interface by way of discharging, is used to treat the organic pollutants that do not degrade easily in water. This paper presents a diffuse-discharge plasma water treatment method, which is realized by constructing a conical air gap through an uneven medium layer. The proposed method uses water as one electrode, and a dielectric barrier discharge electrode is constructed by using an uneven dielectric. The electric field distribution in the discharge space will be uneven, wherein the long gap electric field will have a smaller intensity, while the short one will have a larger intensity. A diffuse glow discharge is formed in the cavity. With this type of plasma water treatment equipment, a methyl orange solution with a concentration of 10 mg l-1 was treated, and the removal rate was found to reach 88.96%.

Application of gas diffusion biocathode in microbial electrosynthesis from carbon dioxide.

PubMed

Bajracharya, Suman; Vanbroekhoven, Karolien; Buisman, Cees J N; Pant, Deepak; Strik, David P B T B

2016-11-01

Microbial catalysis of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) reduction to multi-carbon compounds at the cathode is a highly attractive application of microbial electrosynthesis (MES). The microbes reduce CO 2 by either taking the electrons or reducing the equivalents produced at the cathode. While using gaseous CO 2 as the carbon source, the biological reduction process depends on the dissolution and mass transfer of CO 2 in the electrolyte. In order to deal with this issue, a gas diffusion electrode (GDE) was investigated by feeding CO 2 through the GDE into the MES reactor for its reduction at the biocathode. A combination of the catalyst layer (porous activated carbon and Teflon binder) and the hydrophobic gas diffusion layer (GDL) creates a three-phase interface at the electrode. So, CO 2 and reducing equivalents will be available to the biocatalyst on the cathode surface. An enriched inoculum consisting of acetogenic bacteria, prepared from an anaerobic sludge, was used as a biocatalyst. The cathode potential was maintained at -1.1 V vs Ag/AgCl to facilitate direct and/or hydrogen-mediated CO 2 reduction. Bioelectrochemical CO 2 reduction mainly produced acetate but also extended the products to ethanol and butyrate. Average acetate production rates of 32 and 61 mg/L/day, respectively, with 20 and 80 % CO 2 gas mixture feed were achieved with 10 cm 2 of GDE. The maximum acetate production rate remained 238 mg/L/day for 20 % CO 2 gas mixture. In conclusion, a gas diffusion biocathode supported bioelectrochemical CO 2 reduction with enhanced mass transfer rate at continuous supply of gaseous CO 2 . Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Cathode materials review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daniel, Claus; Mohanty, Debasish; Li, Jianlin; Wood, David L.

2014-06-01

The electrochemical potential of cathode materials defines the positive side of the terminal voltage of a battery. Traditionally, cathode materials are the energy-limiting or voltage-limiting electrode. One of the first electrochemical batteries, the voltaic pile invented by Alessandro Volta in 1800 (Phil. Trans. Roy. Soc. 90, 403-431) had a copper-zinc galvanic element with a terminal voltage of 0.76 V. Since then, the research community has increased capacity and voltage for primary (nonrechargeable) batteries and round-trip efficiency for secondary (rechargeable) batteries. Successful secondary batteries have been the lead-acid with a lead oxide cathode and a terminal voltage of 2.1 V and later the NiCd with a nickel(III) oxide-hydroxide cathode and a 1.2 V terminal voltage. The relatively low voltage of those aqueous systems and the low round-trip efficiency due to activation energies in the conversion reactions limited their use. In 1976, Wittingham (J. Electrochem. Soc., 123, 315) and Besenhard (J. Power Sources 1(3), 267) finally enabled highly reversible redox reactions by intercalation of lithium ions instead of by chemical conversion. In 1980, Goodenough and Mizushima (Mater. Res. Bull. 15, 783-789) demonstrated a high-energy and high-power LiCoO2 cathode, allowing for an increase of terminal voltage far beyond 3 V. Over the past four decades, the international research community has further developed cathode materials of many varieties. Current state-of-the-art cathodes demonstrate voltages beyond any known electrolyte stability window, bringing electrolyte research once again to the forefront of battery research.

Functionalized NbS2 as cathode for Li- and Na-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Jiajie; Alshareef, Husam N.; Schwingenschlögl, Udo

2017-07-01

Cathodes of Li- and Na-ion batteries usually have capacities <200 mAh/g, significantly less than the anodes. Two-dimensional materials can overcome this limitation but suffer from low voltages. In this context, we investigate NbS2 functionalized by O, F, and Cl as a cathode material by first-principles calculations, considering both the conversion and intercalation mechanisms. NbS2O2 shows a higher voltage than NbS2 for both Li and Na, but the voltage decreases drastically for increasing ion coverage. Even higher voltages and favorable dependences on the ion coverage are achieved by F and Cl functionalization. We obtain NbS2F2 and NbS2Cl2 energy densities of 1223 mW h/g and 823 mW h/g for lithiation and 1086 mW h/g and 835 mW h/g for sodiation, respectively. These values are higher than those for most state-of-the-art cathode materials ( ˜600 mW h/g). In addition, low diffusion barriers enable high cycling rates.

Sustained diffusive alternating current gliding arc discharge in atmospheric pressure air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Jiajian; Gao, Jinlong; Li, Zhongshan; Ehn, Andreas; Aldén, Marcus; Larsson, Anders; Kusano, Yukihiro

2014-12-01

Rapid transition from glow discharge to thermal arc has been a common problem in generating stable high-power non-thermal plasmas especially at ambient conditions. A sustained diffusive gliding arc discharge was generated in a large volume in atmospheric pressure air, driven by an alternating current (AC) power source. The plasma column extended beyond the water-cooled stainless steel electrodes and was stabilized by matching the flow speed of the turbulent air jet with the rated output power. Comprehensive investigations were performed using high-speed movies measured over the plasma column, synchronized with simultaneously recorded current and voltage waveforms. Dynamic details of the novel non-equilibrium discharge are revealed, which is characterized by a sinusoidal current waveform with amplitude stabilized at around 200 mA intermediate between thermal arc and glow discharge, shedding light to the governing mechanism of the sustained spark-suppressed AC gliding arc discharge.

Experimental Method Development for Estimating Solid-phase Diffusion Coefficients and Material/Air Partition Coefficients of SVOCs

EPA Science Inventory

The solid-phase diffusion coefficient (Dm) and material-air partition coefficient (Kma) are key parameters for characterizing the sources and transport of semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in the indoor environment. In this work, a new experimental method was developed to es...

Measurement of the radon diffusion through a nylon foil for different air humidities

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mamedov, Fadahat; Štekl, Ivan; Smolek, Karel

The dependency of the radon penetration through a nylon foil on air humidity was measured. Such information is needed for the tracking part of the SuperNEMO detector, which is planned to be shielded against radon by nylon foil and in which the air humidity is not negligible. The long term measurements of radon penetration through nylon foils for different air humidities were performed with the radon diffusion setup constructed at the IEAP, CTU in Prague. The setup consists of two stainless steel hemispheres with Si detector in each of them. Both hemispheres are separated by the tested foil. While themore » left hemisphere contains high Rn activity, the right part contains only activity caused by the radon penetration through the tested foil. Obtained results of this study with a nylon foil with the thickness of 50 µm are presented.« less

Testing a GaAs cathode in SRF gun

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, E.; Kewisch, J.; Ben-Zvi, I.

RF electron guns with a strained superlattice GaAs cathode are expected to generate polarized electron beams of higher brightness and lower emittance than do DC guns, due to their higher field gradient at the cathode's surface and lower cathode temperature. We plan to install a bulk GaAs:Cs in a SRF gun to evaluate the performance of both the gun and the cathode in this environment. The status of this project is: In our 1.3 GHz 1/2 cell SRF gun, the vacuum can be maintained at nearly 10{sup -12} Torr because of cryo-pumping at 2K. With conventional activation of bulk GaAs,more » we obtained a QE of 10% at 532 nm, with lifetime of more than 3 days in the preparation chamber and have shown that it can survive in transport from the preparation chamber to the gun. The beam line has been assembled and we are exploring the best conditions for baking the cathode under vacuum. We report here the progress of our test of the GaAs cathode in the SRF gun. Future particle accelerators, such as eRHIC and the ILC require high-brightness, high-current polarized electrons. Strained superlattice GaAs:Cs has been shown to be an efficient cathode for producing polarized electrons. Activation of GaAs with Cs,O(F) lowers the electron affinity and makes it energetically possible for all the electrons, excited into the conduction band that drift or diffuse to the emission surface, to escape into the vacuum. Presently, all operating polarized electron sources, such as the CEBAF, are DC guns. In these devices, the excellent ultra-high vacuum extends the lifetime of the cathode. However, the low field gradient on the photocathode's emission surface of the DC guns limits the beam quality. The higher accelerating gradients, possible in the RF guns, generate a far better beam. Until recently, most RF guns operated at room temperature, limiting the vacuum to {approx}10{sup -9} Torr. This destroys the GaAs's NEA surface. The SRF guns combine the excellent vacuum conditions of DC guns and the

Magnetic-cusp, cathodic-arc source

DOEpatents

Falabella, S.

1995-11-21

A magnetic-cusp for a cathodic-arc source wherein the arc is confined to the desired cathode surface, provides a current path for electrons from the cathode to the anode, and utilizes electric and magnetic fields to guide ions from the cathode to a point of use, such as substrates to be coated. The magnetic-cusp insures arc stability by an easy magnetic path from anode to cathode, while the straight-through arrangement leads to high ion transmission. 3 figs.

Arcjet Cathode Phenomena

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Curran, Francis M.; Haag, Thomas W.; Raquet, John F.

1989-01-01

Cathode tips made from a number of different materials were tested in a modular arcjet thruster in order to examine cathode phenomena. Periodic disassembly and examination, along with the data collected during testing, indicated that all of the tungsten-based materials behaved similarly despite the fact that in one of these samples the percentage of thorium oxide was doubled and another was 25 percent rhenium. The mass loss rate from a 2 percent thoriated rhenium cathode was found to be an order of magnitude greater than that observed using 2 percent thoriated tungsten. Detailed analysis of one of these cathode tips showed that the molten crater contained pure tungsten to a depth of about 150 microns. Problems with thermal stress cracking were encountered in the testing of a hafnium carbide tip. Post test analysis showed that the active area of the tip had chemically reacted with the propellant. A 100 hour continuous test was run at about 1 kW. Post test analysis revealed no dendrite formation, such as observed in a 30 kW arcjet lifetest, near the cathode crater. The cathodes from both this test and a previously run 1000 hour cycled test displayed nearly identical arc craters. Data and calculations indicate that the mass losses observed in testing can be explained by evaporation.

Arcjet cathode phenomena

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Curran, Francis M.; Haag, Thomas W.; Raquet, John F.

1989-01-01

Cathode tips made from a number of different materials were tested in a modular arcjet thruster in order to examine cathode phenomena. Periodic disassembly and examination, along with the data collected during testing, indicated that all of the tungsten-based materials behaved similarly despite the fact that in one of these samples the percentage of thorium oxide was doubled and another was 25 percent rhenium. The mass loss rate from a 2 percent thoriated rhenium cathode was found to be an order of magnitude greater than that observed using 2 percent thoriated tungsten. Detailed analysis of one of these cathode tips showed that the molten crater contained pure tungsten to a depth of about 150 microns. Problems with thermal stress cracking were encountered in the testing of a hafnium carbide tip. Post test analysis showed that the active area of the tip had chemically reacted with the propellant. A 100 hour continuous test was run at about 1 kW. Post test analysis revealed no dendrite formation, such as observed in a 30 kW arcjet lifetest, near the cathode crater. The cathodes from both this test and a previously run 1000 hour cycled test displayed nearly identical arc craters. Data and calculations indicate that the mass losses observed in testing can be explained by evaporation.

Cathode materials review

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Daniel, Claus, E-mail: danielc@ornl.gov; Mohanty, Debasish, E-mail: danielc@ornl.gov; Li, Jianlin, E-mail: danielc@ornl.gov

2014-06-16

The electrochemical potential of cathode materials defines the positive side of the terminal voltage of a battery. Traditionally, cathode materials are the energy-limiting or voltage-limiting electrode. One of the first electrochemical batteries, the voltaic pile invented by Alessandro Volta in 1800 (Phil. Trans. Roy. Soc. 90, 403-431) had a copper-zinc galvanic element with a terminal voltage of 0.76 V. Since then, the research community has increased capacity and voltage for primary (nonrechargeable) batteries and round-trip efficiency for secondary (rechargeable) batteries. Successful secondary batteries have been the lead-acid with a lead oxide cathode and a terminal voltage of 2.1 V andmore » later the NiCd with a nickel(III) oxide-hydroxide cathode and a 1.2 V terminal voltage. The relatively low voltage of those aqueous systems and the low round-trip efficiency due to activation energies in the conversion reactions limited their use. In 1976, Wittingham (J. Electrochem. Soc., 123, 315) and Besenhard (J. Power Sources 1(3), 267) finally enabled highly reversible redox reactions by intercalation of lithium ions instead of by chemical conversion. In 1980, Goodenough and Mizushima (Mater. Res. Bull. 15, 783-789) demonstrated a high-energy and high-power LiCoO{sub 2} cathode, allowing for an increase of terminal voltage far beyond 3 V. Over the past four decades, the international research community has further developed cathode materials of many varieties. Current state-of-the-art cathodes demonstrate voltages beyond any known electrolyte stability window, bringing electrolyte research once again to the forefront of battery research.« less

Scalable air cathode microbial fuel cells using glass fiber separators, plastic mesh supporters, and graphite fiber brush anodes.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiaoyuan; Cheng, Shaoan; Liang, Peng; Huang, Xia; Logan, Bruce E

2011-01-01

The combined use of brush anodes and glass fiber (GF1) separators, and plastic mesh supporters were used here for the first time to create a scalable microbial fuel cell architecture. Separators prevented short circuiting of closely-spaced electrodes, and cathode supporters were used to avoid water gaps between the separator and cathode that can reduce power production. The maximum power density with a separator and supporter and a single cathode was 75 ± 1 W/m(3). Removing the separator decreased power by 8%. Adding a second cathode increased power to 154 ± 1 W/m(3). Current was increased by connecting two MFCs connected in parallel. These results show that brush anodes, combined with a glass fiber separator and a plastic mesh supporter, produce a useful MFC architecture that is inherently scalable due to good insulation between the electrodes and a compact architecture. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

RuO2 nanoparticles decorated MnOOH/C as effective bifunctional electrocatalysts for lithium-air battery cathodes with long-cycling stability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Gil-Pyo; Lim, Dongwook; Park, Inyeong; Park, Hyelee; Shim, Sang Eun; Baeck, Sung-Hyeon

2016-08-01

Manganite (MnOOH) is one of the most effective electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), and RuO2 nanoparticles exhibit high activity for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). We herein report a facile means of producing well dispersed RuO2/MnOOH on Ketjen black (RuO2/MnOOH/C) as a bifunctional catalyst for lithium-air (Li-air) batteries. RuO2/MnOOH/C was simply synthesized using a hydrothermal/precipitation based method, and was used as a cathode for a Li-air battery using a Swagelok-type cell. The importance of dispersing active catalysts on a carbon support was clearly demonstrated by textural, charge-discharge voltammetric, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) analyses, comparing results with a catalyst produced by physically mixing RuO2/MnOOH with carbon (RuO2/MnOOH + C). RuO2/MnOOH/C showed low overpotential and stable cycleability up to 170th cycles with 1000 mAh g-1 of charge-discharge capacity, which was attributed to its enhanced active surface area and low charge-transfer resistance. The results obtained suggest that this strategy can be widely applied to bifunctional electrocatalysis, such as secondary batteries and regenerative fuel cell (RFC).

Mesoscale Elucidation of Surface Passivation in the Li–Sulfur Battery Cathode

DOE PAGES

Liu, Zhixiao; Mukherjee, Partha P.

2017-01-23

We report the cathode surface passivation caused by Li 2S precipitation adversely affects the performance of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. Li 2S precipitation is a complicated mesoscale process involving adsorption, desorption and diffusion kinetics, which are affected profoundly by the reactant concentration and operating temperature. In this work, a mesoscale interfacial model is presented to study the growth of Li 2S film on carbon cathode surface. Li 2S film growth experiences nucleation, isolated Li 2S island growth and island coalescence. The slow adsorption rate at small S 2- concentration inhibits the formation of nucleation seeds and the lateral growth of Limore » 2S islands, which deters surface passivation. An appropriate operating temperature, especially in the medium-to-high temperature range, can also defer surface passivation. Fewer Li 2S nucleation seeds form in such an operating temperature range, which facilitates heterogeneous growth and thereby inhibits the lateral growth of the Li 2S film, which may also result in reduced surface passivation. Finally, the high specific surface area of the cathode microstructure is expected to mitigate the surface passivation.« less

Remote control for anode-cathode adjustment

DOEpatents

Roose, Lars D.

1991-01-01

An apparatus for remotely adjusting the anode-cathode gap in a pulse power machine has an electric motor located within a hollow cathode inside the vacuum chamber of the pulse power machine. Input information for controlling the motor for adjusting the anode-cathode gap is fed into the apparatus using optical waveguides. The motor, controlled by the input information, drives a worm gear that moves a cathode tip. When the motor drives in one rotational direction, the cathode is moved toward the anode and the size of the anode-cathode gap is diminished. When the motor drives in the other direction, the cathode is moved away from the anode and the size of the anode-cathode gap is increased. The motor is powered by batteries housed in the hollow cathode. The batteries may be rechargeable, and they may be recharged by a photovoltaic cell in combination with an optical waveguide that receives recharging energy from outside the hollow cathode. Alternatively, the anode-cathode gap can be remotely adjusted by a manually-turned handle connected to mechanical linkage which is connected to a jack assembly. The jack assembly converts rotational motion of the handle and mechanical linkage to linear motion of the cathode moving toward or away from the anode.

Electrolytic Deposition and Diffusion of Lithium onto Magnesium-9 Wt Pct Yttrium Bulk Alloy in Low-Temperature Molten Salt of Lithium Chloride and Potassium Chloride

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Hanwu; Wu, Yaoming; Wang, Lidong; Wang, Limin

2009-10-01

The electrolytic deposition and diffusion of lithium onto bulk magnesium-9 wt pct yttrium alloy cathode in molten salt of 47 wt pct lithium chloride and 53 wt pct potassium chloride at 693 K were investigated. Results show that magnesium-yttrium-lithium ternary alloys are formed on the surface of the cathodes, and a penetration depth of 642 μm is acquired after 2 hours of electrolysis at the cathodic current density of 0.06 A·cm-2. The diffusion of lithium results in a great amount of precipitates in the lithium containing layer. These precipitates are the compound of Mg41Y5, which arrange along the grain boundaries and hinder the diffusion of lithium, and solid solution of yttrium in magnesium. The grain boundaries and the twins of the magnesium-9 wt pct yttrium substrate also have negative effects on the diffusion of lithium.

Kinetics of oxygen reduction in perovskite cathodes for solid oxide fuel cells: A combined modeling and experimental approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miara, Lincoln James

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have the potential to replace conventional stationary power generation technologies; however, there are major obstacles to commercialization, the most problematic of which is poor cathode performance. Commercialization of SOFCs will follow when the mechanisms occurring at the cathode are more thoroughly understood and adapted for market use. The catalytic reduction of oxygen occurring in SOFC cathodes consists of many elementary steps such as gas phase diffusion, chemical and/or electrochemical reactions which lead to the adsorption and dissociation of molecular oxygen onto the cathode surface, mass transport of oxygen species along the surface and/or through the bulk of the cathode, and full reduction and incorporation of the oxygen at the cathode/electrolyte two or three phase boundary. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is the main technique used to identify the occurrence of these different processes, but when this technique is used without an explicit model describing the kinetics it is difficult to unravel the interdependence of each of these processes. The purpose of this dissertation is to identify the heterogeneous reactions occurring at the cathode of an SOFC by combining experimental EIS results with mathematical models describing the time dependent behavior of the system. This analysis is performed on two different systems. In the first case, experimental EIS results from patterned half cells composed of Ca-doped lanthanum manganite (LCM)| yttria-doped ZrO2 (YSZ) are modeled to investigate the temperature and partial pressure of oxygen, pO2, dependence of oxygen adsorption/dissociation onto the LCM surface, surface diffusion of atomic oxygen, and electrochemical reduction and incorporation of the oxygen into the electrolyte in the vicinity of the triple phase boundary (TPB). This model determines the time-independent state-space equations from which the Faradaic admittance transfer function is obtained. The

Decomposition of ultrathin LiF cathode underlayer in organic-based devices evidenced by ToF-SIMS depth profiling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pakhomov, Georgy L.; Drozdov, Mikhail N.; Travkin, Vlad V.; Bochkarev, Mikhail N.

2017-11-01

In this work we investigate the chemical composition of an archetypal thin-film organic device with the Ag/LiF cathode using the time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) with depth profiling. The LiF cathode underlayer is partly decomposed because a significant amount of lithium is released into the bulk of the multilayer device. The released lithium diffuses all the way to the substrate, accumulating, as revealed by ToF-SIMS depth profiles, at the interfaces rather than uniformly doping the underlying layers. Particularly, the bottom anode becomes chemically modified.

Development of a high-performance composite cathode for LT-SOFC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Byung Wook

-ionized (DI) water, zeta potential profile of ESB powder in DI water as a function of pH was first achieved. The effect of a dispersant (ammonium citrate dibasic) on the stability of ESB powder dispersed in DI water was also investigated. Knowledge of BRO7 wet chemical synthesis from previous study was utilized for final product of in-situ BRO7-ESB composite cathodes. Such prepared composite particles were characterized and the electrochemical performance of in-situ BRO7-ESB composite cathodes was examined as well. Performance enhancement was observed so that ASR values of 0.097Ocm2 and 3.58Ocm2 were achieved at 700°C and 500°C, respectively, which were 19% and 22% improvement, respectively compared to those of conventionally mixed composite cathodes of BRO7-ESB. Finally, a highly controlled nanostructured BRO7-ESB composite cathode was developed by infiltration of BRO7 onto ESB scaffolds to maximize the effective TPB length, to improve the connectivity of ESB phase inside the cathode for better oxygen-ion diffusion, and to minimize delamination between the electrolyte and cathode layers. ESB scaffolds were first established by adding a graphite pore-former and controlling heat treatment condition. Nano-sized BRO7 particles were successfully created on the surface of previously formed ESB scaffold by infiltration of concentrated (Bi, Ru) nitrate solution followed by the optimized heat treatment. Such prepared composite cathodes exhibited superior electrochemical performance to conventionally made BRO7-ESB composite cathodes and even better than GNC BRO7-SS ESB developed in this dissertation, e.g. 0.073Ocm2 at 700°C and 1.82Ocm2 at 500°C, respectively. This cathode system was revealed to be highly competitive among all the reported composite cathodes consisting of the same or different materials prepared by various processing techniques. It was demonstrated that the extended TPB length from continuous network of BRO7 nanoparticles and better connectivity of ESB scaffolds

Effect of sorbed methanol, current, and temperature on multicomponent transport in nafion-based direct methanol fuel cells.

PubMed

Rivera, Harry; Lawton, Jamie S; Budil, David E; Smotkin, Eugene S

2008-07-24

The CO2 in the cathode exhaust of a liquid feed direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) has two sources: methanol diffuses through the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) to the cathode where it is catalytically oxidized to CO2; additionally, a portion of the CO2 produced at the anode diffuses through the MEA to the cathode. The potential-dependent CO2 exhaust from the cathode was monitored by online electrochemical mass spectrometry (ECMS) with air and with H2 at the cathode. The precise determination of the crossover rates of methanol and CO2, enabled by the subtractive normalization of the methanol/air to the methanol/H2 ECMS data, shows that methanol decreases the membrane viscosity and thus increases the diffusion coefficients of sorbed membrane components. The crossover of CO2 initially increases linearly with the Faradaic oxidation of methanol, reaches a temperature-dependent maximum, and then decreases. The membrane viscosity progressively increases as methanol is electrochemically depleted from the anode/electrolyte interface. The crossover maximum occurs when the current dependence of the diffusion coefficients and membrane CO2 solubility dominate over the Faradaic production of CO2. The plasticizing effect of methanol is corroborated by measurements of the rotational diffusion of TEMPONE (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidone N-oxide) spin probe by electron spin resonance spectroscopy. A linear inverse relationship between the methanol crossover rate and current density confirms the absence of methanol electro-osmotic drag at concentrations relevant to operating DMFCs. The purely diffusive transport of methanol is explained in terms of current proton solvation and methanol-water incomplete mixing theories.

Metal-air cells comprising collapsible foam members and means for minimizing internal pressure buildup

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Putt, Ronald A. (Inventor); Woodruff, Glenn (Inventor)

1994-01-01

This invention provides a prismatic zinc-air cell including, in general, a prismatic container having therein an air cathode, a separator and a zinc anode. The container has one or more oxygen access openings, and the air cathode is disposed in the container in gaseous communication with the oxygen access openings so as to allow access of oxygen to the cathode. The separator has a first side in electrolytic communication with the air cathode and a second side in electrolytic communication with the zinc anode. The separator isolates the cathode and the zinc anode from direct electrical contact and allows passage of electrolyte therebetween. An expansion chamber adjacent to the zinc anode is provided which accommodates expansion of the zinc anode during discharge of the cell. A suitable collapsible foam member generally occupies the expansion space, providing sufficient resistance tending to oppose movement of the zinc anode away from the separator while collapsing upon expansion of the zinc anode during discharge of the cell. One or more vent openings disposed in the container are in gaseous communication with the expansion space, functioning to satisfactorily minimize the pressure buildup within the container by venting gasses expelled as the foam collapses during cell discharge.

The Salty Science of the Aluminum-Air Battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chasteen, Stephanie V.; Chasteen, N. Dennis; Doherty, Paul

2008-12-01

Fruit batteries and saltwater batteries are excellent ways to explore simple circuits in the classroom. These are examples of air batteries in which metal reacts with oxygen in the air in order to generate free electrons, which flow through an external circuit and do work. Students are typically told that the salt or fruit water acts as an electrolyte to bring electrons from the anode to the cathode. That's true, but it leaves the battery as a black box. Physics teachers often don't have the background to explain the chemistry behind these batteries. We've written this paper to explore the electrochemistry behind an air battery using copper cathode, aluminum anode, and saltwater.

Domestic wastewater treatment and power generation in continuous flow air-cathode stacked microbial fuel cell: Effect of series and parallel configuration.

PubMed

Estrada-Arriaga, Edson Baltazar; Hernández-Romano, Jesús; García-Sánchez, Liliana; Guillén Garcés, Rosa Angélica; Bahena-Bahena, Erick Obed; Guadarrama-Pérez, Oscar; Moeller Chavez, Gabriela Eleonora

2018-05-15

In this study, a continuous flow stack consisting of 40 individual air-cathode MFC units was used to determine the performance of stacked MFC during domestic wastewater treatment operated with unconnected individual MFC and in series and parallel configuration. The voltages obtained from individual MFC units were of 0.08-1.1 V at open circuit voltage, while in series connection, the maximum power and current density were 2500 mW/m 2 and 500 mA/m 2 (4.9 V), respectively. In parallel connection, the maximum power and current density was 5.8 mW/m 2 and 24 mA/m 2 , respectively. When the cells were not connected to each other MFC unit, the main bacterial species found in the anode biofilms were Bacillus and Lysinibacillus. After switching from unconnected to series and parallel connections, the most abundant species in the stacked MFC were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, followed by different Bacilli classes. This study demonstrated that when the stacked MFC was switched from unconnected to series and parallel connections, the pollutants removal, performance electricity and microbial community changed significantly. Voltages drops were observed in the stacked MFC, which was mainly limited by the cathodes. These voltages loss indicated high resistances within the stacked MFC, generating a parasitic cross current. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Diffusion Flame Stabilization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Takahashi, Fumiaki; Katta, V. R.

2006-01-01

Diffusion flames are commonly used for industrial burners in furnaces and flares. Oxygen/fuel burners are usually diffusion burners, primarily for safety reasons, to prevent flashback and explosion in a potentially dangerous system. Furthermore, in most fires, condensed materials pyrolyze, vaporize, and burn in air as diffusion flames. As a result of the interaction of a diffusion flame with burner or condensed-fuel surfaces, a quenched space is formed, thus leaving a diffusion flame edge, which plays an important role in flame holding in combustion systems and fire spread through condensed fuels. Despite a long history of jet diffusion flame studies, lifting/blowoff mechanisms have not yet been fully understood, compared to those of premixed flames. In this study, the structure and stability of diffusion flames of gaseous hydrocarbon fuels in coflowing air at normal earth gravity have been investigated experimentally and computationally. Measurements of the critical mean jet velocity (U(sub jc)) of methane, ethane, or propane at lifting or blowoff were made as a function of the coflowing air velocity (U(sub a)) using a tube burner (i.d.: 2.87 mm). By using a computational fluid dynamics code with 33 species and 112 elementary reaction steps, the internal chemical-kinetic structures of the stabilizing region of methane and propane flames were investigated. A peak reactivity spot, i.e., reaction kernel, is formed in the flame stabilizing region due to back-diffusion of heat and radical species against an oxygen-rich incoming flow, thus holding the trailing diffusion flame. The simulated flame base moved downstream under flow conditions close to the measured stability limit.

Diffusion Flame Stabilization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Takahashi, Fumiaki; Katta, Viswanath R.

2007-01-01

Diffusion flames are commonly used for industrial burners in furnaces and flares. Oxygen/fuel burners are usually diffusion burners, primarily for safety reasons, to prevent flashback and explosion in a potentially dangerous system. Furthermore, in most fires, condensed materials pyrolyze, vaporize, and burn in air as diffusion flames. As a result of the interaction of a diffusion flame with burner or condensed-fuel surfaces, a quenched space is formed, thus leaving a diffusion flame edge, which plays an important role in flame holding in combustion systems and fire spread through condensed fuels. Despite a long history of jet diffusion flame studies, lifting/blowoff mechanisms have not yet been fully understood, compared to those of premixed flames. In this study, the structure and stability of diffusion flames of gaseous hydrocarbon fuels in coflowing air at normal earth gravity have been investigated experimentally and computationally. Measurements of the critical mean jet velocity (U(sub jc)) of methane, ethane, or propane at lifting or blowoff were made as a function of the coflowing air velocity (U(sub a)) using a tube burner (i.d.: 2.87 mm) (Fig. 1, left). By using a computational fluid dynamics code with 33 species and 112 elementary reaction steps, the internal chemical-kinetic structures of the stabilizing region of methane and propane flames were investigated (Fig. 1, right). A peak reactivity spot, i.e., reaction kernel, is formed in the flame stabilizing region due to back-diffusion of heat and radical species against an oxygen-rich incoming flow, thus holding the trailing diffusion flame. The simulated flame base moved downstream under flow conditions close to the measured stability limit.

Characterization of bacterial and archaeal communities in air-cathode microbial fuel cells, open circuit and sealed-off reactors.

PubMed

Shehab, Noura; Li, Dong; Amy, Gary L; Logan, Bruce E; Saikaly, Pascal E

2013-11-01

A large percentage of organic fuel consumed in a microbial fuel cell (MFC) is lost as a result of oxygen transfer through the cathode. In order to understand how this oxygen transfer affects the microbial community structure, reactors were operated in duplicate using three configurations: closed circuit (CC; with current generation), open circuit (OC; no current generation), and sealed off cathodes (SO; no current, with a solid plate placed across the cathode). Most (98 %) of the chemical oxygen demand (COD) was removed during power production in the CC reactor (maximum of 640 ± 10 mW/m(2)), with a low percent of substrate converted to current (coulombic efficiency of 26.5 ± 2.1 %). Sealing the cathode reduced COD removal to 7 %, but with an open cathode, there was nearly as much COD removal by the OC reactor (94.5 %) as the CC reactor. Oxygen transfer into the reactor substantially affected the composition of the microbial communities. Based on analysis of the biofilms using 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing, microbes most similar to Geobacter were predominant on the anodes in the CC MFC (72 % of sequences), but the most abundant bacteria were Azoarcus (42 to 47 %) in the OC reactor, and Dechloromonas (17 %) in the SO reactor. Hydrogenotrophic methanogens were most predominant, with sequences most similar to Methanobacterium in the CC and SO reactor, and Methanocorpusculum in the OC reactors. These results show that oxygen leakage through the cathode substantially alters the bacterial anode communities, and that hydrogenotrophic methanogens predominate despite high concentrations of acetate. The predominant methanogens in the CC reactor most closely resembled those in the SO reactor, demonstrating that oxygen leakage alters methanogenic as well as general bacterial communities.

Tracking the Effect of Cathodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Cortical Excitability and Connectivity by Means of TMS-EEG

PubMed Central

Varoli, Erica; Pisoni, Alberto; Mattavelli, Giulia C.; Vergallito, Alessandra; Gallucci, Alessia; Mauro, Lilia D.; Rosanova, Mario; Bolognini, Nadia; Vallar, Giuseppe; Romero Lauro, Leonor J.

2018-01-01

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is increasingly used in both research and therapeutic settings, but its precise mechanisms remain largely unknown. At a neuronal level, tDCS modulates cortical excitability by shifting the resting membrane potential in a polarity-dependent way: anodal stimulation increases the spontaneous firing rate, while cathodal decreases it. However, the neurophysiological underpinnings of anodal/cathodal tDCS seem to be different, as well as their behavioral effect, in particular when high order areas are involved, compared to when motor or sensory brain areas are targeted. Previously, we investigated the effect of anodal tDCS on cortical excitability, by means of a combination of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Electroencephalography (EEG). Results showed a diffuse rise of cortical excitability in a bilateral fronto-parietal network. In the present study, we tested, with the same paradigm, the effect of cathodal tDCS. Single pulse TMS was delivered over the left posterior parietal cortex (PPC), before, during, and after 10 min of cathodal or sham tDCS over the right PPC, while recording HD-EEG. Indexes of global and local cortical excitability were obtained both at sensors and cortical sources level. At sensors, global and local mean field power (GMFP and LMFP) were computed for three temporal windows (0–50, 50–100, and 100–150 ms), on all channels (GMFP), and in four different clusters of electrodes (LMFP, left and right, in frontal and parietal regions). After source reconstruction, Significant Current Density was computed at the global level, and for four Broadmann's areas (left/right BA 6 and 7). Both sensors and cortical sources results converge in showing no differences during and after cathodal tDCS compared to pre-stimulation sessions, both at global and local level. The same holds for sham tDCS. These data highlight an asymmetric impact of anodal and cathodal stimulation on cortical excitability, with

Evaluation of passive diffusion bag and dialysis samplers in selected wells at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, July 2001

USGS Publications Warehouse

Vroblesky, Don A.; Pravecek, Tasha

2002-01-01

Field comparisons of chemical concentrations obtained from dialysis samplers, passive diffusion bag samplers, and low-flow samplers showed generally close agreement in most of the 13 wells tested during July 2001 at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. The data for chloride, sulfate, iron, alkalinity, arsenic, and methane appear to show that the dialysis samplers are capable of accurately collecting a passive sample for these constituents. In general, the comparisons of volatile organic compound concentrations showed a relatively close correspondence between the two different types of diffusion samples and between the diffusion samples and the low-flow samples collected in most wells. Divergence appears to have resulted primarily from the pumping method, either producing a mixed sample or water not characteristic of aquifer water moving through the borehole under ambient conditions. The fact that alkalinity was not detected in the passive diffusion bag samplers, highly alkaline waters without volatilization loss from effervescence, which can occur when a sample is acidified for preservation. Both dialysis and passive diffusion bag samplers are relatively inexpensive and can be deployed rapidly and easily. Passive diffusion bag samplers are intended for sampling volatile organic compounds only, but dialysis samplers can be used to sample both volatile organic compounds and inorganic solutes. Regenerated cellulose dialysis samplers, however, are subject to biodegradation and probably should be deployed no sooner than 2 weeks prior to recovery. 1 U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia, South Carolina. 2 Air Florce Center for Environmental Excellence, San Antionio, Texas.

Enhanced bioelectricity generation of air-cathode buffer-free microbial fuel cells through short-term anolyte pH adjustment.

PubMed

Ren, Yueping; Chen, Jinli; Li, Xiufen; Yang, Na; Wang, Xinhua

2018-04-01

Short-term initial anolyte pH adjustment can relieve the performance deterioration of the single-chamber air-cathode buffer-free microbial fuel cell (BFMFC) caused by anolyte acidification. Adjusting the initial anolyte pH to 9 in 5 running cycles is the optimum strategy. The relative abundance of the electrochemically active Geobacter in the KCl-pH9-MFC anode biofilm increased from 59.01% to 75.13% after the short-term adjustment. The maximum power density (P max ) of the KCl-pH9-MFC was elevated from 316.4mW·m -2 to 511.6mW·m -2 , which was comparable with that of the PBS-MFC. And, after the short-term adjusting, new equilibrium between the anolyte pH and the anode biofilm electrochemical activity has been established in the BFMFC, which ensured the sustainability of the improved bioelectricity generation performance. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cathodes for molten-salt batteries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Argade, Shyam D.

1993-01-01

Viewgraphs of the discussion on cathodes for molten-salt batteries are presented. For the cathode reactions in molten-salt cells, chlorine-based and sulfur-based cathodes reactants have relatively high exchange current densities. Sulfur-based cathodes, metal sulfides, and disulfides have been extensively investigated. Primary thermal batteries of the Li-alloy/FeS2 variety have been available for a number of years. Chlorine based rechargable cathodes were investigated for the pulse power application. A brief introduction is followed by the experimental aspects of research, and the results obtained. Performance projections to the battery system level are discussed and the presentation is summarized with conclusions.

Electron emission and beam generation using ferroelectric cathodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flechtner, Donald D.

1999-06-01

In 1989, researchers at CERN published the discovery of significant electron emission (1-100 A/cm2) from Lead-Lanthanum-Zirconate- Titanate (PLZT). The publication of these results led to international interest in ferroelectric cathodes studies for use in pulsed power devices. At Cornell University in 1991, experiments with Lead-Zirconate-Titanate (PZT) compositions were begun to study the feasibility of using this ferroelectric material as a cathode in the electron gun section of High Power Traveling Wave Tube Amplifier Experiments. Current-voltage characteristics were documented for diode voltages ranging from 50-500,000 V with anode cathode gaps of.5-6 cm. A linear current-voltage relation was found for voltages less than 50 kV. For diode voltages >=200 kV, a typical Child-Langmuir V3/2 dependence was observed. Additional experiments have demonstrated repetition rates of up to 50 Hz with current densities of >=20 A/cm2. These results have been used in the ongoing design and construction of the electron gun for a 500 kV pulse modulator capable of repetitive operation at 1 Hz. The electron gun uses a PZT 55/45 (Pb(Zr.55,Ti.45 )O3) cathode to produce a <=400 A electron beam focused by a converging magnetic field. Studies of the emission process itself indicate the initial electrons are produced by field emission from the metallic grid applied to the front surface of the cathode. The field emission is induced by the application of a fast rising 1-3 kV, 150 ns pulse to the rear electrode of the 1 mm thick ferroelectric. Field emission can lead to explosive emission from microprotrusions and metal-ferroelectric-vacuum triple points forming a diffuse plasma on the surface of the sample. Under long pulse experiments (1-5 μs), plasma velocities of ~2 cm/μs were measured from gap closure rates. Results from an ion Faraday cup experiment showed ion velocities of 1-2 cm/μs. Experimental evidence indicates the electron emission is dependent on the field emission initiated

Scenario for Hollow Cathode End-Of-Life

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sarver-Verhey, Timothy R.

2000-01-01

Recent successful hollow cathode life tests have demonstrated that lifetimes can meet the requirements of several space applications. However, there are no methods for assessing cathode lifetime short of demonstrating the requirement. Previous attempts to estimate or predict cathode lifetime were based on relatively simple chemical depletion models derived from the dispenser cathode community. To address this lack of predicative capability, a scenario for hollow cathode lifetime under steady-state operating conditions is proposed. This scenario has been derived primarily from the operating behavior and post-test condition of a hollow cathode that was operated for 28,000 hours. In this scenario, the insert chemistry evolves through three relatively distinct phases over the course of the cathode lifetime. These phases are believed to correspond to demonstrable changes in cathode operation. The implications for cathode lifetime limits resulting from this scenario are examined, including methods to assess cathode lifetime without operating to End-of- Life and methods to extend the cathode lifetime.

Ultrafast synthesis of Te nanorods as cathode materials for lithium-tellurium batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Dekang; Li, Shu; Xiao, Xin; Cao, Minglei; Gao, Lin; Xiang, Yong-Gang; Chen, Hao; Shen, Yan

2017-12-01

Recently, tellurium has been regarded as a promising cathode material for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries due to its high theoretical volumetric capacity. However, a plethora of research are focusing on impregnating the tellurium into porous carbon materials by the thermal-diffusion method, which would consume large amounts of energy and take prolonged time. Herein, a carbon and binder-free cathode with 100% Te is fabricated by a facile galvanic replacement method on a nickle foam. Driven by the large electrochemical potential difference between Ni and Te, desirable amounts of Te can be obtained in just 10 min with no need of energy input. Li-Te batteries constructed by the as-obtained cathode show relatively good performance in DMSO solvent. To further elevate the performance of this battery especially at low current density, commercial carbon cloth is added between the separator and Te electrode as an interlayer. The cell with interlayer delivers a gravimetric capacity of 116.2 mAh g-1 after 70 cycles at the current density of 100 mA g-1, which is 2.8 times as high as that of a cell without interlayer (40.4 mAh g-1).

Observation and interpretation of energy efficient, diffuse direct current glow discharge at atmospheric pressure

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tang, Jie, E-mail: tangjie1979@opt.ac.cn; Jiang, Weiman; Wang, Yishan

2015-08-24

A diffuse direct-current glow discharge was realized with low energy consumption and high energy utilization efficiency at atmospheric pressure. The formation of diffuse discharge was demonstrated by examining and comparing the electrical properties and optical emissions of plasmas. In combination with theoretical derivation and calculation, we draw guidelines that appearance of nitrogen ions at low electron density is crucial to enhance the ambipolar diffusion for the expansion of discharge channel and the increasing ambipolar diffusion near the cathode plays a key role in the onset of diffuse discharge. An individual-discharge-channel expansion model is proposed to explain the diffuse discharge formation.

Electrochemical performance of La2O3/Li2O/TiO2 nano-particle coated cathode material LiFePO4.

PubMed

Wang, Hong; Yang, Chi; Liu, Shu-Xin

2014-09-01

Cathode material, LiFePO4 was modified by coating with a thin layer of La2O3/Li2O/TiO2 nano-particles for improving its performance for lithium ion batteries. The morphology and structure of the modified cathode material were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microcopy and AES. The performance of the battery with the modified cathode material, including cycling stability, C-rate discharge was examined. The results show that the battery composed of the coated cathode materials can discharge at a large current density and show stable cycling performance in the range from 2.5 to 4.0 V. The rate of Li ion diffusion increases in the battery with the La2O3/Li2O/TiO2-coated LiFePO4 as a cathode and the coating layer may acts as a faster ion conductor (La(2/3-x)Li(3x)TiO3).

AFM as an analysis tool for high-capacity sulfur cathodes for Li–S batteries

PubMed Central

Sörgel, Seniz; Costa, Rémi; Carlé, Linus; Galm, Ines; Cañas, Natalia; Pascucci, Brigitta; Friedrich, K Andreas

2013-01-01

Summary In this work, material-sensitive atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques were used to analyse the cathodes of lithium–sulfur batteries. A comparison of their nanoscale electrical, electrochemical, and morphological properties was performed with samples prepared by either suspension-spraying or doctor-blade coating with different binders. Morphological studies of the cathodes before and after the electrochemical tests were performed by using AFM and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The cathodes that contained polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and were prepared by spray-coating exhibited a superior stability of the morphology and the electric network associated with the capacity and cycling stability of these batteries. A reduction of the conductive area determined by conductive AFM was found to correlate to the battery capacity loss for all cathodes. X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements of Li2S exposed to ambient air showed that insulating Li2S hydrolyses to insulating LiOH. This validates the significance of electrical ex-situ AFM analysis after cycling. Conductive tapping mode AFM indicated the existence of large carbon-coated sulfur particles. Based on the analytical findings, the first results of an optimized cathode showed a much improved discharge capacity of 800 mA·g(sulfur)−1 after 43 cycles. PMID:24205455

Thermal diffusivity study of aged Li-ion batteries using flash method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagpure, Shrikant C.; Dinwiddie, Ralph; Babu, S. S.; Rizzoni, Giorgio; Bhushan, Bharat; Frech, Tim

Advanced Li-ion batteries with high energy and power density are fast approaching compatibility with automotive demands. While the mechanism of operation of these batteries is well understood, the aging mechanisms are still under investigation. Investigation of aging mechanisms in Li-ion batteries becomes very challenging, as aging does not occur due to a single process, but because of multiple physical processes occurring at the same time in a cascading manner. As the current characterization techniques such as Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and atomic force microscopy are used independent of each other they do not provide a comprehensive understanding of material degradation at different length (nm 2 to m 2) scales. Thus to relate the damage mechanisms of the cathode at mm length scale to micro/nanoscale, data at an intermediate length scale is needed. As such, we demonstrate here the use of thermal diffusivity analysis by flash method to bridge the gap between different length scales. In this paper we present the thermal diffusivity analysis of an unaged and aged cell. Thermal diffusivity analysis maps the damage to the cathode samples at millimeter scale lengths. Based on these maps we also propose a mechanism leading to the increase of the thermal diffusivity as the cells are aged.

Erosion behavior of composite Al-Cr cathodes in cathodic arc plasmas in inert and reactive atmospheres

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Franz, Robert, E-mail: robert.franz@unileoben.ac.at; Mendez Martin, Francisca; Hawranek, Gerhard

2016-03-15

Al{sub x}Cr{sub 1−x} composite cathodes with Al contents of x = 0.75, 0.5, and 0.25 were exposed to cathodic arc plasmas in Ar, N{sub 2}, and O{sub 2} atmospheres and their erosion behavior was studied. Cross-sectional analysis of the elemental distribution of the near-surface zone in the cathodes by scanning electron microscopy revealed the formation of a modified layer for all cathodes and atmospheres. Due to intermixing of Al and Cr in the heat-affected zone, intermetallic Al-Cr phases formed as evidenced by x-ray diffraction analysis. Cathode poisoning effects in the reactive N{sub 2} and O{sub 2} atmospheres were nonuniform as a resultmore » of the applied magnetic field configuration. With the exception of oxide islands on Al-rich cathodes, reactive layers were absent in the circular erosion zone, while nitrides and oxides formed in the less eroded center region of the cathodes.« less

Water management in a planar air-breathing fuel cell array using operando neutron imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coz, E.; Théry, J.; Boillat, P.; Faucheux, V.; Alincant, D.; Capron, P.; Gébel, G.

2016-11-01

Operando Neutron imaging is used for the investigation of a planar air-breathing array comprising multiple cells in series. The fuel cell demonstrates a stable power density level of 150 mW/cm2. Water distribution and quantification is carried out at different operating points. Drying at high current density is observed and correlated to self-heating and natural convection. Working in dead-end mode, water accumulation at lower current density is largely observed on the anode side. However, flooding mechanisms are found to begin with water condensation on the cathode side, leading to back-diffusion and anodic flooding. Specific in-plane and through-plane water distribution is observed and linked to the planar array design.

Air sparging: Air-water mass transfer coefficients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Braida, Washington J.; Ong, Say Kee

1998-12-01

Experiments investigating the mass transfer of several dissolved volatile organic compounds (VOCs) across the air-water interface were conducted using a single-air- channel air-sparging system. Three different porous media were used in the study. Air velocities ranged from 0.2 cm s-1 to 2.5 cm s-1. The tortuosity factor for each porous medium and the air-water mass transfer coefficients were estimated by fitting experimental data to a one-dimensional diffusion model. The estimated mass transfer coefficients KG ranged from 1.79 × 10-3 cm min-1 to 3.85 × 10-2 cm min-1. The estimated lumped gas phase mass transfer coefficients KGa were found to be directly related to the air diffusivity of the VOC, air velocity, and particle size, and inversely related to the Henry's law constant of the VOCs. Of the four parameters investigated, the parameter that controlled or had a dominant effect on the lumped gas phase mass transfer coefficient was the air diffusivity of the VOC. Two empirical models were developed by correlating the Damkohler and the modified air phase Sherwood numbers with the air phase Peclet number, Henry's law constant, and the reduced mean particle size of porous media. The correlation developed in this study may be used to obtain better predictions of mass transfer fluxes for field conditions.

Improved materials and processes of dispenser cathodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Longo, R. T.; Sundquist, W. F.; Adler, E. A.

1984-08-01

Several process variables affecting the final electron emission properties of impregnated dispenser cathodes were investigated. In particular, the influence of billet porosity, impregnant composition and purity, and osmium-ruthenium coating were studied. Work function and cathode evaporation data were used to evaluate cathode performance and to formulate a model of cathode activation and emission. Results showed that sorted tungsten powder can be reproducibly fabricated into cathode billets. Billet porosity was observed to have the least effect on cathode performance. Use of the 4:1:1 aluminate mixture resulted in lower work functions than did use of the 5:3:2 mixture. Under similar drawout conditions, the coated cathodes showed superior emission relative to uncoated cathodes. In actual Pierce gun structures under accelerated life test, the influence of impregnated sulfur is clearly shown to reduce cathode performance.

Mn-Based Cathode with Synergetic Layered-Tunnel Hybrid Structures and Their Enhanced Electrochemical Performance in Sodium Ion Batteries.

PubMed

Wu, Zhen-Guo; Li, Jun-Tao; Zhong, Yan-Jun; Guo, Xiao-Dong; Huang, Ling; Zhong, Ben-He; Agyeman, Daniel-Adjei; Lim, Jin-Myoung; Kim, Du-Ho; Cho, Maeng-Hyo; Kang, Yong-Mook

2017-06-28

A synergistic approach for advanced cathode materials is proposed. Sodium manganese oxide with a layered-tunnel hybrid structure was designed, synthesized, and subsequently investigated. The layered-tunnel hybrid structure provides fast Na ion diffusivity and high structural stability thanks to the tunnel phase, enabling high rate capability and greatly improved cycling stability compared to that of the pure P2 layered phase while retaining the high specific capacity of the P2 layered phase. The hybrid structure provided a decent discharge capacity of 133.4 mAh g -1 even at 8 C, which exceeds the reported best rate capability for Mn-based cathodes. It also displayed an impressive cycling stability, maintaining 83.3 mAh g -1 after 700 cycles at 10 C. Theoretical calculation and the potentiostatic intermittent titration technique (PITT) demonstrated that this hybrid structure helps enhance Na ion diffusivity during charge and discharge, attaining, as a result, an unprecendented electrochemical performance.

Baffle aperture design study of hollow cathode equipped ion thrusters. M.S. Thesis Technical Report, 1 Dec. 1979 - 1 Oct. 1980

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brophy, J. R., Jr.; Wilbur, P. J.

1980-01-01

A simple theoretical model which can be used as an aid in the design of the baffle aperture region of a hollow cathode equipped ion thruster was developed. An analysis of the ion and electron currents in both the main and cathode discharge chambers is presented. From this analysis a model of current flow through the aperture, which is required as an input to the design model, was developed. This model was verified experimentally. The dominant force driving electrons through the aperture was the force due to the electrical potential gradient. The diffusion process was modeled according to the Bolm diffusion theory. A number of simplifications were made to limit the amount of detailed plasma information required as input to the model to facilitate the use of the model in thruster design. This simplified model gave remarkably consistant results with experimental results obtained with a given thruster geometry over substantial changes in operating conditions. The model was uncertain to about a factor of two for different thruster cathode region geometries. The design usefulness was limited by this factor of two uncertainty and by the accuracy to which the plasma parameters required as inputs to the model were specified.

Nature of the Electrochemical Properties of Sulphur Substituted LiMn2O4 Spinel Cathode Material Studied by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy

PubMed Central

Bakierska, Monika; Świętosławski, Michał; Dziembaj, Roman; Molenda, Marcin

2016-01-01

In this work, nanostructured LiMn2O4 (LMO) and LiMn2O3.99S0.01 (LMOS1) spinel cathode materials were comprehensively investigated in terms of electrochemical properties. For this purpose, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements as a function of state of charge (SOC) were conducted on a representative charge and discharge cycle. The changes in the electrochemical performance of the stoichiometric and sulphur-substituted lithium manganese oxide spinels were examined, and suggested explanations for the observed dependencies were given. A strong influence of sulphur introduction into the spinel structure on the chemical stability and electrochemical characteristic was observed. It was demonstrated that the significant improvement in coulombic efficiency and capacity retention of lithium cell with LMOS1 active material arises from a more stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer. Based on EIS studies, the Li ion diffusion coefficients in the cathodes were estimated, and the influence of sulphur on Li+ diffusivity in the spinel structure was established. The obtained results support the assumption that sulphur substitution is an effective way to promote chemical stability and the electrochemical performance of LiMn2O4 cathode material. PMID:28773819

Intragranular cracking as a critical barrier for high-voltage usage of layer-structured cathode for lithium-ion batteries

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yan, Pengfei; Zheng, Jianming; Gu, Meng

LiNi 1/3Mn 1/3Co 1/3O 2 (NMC333) layered cathode is often fabricated as secondary particles of consisting of densely packed primary particles, which offers advantage of high energy density and alleviation of cathode side reactions/corrosions, but introduces other drawbacks, such as intergranular cracking. Here, we report unexpected observations on the nucleation and growth of intragranular cracks in the commercial NMC333 layered cathode by using advanced S/TEM. We found that the formation of the intragranular cracks is directly associated with high voltage cycling, which is an electrochemically driven and diffusion controlled process. The intragranular cracks were noticed to be characteristically initiated frommore » grain interior, a consequence of dislocation based crack incubation mechanism. This observation is in sharp contrast with the general theoretical models, predicting the initiation of intragranular cracks from grain boundaries or particle surface. As a result, our study indicates that maintain a structural stability is the key step toward high voltage operation of layered cathode materials.« less

Intragranular cracking as a critical barrier for high-voltage usage of layer-structured cathode for lithium-ion batteries

DOE PAGES

Yan, Pengfei; Zheng, Jianming; Gu, Meng; ...

2017-01-16

LiNi 1/3Mn 1/3Co 1/3O 2 (NMC333) layered cathode is often fabricated as secondary particles of consisting of densely packed primary particles, which offers advantage of high energy density and alleviation of cathode side reactions/corrosions, but introduces other drawbacks, such as intergranular cracking. Here, we report unexpected observations on the nucleation and growth of intragranular cracks in the commercial NMC333 layered cathode by using advanced S/TEM. We found that the formation of the intragranular cracks is directly associated with high voltage cycling, which is an electrochemically driven and diffusion controlled process. The intragranular cracks were noticed to be characteristically initiated frommore » grain interior, a consequence of dislocation based crack incubation mechanism. This observation is in sharp contrast with the general theoretical models, predicting the initiation of intragranular cracks from grain boundaries or particle surface. As a result, our study indicates that maintain a structural stability is the key step toward high voltage operation of layered cathode materials.« less

Understanding the effect of an in situ generated and integrated spinel phase on a layered Li-rich cathode material using a non-stoichiometric strategy.

PubMed

Zhang, Jicheng; Gao, Rui; Sun, Limei; Li, Zhengyao; Zhang, Heng; Hu, Zhongbo; Liu, Xiangfeng

2016-09-14

Recently, spinel-layered integrated Li-rich cathode materials have attracted great interest due to the large enhancement of their electrochemical performances. However, the modification mechanism and the effect of the integrated spinel phase on Li-rich layered cathode materials are still not very clear. Herein, we have successfully synthesized the spinel-layered integrated Li-rich cathode material using a facile non-stoichiometric strategy (NS-LNCMO). The rate capability (84 mA h g -1 vs. 28 mA h g -1 , 10 C), cycling stability (92.4% vs. 80.5%, 0.2 C), low temperature electrochemical capability (96.5 mA h g -1 vs. 59 mA h g -1 , -20 °C), initial coulomb efficiency (92% vs. 79%) and voltage fading (2.77 V vs. 3.02 V, 200 cycles@1 C) of spinel-layered integrated Li-rich cathode materials have been significantly improved compared with a pure Li-rich phase cathode. Some new insights into the effect of the integrated spinel phase on a layered Li-rich cathode have been proposed through a comparison of the structure evolution of the integrated and Li-rich only materials before and after cycling. The Li-ion diffusion coefficient of NS-LNCMO has been enlarged by about 3 times and almost does not change even after 100 cycles indicating an enhanced structure stability. The integration of the spinel phase not only enhances the structure stability of the layered Li-rich phase during charging-discharging but also expands the interslab spacing of the Li-ion diffusion layer, and elongates TM-O covalent bond lengths, which lowers the activation barrier of Li + -transportation, and alleviates the structure strain during the cycling procedure.

Cathode for aluminum producing electrolytic cell

DOEpatents

Brown, Craig W.

2004-04-13

A method of producing aluminum in an electrolytic cell comprising the steps of providing an anode in a cell, preferably a non-reactive anode, and also providing a cathode in the cell, the cathode comprised of a base material having low electrical conductivity reactive with molten aluminum to provide a highly electrically conductive layer on the base material. Electric current is passed from the anode to the cathode and alumina is reduced and aluminum is deposited at the cathode. The cathode base material is selected from boron carbide, and zirconium oxide.

Durable rechargeable zinc-air batteries with neutral electrolyte and manganese oxide catalyst

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sumboja, Afriyanti; Ge, Xiaoming; Zheng, Guangyuan; Goh, F. W. Thomas; Hor, T. S. Andy; Zong, Yun; Liu, Zhaolin

2016-11-01

Neutral chloride-based electrolyte and directly grown manganese oxide on carbon paper are used as the electrolyte and air cathode respectively for rechargeable Zn-air batteries. Oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions on manganese oxide show dependence of activities on the pH of the electrolyte. Zn-air batteries with chloride-based electrolyte and manganese oxide catalyst exhibit satisfactory voltage profile (discharge and charge voltage of 1 and 2 V at 1 mA cm-2) and excellent cycling stability (≈90 days of continuous cycle test), which is attributed to the reduced carbon corrosion on the air cathode and decreased carbonation in neutral electrolyte. This work describes a robust electrolyte system that improves the cycle life of rechargeable Zn-air batteries.

Fundamental Impact of Humidity on SOFC Cathode ORR

DOE PAGES

Huang, Y. L.; Pellegrinelli, C.; Wachsman, E. D.

2015-12-17

Although solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) have demonstrated excellent performance, the durability of SOFCs under real working conditions is still an issue for commercial deployment. In particular cathode exposure to atmospheric air contaminants, such as humidity, can result in long-term performance degradation issues. Therefore, a fundamental understanding of the interaction between water molecules and cathodes is essential to resolve this issue and further enhance cathode durability. In order to study the effects of humidity on the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), we used in-situ 18O isotope exchange techniques to probe the exchange of water with two of themost common SOFC cathodemore » materials, (La 0.8Sr 0.2) 0.95MnO 3±δ (LSM) and La 0.6Sr 0.4Co 0.2Fe 0.8O 3-δ (LSCF). In this experiment, heavy water, D 2O (with a mass/charge ratio of m/z = 20), is used to avoid the overlapping of H 2O and the 18O 2 cracking fraction, which both provide a peak at m/z = 18. A series of temperature programmed isotope exchange measurements were performed to comprehensively study the interaction of water with the cathode surface as a function of temperature, oxygen partial pressure, and water vapor concentration. The results suggest that water and O 2 share the same surface exchange sites, leading to competitive adsorption. Our findings show that water prefers to exchange with LSCF at lower temperatures, around 300–450°C. For LSM, O 2 is more favorable than water to be adsorbed on the surface and the presence of O 2 limits water exchange. The experimental data are summarized in a Temperature-PO 2 diagram to help visualize how the exchange of water on each material depends on the operating conditions.« less

Shapes of Nonbuoyant Round Luminous Hydrocarbon/Air Laminar Jet Diffusion Flames

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lin, K.-C.; Faeth, G. M.; Sunderland, P. B.; Urban, D. L.; Yuan, Z.-G.

1999-01-01

The shapes (luminous flame boundaries) of round luminous nonbuoyant soot-containing hydrocarbon/air laminar jet diffusion flames at microgravity were found from color video images obtained on orbit in the Space Shuttle Columbia. Test conditions included ethylene- and propane-fueled flames burning in still air at an ambient temperature of 300 K, ambient pressures of 35-130 kPa, initial jet diameters of 1.6 and 2.7 mm, and jet exit Reynolds numbers of 45-170. Present test times were 100-200 s and yielded steady axisymmetric flames that were close to the laminar smoke point (including flames both emitting and not emitting soot) with luminous flame lengths of 15-63 mm. The present soot-containing flames had larger luminous flame lengths than earlier ground-based observations having similar burner configurations: 40% larger than the luminous flame lengths of soot-containing low gravity flames observed using an aircraft (KC-135) facility due to reduced effects of accelerative disturbances and unsteadiness; roughly twice as large as the luminous flame lengths of soot-containing normal gravity flames due to the absence of effects of buoyant mixing and roughly twice as large as the luminous flame lengths of soot-free low gravity flames observed using drop tower facilities due to the presence of soot luminosity and possible reduced effects of unsteadiness. Simplified expressions to estimate the luminous flame boundaries of round nonbuoyant laminar jet diffusion flames were obtained from the classical analysis of Spalding (1979); this approach provided Successful Correlations of flame shapes for both soot-free and soot-containing flames, except when the soot-containing flames were in the opened-tip configuration that is reached at fuel flow rates near and greater than the laminar smoke point fuel flow rate.

Influence of Enhanced O2 Provision on the Discharge Performance of Li-air Batteries by Incorporating Fluoroether.

PubMed

Wan, Hao; Mao, Ya; Liu, Zixuan; Bai, Qingyou; Peng, Zhe; Bao, Jingjing; Wu, Gang; Liu, Yang; Wang, Deyu; Xie, Jingying

2017-04-10

As the first step during discharge, the mass transfer of oxygen should play a crucial role in Li-air batteries to tailor the growth of discharge products, however, not enough attention has been paid to this issue. Herein, we introduce an oxygen-enriching cosolvent, 1,2-(1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethoxy) ethane (FE1), into the electrolyte, and investigate its influence on the discharge performance. The incorporation of this novel cosolvent consistently enhances the oxygen solubility of the electrolyte, and improves the oxygen diffusivity following a volcano-shape trend peaking at 50 % FE1. It is interesting that the discharge capacities obtained with the investigated electrolytes share the similar volcano trends as the oxygen transport under 50 mA g carbon -1 and higher current densities. The improved oxygen diffusion could benefit the volumetric utilization of the air cathode, especially at the separator side, probably owing to the fast oxygen transport to moderate its concentration gradient. Our results demonstrate the importance of oxygen provision, which easily becomes the capacity-determining factor. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Controllable Electrochemical Fabrication of KO2-Decorated Binder-Free Cathodes for Rechargeable Lithium-Oxygen Batteries.

PubMed

Yu, Wei; Wang, Huwei; Qin, Lei; Hu, Junyang; Liu, Liang; Li, Baohua; Zhai, Dengyun; Kang, Feiyu

2018-05-23

Understanding the electrochemical property of superoxides in alkali metal oxygen batteries is critical for the design of a stable oxygen battery with high capacity and long cycle performance. In this work, a KO 2 -decorated binder-free cathode is fabricated by a simple and efficient electrochemical strategy. KO 2 nanoparticles are uniformly coated on the carbon nanotube film (CNT-f) through a controllable discharge process in the K-O 2 battery, and the KO 2 -decorated CNT-f is innovatively introduced into the Li-O 2 battery as the O 2 diffusion electrode. The Li-O 2 battery based on the KO 2 -decorated CNT-f cathode can deliver enhanced discharge capacity, reduced charge overpotential, and more stable cycle performance compared with the battery in the absence of KO 2 . In situ formed KO 2 particles on the surface of CNT-f cathode assist to form Li 2 O 2 nanosheets in the Li-O 2 battery, which contributes to the improvement of discharge capacity and cycle life. Interestingly, the analysis of KO 2 -decorated CNT-f cathodes, after discharge and cycle tests, reveals that the electrochemically synthesized KO 2 seems not a conventional electrocatalyst but a partially dissolvable and decomposable promoter in Li-O 2 batteries.

Influence of Pr6O11 on oxygen electroreduction kinetics and electrochemical performance of Sr2Fe1.5Mo0.5O6-δ based cathode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osinkin, D. A.; Beresnev, S. M.; Bogdanovich, N. M.

2018-07-01

Oxygen electroreduction kinetics and electrochemical performance of the Pr6O11-impregnated Sr2Fe1.5Mo0.5O6-δ - Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9 (SFM-SDC) cathode have been first studied. By means of distribution of relaxation times and non-linear least squares analysis of impedance spectra were shown that the addition of Pr6O11 into the cathode leads to the increase in the rate of the low-frequency step. It is suggested that the observed phenomenon is associated with the increase in the rate of surface oxygen exchange. It is shown that the introduction of praseodymium oxide into the cathode results in a decrease in the area specific polarization resistances of the cathode at equilibrium potentials from 0.23 to 0.06 Ω cm2 at 800 °C in air. The maximum power density of symmetrical solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) with impregnated SFM-SDC electrodes and supporting 760 μm La0.85Sr0.15Ga0.85Mg0.15O3-δ electrolyte without buffer/barrier and collector layers under air/wet hydrogen (dry CH4) condition was about 0.5 (0.26) W cm-2 at 800 °C. The overvoltage of the cathode was higher than that of the anode under air/wet hydrogen and vice versa when methane was supplied to the anode. The obtained results elucidate that the impregnated SFM-SDC is a promising cathode for SOFC application.

24-HOUR DIFFUSIVE SAMPLING OF TOXIC VOCS IN AIR ONTO CARBOPACK X SOLID ADSORBENT FOLLOWED BY THERMAL DESORPTION/GC/MS ANALYSIS - LABORATORY STUDIES

EPA Science Inventory

Diffusive sampling of a mixture of 42 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in humidified, purified air onto the solid adsorbent Carbopack X was evaluated under controlled laboratory conditions. The evaluation included variations in sample air temperature, relative humidity, and ozon...

A survey of Kaufman thruster cathodes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weigand, A. J.; Nakanishi, S.

1971-01-01

A survey is presented of the various cathodes which were developed and used in the Kaufman ion thruster. The electron bombardment type ion source is briefly described. The general design, operating characteristics, and power requirements are shown for each type of cathode from the refractory metals used in 1960 to the plasma discharge hollow cathodes of today. A detailed discussion of the hollow cathode is given, including starting and cyclic operating characteristics as well as more fundamental design parameters. Tests to date show that the plasma hollow cathode is an efficient electron source with demonstrated durability over 10,000 hours.

Miniature Reservoir Cathode: An Update

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vancil, Bernard K.; Wintucky, Edwin G.

2002-01-01

We report on recent work to produce a small low power, low cost reservoir cathode capable of long life (more than 100,000 hours) at high loading (> 5 A/sq cm). Our objective is a highly manufacturable, commercial device costing less than $30. Small highly loaded cathodes are needed, especially for millimeter wave tubes, where focusing becomes difficult when area convergence ratios are too high. We currently have 3 models ranging from .060-inch diameter to. 125-inch diameter. Reservoir type barium dispenser cathodes have a demonstrated capability for simultaneous high emission density and long life. Seven reservoir cathodes continue to operate on the cathode life test facility at NSWC, Crane, Indiana at 2 and 4 amps/sq cm. They have accumulated nearly 100,000 hours with practically no change in emission levels or knee temperature.

Monte Carlo simulation of the back-diffusion of electrons in nitrogen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radmilović-Radjenović, M.; Nina, A.; Nikitović, Ž.

2009-01-01

In this paper, the process of back-diffusion in nitrogen is studied by means of Monte Carlo simulations. In particular we analyze the influence of different aspects of back-diffusion in order to simplify the models of plasma displays, low pressure gas breakdown and detectors of high energy particles. The obtained simulation results show that the escape coefficient depends strongly on the reflection coefficient and the initial energy of electrons. It was also found that the back-diffusion range and number of collisions before returning to the cathode in nitrogen are smaller than those in argon for similar conditions.

NEXIS Reservoir Cathode 2000 Hour Life Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vaughn, Jason; Schneider, Todd; Polk, Jay; Goebel, Dan; Ohlinger, Wayne; Hill, D. Norm

2004-01-01

The current design of the Nuclear Electric Xenon Ion System (NEXIS) employs a reservoir cathode as both the discharge and neutralizer cathode to meet the 10 yr thruster design life. The main difference between a reservoir cathode and a conventional discharge cathode is the source material (barium-containing compound) is contained within a reservoir instead of in an impregnated insert in the hollow tube. However, reservoir cathodes do not have much life test history associated with them. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of using a reservoir cathode as an integral part of the NEXIS ion thruster, a 2000 hr life test was performed. Several proof-of-concept (POC) reservoir cathodes were built early in the NEXIS program to conduct performance testing as well as life tests. One of the POC cathodes was sent to Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) where it was tested for 2000 hrs in a vacuum chamber. The cathode was operated at the NEXIS design point of 25 A discharge current and a xenon flow rate of 5.5 sccm during the 2000 hr test. The cathode performance parameters, including discharge current, discharge voltage, keeper current; keeper voltage, and flow rate were monitored throughout test. Also, the temperature upstream of cathode heater, the temperature downstream of the cathode heater, and the temperature of the orifice plate were monitored throughout the life of the test. The results of the 2000 hr test will be described in this paper. Included in the results will be time history of discharge current, discharge voltage, and flow rate. Also, a time history of the cathode temperature will be provided.

Cathode material for lithium batteries

DOEpatents

Park, Sang-Ho; Amine, Khalil

2013-07-23

A method of manufacture an article of a cathode (positive electrode) material for lithium batteries. The cathode material is a lithium molybdenum composite transition metal oxide material and is prepared by mixing in a solid state an intermediate molybdenum composite transition metal oxide and a lithium source. The mixture is thermally treated to obtain the lithium molybdenum composite transition metal oxide cathode material.

Cathode material for lithium batteries

DOEpatents

Park, Sang-Ho; Amine, Khalil

2015-01-13

A method of manufacture an article of a cathode (positive electrode) material for lithium batteries. The cathode material is a lithium molybdenum composite transition metal oxide material and is prepared by mixing in a solid state an intermediate molybdenum composite transition metal oxide and a lithium source. The mixture is thermally treated to obtain the lithium molybdenum composite transition metal oxide cathode material.

New insight into the discharge mechanism of silicon-air batteries using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

PubMed

Cohn, Gil; Eichel, Rüdiger A; Ein-Eli, Yair

2013-03-07

The mechanism of discharge termination in silicon-air batteries, employing a silicon wafer anode, a room-temperature fluorohydrogenate ionic liquid electrolyte and an air cathode membrane, is investigated using a wide range of tools. EIS studies indicate that the interfacial impedance between the electrolyte and the silicon wafer increases upon continuous discharge. In addition, it is shown that the impedance of the air cathode-electrolyte interface is several orders of magnitude lower than that of the anode. Equivalent circuit fitting parameters indicate the difference in the anode-electrolyte interface characteristics for different types of silicon wafers. Evolution of porous silicon surfaces at the anode and their properties, by means of estimated circuit parameters, is also presented. Moreover, it is found that the silicon anode potential has the highest negative impact on the battery discharge voltage, while the air cathode potential is actually stable and invariable along the whole discharge period. The discharge capacity of the battery can be increased significantly by mechanically replacing the silicon anode.

Bifurcations in the theory of current transfer to cathodes of DC discharges and observations of transitions between different modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bieniek, M. S.; Santos, D. F. N.; Almeida, P. G. C.; Benilov, M. S.

2018-04-01

General scenarios of transitions between different spot patterns on electrodes of DC gas discharges and their relation to bifurcations of steady-state solutions are analyzed. In the case of cathodes of arc discharges, it is shown that any transition between different modes of current transfer is related to a bifurcation of steady-state solutions. In particular, transitions between diffuse and spot modes on axially symmetric cathodes, frequently observed in the experiment, represent an indication of the presence of pitchfork or fold bifurcations of steady-state solutions. Experimental observations of transitions on cathodes of DC glow microdischarges are analyzed and those potentially related to bifurcations of steady-state solutions are identified. The relevant bifurcations are investigated numerically and the computed patterns are found to conform to those observed in the course of the corresponding transitions in the experiment.

Co-Flow Hollow Cathode Technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hofer, Richard R.; Goebel, Dan M.

2011-01-01

Hall thrusters utilize identical hollow cathode technology as ion thrusters, yet must operate at much higher mass flow rates in order to efficiently couple to the bulk plasma discharge. Higher flow rates are necessary in order to provide enough neutral collisions to transport electrons across magnetic fields so that they can reach the discharge. This higher flow rate, however, has potential life-limiting implications for the operation of the cathode. A solution to the problem involves splitting the mass flow into the hollow cathode into two streams, the internal and external flows. The internal flow is fixed and set such that the neutral pressure in the cathode allows for a high utilization of the emitter surface area. The external flow is variable depending on the flow rate through the anode of the Hall thruster, but also has a minimum in order to suppress high-energy ion generation. In the co-flow hollow cathode, the cathode assembly is mounted on thruster centerline, inside the inner magnetic core of the thruster. An annular gas plenum is placed at the base of the cathode and propellant is fed throughout to produce an azimuthally symmetric flow of gas that evenly expands around the cathode keeper. This configuration maximizes propellant utilization and is not subject to erosion processes. External gas feeds have been considered in the past for ion thruster applications, but usually in the context of eliminating high energy ion production. This approach is adapted specifically for the Hall thruster and exploits the geometry of a Hall thruster to feed and focus the external flow without introducing significant new complexity to the thruster design.

Rotating cathode device for molten salt bath

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1983-11-01

The invention relates to a rotating cathode device for molten salt baths used to prepare metallic titanium or aluminum and the like by electrolysis of molten salts. The rotating cathode device is described. It is a cyclindrical cathode mounted on a rotating spindle, made of a lightweight material and mounted in such a way as to avoid thermal strain between the rotational shaft and the cylindrical cathode. At least one of the upper and lower ends of the cylindrical cathode are closed by a cap and a seal consisting of an inorganic fiber composite in the area between the cap and the cathode.

Manganese dioxide as a new cathode catalyst in microbial fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xiang; Hu, Boxun; Suib, Steven; Lei, Yu; Li, Baikun

This study focused on manganese oxides with a cryptomelane-type octahedral molecular sieve (OMS-2) structure to replace platinum as a cathode catalyst in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Undoped (ud-OSM-2) and three catalysts doped with cobalt (Co-OMS-2), copper (Cu-OMS-2), and cerium (Ce-OMS-2) to enhance their catalytic performances were investigated. The novel OMS-2 cathodes were examined in granular activated carbon MFC (GACMFC) with sodium acetate as the anode reagent and oxygen in air as the cathode reagent. The results showed that after 400 h of operation, the Co-OMS-2 and Cu-OMS-2 exhibited good catalytic performance in an oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The voltage of the Co-OMS-2 GACMFC was 217 mV, and the power density was 180 mW m -2. The voltage of the Cu-OMS-2 GACMFC was 214 mV and the power density was 165 mW m -2. The internal resistance (R in) of the OMS-2 GACMFCs (18 ± 1 Ω) was similar to that of the platinum GACMFCs (17 Ω). Furthermore, the degradation rates of organic substrates in the OMS-2 GACMFCs were twice those in the platinum GACMFCs, which enhance their wastewater treatment efficiencies. This study indicated that using OMS-2 manganese oxides to replace platinum as a cathodic catalyst enhances power generation, increases contaminant removal, and substantially reduces the cost of MFCs.

Cathode fall thickness of abnormal glow discharges between parallel-plane electrodes in different radii at low pressure

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fu, Yangyang; Luo, Haiyun; Zou, Xiaobing

2015-02-15

In order to investigate the influence of electrode radius on the characteristics of cathode fall thickness, experiments of low-pressure (20 Pa ≤ p ≤ 30 Pa) abnormal glow discharge were carried out between parallel-plane electrodes in different radii keeping gap distance unchanged. Axial distributions of light intensity were obtained from the discharge images captured using a Charge Coupled Device camera. The assumption that the position of the negative glow peak coincides with the edge of cathode fall layer was verified based on a two-dimensional model, and the cathode fall thicknesses, d{sub c}, were calculated from the axial distributions of light intensity. It was observedmore » that the position of peak emission shifts closer to the cathode as current or pressure grows. The dependence of cathode fall thickness on the gas pressure and normalized current J/p{sup 2} was presented, and it was found that for discharges between electrodes in large radius the curves of pd{sub c} against J/p{sup 2} were superimposed on each other, however, this phenomenon will not hold for discharges between the smaller electrodes. The reason for this phenomenon is that the transverse diffusions of charged particles are not the same in two gaps between electrodes with different radii.« less

Power generation using spinel manganese-cobalt oxide as a cathode catalyst for microbial fuel cell applications.

PubMed

Mahmoud, Mohamed; Gad-Allah, Tarek A; El-Khatib, K M; El-Gohary, Fatma

2011-11-01

This study focused on the use of spinel manganese-cobalt (Mn-Co) oxide, prepared by a solid state reaction, as a cathode catalyst to replace platinum in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) applications. Spinel Mn-Co oxides, with an Mn/Co atomic ratios of 0.5, 1, and 2, were prepared and examined in an air cathode MFCs which was fed with a molasses-laden synthetic wastewater and operated in batch mode. Among the three Mn-Co oxide cathodes and after 300 h of operation, the Mn-Co oxide catalyst with Mn/Co atomic ratio of 2 (MnCo-2) exhibited the highest power generation 113 mW/m2 at cell potential of 279 mV, which were lower than those for the Pt catalyst (148 mW/m2 and 325 mV, respectively). This study indicated that using spinel Mn-Co oxide to replace platinum as a cathodic catalyst enhances power generation, increases contaminant removal, and substantially reduces the cost of MFCs. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hollow cathode, quasi-steady MPD arc

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parmentier, N.; Jahn, R. G.

1971-01-01

A quasi-steady MPD accelerator has been operated with four different hollow cathodes over a power range from 5 kilowatts to 5 megawatts. The absolute level of the argon mass flow, as well as the fractional division of the flow between the cathode and the six standard chamber injectors, is varied over a range of 1 to 12 grams per second. For a fixed total current, it is observed that the voltage increases monotonically with mass flow rate, compared to the usual experience with solid cathodes where the voltage decreases with mass flow rate. For a fixed percentage of flow through the cathode, each hollow cathode configuration displays a minimum impedance at a particular value of the total mass flow. It is asserted that in order to keep the discharge inside the hollow cathode the magnetic pressure and gasdynamic pressure have to match inside the cavity.

Deactivation of Pt/VC proton exchange membrane fuel cell cathodes by SO2, H2S and COS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gould, Benjamin D.; Baturina, Olga A.; Swider-Lyons, Karen E.

Sulfur contaminants in air pose a threat to the successful operation of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) via poisoning of the Pt-based cathodes. The deactivation behavior of commercial Pt on Vulcan carbon (Pt/VC) membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) is determined when exposed to 1 ppm (dry) of SO 2, H 2S, or COS in air for 3, 12, and 24 h while held at a constant potential of 0.6 V. All the three sulfur compounds cause the same deactivation behavior in the fuel cell cathodes, and the polarization curves of the poisoned MEAs have the same decrease in performance. Sulfur coverages after multiple exposure times (3, 12, and 24 h) are determined by cyclic voltammetry (CV). As the exposure time to sulfur contaminants increases from 12 to 24 h, the sulfur coverage of the platinum saturates at 0.45. The sulfur is removed from the cathodes and their activity is partially restored both by cyclic voltammetry, as shown by others, and by successive polarization curves. Complete recovery of fuel cell performance is not achieved with either technique, suggesting that sulfur species permanently affect the surface of the catalyst.

Activated carbon derived from chitosan as air cathode catalyst for high performance in microbial fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yi; Zhao, Yong; Li, Kexun; Wang, Zhong; Tian, Pei; Liu, Di; Yang, Tingting; Wang, Junjie

2018-02-01

Chitosan with rich of nitrogen is used as carbon precursor to synthesis activated carbon through directly heating method in this study. The obtained carbon is activated by different amount of KOH at different temperatures, and then prepared as air cathodes for microbial fuel cells. Carbon sample treated with double amount of KOH at 850 °C exhibits maximum power density (1435 ± 46 mW m-2), 1.01 times improved, which ascribes to the highest total surface area, moderate micropore and mesoporous structure and the introduction of nitrogen. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and powder resistivity state that carbon treated with double amount of KOH at 850 °C possesses lower resistance. The other electrochemical measurements demonstrate that the best kinetic activity make the above treated sample to show the best oxygen reduction reaction activity. Besides, the degree of graphitization of samples increases with the activated temperature increasing, which is tested by Raman. According to elemental analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, all chitosan samples are nitrogen-doped carbon, and high content nitrogen (pyridinic-N) improves the electrochemical activity of carbon treated with KOH at 850 °C. Thus, carbon materials derived from chitosan would be an optimized catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction in microbial fuel cell.

A survey of Kaufman thruster cathodes.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weigand, A. J.; Nakanishi, S.

1971-01-01

A survey is presented of various cathodes which have been developed and used in the Kaufman ion thruster. The electron-bombardment type ion source used in the thruster is briefly described. The general design, operating characteristics, and power requirements are shown for each type of cathode from the refractory metals used in 1960 to the plasma discharge hollow cathodes of today. A detailed discussion of the hollow cathode is given describing starting and cyclic operating characteristics as well as more fundamental design parameters. Tests to date show that the plasma hollow cathode is an efficient electron source with demonstrated durability over 10,000 hours and should offer further performance and life improvements.

Chlorobenzene Poisoning and Recovery of Platinum-Based Cathodes in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

PubMed Central

Zhai, Yunfeng; Baturina, Olga; Ramaker, David; Farquhar, Erik; St-Pierre, Jean; Swider-Lyons, Karen

2015-01-01

The platinum electrocatalysts found in proton exchange membrane fuel cells are poisoned both reversibly and irreversibly by air pollutants and residual manufacturing contaminants. In this work, the poisoning of a Pt/C PEMFC cathode was probed by a trace of chlorobenzene in the air feed. Chlorobenzene inhibits the oxygen reduction reaction and causes significant cell performance loss. The performance loss is largely restored by neat air operation and potential cycling between 0.08 V and 1.2 V under H2/N2 (anode/cathode). The analysis of emissions, in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectra show the chlorobenzene adsorption/reaction and molecular orientation on Pt surface depend on the electrode potential. At low potentials, chlorobenzene deposits either on top of adsorbed H atoms or on the Pt surface via the benzene ring and is converted to benzene (ca. 0.1 V) or cyclohexane (ca. 0 V) upon Cl removal. At potentials higher than 0.2 V, chlorobenzene binds to Pt via the Cl atom and can be converted to benzene (less than 0.3 V) or desorbed. Cl− is created and remains in the membrane electrode assembly. Cl− binds to the Pt surface much stronger than chlorobenzene, but can slowly be flushed out by liquid water. PMID:26388963

Air breathing cathodes for microbial fuel cell using Mn-, Fe-, Co- and Ni-containing platinum group metal-free catalysts

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kodali, Mounika; Santoro, Carlo; Serov, Alexey

Here we discuss the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is one of the major factors that is limiting the overall performance output of microbial fuel cells (MFC). In this study, Platinum Group Metal-free (PGM-free) ORR catalysts based on Fe, Co, Ni, Mn and the same precursor (Aminoantipyrine, AAPyr) were synthesized using identical sacrificial support method (SSM). The catalysts were investigated for their electrochemical performance, and then integrated into an air-breathing cathode to be tested in “clean” environment and in a working microbial fuel cell (MFC). Their performances were also compared to activated carbon (AC) based cathode under similar conditions. Results showedmore » that the addition of Mn, Fe, Co and Ni to AAPyr increased the performances compared to AC. Fe-AAPyr showed the highest open circuit potential (OCP) that was 0.307 ± 0.001 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) and the highest electrocatalytic activity at pH 7.5. On the contrary, AC had an OCP of 0.203 ± 0.002 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) and had the lowest electrochemical activity. In MFC, Fe-AAPyr also had the highest output of 251 ± 2.3 μWcm –2, followed by Co-AAPyr with 196 ± 1.5 μWcm –2, Ni-AAPyr with 171 ± 3.6 μWcm –2, Mn-AAPyr with 160 ± 2.8 μWcm –2 and AC 129 ± 4.2 μWcm –2. The best performing catalyst (Fe-AAPyr) was then tested in MFC with increasing solution conductivity from 12.4 mScm –1 to 63.1 mScm –1. A maximum power density of 482 ± 5 μWcm –2 was obtained with increasing solution conductivity, which is one of the highest values reported in the field.« less

Air breathing cathodes for microbial fuel cell using Mn-, Fe-, Co- and Ni-containing platinum group metal-free catalysts

DOE PAGES

Kodali, Mounika; Santoro, Carlo; Serov, Alexey; ...

2017-02-07

Here we discuss the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is one of the major factors that is limiting the overall performance output of microbial fuel cells (MFC). In this study, Platinum Group Metal-free (PGM-free) ORR catalysts based on Fe, Co, Ni, Mn and the same precursor (Aminoantipyrine, AAPyr) were synthesized using identical sacrificial support method (SSM). The catalysts were investigated for their electrochemical performance, and then integrated into an air-breathing cathode to be tested in “clean” environment and in a working microbial fuel cell (MFC). Their performances were also compared to activated carbon (AC) based cathode under similar conditions. Results showedmore » that the addition of Mn, Fe, Co and Ni to AAPyr increased the performances compared to AC. Fe-AAPyr showed the highest open circuit potential (OCP) that was 0.307 ± 0.001 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) and the highest electrocatalytic activity at pH 7.5. On the contrary, AC had an OCP of 0.203 ± 0.002 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) and had the lowest electrochemical activity. In MFC, Fe-AAPyr also had the highest output of 251 ± 2.3 μWcm –2, followed by Co-AAPyr with 196 ± 1.5 μWcm –2, Ni-AAPyr with 171 ± 3.6 μWcm –2, Mn-AAPyr with 160 ± 2.8 μWcm –2 and AC 129 ± 4.2 μWcm –2. The best performing catalyst (Fe-AAPyr) was then tested in MFC with increasing solution conductivity from 12.4 mScm –1 to 63.1 mScm –1. A maximum power density of 482 ± 5 μWcm –2 was obtained with increasing solution conductivity, which is one of the highest values reported in the field.« less

Cathodic Deposition of Mg(OH)2 Coatings on Pure mg in Three mg Salts Aqueous Solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yongjun, Zhang; Xiaomeng, Pei; Shugong, Jia

Film-forming effects of cathodic deposition on pure Mg substrate at constant DC in aqueous solutions of magnesium nitrate (Mg(NO3)2ṡ6H2O), magnesium chloride (MgCl2ṡ6H2O) and magnesium sulfate (MgSO4ṡ7H2O) respectively were investigated systematically. Typical processes were studied by potentiodynamic cathodic polarization and galvanostatic polarization and typical samples were analyzed by SEM and XRD. The results indicate that the depositing efficiency is not only the highest but stablest, and deposited coatings show the best uniformity with Mg(NO3)2ṡ6H2O solution employed as depositing medium and applied current density ≥1.0mA cm-2. Cathodic deposition leads to regular mass loss of Mg substrate. The cathodic polarization curve of pure Mg in magnesium nitrate solution shows more obvious pseudo-passivation, several Tafel regions with different slopes appearing before diffusion-limited current density region, and oxygen consumption is the major cathodic reduction reaction under specified current density. However, hydrogen evolution reaction is dominant in both Mg chloride and Mg sulfate solutions. The deposition coatings are all composed of continuous and uniform mesh-like “basic layer” adjacent to substrate and discrete distributed snowball-like particles on the microscopic scale. The phase compositions are all crystal Mg(OH)2, and the coatings deposited in Mg chloride solution have (011) preferred orientation.

Sustainable design of high-performance microsized microbial fuel cell with carbon nanotube anode and air cathode.

PubMed

Mink, Justine E; Hussain, Muhammad Mustafa

2013-08-27

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a promising alternative energy source that both generates electricity and cleans water. Fueled by liquid wastes such as wastewater or industrial wastes, the microbial fuel cell converts waste into energy. Microsized MFCs are essentially miniature energy harvesters that can be used to power on-chip electronics, lab-on-a-chip devices, and/or sensors. As MFCs are a relatively new technology, microsized MFCs are also an important rapid testing platform for the comparison and introduction of new conditions or materials into macroscale MFCs, especially nanoscale materials that have high potential for enhanced power production. Here we report a 75 μL microsized MFC on silicon using CMOS-compatible processes and employ a novel nanomaterial with exceptional electrochemical properties, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), as the on-chip anode. We used this device to compare the usage of the more commonly used but highly expensive anode material gold, as well as a more inexpensive substitute, nickel. This is the first anode material study done using the most sustainably designed microsized MFC to date, which utilizes ambient oxygen as the electron acceptor with an air cathode instead of the chemical ferricyanide and without a membrane. Ferricyanide is unsustainable, as the chemical must be continuously refilled, while using oxygen, naturally found in air, makes the device mobile and is a key step in commercializing this for portable technology such as lab-on-a-chip for point-of-care diagnostics. At 880 mA/m(2) and 19 mW/m(2) the MWCNT anode outperformed the others in both current and power densities with between 6 and 20 times better performance. All devices were run for over 15 days, indicating a stable and high-endurance energy harvester already capable of producing enough power for ultra-low-power electronics and able to consistently power them over time.

Immobilization of a Metal-Nitrogen-Carbon Catalyst on Activated Carbon with Enhanced Cathode Performance in Microbial Fuel Cells.

PubMed

Yang, Wulin; Logan, Bruce E

2016-08-23

Applications of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are limited in part by low power densities mainly due to cathode performance. Successful immobilization of an Fe-N-C co-catalyst on activated carbon (Fe-N-C/AC) improved the oxygen reduction reaction to nearly a four-electron transfer, compared to a twoelectron transfer achieved using AC. With acetate as the fuel, the maximum power density was 4.7±0.2 W m(-2) , which is higher than any previous report for an air-cathode MFC. With domestic wastewater as a fuel, MFCs with the Fe-N-C/AC cathode produced up to 0.8±0.03 W m(-2) , which was twice that obtained with a Pt-catalyzed cathode. The use of this Fe-N-C/AC catalyst can therefore substantially increase power production, and enable broader applications of MFCs for renewable electricity generation using waste materials. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Cerium and niobium doped SrCoO3-δ as a potential cathode for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Shouguo; Feng, Shuangjiu; Lu, Qiliang; Li, Yide; Wang, Hong; Wang, Chunchang

2014-04-01

Sr0.9Ce0.1Co0.9Nb0.1O3-δ (SCCN) has been synthesized using solid state reaction, and investigated as a new cathode material for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (ITSOFCs). SCCN material exhibits sufficiently high electronic conductivity and excellent chemical compatibility with SDC electrolyte. Highly charged Ce4+ and Nb5+ successfully stabilize the perovskite structure to avoid order-disorder phase transition. The electrical conductivity reaches a high value of 516 S cm-1 at 300 °C in air. The area specific resistances of the SCCN-50 wt.% Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9 (SDC) cathode are as low as 0.027, 0.049, and 0.094 Ω cm2 at 700, 650, and 600 °C, respectively, with the corresponding peak power densities of 1074, 905, and 589 mW cm-2. A relatively low thermal expansion coefficient of SCCN-SDC is 14.3 × 10-6 K-1 in air. All these results imply that SCCN holds tremendous promise as a cathode material for ITSOFCs.

Electricity generation from banana peels in an alkaline fuel cell with a Cu2O-Cu modified activated carbon cathode.

PubMed

Liu, Peng; Liu, Xianhua; Dong, Feng; Lin, Qingxia; Tong, Yindong; Li, Yang; Zhang, Pingping

2018-08-01

Low-cost and highly active catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction is of great importance in the design of alkaline fuel cells. In this work, Cu 2 O-Cu composite catalyst has been fabricated by a facile laser-irradiation method. The addition of Cu 2 O-Cu composite in activated carbon air-cathode greatly improves the performance of the cathode. Our results indicate the enhanced performance is likely attributed to the synergistic effect of high conductivity of Cu and the catalytic activity of Cu 2 O towards the oxygen reduction reaction. Furthermore, an alkaline fuel cell equipped with the composite air-cathode has been built to turn banana peels into electricity. Peak power density of 16.12Wm -2 is obtained under the condition of 3M KOH and 22.04gL -1 reducing sugar, which is higher than other reported low-temperature direct biomass alkaline fuel cells. HPLC results indicate the main oxidation products in the alkaline fuel cell were small organic acids. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cu2+ Dual-Doped Layer-Tunnel Hybrid Na0.6Mn1- xCu xO2 as a Cathode of Sodium-Ion Battery with Enhanced Structure Stability, Electrochemical Property, and Air Stability.

PubMed

Chen, Ting-Ru; Sheng, Tian; Wu, Zhen-Guo; Li, Jun-Tao; Wang, En-Hui; Wu, Chun-Jin; Li, Hong-Tai; Guo, Xiao-Dong; Zhong, Ben-He; Huang, Ling; Sun, Shi-Gang

2018-03-28

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have been regarded as a promising candidate for large-scale renewable energy storage system. Layered manganese oxide cathode possesses the advantages of high energy density, low cost and natural abundance while suffering from limited cycling life and poor rate capacity. To overcome these weaknesses, layer-tunnel hybrid material was developed and served as the cathode of SIB, which integrated high capacity, superior cycle ability, and rate performance. In the current work, the doping of copper was adopted to suppress the Jahn-Teller effect of Mn 3+ and to affect relevant structural parameters. Multifunctions of the Cu 2+ doping were carefully investigated. It was found that the structure component ratio is varied with the Cu 2+ doping amount. Results demonstrated that Na + /vacancy rearrangement and phase transitions were suppressed during cycling without sacrificing the reversible capacity and enhanced electrochemical performances evidenced with 96 mA h g -1 retained after 250 cycles at 4 C and 85 mA h g -1 at 8 C. Furthermore, ex situ X-ray diffraction has demonstrated high reversibility of the Na 0.6 Mn 0.9 Cu 0.1 O 2 cathode during Na + extraction/insertion processes and superior air stability that results in better storage properties. This study reveals that the Cu 2+ doping could be an effective strategy to tune the properties and related performances of Mn-based layer-tunnel hybrid cathode.

Study on structural refinement and electrochemical behaviour of Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ as cathode materials for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFC)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kautkar, Pranay R.; Shirbhate, Shraddha C.; Acharya, Smita A.

2018-05-01

Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ (BSCF) was prepared by ethylene glycol-citrate combined sol-gel combustion route and calcined at optimized temperature 1050°C. The X-ray Diffraction (XRD) data revealing the crystal purity of BSCF cathode was refined by the Cubic-type structure having the space group Pm-3m by Rietveld analysis. Refined lattice parameter of BSCF cathode is a = 3.9759 Å and unit cell volume is 62.85 (4) Å3, Co/Fe-O bond length from VESTA program figured out to be 1.987 (3) Å. Electron density distribution (EDD) of the unit cell of BSCF cathode shows the bonding feature with oxygen ions, this could represent oxygen vacancies are present in the lattice. These results reflected in electrochemical impedance spectra measurement of symmetric cell. Area of specific resistance (ASR) of the BSCF cathode was found to be 0.17 Ω.cm2 at 700°C and respective activation energy (Ea) 1.15 eV. It shows surface exchange at cathode interface, surface diffusion and self-diffusion happened through Ce0.85Sd0.15O1.95 (SDC15) electrolyte.

Composite cathode materials development for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cell systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qin, Ya

Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems are of particular interest as electrochemical power systems that can operate on various hydrocarbon fuels with high fuel-to-electrical energy conversion efficiency. Within the SOFC stack, La0.8Sr 0.2Ga0.8Mg0.115Co0.085O3-delta (LSGMC) has been reported as an optimized composition of lanthanum gallate based electrolytes to achieve higher oxygen ionic conductivity at intermediate temperatures, i.e., 500-700°C. The electrocatalytic properties of interfaces between LSGMC electrolytes and various candidate intermediate-temperature SOFC cathodes have been investigated. Sm0.5Sr0.5CoO 3-delta (SSC), and La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe 0.8O3-delta (LSCF), in both pure and composite forms with LSGMC, were investigated with regards to both oxygen reduction and evolution, A range of composite cathode compositions, having ratios of SSC (in wt.%) with LSGMC (wt.%) spanning the compositions 9:1, 8:2, 7:3, 6:4 and 5:5, were investigated to determine the optimal cathode-electrolyte interface performance at intermediate temperatures. All LSGMC electrolyte and cathode powders were synthesized using the glycine-nitrate process (GNP). Symmetrical electrochemical cells were investigated with three-electrode linear dc polarization and ac impedance spectroscopy to characterize the kinetics of the interfacial reactions in detail. Composite cathodes were found to perform better than the single phase cathodes due to significantly reduced polarization resistances. Among those composite SSC-LSGMC cathodes, the 7:3 composition has demonstrated the highest current density at the equivalent overpotential values, indicating that 7:3 is an optimal mixing ratio of the composite cathode materials to achieve the best performance. For the composite SC-LSGMC cathode/LSGMC interface, the cathodic overpotential under 1 A/cm2 current density was as low as 0.085 V at 700°C, 0.062V at 750°C and 0.051V at 800°C in air. Composite LSCF-LSGMC cathode/LSGMC interfaces were found to have

Cathode-constriction and column-constriction in high current vacuum arcs subjected to an axial magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zaiqin; Ma, Hui; Liu, Zhiyuan; Geng, Yingsan; Wang, Jianhua

2018-04-01

The influence of the applied axial magnetic field on the current density distribution in the arc column and electrodes is intensively studied. However, the previous results only provide a qualitative explanation, which cannot quantitatively explain a recent experimental data on anode current density. The objective of this paper is to quantitatively determine the current constriction subjected to an axial magnetic field in high-current vacuum arcs according to the recent experimental data. A magnetohydrodynamic model is adopted to describe the high current vacuum arcs. The vacuum arc is in a diffuse arc mode with an arc current ranged from 6 kArms to 14 kArms and an axial magnetic field ranged from 20 mT to 110 mT. By a comparison of the recent experimental work of current density distribution on the anode, the modelling results show that there are two types of current constriction. On one hand, the current on the cathode shows a constriction, and this constriction is termed as the cathode-constriction. On the other hand, the current constricts in the arc column region, and this constriction is termed as the column-constriction. The cathode boundary is of vital importance in a quantitative model. An improved cathode constriction boundary is proposed. Under the improved boundary, the simulation results are in good agreement with the recent experimental data on the anode current density distribution. It is demonstrated that the current density distribution at the anode is sensitive to that at the cathode, so that measurements of the anode current density can be used, in combination with the vacuum arc model, to infer the cathode current density distribution.

Compact Rare Earth Emitter Hollow Cathode

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watkins, Ronald; Goebel, Dan; Hofer, Richard

2010-01-01

A compact, high-current, hollow cathode utilizing a lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) thermionic electron emitter has been developed for use with high-power Hall thrusters and ion thrusters. LaB6 cathodes are being investigated due to their long life, high current capabilities, and less stringent xenon purity and handling requirements compared to conventional barium oxide (BaO) dispenser cathodes. The new cathode features a much smaller diameter than previously developed versions that permit it to be mounted on axis of a Hall thruster ( internally mounted ), as opposed to the conventional side-mount position external to the outer magnetic circuit ("externally mounted"). The cathode has also been reconfigured to be capable of surviving vibrational loads during launch and is designed to solve the significant heater and materials compatibility problems associated with the use of this emitter material. This has been accomplished in a compact design with the capability of high-emission current (10 to 60 A). The compact, high-current design has a keeper diameter that allows the cathode to be mounted on the centerline of a 6- kW Hall thruster, inside the iron core of the inner electromagnetic coil. Although designed for electric propulsion thrusters in spacecraft station- keeping, orbit transfer, and interplanetary applications, the LaB6 cathodes are applicable to the plasma processing industry in applications such as optical coatings and semiconductor processing where reactive gases are used. Where current electrical propulsion thrusters with BaO emitters have limited life and need extremely clean propellant feed systems at a significant cost, these LaB6 cathodes can run on the crudest-grade xenon propellant available without impact. Moreover, in a laboratory environment, LaB6 cathodes reduce testing costs because they do not require extended conditioning periods under hard vacuum. Alternative rare earth emitters, such as cerium hexaboride (CeB6) can be used in this

The effects of minor elements in La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ cathodes on oxygen reduction reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oishi, Junya; Otomo, Junichiro; Oshima, Yoshito; Koyama, Michihisa

2015-03-01

It is known that the minor elements affect the performance of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). In this study, we focus on the influence of minor elements on the SOFC cathode properties. The Ca, Ba, Al, and Si, which originate from raw materials and production processes for SOFC cathodes, are investigated as minor elements that may have effect on the properties of La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ (LSCF) cathode. To examine the effects of minor elements on the cathode properties, Ca, Ba, Al, and Si with a controlled concentration are added to the LSCF reference sample. Conductivity relaxation measurements are conducted to determine the chemical diffusion coefficient (Dchem) and surface exchange coefficient (ktr), which governs the overpotential characteristics of the LSCF cathode. The results show that Al and Si have negative effects on both Dchem and ktr while Ca and Ba do not alter Dchem and show weakly positive effects on ktr. The effects of Ca and Ba for the cathode properties are discussed on the basis of XPS measurements.

Acidic and alkaline pretreatments of activated carbon and their effects on the performance of air-cathodes in microbial fuel cells.

PubMed

Wang, Xin; Gao, Ningshengjie; Zhou, Qixing; Dong, Heng; Yu, Hongbing; Feng, Yujie

2013-09-01

Activated carbon (AC) is a high performing and cost effective catalyst for oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) of air-cathodes in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Acidic (HNO3) and alkaline (KOH) pretreatments on AC at low temperature (85°C) are conducted to enhance the performance of MFCs. The alkaline pretreatment increased the power density by 16% from 804±70 to 957±31 mW m(-2), possibly due to the decrease of ohmic resistance (from 20.58 to 19.20 Ω) and the increase of ORR activities provided by the adsorbed hydroxide ion and extra micropore area/volume after alkaline pretreatment. However, acidic pretreatment decreased the power output to 537±36 mW m(-2), which can be mainly attributed to the corrosion by adsorbed proton at the interface of AC powder and stainless steel mesh and the decreased pore area. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Multi-cathode unbalanced magnetron sputtering systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sproul, William D.

1991-01-01

Ion bombardment of a growing film during deposition is necessary in many instances to ensure a fully dense coating, particularly for hard coatings. Until the recent advent of unbalanced magnetron (UBM) cathodes, reactive sputtering had not been able to achieve the same degree of ion bombardment as other physical vapor deposition processes. The amount of ion bombardment of the substrate depends on the plasma density at the substrate, and in a UBM system the amount of bombardment will depend on the degree of unbalance of the cathode. In multi-cathode systems, the magnetic fields between the cathodes must be linked to confine the fast electrons that collide with the gas atoms. Any break in this linkage results in electrons being lost and a low plasma density. Modeling of the magnetic fields in a UBM cathode using a finite element analysis program has provided great insight into the interaction between the magnetic fields in multi-cathode systems. Large multi-cathode systems will require very strong magnets or many cathodes in order to maintain the magnetic field strength needed to achieve a high plasma density. Electromagnets offer the possibility of independent control of the plasma density. Such a system would be a large-scale version of an ion beam enhanced deposition (IBED) system, but, for the UBM system where the plasma would completely surround the substrate, the acronym IBED might now stand for Ion Blanket Enhanced Deposition.

A new high-energy cathode for a Na-ion battery with ultrahigh stability.

PubMed

Park, Young-Uk; Seo, Dong-Hwa; Kwon, Hyung-Soon; Kim, Byoungkook; Kim, Jongsoon; Kim, Haegyeom; Kim, Inkyung; Yoo, Han-Ill; Kang, Kisuk

2013-09-18

Large-scale electric energy storage is a key enabler for the use of renewable energy. Recently, the room-temperature Na-ion battery has been rehighlighted as an alternative low-cost technology for this application. However, significant challenges such as energy density and long-term stability must be addressed. Herein, we introduce a novel cathode material, Na1.5VPO4.8F0.7, for Na-ion batteries. This new material provides an energy density of ~600 Wh kg(-1), the highest value among cathodes, originating from both the multielectron redox reaction (1.2 e(-) per formula unit) and the high potential (~3.8 V vs Na(+)/Na) of the tailored vanadium redox couple (V(3.8+)/V(5+)). Furthermore, an outstanding cycle life (~95% capacity retention for 100 cycles and ~84% for extended 500 cycles) could be achieved, which we attribute to the small volume change (2.9%) upon cycling, the smallest volume change among known Na intercalation cathodes. The open crystal framework with two-dimensional Na diffusional pathways leads to low activation barriers for Na diffusion, enabling excellent rate capability. We believe that this new material can bring the low-cost room-temperature Na-ion battery a step closer to a sustainable large-scale energy storage system.

RHETT/EPDM Flight Hollow Cathode

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Manzella, David; Patterson, Michael; Pastel, Michael

1997-01-01

Under the sponsorship of the BMDO Russian Hall Electric Thruster Technology program two xenon hollow cathodes, a flight unit and a flight spare were fabricated, acceptance tested and delivered to the Naval Research Laboratory for use on the Electric Propulsion Demonstration Module. These hollow cathodes, based on the International Space Station plasma contactor design, were fabricated at the NASA Lewis Research Center for use with a D-55 anode layer thruster in the first on-orbit operational application of this technology. The 2.2 Ampere nominal emission current of this device was obtained with a xenon flow rate of 0.6 mg/s. Ignition of the cathode discharge was accomplished through preheating the active electron emitter with a resistive heating element before application of a 650 volt ignition pulse between the emitter and an external starting electrode. The successful acceptance testing of the Electric Propulsion Demonstration Module utilizing these cathodes demonstrated the suitability of cathodes based on barium impregnated inserts in an enclosed keeper configuration for use with Hall thruster propulsion systems.

Development program on a cold cathode electron gun

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spindt, C. A.; Holland, C. E.

1985-01-01

During this phase of the cathode development program, SRI improved the multiple electron beam exposure system used to print hole patterns for the cathode arrays, studied anisotropic etch processes, conducted cathode investigations using an emission microscope, reviewed possible alternate materials for cathode fabrication, studied cathode storage techniques, conducted high power operation experiments, and demonstrated high-current-density operation with small arrays of tips.

LiAl xCo 1- xO 2 as 4 V cathodes for lithium ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Haitao; Rao, G. V. Subba; Chowdari, B. V. R.

Nominal LiAl xCo 1- xO 2 with x ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 was prepared by heating mixture of Al(OH) 3, Co 3O 4 and LiOH at 750°C in air. The effect of substitution of non-transition metal, Al, in LiCoO 2 is investigated as a 4 V cathode for lithium ion. X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicates formation of a single phase (R3¯m) within this range of substitution. When cycled between 4.5 and 2.5 V vs. Li/Li + at a current density of 1 mA cm -2, the LiAl 0.15Co 0.85O 2 cathode exhibits reversible capacity of 160 mA h g -1 initially. XRD of the cathode made at the end of 10 cycles reveals no significant change on host structure.

A Novel Cathode Material for Cathodic Dehalogenation of 1,1-Dibromo Cyclopropane Derivatives.

PubMed

Gütz, Christoph; Selt, Maximilian; Bänziger, Markus; Bucher, Christoph; Römelt, Christina; Hecken, Nadine; Gallou, Fabrice; Galvão, Tomás R; Waldvogel, Siegfried R

2015-09-28

Leaded bronze turned out to be an excellent cathode material for the dehalogenation reaction of cyclopropanes without affecting the strained molecular entity. With this particular alloy, beneficial properties of lead cathodes are conserved, whereas the corrosion of cathode is efficiently suppressed. The solvent in the electrolyte determines whether a complete debromination reaction is achieved or if the process can be selectively stopped at the monobromo cyclopropane intermediate. The electroorganic conversion tolerates a variety of functional groups and can be conducted at rather complex substrates like cyclosporine A. This approach allows the sustainable preparation of cyclopropane derivatives. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Soot Oxidation in Hydrocarbon/Air Diffusion Flames at Atmospheric Pressure. Appendix K

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Xu, F.; El-Leathy, A. M.; Faeth, G. M.; Urban, D. L. (Technical Monitor); Yuan, Z.-G. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Soot oxidation was studied experimentally in laminar hydrocarbon/air diffusion flames at atmospheric pressure. Measurements were carried out along the axes of round jets burning in coflowing air considering acetylene, ethylene, propylene and propane as fuels. Measurements were limited to the initial stages of soot oxidation (carbon consumption less than 70%) where soot oxidation mainly occurs at the surface of primary soot particles. The following properties were measured as a function of distance above the burner exit: soot concentrations by deconvoluted laser extinction, soot temperatures by deconvoluted multiline emission, soot structure by thermophoretic sampling and analysis using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), concentrations of stable major gas species (N2, H2O, H2, O2, CO, CO2, CH4, C2H2,C2H4, C2H6, C3H6, and C3H8) by sampling and gas chromatography, concentrations of some radical species (H, OH, O) by the deconvoluted Li/LiOH atomic absorption technique and flow velocities by laser velocimetry. It was found that soot surface oxidation rates are not particularly affected by fuel type for laminar diffusion flames and are described reasonably well by the OH surface oxidation mechanism with a collision efficiency of 0.10, (standard deviation of 0.07) with no significant effect of fuel type in this behavior; these findings are in good agreement with the classical laminar premixed flame measurements of Neoh et al. Finally, direct rates of surface oxidation by O2 were small compared to OH oxidation for present conditions, based on estimated O2 oxidation rates due to Nagle and Strickland-Constable (1962), because soot oxidation was completed near the flame sheet where O2 concentrations were less than 1.2% by volume.

Arc initiation in cathodic arc plasma sources

DOEpatents

Anders, Andre

2002-01-01

A "triggerless" arc initiation method and apparatus is based on simply switching the arc supply voltage to the electrodes (anode and cathode). Neither a mechanical trigger electrode nor a high voltage flashover from a trigger electrode is required. A conducting path between the anode and cathode is provided, which allows a hot spot to form at a location where the path connects to the cathode. While the conductive path is eroded by the cathode spot action, plasma deposition ensures the ongoing repair of the conducting path. Arc initiation is achieved by simply applying the relatively low voltage of the arc power supply, e.g. 500 V-1 kV, with the insulator between the anode and cathode coated with a conducting layer and the current at the layer-cathode interface concentrated at one or a few contact points. The local power density at these contact points is sufficient for plasma production and thus arc initiation. A conductive surface layer, such as graphite or the material being deposited, is formed on the surface of the insulator which separates the cathode from the anode. The mechanism of plasma production (and arc initiation) is based on explosive destruction of the layer-cathode interface caused by joule heating. The current flow between the thin insulator coating and cathode occurs at only a few contact points so the current density is high.

Microanalysis of extended-test xenon hollow cathodes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Verhey, Timothy R.; Patterson, Michael J.

1991-01-01

Four hollow cathode electron sources were analyzed via boroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x ray analysis, and x ray diffraction analysis. These techniques were used to develop a preliminary understanding of the chemistry of the devices that arise from contamination due to inadequate feed-system integrity and improper insert activation. Two hollow cathodes were operated in an ion thruster simulator at an emission current of 23.0 A for approximately 500 hrs. The two tests differed in propellant-feed systems, discharge power supplies, and activation procedures. Tungsten deposition and barium tungstate formation on the internal cathode surfaces occurred during the first test, which were believed to result from oxygen contamination of the propellant feed-system. Consequently, the test facility was upgraded to reduce contamination, and the test was repeated. The second hollow cathode was found to have experienced significantly less tungsten deposition. A second pair of cathodes examined were the discharge and the neutralizer hollow cathodes used in a life-test of a 30-cm ring-cusp ion thruster at a 5.5 kW power level. The cathodes' test history was documented and the post-test microanalyses are described. The most significant change resulting from the life-test was substantial tungsten deposition on the internal cathode surfaces, as well as removal of material from the insert surface. In addition, barium tungstate and molybdate were found on insert surfaces. As a result of the cathode examinations, procedures and approaches were proposed for improved discharge ignition and cathode longevity.

Low temperature aluminum reduction cell using hollow cathode

DOEpatents

Brown, Craig W.; Frizzle, Patrick B.

2002-08-20

A method of producing aluminum in an electrolytic cell containing alumina dissolved in an electrolyte. A plurality of non-consumable anodes are disposed substantially vertically in the electrolyte along with a plurality of monolithic hollow cathodes. Each cathode has a top and bottom and the cathodes are disposed vertically in the electrolyte and the anodes and the cathodes are arranged in alternating relationship. Each of the cathodes is comprised of a first side facing a first opposing anode and a second side facing a second opposing anode. The first and second sides are joined by ends to form a reservoir in the hollow cathode for collecting aluminum therein deposited at the cathode.

A compartment model of alveolar-capillary oxygen diffusion with ventilation-perfusion gradient and dynamics of air transport through the respiratory tract.

PubMed

Jaworski, Jacek; Redlarski, Grzegorz

2014-08-01

This paper presents a model of alveolar-capillary oxygen diffusion with dynamics of air transport through the respiratory tract. For this purpose electrical model representing the respiratory tract mechanics and differential equations representing oxygen membrane diffusion are combined. Relevant thermodynamic relations describing the mass of oxygen transported into the human body are proposed as the connection between these models, as well as the influence of ventilation-perfusion mismatch on the oxygen diffusion. The model is verified based on simulation results of varying exercise intensities and statistical calculations of the results obtained during various clinical trials. The benefit of the approach proposed is its application in simulation-based research aimed to generate quantitative data of normal and pathological conditions. Based on the model presented, taking into account many essential physiological processes and air transport dynamics, comprehensive and combined studies of the respiratory efficiency can be performed. The impact of physical exercise, precise changes in respiratory tract mechanics and alterations in breathing pattern can be analyzed together with the impact of various changes in alveolar-capillary oxygen diffusion. This may be useful in simulation of effects of many severe medical conditions and increased activity level. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pinpoint Delivery of Molecules by Using Electron Beam Addressing Virtual Cathode Display.

PubMed

Hoshino, Takayuki; Yoshioka, Moto; Wagatsuma, Akira; Miyazako, Hiroki; Mabuchi, Kunihiko

2018-03-01

Electroporation, a physical transfection method to introduce genomic molecules in selective living cells, could be implemented by microelectrode devices. A local electric field generated by a finer electrode can induces cytomembrane poration in the electrode vicinity. To employ fine, high-speed scanning electrodes, we developed a fine virtual cathode pattern, which was generated on a cell adhesive surface of 100-nm-thick SiN membrane by inverted-electron beam lithography. The SiN membrane works as both a vacuum barrier and the display screen of the virtual cathode. The kinetic energy of the incident primary electrons to the SiN membrane was completely blocked, whereas negative charges and leaking electric current appeared on the surface of the dielectric SiN membrane within a region of 100 nm. Locally controlled transmembrane molecular delivery was demonstrated on adhered C2C12 myoblast cells in a culturing medium with fluorescent dye propidium iodide (PI). Increasing fluorescence of pre-diluted PI indicated local poration and transmembrane inflow at the virtual cathode position, as well as intracellular diffusion. The transmembrane inflows depended on beam duration time and acceleration voltage. At the post-molecular delivery, a slight decrease in intracellular PI fluorescence intensity indicates membrane recovery from the poration. Cell viability was confirmed by time-lapse cell imaging of post-exposure cell migration.

Soot Surface Growth in Laminar Hydrocarbon/Air Diffusion Flames. Appendix J

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

El-Leathy, A. M.; Xu, F.; Kim, C. H.; Faeth, G. M.; Yuan, Z.-G. (Technical Monitor); Urban, D. L. (Technical Monitor); Yuan, Z.-G. (Technical Monitor)

2003-01-01

The structure and soot surface growth properties of round laminar jet diffusion flames were studied experimentally. Measurements were made along the axes of ethylene-, propylene-propane- and acetylene-benzene-fueled flames burning in coflowing air at atmospheric pressure with the reactants at normal temperature. The measurements included soot structure, soot concentrations, soot temperatures, major gas species concentrations, some radial species (H, OH and 0) concentrations, and gas velocities. These measurements yielded the local flame properties that are thought to affect soot surface growth as well as local soot surface growth rates. When present results were combined with similar earlier observations of acetylene-fueled laminar jet diffusion flames, the results suggested that soot surface growth involved decomposition of the original fuel to form acetylene and H, which were the main reactants for soot surface growth, and that the main effect of the parent fuel on soot surface growth involved its yield of acetylene and H for present test conditions. Thus, as the distance increased along the axes of the flames, soot formation (which was dominated by soot surface growth) began near the cool core of the flow once acetylene and H appeared together and ended near the flame sheet when acetylene disappeared. Species mainly responsible for soot oxidation - OH and 02 were present throughout the soot formation region so that soot surface growth and oxidation proceeded at the same time. Present measurements of soot surface growth rates (corrected for soot surface oxidation) in laminar jet diffusion flames were consistent with earlier measurements of soot surface growth rates in laminar premixed flames and exhibited good agreement with existing Hydrogen-Abstraction/Carbon-Addition (HACA) soot surface growth mechanisms in the literature with steric factors in these mechanisms having values on the order of unity, as anticipated.

Soot Surface Growth in Laminar Hydrocarbon/Air Diffusion Flames. Appendix B

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

El-Leathy, A. M.; Xu, F.; Kim, C. H.; Faeth, G. M.; Urban, D. L. (Technical Monitor); Yuan, Z.-G. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

The structure and soot surface growth properties of round laminar jet diffusion flames were studied experimentally. Measurements were made along the axes of ethylene-, propylene-propane- and acetylene-benzene-fueled flames burning in coflowing air at atmospheric pressure with the reactants at normal temperature. The measurements included soot structure, soot concentrations, soot temperatures, major gas species concentrations, some radial species (H, OH and O) concentrations, and gas velocities. These measurements yielded the local flame properties that are thought to affect soot surface growth as well as local soot surface growth rates. When present results were combined with similar earlier observations of acetylene-fueled laminar jet diffusion flames, the results suggested that soot surface growth involved decomposition of the original fuel to form acetylene and H, which were the main reactants for soot surface growth, and that the main effect of the parent fuel on soot surface growth involved its yield of acetylene and H for present test conditions. Thus, as the distance increased along the axes of the flames, soot formation (which was dominated by soot surface growth) began near the cool core of the flow once acetylene and H appeared together and ended near the flame sheet when acetylene disappeared. Species mainly responsible for soot oxidation - OH and O2 were present throughout the soot formation region so that soot surface growth and oxidation proceeded at the same time. Present measurements of soot surface growth rates (corrected for soot surface oxidation) in laminar jet diffusion flames were consistent with earlier measurements of soot surface growth rates in laminar premixed flames and exhibited good agreement with existing Hydrogen-Abstraction/Carbon-Addition (HACA) soot surface growth mechanisms in the literature with steric factors in these mechanisms having values on the order of unity, as anticipated.

Reflective article having a sacrificial cathodic layer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kabagambe, Benjamin; Buchanan, Michael J.; Scott, Matthew S.

The present invention relates to reflective articles, such as solar mirrors, that include a sacrificial cathodic layer. The reflective article, more particularly includes a substrate, such as glass, having a multi-layered coating thereon that includes a lead-free sacrificial cathodic layer. The sacrificial cathodic layer includes at least one transition metal, such as a particulate transition metal, which can be in the form of flakes (e.g., zinc flakes). The sacrificial cathodic layer can include an inorganic matrix formed from one or more organo-titanates. Alternatively, the sacrificial cathodic layer can include an organic polymer matrix (e.g., a crosslinked organic polymer matrix formedmore » from an organic polymer and an aminoplast crosslinking agent). The reflective article also includes an outer organic polymer coating, that can be electrodeposited over the sacrificial cathodic layer.« less

Cold cathode vacuum gauging system

DOEpatents

Denny, Edward C.

2004-03-09

A vacuum gauging system of the cold cathode type is provided for measuring the pressure of a plurality of separate vacuum systems, such as in a gas centrifuge cascade. Each casing is fitted with a gauge tube assembly which communicates with the vacuum system in the centrifuge casing. Each gauge tube contains an anode which may be in the form of a slender rod or wire hoop and a cathode which may be formed by the wall of the gauge tube. The tube is provided with an insulated high voltage connector to the anode which has a terminal for external connection outside the vacuum casing. The tube extends from the casing so that a portable magnet assembly may be inserted about the tube to provide a magnetic field in the area between the anode and cathode necessary for pressure measurements in a cold cathode-type vacuum gauge arrangement. The portable magnetic assembly is provided with a connector which engages the external high voltage terminal for providing power to the anode within in the gauge tube. Measurement is made in the same manner as the prior cold cathode gauges in that the current through the anode to the cathode is measured as an indication of the pressure. By providing the portable magnetic assembly, a considerable savings in cost, installation, and maintenance of vacuum gauges for pressure measurement in a gas centrifuge cascade is realizable.

Enhanced hydrogen production in microbial electrolysis cell with 3D self-assembly nickel foam-graphene cathode.

PubMed

Cai, Weiwei; Liu, Wenzong; Han, Jinglong; Wang, Aijie

2016-06-15

In comparison to precious metal catalyst especially Platinum (Pt), nickel foam (NF) owned cheap cost and unique three-dimensional (3D) structure, however, it was scarcely applied as cathode material in microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) as the intrinsic laggard electrochemical activity for hydrogen recovery. In this study, a self-assembly 3D nickel foam-graphene (NF-G) cathode was fabricated by facile hydrothermal approach for hydrogen evolution in MECs. Electrochemical analysis (linear scan voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) revealed the improved electrochemical activity and effective mass diffusion after coating with graphene. NF-G as cathode in MEC showed a significant enhancement in hydrogen production rate compared with nickel foam at a variety of biases. Noticeably, NF-G showed a comparable averaged hydrogen production rate (1.31 ± 0.07 mL H2 mL(-1) reactor d(-1)) to Platinum/carbon (Pt/C) (1.32 ± 0.07 mL H2 mL(-1) reactor d(-1)) at 0.8 V. Profitable energy recovery could be achieved by NF-G cathode at higher applied voltage, which performed the best hydrogen yield of 3.27 ± 0.16 mol H2 mol(-1) acetate at 0.8 V and highest energy efficiency of 185.92 ± 6.48% at 0.6 V. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Rechargeable lithium/polymer cathode batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osaka, Tetsuya; Nakajima, Toshiki; Shiota, Koh; Owens, Boone B.

1989-06-01

Polypyrrole (PPy) and polyaniline (PAn) were investigated for cathode materials of rechargeable lithium batteries. PPy films prepared with PF6(-) anion and/or platinum substrate precoated with nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) were excellent cathode materials because of rough and/or highly oriented film structure. PAn films were successfully prepared from non-aqueous propylene carbonate solution containing aniline, CF3COOH and lithium perchlorate. Its acidity strongly affects the anion doping-undoping behavior. The PAn cathode prepared in high acidic solution (e.g., 4:1 ratio of acid:aniline) gives the excellent battery performance.

A reactive and sensitive diffusion sampler for the determination of aldehydes and ketones in ambient air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uchiyama, Shigehisa; Hasegawa, Shuji

We developed a diffusive sampling device (DSD-carbonyl) for organic carbonyl compounds (aldehydes and ketones) which is suitable for collection and analysis of low concentration levels. This sampling device is composed of three parts, an exposure part made of a porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PPTFE) tube, an analysis part made of polypropylene (PP) tubing and an absorbent part made of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) coated silica gel (DNPH-silica). Aldehydes and ketones diffuse to the DSD-carbonyl through PPTFE-tube by the mechanism of molecular diffusion and react specifically with DNPH to form a stable DNPH-derivatives. Collection is controlled by moving the absorbent from the exposure part to the analysis part by changing the posture of the DSD-carbonyl. DNPH-derivatives were eluted from an analysis part of DSD-carbonyl with acetonitrile directly and analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The advantages of the DSD-carbonyl are the following: (1) The DSD-carbonyl can be used in a wide range of concentration of aldehydes and ketones in atmosphere, as the DSD-carbonyl exposure part has a variable diffusion area, (2) DNPH-derivatives are eluted from DNPH-silica without contamination of air. (3) The sampler can be applied to active sampling by connecting it with a pump. The limit of detection (LOD) for concentrations of major aldehydes and ketones ranged from 0.072 to 0.13 ppb, and the limit of quantitation (LOQ) ranged from 0.24 to 0.42 ppb. The coefficient variation (CV) for concentrations of major aldehydes and ketones ranged from 2.5 to 3.0% in laboratory air. The DSD-carbonyl method and active sampling method (US EPA method IP-6A) showed a good correlation (formaldehyde, r2=0.995). The uptake rates for formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acetone were estimated as 0.078, 0.062 and 0.079 nmol ppb -1 h -1, respectively. It is possible to estimate atmospheric aldehydes and ketones at parts per billion (ppb), with high sensitivity and precision, by

Characterization of Hollow Cathode Performance and Thermal Behavior

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polk, James E.; Goebel, Dan M.; Watkins, Ron; Jameson, Kristina; Yoneshige, Lance; Przybylowski, JoHanna; Cho, Lauren

2006-01-01

Hollow cathodes are one of the main life-limiting components in ion engines and Hall thrusters. Although state-of-the-art hollow cathodes have demonstrated up to 30,352 hours of operation in ground tests with careful handling, future missions are likely to require longer life, more margin and greater resistance to reactive contaminant gases. Three alternate hollow cathode technologies that exploit different emitter materials or geometries to address some of the limitations of state-of-the-art cathodes are being investigated. Performance measurements of impregnated tungsten-iridium dispenser cathodes at discharge currents of 4 to 15 A demonstrated that they have the same operating range and ion production efficiency as conventional tungsten dispenser cathodes. Temperature measurements indicated that tungsten-iridium cathodes also operate at the same emitter temperatures. They did not exhibit the expected reduction in work function at the current densities tested. Hollow cathodes with lanthanum hexaboride emitters operated over a wide current range, but suffered from lower ion production efficiency at currents below about 12.4 A because of higher insert heating requirements. Differences in operating voltages and ion production rates are explained with a simple model of the effect of cathode parameters on discharge behavior.

Combustion rate limits of hydrogen plus hydrocarbon fuel: Air diffusion flames from an opposed jet burner technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pellett, Gerald L.; Guerra, Rosemary; Wilson, Lloyd G.; Reeves, Ronald N.; Northam, G. Burton

1987-01-01

Combustion of H2/hydrocarbon (HC) fuel mixtures may be considered in certain volume-limited supersonic airbreathing propulsion applications. Effects of HC addition to H2 were evaluated, using a recent argon-bathed, coaxial, tubular opposed jet burner (OJB) technique to measure the extinction limits of counterflow diffusion flames. The OJB flames were formed by a laminar jet of (N2 and/or HC)-diluted H2 mixture opposed by a similar jet of air at ambient conditions. The OJB data, derived from respective binary mixtures of H2 and methane, ethylene, or propane HCs, were used to characterize BLOWOFF and RESTORE. BLOWOFF is a sudden breaking of the dish-shaped OJB flame to a stable torus or ring shape, and RESTORE marks sudden restoration of the central flame by radial inward flame propagation. BLOWOFF is a measure of kinetically-limited flame reactivity/speed under highly stretched, but relatively ideal impingement flow conditions. RESTORE measures inward radial flame propagation rate, which is sensitive to ignition processes in the cool central core. It is concluded that relatively small molar amounts of added HC greatly reduce the reactivity characteristics of counterflow hydrogen-air diffusion flames, for ambient initial conditions.

Zirconia coating stabilized super-iron alkaline cathodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Xingwen; Licht, Stuart

A low-level zirconia coating significantly stabilizes high energy alkaline super-iron cathodes, and improves the energy storage capacity of super-iron batteries. Zirconia coating is derived from ZrCl 4 in an organic medium through the conversion of ZrCl 4 to ZrO 2. In alkaline battery system, ZrO 2 provides an intact shield for the cathode materials and the hydroxide shuttle through the coating sustains alkaline cathode redox chemistry. Most super-iron cathodes are solid-state stable, such as K 2FeO 4 and Cs 2FeO 4, but tend to be passivated in alkaline electrolyte due to the formation of Fe(III) over layer. Zirconia coating effectively enhances the stability of these super-iron cathodes. However, for solid-state unstable super-iron cathode (e.g. BaFeO 4), only a little stabilization effect of zirconia coating is observed.

Mechanistic insights for the development of Li-O2 battery materials: addressing Li2O2 conductivity limitations and electrolyte and cathode instabilities.

PubMed

McCloskey, Bryan D; Burke, Colin M; Nichols, Jessica E; Renfrew, Sara E

2015-08-18

The Li-air battery has received significant attention over the past decade given its high theoretical specific energy compared to competing energy storage technologies. Yet, numerous scientific challenges remain unsolved in the pursuit of attaining a battery with modest Coulombic efficiency and high capacity. In this Feature Article, we provide our current perspective on challenges facing the development of nonaqueous Li-O2 battery cathodes. We initially present a review on our understanding of electrochemical processes occurring at the nonaqueous Li-O2 cathode. Electrolyte and cathode instabilities and Li2O2 conductivity limitations are then discussed, and suggestions for future materials research development to alleviate these issues are provided.

Compatibility between strontium-doped ferrite cathode and metallic interconnects in solid oxide fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miguel-Pérez, Verónica; Martínez-Amesti, Ana; Arriortua, María Isabel

2015-04-01

One of the most important issues related to the performance of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) is the chromium poisoning of the perovskite-type materials used as cathodes by the gaseous chromium species from metallic interconnects. In this study, powder mixtures of LSF40-Cr2O3 were heated at 800 °C and 1000 °C in air and were subsequently analysed by X-ray powder diffraction. For all the mixtures, the crystallisation of SrCrO4 was observed. In addition, the degradation occurring between three alloys with different compositions, Crofer 22 APU, SS430 and Conicro 4023 W 188, as metallic interconnects and La0.6Sr0.4FeO3 (LSF40) ceramic material as a cathode was studied. The results show significant chromium deposition and the formation of SrCrO4, LaCrO3 and La2O3 that block the active LSF40 electrode surface and degrade the stack (YSZ/SDC/LSF40/Interconnect) performance. LSF40 assembled with SS430 exhibited substantial Cr deposition. The deposition of the Cr species and the reaction with the LSF40 cathode is related to the composition of the oxide scales formed at each metallic interconnect and at the same time is related to the composition of the alloys. The best results obtained were for the half-cell (YSZ/SDC/LSF40) in contact with Conicro 4023 W 188 and Crofer 22 APU after heat treatment in air at 800 °C for 100 h.

Enhanced ambient stability of efficient perovskite solar cells by employing a modified fullerene cathode interlayer

DOE PAGES

Zhu, Zonglong; Chueh, Chu -Chen; Lin, Francis; ...

2016-03-22

A novel fullerene cathode interlayer is employed to facilitate the fabrication of stable and efficient perovskite solar cells. Here, this modified fullerene surfactant significantly increases air stability of the derived devices due to its hydrophobic characteristics to enable 80% of the initial PCE to be retained after being exposed in ambient condition with 20% relative humidity for 14 days.

Structural Dependence of the Sulfur Reduction Mechanism in Carbon-Based Cathodes for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Burgos, Juan C.; Balbuena, Perla B.; Montoya, Javier A.

We report lithium-sulfur batteries are promising non-conventional sources of energy due to their high theoretical capacity and energy density. However, the successful implementation of this technology has been hindered due to the low cycling life of the battery, caused by long chain polysulfide shuttling between electrodes during charge/discharge, among other issues. Quantum chemical calculations are used to study the reactivity of sulfur in the porous cathode of lithium-sulfur batteries, and the retention capabilities of porous carbon materials to avoid long chain polysulfide diffusion. Ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations are initially employed to evaluate sulfur reduction mechanisms and kinetics, andmore » to identify main reduction products. A porous cathode architecture is modeled through parallel graphene layers with elemental sulfur rings in the interlayer, and filled with 1,3-dioxolane (DOL) organic solvent and lithium ions. AIMD simulations showed fast reduction of elemental sulfur and formation of short chain polysulfide. Furthermore, the effect of dangling carbon bonds of graphene on the reactivity of the cathode was confirmed. Adsorption calculations through density functional theory (DFT) proved the capacity of small pores to retain long polysulfide chains. An analysis of the effect of the specific current on the chemical behavior of sulfur reveals an influence of current on the amount of sulfur utilization and practical specific capacity of the battery. In conclusion, this work illustrates the physical-chemical behavior of the sulfur/polysulfide in the porous cathode system at atomistic level.« less

Structural Dependence of the Sulfur Reduction Mechanism in Carbon-Based Cathodes for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

DOE PAGES

Burgos, Juan C.; Balbuena, Perla B.; Montoya, Javier A.

2017-08-17

We report lithium-sulfur batteries are promising non-conventional sources of energy due to their high theoretical capacity and energy density. However, the successful implementation of this technology has been hindered due to the low cycling life of the battery, caused by long chain polysulfide shuttling between electrodes during charge/discharge, among other issues. Quantum chemical calculations are used to study the reactivity of sulfur in the porous cathode of lithium-sulfur batteries, and the retention capabilities of porous carbon materials to avoid long chain polysulfide diffusion. Ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations are initially employed to evaluate sulfur reduction mechanisms and kinetics, andmore » to identify main reduction products. A porous cathode architecture is modeled through parallel graphene layers with elemental sulfur rings in the interlayer, and filled with 1,3-dioxolane (DOL) organic solvent and lithium ions. AIMD simulations showed fast reduction of elemental sulfur and formation of short chain polysulfide. Furthermore, the effect of dangling carbon bonds of graphene on the reactivity of the cathode was confirmed. Adsorption calculations through density functional theory (DFT) proved the capacity of small pores to retain long polysulfide chains. An analysis of the effect of the specific current on the chemical behavior of sulfur reveals an influence of current on the amount of sulfur utilization and practical specific capacity of the battery. In conclusion, this work illustrates the physical-chemical behavior of the sulfur/polysulfide in the porous cathode system at atomistic level.« less

COMPARISON OF 24H AVERAGE VOC MONITORING RESULTS FOR RESIDENTIAL INDOOR AND OUTDOOR AIR USING CARBOPACK X-FILLED DIFFUSIVE SAMPLERS AND ACTIVE SAMPLING - A PILOT STUDY

EPA Science Inventory

Analytical results obtained by thermal desorption GC/MS for 24h diffusive sampling of 11 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are compared with results of time-averaged active sampling at a known constant flow rate. Air samples were collected with co-located duplicate diffusive samp...

Effect of cathode cooling efficiency and oxygen plasma gas pressure on the hafnium cathode wall temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ashtekar, Koustubh; Diehl, Gregory; Hamer, John

2012-10-01

The hafnium cathode is widely used in DC plasma arc cutting (PAC) under an oxygen gas environment to cut iron and iron alloys. The hafnium erosion is always a concern which is controlled by the surface temperature. In this study, the effect of cathode cooling efficiency and oxygen gas pressure on the hafnium surface temperature are quantified. The two layer cathode sheath model is applied on the refractive hafnium surface while oxygen species (O2, O, O+, O++, e-) are considered within the thermal dis-equilibrium regime. The system of non-linear equations comprising of current density balance, heat flux balance at both the cathode surface and the sheath-ionization layer is coupled with the plasma gas composition solver. Using cooling heat flux, gas pressure and current density as inputs; the cathode wall temperature, electron temperature, and sheath voltage drop are calculated. Additionally, contribution of emitted electron current (Je) and ions current (Ji) to the total current flux are estimated. Higher gas pressure usually reduces Ji and increases Je that reduces the surface temperature by thermionic cooling.

Lithium-Air Cell Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reid, Concha M.; Dobley, Arthur; Seymour, Frasier W.

2014-01-01

Lithium-air (Li-air) primary batteries have a theoretical specific capacity of 11,400 Wh/kg, the highest of any common metal-air system. NASA is developing Li-air technology for a Mobile Oxygen Concentrator for Spacecraft Emergencies, an application which requires an extremely lightweight primary battery that can discharge over 24 hours continuously. Several vendors were funded through the NASA SBIR program to develop Li-air technology to fulfill the requirements of this application. New catalysts and carbon cathode structures were developed to enhance the oxygen reduction reaction and increase surface area to improve cell performance. Techniques to stabilize the lithium metal anode surface were explored. Experimental results for prototype laboratory cells are given. Projections are made for the performance of hypothetical cells constructed from the materials that were developed.

Solid state cathode materials for secondary magnesium-ion batteries that are compatible with magnesium metal anodes in water-free electrolyte

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Crowe, Adam J.; Bartlett, Bart M., E-mail: bartmb@umich.edu

2016-10-15

With high elemental abundance, large volumetric capacity, and dendrite-free metal deposition, magnesium metal anodes offer promise in beyond-lithium-ion batteries. However, the increased charge density associated with the divalent magnesium-ion (Mg{sup 2+}), relative to lithium-ion (Li{sup +}) hinders the ion-insertion and extraction processes within many materials and structures known for lithium-ion cathodes. As a result, many recent investigations incorporate known amounts of water within the electrolyte to provide temporary solvation of the Mg{sup 2+}, improving diffusion kinetics. Unfortunately with the addition of water, compatibility with magnesium metal anodes disappears due to forming an ion-insulating passivating layer. In this short review, recentmore » advances in solid state cathode materials for rechargeable magnesium-ion batteries are highlighted, with a focus on cathode materials that do not require water contaminated electrolyte solutions for ion insertion and extraction processes. - Graphical abstract: In this short review, we present candidate materials for reversible Mg-battery cathodes that are compatible with magnesium metal in water-free electrolytes. The data suggest that soft, polarizable anions are required for reversible cycling.« less

Matrix Cathode Development

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-01-01

18 2.3.1 Cross-Sections 18 2.3.2 Surface Finishing 27 2.3.3 Hardness and Ductility 27 2.3.4 Defects and Imperfections 30 2.3.4.1 Cauliflower ...ATHODE CRIMPED DOWN EARS NICKEL HEATER Figure 4. The Cylindrical Cathode as Proposed by G. Haas. It is a l/S1 Nickel Cylinder wit^ a Blind Hole...Machined in One End and A Heater Inserted. The Cathode is Fixed to the Blind End by Crimping Down Ears . L± !V ,-.■...■ I-’"«:-, . mUtmr

Extended-testing of xenon ion thruster hollow cathodes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sarver-Verhey, Timothy R.

1992-01-01

A hollow cathode wear-test of 508 hours was successfully completed at an emission current of 23.0 A and a xenon flow rate of 10 Pa-L/s. This test was the continuation of a hollow cathode contamination investigation. Discharge voltage was stable at 16.7 V. The cathode temperature averaged 1050 C with a 7 percent drop during the wear-test. Discharge ignition voltage was found to be approximately 20 V and was repeatable over four starts. Post-test analyses of the hollow cathode found a much improved internal cathode condition with respect to earlier wear-test cathodes. Negligible tungsten movement occurred and no formation of mono-barium tungsten was observed. These results correlated with an order-of-magnitude reduction in propellant feed-system leakage rate. Ba2CaWO6 and extensive calcium crystal formation occurred on the upstream end of the insert. Ba-Ca compound depositions were found on the Mo insert collar, on the Re electrical leads, and in the gap between the insert and cathode wall. This wear-test cathode was found to be in the best internal condition and had the most stable operating performance of any hollow cathode tested during this contamination investigation.

Air cycle machine for an aircraft environmental control system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Decrisantis, Angelo A. (Inventor); O'Coin, James R. (Inventor); Taddey, Edmund P. (Inventor)

2010-01-01

An ECS system includes an ACM mounted adjacent an air-liquid heat exchanger through a diffuser that contains a diffuser plate. The diffuser plate receives airflow from the ACM which strikes the diffuser plate and flows radially outward and around the diffuser plate and into the air-liquid heat exchanger to provide minimal pressure loss and proper flow distribution into the air-liquid heat exchanger with significantly less packaging space.

Determination of 1-octanol-air partition coefficient using gaseous diffusion in the air boundary layer.

PubMed

Ha, Yeonjeong; Kwon, Jung-Hwan

2010-04-15

Exact determination of the partition coefficient between 1-octanol and air (K(OA)) is very important because it is a key descriptor for describing the thermodynamic partitioning between the air and organic phases. In spite of its importance, the number and quality of experimental K(OA) values for hydrophobic organic chemicals are limited because of experimental difficulties. Thus, to measure K(OA) values, a high-throughput method was developed that used liquid-phase extraction with 1-octanol drop at the tip of a microsyringe needle. The concentration in the headspace surrounding the 1 muL octanol drop was equilibrated with liquid octanol containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The change in concentrations of PAHs in the octanol drop was measured to obtain mass transfer rate constants, and these rate constants were then converted into K(OA) values using a film diffusion model. Thirteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with log K(OA) between 5 and 12 were chosen for the proof of the principle. Experimental determination of log K(OA) was accomplished in 30 h for PAHs with their log K(OA) less than 11. The measured log K(OA) values were very close to those obtained by various experimental and estimation methods in the literature, suggesting that this new method can provide a fast and easy determination of log K(OA) values for many chemicals of environmental interests. In addition, the applicability of the method can be extended to determine Henry's law constant for compounds with low vapor pressure and to estimate gaseous transfer rate of semivolatile compounds for environmental fate modeling.

Virtual cathode microwave generator having annular anode slit

DOEpatents

Kwan, Thomas J. T.; Snell, Charles M.

1988-01-01

A microwave generator is provided for generating microwaves substantially from virtual cathode oscillation. Electrons are emitted from a cathode and accelerated to an anode which is spaced apart from the cathode. The anode has an annular slit therethrough effective to form the virtual cathode. The anode is at least one range thickness relative to electrons reflecting from the virtual cathode. A magnet is provided to produce an optimum magnetic field having the field strength effective to form an annular beam from the emitted electrons in substantial alignment with the annular anode slit. The magnetic field, however, does permit the reflected electrons to axially diverge from the annular beam. The reflected electrons are absorbed by the anode in returning to the real cathode, such that substantially no reflexing electrons occur. The resulting microwaves are produced with a single dominant mode and are substantially monochromatic relative to conventional virtual cathode microwave generators.

Surface-Tuned Co3O4 Nanoparticles Dispersed on Nitrogen-Doped Graphene as an Efficient Cathode Electrocatalyst for Mechanical Rechargeable Zinc-Air Battery Application.

PubMed

Singh, Santosh K; Dhavale, Vishal M; Kurungot, Sreekumar

2015-09-30

The most vital component of the fuel cells and metal-air batteries is the electrocatalyst, which can facilitate the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at a significantly reduced overpotential. The present work deals with the development of surface-tuned cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles dispersed on nitrogen-doped graphene as a potential ORR electrocatalyst possessing some unique advantages. The thermally reduced nitrogen-doped graphene (NGr) was decorated with three different morphologies of Co3O4 nanoparticles, viz., cubic, blunt edged cubic, and spherical, by using a simple hydrothermal method. We found that the spherical Co3O4 nanoparticle supported NGr catalyst (Co3O4-SP/NGr-24h) has acquired a significant activity makeover to display the ORR activity closely matching with the state-of-the-art Pt supported carbon (PtC) catalyst in alkaline medium. Subsequently, the Co3O4-SP/NGr-24h catalyst has been utilized as the air electrode in a Zn-air battery, which was found to show comparable performance to the system derived from PtC. Co3O4-SP/NGr-24h catalyst has shown several hours of flat discharge profile at the discharge rates of 10, 20, and 50 mA/cm(2) with a specific capacity and energy density of ~590 mAh/g-Zn and ~840 Wh/kg-Zn, respectively, in the primary Zn-air battery system. In conjunction, Co3O4-SP/NGr-24h has outperformed as an air electrode in mechanical rechargeable Zn-air battery as well, which has shown consistent flat discharge profile with minimal voltage loss at a discharge rate of 50 mA/cm(2). The present results, thus demonstrate that the proper combination of the tuned morphology of Co3O4 with NGr will be a promising and inexpensive material for efficient and ecofriendly cathodes for Zn-air batteries.

Multi-cathode metal vapor arc ion source

DOEpatents

Brown, Ian G.; MacGill, Robert A.

1988-01-01

An ion generating apparatus utilizing a vacuum chamber, a cathode and an anode in the chamber. A source of electrical power produces an arc or discharge between the cathode and anode. The arc is sufficient to vaporize a portion of the cathode to form a plasma. The plasma is directed to an extractor which separates the electrons from the plasma, and accelerates the ions to produce an ion beam. One embodiment of the appaatus utilizes a multi-cathode arrangement for interaction with the anode.

Nano-structured manganese oxide as a cathodic catalyst for enhanced oxygen reduction in a microbial fuel cell fed with a synthetic wastewater.

PubMed

Liu, Xian-Wei; Sun, Xue-Fei; Huang, Yu-Xi; Sheng, Guo-Ping; Zhou, Kang; Zeng, Raymond J; Dong, Fang; Wang, Shu-Guang; Xu, An-Wu; Tong, Zhong-Hua; Yu, Han-Qing

2010-10-01

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) provide new opportunities for the simultaneous wastewater treatment and electricity generation. Enhanced oxygen reduction capacity of cost-effective metal-based catalysts in an air cathode is essential for the scale-up and commercialization of MFCs in the field of wastewater treatment. We demonstrated that a nano-structured MnO(x) material, prepared by an electrochemically deposition method, could be an effective catalyst for oxygen reduction in an MFC to generate electricity with the maximum power density of 772.8 mW/m(3) and remove organics when the MFC was fed with an acetate-laden synthetic wastewater. The nano-structured MnO(x) with the controllable size and morphology could be readily obtained with the electrochemical deposition method. Both morphology and manganese oxidation state of the nano-scale catalyst were largely dependent on the electrochemical preparation process, and they governed its catalytic activity and the cathodic oxygen reduction performance of the MFC accordingly. Furthermore, cyclic voltammetry (CV) performed on each nano-structured material suggests that the MnO(x) nanorods had an electrochemical activity towards oxygen reduction reaction via a four-electron pathway in a neutral pH solution. This work provides useful information on the facile preparation of cost-effective cathodic catalysts in a controllable way for the single-chamber air-cathode MFC for wastewater treatment. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Robust Low-Cost Cathode for Commercial Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patterson, Michael J.

2007-01-01

Under funding from the NASA Commercial Technology Office, a cathode assembly was designed, developed, fabricated, and tested for use in plasma sources for ground-based materials processing applications. The cathode development activity relied on the large prior NASA investment and successful development of high-current, high-efficiency, long-life hollow cathodes for use on the International Space Station Plasma Contactor System. The hollow cathode was designed and fabricated based on known engineering criteria and manufacturing processes for compatibility with the requirements of the plasma source. The transfer of NASA GRC-developed hollow cathode technology for use as an electron emitter in the commercial plasma source is anticipated to yield a significant increase in process control, while eliminating the present issues of electron emitter lifetime and contamination.

Filtered cathodic arc source

DOEpatents

Falabella, Steven; Sanders, David M.

1994-01-01

A continuous, cathodic arc ion source coupled to a macro-particle filter capable of separation or elimination of macro-particles from the ion flux produced by cathodic arc discharge. The ion source employs an axial magnetic field on a cathode (target) having tapered sides to confine the arc, thereby providing high target material utilization. A bent magnetic field is used to guide the metal ions from the target to the part to be coated. The macro-particle filter consists of two straight solenoids, end to end, but placed at 45.degree. to one another, which prevents line-of-sight from the arc spot on the target to the parts to be coated, yet provides a path for ions and electrons to flow, and includes a series of baffles for trapping the macro-particles.

Emission current control system for multiple hollow cathode devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beattie, John R. (Inventor); Hancock, Donald J. (Inventor)

1988-01-01

An emission current control system for balancing the individual emission currents from an array of hollow cathodes has current sensors for determining the current drawn by each cathode from a power supply. Each current sensor has an output signal which has a magnitude proportional to the current. The current sensor output signals are averaged, the average value so obtained being applied to a respective controller for controlling the flow of an ion source material through each cathode. Also applied to each controller are the respective sensor output signals for each cathode and a common reference signal. The flow of source material through each hollow cathode is thereby made proportional to the current drawn by that cathode, the average current drawn by all of the cathodes, and the reference signal. Thus, the emission current of each cathode is controlled such that each is made substantially equal to the emission current of each of the other cathodes. When utilized as a component of a multiple hollow cathode ion propulsion motor, the emission current control system of the invention provides for balancing the thrust of the motor about the thrust axis and also for preventing premature failure of a hollow cathode source due to operation above a maximum rated emission current.

Diffusion barriers in modified air brazes

DOEpatents

Weil, Kenneth Scott; Hardy, John S; Kim, Jin Yong; Choi, Jung-Pyung

2013-04-23

A method for joining two ceramic parts, or a ceramic part and a metal part, and the joint formed thereby. The method provides two or more parts, a braze consisting of a mixture of copper oxide and silver, a diffusion barrier, and then heats the braze for a time and at a temperature sufficient to form the braze into a bond holding the two or more parts together. The diffusion barrier is an oxidizable metal that forms either a homogeneous component of the braze, a heterogeneous component of the braze, a separate layer bordering the braze, or combinations thereof. The oxidizable metal is selected from the group Al, Mg, Cr, Si, Ni, Co, Mn, Ti, Zr, Hf, Pt, Pd, Au, lanthanides, and combinations thereof.

Diffusion barriers in modified air brazes

DOEpatents

Weil, Kenneth Scott [Richland, WA; Hardy, John S [Richland, WA; Kim, Jin Yong [Richland, WA; Choi, Jung-Pyung [Richland, WA

2010-04-06

A method for joining two ceramic parts, or a ceramic part and a metal part, and the joint formed thereby. The method provides two or more parts, a braze consisting of a mixture of copper oxide and silver, a diffusion barrier, and then heats the braze for a time and at a temperature sufficient to form the braze into a bond holding the two or more parts together. The diffusion barrier is an oxidizable metal that forms either a homogeneous component of the braze, a heterogeneous component of the braze, a separate layer bordering the braze, or combinations thereof. The oxidizable metal is selected from the group Al, Mg, Cr, Si, Ni, Co, Mn, Ti, Zr, Hf, Pt, Pd, Au, lanthanides, and combinations thereof.

Evaluation of passive diffusion bag samplers, dialysis samplers, and nylon-screen samplers in selected wells at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, March-April 2002

USGS Publications Warehouse

Vroblesky, Don A.; Joshi, Manish; Morrell, Jeff; Peterson, J.E.

2003-01-01

During March-April 2002, the U.S. Geological Survey, Earth Tech, and EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., in cooperation with the Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence, tested diffusion samplers at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Samplers were deployed in three wells at the Main Base and two wells at Marianas Bonins (MARBO) Annex as potential ground-water monitoring alternatives. Prior to sampler deployment, the wells were tested using a borehole flowmeter to characterize vertical flow within each well. Three types of diffusion samplers were tested: passive diffusion bag (PDB) samplers, dialysis samplers, and nylon-screen samplers. The primary volatile organic compounds (VOCs) tested in ground water at Andersen Air Force Base were trichloroethene and tetrachloroethene. In most comparisons, trichloroethene and tetrachloroethene concentrations in PDB samples closely matched concentrations in pumped samples. Exceptions were in wells where the pumping or ambient flow produced vertical translocation of water in a chemically stratified aquifer. In these wells, PDB samplers probably would be a viable alternative sampling method if they were placed at appropriate depths. In the remaining three test wells, the trichloroethene or tetrachloroethene concentrations obtained with the diffusion samplers closely matched the result from pumped sampling. Chloride concentrations in nylon-screen samplers were compared with chloride concentrations in dialysis and pumped samples to test inorganic-solute diffusion into the samplers across a range of concentrations. The test showed that the results from nylon-screen samplers might have underestimated chloride concentrations at depths with elevated chloride concentrations. The reason for the discrepancy in this investigation is unknown, but may be related to nylon-screen-mesh size, which was smaller than that used in previous investigations.

Preliminary Results of Field Emission Cathode Tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sovey, James S.; Kovaleski, Scott D.

2001-01-01

Preliminary screening tests of field emission cathodes such as chemical vapor deposited (CVD) diamond, textured pyrolytic graphite, and textured copper were conducted at background pressures typical of electric thruster test facilities to assess cathode performance and stability. Very low power electric thrusters which provide tens to hundreds micronewtons of thrust may need field emission neutralizers that have a capability of tens to hundreds of microamperes. From current voltage characteristics, it was found that the CVD diamond and textured metals cathodes clearly satisfied the Fowler-Nordheim emission relation. The CVD diamond and a textured copper cathode had average current densities of 270 and 380 mA/sq cm, respectively, at the beginning-of-life. After a few hours of operation the cathode emission currents degraded by 40 to 75% at background pressures in the 10(exp -5) Pa to 10(exp -4) Pa range. The textured pyrolytic graphite had a modest current density at beginning-of-life of 84 mA/sq cm, but this cathode was the most stable of all. Extended testing of the most promising cathodes is warranted to determine if current degradation is a burn-in effect or whether it is a long-term degradation process. Preliminary experiments with ferroelectric emission cathodes, which are ceramics with spontaneous electric polarization, were conducted. Peak current densities of 30 to 120 mA/sq cm were obtained for pulse durations of about 500 ns in the 10(exp -4) Pa pressure range.

Time-resolved ion energy and charge state distributions in pulsed cathodic arc plasmas of Nb‑Al cathodes in high vacuum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zöhrer, Siegfried; Anders, André; Franz, Robert

2018-05-01

Cathodic arcs have been utilized in various applications including the deposition of thin films and coatings, ion implantation, and high current switching. Despite substantial progress in recent decades, the physical mechanisms responsible for the observed plasma properties are still a matter of dispute, particularly for multi-element cathodes, which can play an essential role in applications. The analysis of plasma properties is complicated by the generally occurring neutral background of metal atoms, which perturbs initial ion properties. By using a time-resolved method in combination with pulsed arcs and a comprehensive Nb‑Al cathode model system, we investigate the influence of cathode composition on the plasma, while making the influence of neutrals visible for the observed time frame. The results visualize ion detections of 600 μs plasma pulses, extracted 0.27 m from the cathode, resolved in mass-per-charge, energy-per-charge and time. Ion properties are found to be strongly dependent on the cathode material in a way that cannot be deduced by simple linear extrapolation. Subsequently, current hypotheses in cathodic arc physics applying to multi-element cathodes, like the so-called ‘velocity rule’ or the ‘cohesive energy rule’, are tested for early and late stages of the pulse. Apart from their fundamental character, the findings could be useful in optimizing or designing plasma properties for applications, by actively utilizing effects on ion distributions caused by composite cathode materials and charge exchange with neutrals.

Cold air systems: Sleeping giant

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

MacCracken, C.D.

1994-04-01

This article describes how cold air systems help owners increase the profits from their buildings by reducing electric costs and improving indoor air quality through lower relative humidity levels. Cold air distribution involves energy savings, cost savings, space savings, greater comfort, cleaner air, thermal storage, tighter ducting, coil redesign, lower relative humidities, retrofitting, and improved indoor air quality (IAQ). It opens a door for architects, engineers, owners, builders, environmentalists, retrofitters, designers, occupants, and manufacturers. Three things have held up cold air's usage: multiple fan-powered boxes that ate up the energy savings of primary fans. Cold air room diffusers that providedmore » inadequate comfort. Condensation from ducts, boxes, and diffusers. Such problems have been largely eliminated through research and development by utilities and manufacturers. New cold air diffusers no longer need fan powered boxes. It has also been found that condensation is not a concern so long as the ducts are located in air conditioned space, such as drop ceilings or central risers, where relative humidity falls quickly during morning startup.« less

Effect of gradual transition of substrate on performance of flat-panel air-cathode microbial fuel cells to treat domestic wastewater.

PubMed

Park, Younghyun; Park, Seonghwan; Nguyen, Van Khanh; Kim, Jung Rae; Kim, Hong Suck; Kim, Byung Goon; Yu, Jaecheul; Lee, Taeho

2017-02-01

In order to confirm the effects of the low conductivity and biodegradability of wastewater, flat-panel air-cathode microbial fuel cells (FA-MFCs) were operated by supplying substrates with different volume ratios of domestic wastewater mixed with an artificial medium: the artificial medium only, 25% wastewater, 50% wastewater, 75% wastewater, 100% of wastewater with 500mg-COD/L by adding acetate, and raw domestic wastewater (230mg-COD/L). With the increase of wastewater ratio, the maximum power density and organic removal efficiency decreased from 187 to 60W/m 3 and 51.5 to 37.4%, respectively, but the Coulombic efficiency was maintained in the range of 18.0-18.9%. The FA-MFCs could maintain their low internal resistances and overcome the decreasing conductivity. The acetate concentration was more important than the total organics for power production. This study suggests that the FA-MFC configuration has great applicability for practical applications when supplied by domestic wastewater with low conductivity and biodegradability. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Using a Quasipotential Transformation for Modeling Diffusion Media inPolymer-Electrolyte Fuel Cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Weber, Adam Z.; Newman, John

2008-08-29

In this paper, a quasipotential approach along with conformal mapping is used to model the diffusion media of a polymer-electrolyte fuel cell. This method provides a series solution that is grid independent and only requires integration along a single boundary to solve the problem. The approach accounts for nonisothermal phenomena, two-phase flow, correct placement of the electronic potential boundary condition, and multilayer media. The method is applied to a cathode diffusion medium to explore the interplay between water and thermal management and performance, the impact of the rib-to-channel ratio, and the existence of diffusion under the rib and flooding phenomena.

Counterflow diffusion flames of hydrogen, and hydrogen plus methane, ethylene, propane, and silane vs. air - Strain rates at extinction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pellett, G. L.; Northam, G. Burton; Wilson, L. G.

1991-01-01

Five coaxial tubular opposed jet burners (OJBs) with tube diameter D(T) of 1.8-10 mm and 5 mm conical nozzles were used to form dish-shaped counterflow diffusion flames centered by opposing laminar jets of nitrogen and hydrocarbon-diluted H2 versus air in an argon-purged chamber at 1 atm. Area-averaged air jet velocities at blowoff of the central flame, U(air), characterized extinction of the airside flame as functions of input H2 concentration on the fuelside. A master plot of extensive U(air) data at blowoff versus D(T) shows that U(air) varies linearly with D(T). This and other data sets are used to find that nozzle OJB results for U(air)/diameter average 4.24 + or - 0.28 times larger than tubular OJB results for the same fuel compositions. Critical radial velocity gradients consistent with one-dimensional stagnation point boundary theory and with plug flow inputs are estimated. The results compare favorably with published numerical results based only on potential flow.

Shapes of Nonbuoyant Round Luminous Hydrocarbon/Air Laminar Jet Diffusion Flames. Appendix H

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lin, K.-C.; Faeth, G. M.; Sunderland, P. B.; Urban, D. L.; Yuan, Z.-G.; Ross, Howard B. (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

The shapes (luminous flame boundaries) of round luminous nonbuoyant soot-containing hydrocarbon/air laminar jet diffusion flames at microgravity were found from color video images obtained on orbit in the Space Shuttle Columbia. Test conditions included ethylene- and propane-fueled flames burning in still air at an ambient temperature of 300 K ambient pressures of 35-130 kPa, initial jet diameters of 1.6 and 2.7 mm, and jet exit Reynolds numbers of 45-170. Present test times were 100-200 s and yielded steady axisymmetric flames that were close to the laminar smoke point (including flames both emitting and not emitting soot) with luminous flame lengths of 15-63 mm. The present soot-containing flames had larger luminous flame lengths than earlier ground-based observations having similar burner configurations: 40% larger than the luminous flame lengths of soot-containing low gravity flames observed using an aircraft (KC-135) facility due to reduced effects of accelerative disturbances and unsteadiness; roughly twice as large as the luminous flame lengths of soot-containing normal gravity flames due to the absence of effects of buoyant mixing and roughly twice as large as the luminous flame lengths of soot-free low gravity flames observed using drop tower facilities due to the presence of soot luminosity and possible reduced effects of unsteadiness, Simplified expressions to estimate the luminous flame boundaries of round nonbuoyant laminar jet diffusion flames were obtained from the classical analysis of Spalding; this approach provided successful correlations of flame shapes for both soot-free and soot-containing flames, except when the soot-containing flames were in the opened-tip configuration that is reached at fuel flow rates near and greater than the laminar smoke point fuel flow rate.

Soot Oxidation in Laminar Hydrocarbon/Air Diffusion Flames at Atmospheric Pressure. Appendix D

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Xu, F.; El-Leathy, A. M.; Faeth, G. M.

2000-01-01

Soot oxidation was studied experimentally in laminar hydrocarbon/air diffusion flames at atmospheric pressure. Measurements were carried out along the axes of round jets burning in coflowing air considering acetylene, ethylene, proplyene and propane as fuels. Measurements were limited to the initial stages of soot oxidation (carbon consumption less than 70%) where soot oxidation mainly occurs at the surface of primary soot particles. The following properties were measured as a function of distance above the burner exit: soot concentrations by deconvoluted laser extinction, soot temperatures by deconvoluted multiline emission, soot structure by thermophoretic sampling and analysis using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), concentrations of stable major gas species (N2, H2O, H2, 02, CO, CO2, CH4, C2H2, C2H4, C2H6, C3H6, and C3H8) by sampling and gas chromatography, concentrations of some radical species (H, OH, O) by the deconvoluted Li/LiOH atomic absorption technique and flow velocities by laser velocimetry. It was found that soot surface oxidation rates are not particularly affected by fuel type for laminar diffusion flames and are described reasonably well by the OH surface oxidation mechanism with a collision efficiency of 0.10, (standard deviation of 0.07) with no significant effect of fuel type in this behavior; these findings are in good agreement with the classical laminar premixed flame measurements of Neoh et al. Finally, direct rates of surface oxidation by O2 were small compared to OH oxidation for present conditions, based on estimated O2 oxidation rates due to Nagle and Strickland-Constable, because soot oxidation was completed near the flame sheet where O2 concentrations were less than 1.2% by volume.

Spirometry, Static Lung Volumes, and Diffusing Capacity.

PubMed

Vaz Fragoso, Carlos A; Cain, Hilary C; Casaburi, Richard; Lee, Patty J; Iannone, Lynne; Leo-Summers, Linda S; Van Ness, Peter H

2017-09-01

Spirometric Z-scores from the Global Lung Initiative (GLI) rigorously account for age-related changes in lung function and are thus age-appropriate when establishing spirometric impairments, including a restrictive pattern and air-flow obstruction. However, GLI-defined spirometric impairments have not yet been evaluated regarding associations with static lung volumes (total lung capacity [TLC], functional residual capacity [FRC], and residual volume [RV]) and gas exchange (diffusing capacity). We performed a retrospective review of pulmonary function tests in subjects ≥40 y old (mean age 64.6 y), including pre-bronchodilator measures for: spirometry ( n = 2,586), static lung volumes by helium dilution with inspiratory capacity maneuver ( n = 2,586), and hemoglobin-adjusted single-breath diffusing capacity ( n = 2,508). Using multivariable linear regression, adjusted least-squares means (adj LS Means) were calculated for TLC, FRC, RV, and hemoglobin-adjusted single-breath diffusing capacity. The adj LS Means were expressed with and without height-cubed standardization and stratified by GLI-defined spirometry, including normal ( n = 1,251), restrictive pattern ( n = 663), and air-flow obstruction (mild, [ n = 128]; moderate, [ n = 150]; and severe, [ n = 394]). Relative to normal spirometry, restrictive-pattern had lower adj LS Means for TLC, FRC, RV, and hemoglobin-adjusted single-breath diffusing capacity ( P ≤ .001). Conversely, relative to normal spirometry, mild, moderate, and severe air-flow obstruction had higher adj LS Means for FRC and RV ( P < .001). However, only mild and moderate air-flow obstruction had higher adj LS Means for TLC ( P < .001), while only moderate and severe air-flow obstruction had higher adj LS Means for RV/TLC ( P < .001) and lower adj LS Means for hemoglobin-adjusted single-breath diffusing capacity ( P < .001). Notably, TLC (calculated as FRC + inspiratory capacity) was not increased in severe air-flow obstruction ( P ≥ .11

Flow/Soot-Formation Interactions in Nonbuoyant Laminar Diffusion Flames

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dai, Z.; Lin, K.-C.; Sunderland, P. B.; Xu, F.; Faeth, G. M.

2002-01-01

This is the final report of a research program considering interactions between flow and soot properties within laminar diffusion flames. Laminar diffusion flames were considered because they provide model flame systems that are far more tractable for theoretical and experimental studies than more practical turbulent diffusion flames. In particular, understanding the transport and chemical reaction processes of laminar flames is a necessary precursor to understanding these processes in practical turbulent flames and many aspects of laminar diffusion flames have direct relevance to turbulent diffusion flames through application of the widely recognized laminar flamelet concept of turbulent diffusion flames. The investigation was divided into three phases, considering the shapes of nonbuoyant round laminar jet diffusion flames in still air, the shapes of nonbuoyant round laminar jet diffusion flames in coflowing air, and the hydrodynamic suppression of soot formation in laminar diffusion flames.

High performance and durability of order-structured cathode catalyst layer based on TiO2@PANI core-shell nanowire arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Ming; Wang, Meng; Yang, Zhaoyi; Wang, Xindong

2017-06-01

In this paper, an order-structured cathode catalyst layer consisting of Pt-TiO2@PANI core-shell nanowire arrays that in situ grown on commercial gas diffusion layer (GDL) are prepared and applied to membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). In order to prepare the TiO2@PANI core-shell nanowire arrays with suitable porosity and prominent conductivity, the morphologies of the TiO2 nanoarray and electrochemical polymerization process of aniline are schematically investigated. The MEA with order-structured cathode catalyst layer is assembled in the single cell to evaluate the electrochemical performance and durability of PEMFC. As a result, the PEMFC with order-structured cathode catalyst layer shows higher peak power density (773.54 mW cm-2) than conventional PEMFC (699.30 mW cm-2). Electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) and charge transfer impedance (Rct) are measured before and after accelerated degradation test (ADT), and the corresponding experimental results indicate the novel cathode structure exhibits a better stability with respect to conventional cathode. The enhanced electrochemical performance and durability toward PEMFC can be ascribed to the order-structured cathode nanoarray structure with high specific surface area increases the utilization of catalyst and reduces the tortuosity of transport pathways, and the synergistic effect between TiO2@PANI support and Pt nanoparticles promotes the high efficiency of electrochemical reaction and improves the stability of catalyst. This research provides a facile and controllable method to prepare order-structured membrane electrode with lower Pt loading for PEMFC in the future.

Filtered cathodic arc source

DOEpatents

Falabella, S.; Sanders, D.M.

1994-01-18

A continuous, cathodic arc ion source coupled to a macro-particle filter capable of separation or elimination of macro-particles from the ion flux produced by cathodic arc discharge is described. The ion source employs an axial magnetic field on a cathode (target) having tapered sides to confine the arc, thereby providing high target material utilization. A bent magnetic field is used to guide the metal ions from the target to the part to be coated. The macro-particle filter consists of two straight solenoids, end to end, but placed at 45[degree] to one another, which prevents line-of-sight from the arc spot on the target to the parts to be coated, yet provides a path for ions and electrons to flow, and includes a series of baffles for trapping the macro-particles. 3 figures.

Time evolution of nanosecond runaway discharges in air and helium at atmospheric pressure

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yatom, S.; Vekselman, V.; Krasik, Ya. E.

2012-12-15

Time- and space-resolved fast framing photography was employed to study the discharge initiated by runaway electrons in air and He gas at atmospheric pressure. Whereas in the both cases, the discharge occurs in a nanosecond time scale and its front propagates with a similar velocity along the cathode-anode gap, the later stages of the discharge differ significantly. In air, the main discharge channels develop and remain in the locations with the strongest field enhancement. In He gas, the first, diode 'gap bridging' stage, is similar to that obtained in air; however, the development of the discharge that follows is dictatedmore » by an explosive electron emission from micro-protrusions on the edge of the cathode. These results allow us to draw conclusions regarding the different conductivity of the plasma produced in He and air discharges.« less

Development of plasma cathode electron guns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oks, Efim M.; Schanin, Peter M.

1999-05-01

The status of experimental research and ongoing development of plasma cathode electron guns in recent years is reviewed, including some novel upgrades and applications to various technological fields. The attractiveness of this kind of e-gun is due to its capability of creating high current, broad or focused beams, both in pulsed and steady-state modes of operation. An important characteristic of the plasma cathode electron gun is the absence of a thermionic cathode, a feature which leads to long lifetime and reliable operation even in the presence of aggressive background gas media and at fore-vacuum gas pressure ranges such as achieved by mechanical pumps. Depending on the required beam parameters, different kinds of plasma discharge systems can be used in plasma cathode electron guns, such as vacuum arcs, constricted gaseous arcs, hollow cathode glows, and two kinds of discharges in crossed E×B fields: Penning and magnetron. At the present time, plasma cathode electron guns provide beams with transverse dimension from fractional millimeter up to about one meter, beam current from microamperes to kiloamperes, beam current density up to about 100 A/cm2, pulse duration from nanoseconds to dc, and electron energy from several keV to hundreds of keV. Applications include electron beam melting and welding, surface treatment, plasma chemistry, radiation technologies, laser pumping, microwave generation, and more.

Understanding the Role of Temperature and Cathode Composition on Interface and Bulk: Optimizing Aluminum Oxide Coatings for Li-Ion Cathodes.

PubMed

Han, Binghong; Paulauskas, Tadas; Key, Baris; Peebles, Cameron; Park, Joong Sun; Klie, Robert F; Vaughey, John T; Dogan, Fulya

2017-05-03

Surface coating of cathode materials with Al 2 O 3 has been shown to be a promising method for cathode stabilization and improved cycling performance at high operating voltages. However, a detailed understanding on how coating process and cathode composition change the chemical composition, morphology, and distribution of coating within the cathode interface and bulk lattice is still missing. In this study, we use a wet-chemical method to synthesize a series of Al 2 O 3 -coated LiNi 0.5 Co 0.2 Mn 0.3 O 2 and LiCoO 2 cathodes treated under various annealing temperatures and a combination of structural characterization techniques to understand the composition, homogeneity, and morphology of the coating layer and the bulk cathode. Nuclear magnetic resonance and electron microscopy results reveal that the nature of the interface is highly dependent on the annealing temperature and cathode composition. For Al 2 O 3 -coated LiNi 0.5 Co 0.2 Mn 0.3 O 2 , higher annealing temperature leads to more homogeneous and more closely attached coating on cathode materials, corresponding to better electrochemical performance. Lower Al 2 O 3 coating content is found to be helpful to further improve the initial capacity and cyclability, which can greatly outperform the pristine cathode material. For Al 2 O 3 -coated LiCoO 2 , the incorporation of Al into the cathode lattice is observed after annealing at high temperatures, implying the transformation from "surface coatings" to "dopants", which is not observed for LiNi 0.5 Co 0.2 Mn 0.3 O 2 . As a result, Al 2 O 3 -coated LiCoO 2 annealed at higher temperature shows similar initial capacity but lower retention compared to that annealed at a lower temperature, due to the intercalation of surface alumina into the bulk layered structure forming a solid solution.

Diagnostics of cathode material loss in cutting plasma torch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gruber, J.; Šonský, J.; Hlína, J.

2014-07-01

A cutting plasma torch was observed in several ways by a high-speed camera with a focus on the cathode area. In the first experiment, the plasma arc between the nozzle tip and anode was recorded in a series of duty cycles ranging from new unworn cathodes to cathode failure due to wear and material loss. In the second experiment, we used a specially modified nozzle to observe the inside area between the cathode and the nozzle exit through a fused silica window. Finally, using tilted view, we observed a pool of molten hafnium at the cathode tip during the plasma torch operation. The process of cathode material melting, droplet formation, their expulsion and rate of cathode material loss was examined.

Cathodic Potential Dependence of Electrochemical Reduction of SiO2 Granules in Molten CaCl2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Xiao; Yasuda, Kouji; Nohira, Toshiyuki; Hagiwara, Rika; Homma, Takayuki

2016-09-01

As part of an ongoing fundamental study to develop a new process for producing solar-grade silicon, this paper examines the effects of cathodic potential on reduction kinetics, current efficiency, morphology, and purity of Si product during electrolysis of SiO2 granules in molten CaCl2 at 1123 K (850 °C). SiO2 granules were electrolyzed potentiostatically at different cathodic potentials (0.6, 0.8, 1.0, and 1.2 V vs Ca2+/Ca). The reduction kinetics was evaluated based on the growth of the reduced Si layer and the current behavior during electrolysis. The results suggest that a more negative cathodic potential is favorable for faster reduction. Current efficiencies in 60 minutes are greater than 65 pct at all the potentials examined. Si wires with sub-micron diameters are formed, and their morphologies show little dependence on the cathodic potential. The impurities in the Si product can be controlled at low level. The rate-determining step for the electrochemical reduction of SiO2 granules in molten CaCl2 changes with time. At the initial stage of electrolysis, the electron transfer is the rate-determining step. At the later stage, the diffusion of O2- ions is the rate-determining step. The major cause of the decrease in reduction rate with increasing electrolysis time is the potential drop from the current collector to the reaction front due to the increased contact resistance among the reduced Si particles.

Diffusion sampler testing at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego County, California, November 1999 to January 2000

USGS Publications Warehouse

Vroblesky, Don A.; Peters, Brian C.

2000-01-01

Volatile organic compound concentrations in water from diffusion samplers were compared to concentrations in water obtained by low-flow purging at 15 observation wells at the Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, California. Multiple diffusion samplers were installed in the wells. In general, comparisons using bladder pumps and diffusion samplers showed similar volatile organic carbon concentrations. In some wells, sharp concentration gradients were observed, such as an increase in cis-1,2-dichloroethene concentration from 100 to 2,600 micrograms per liter over a vertical distance of only 3.4 feet. In areas where such sharp gradients were observed, concentrations in water obtained by low-flow sampling at times reflected an average concentration over the area of influence; however, concentrations obtained by using the diffusion sampler seemed to represent the immediate vicinity of the sampler. When peristaltic pumps were used to collect ground-water samples by low-flow purging, the volatile organic compound concentrations commonly were lower than concentrations obtained by using diffusion samplers. This difference may be due to loss of volatiles by degassing under negative pressures in the sampling lines induced while using the peristaltic pump, mixing in the well screen, or possible short-circuiting of water from an adjacent depth. Diffusion samplers placed in buckets of freephase jet fuel (JP-5) and Stoddard solvent from observation wells did not show evidence of structural integrity loss during the 2 months of equilibration, and volatile organic compounds detected in the free-phase fuel also were detected in the water from the diffusion samplers.

DIFFUSIVE EXCHANGE OF GASEOUS POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS AND POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS ACROSS THE AIR-WATER INTERFACE OF THE CHESAPEAKE BAY. (R825245)

EPA Science Inventory

Dissolved and gas-phase concentrations of nine polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and 46 polychlorinated biphenyl congeners were measured at eight sites on the Chesapeake Bay at four different times of the year to estimate net diffusive air-water gas exchange rates. Gaseous PAHs ar...

High current density cathode for electrorefining in molten electrolyte

DOEpatents

Li, Shelly X.

2010-06-29

A high current density cathode for electrorefining in a molten electrolyte for the continuous production and collection of loose dendritic or powdery deposits. The high current density cathode eliminates the requirement for mechanical scraping and electrochemical stripping of the deposits from the cathode in an anode/cathode module. The high current density cathode comprises a perforated electrical insulated material coating such that the current density is up to 3 A/cm.sup.2.

Long-Term Cr Poisoning Effect on LSCF-GDC Composite Cathodes Sintered at Different Temperatures

DOE PAGES

Xiong, Chunyan; Taillon, Joshua A.; Pellegrinelli, Christopher; ...

2016-07-19

Here, the impact of sintering temperature on Cr-poisoning of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) cathodes was systematically studied. La 0.6Sr 0.4Fe 0.8Co 0.2O 3-δ - Ce 0.9Gd 0.1O 2-δ symmetric cells were aged at 750°C in synthetic air with the presence of Crofer 22 APU, a common high temperature interconnect, over 200 hours and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to determine the degradation process. Both the ohmic resistance (R Ω) and polarization resistance (R P) of LSCF-GDC cells, extracted from EIS spectra, for different sintering temperatures increase as a function of aging time. Furthermore, the Cr-related degradation rate increasesmore » with decreased cathode sintering temperature. The polarization resistance of cathode sintered at lower temperature (950°C) increases dramatically while aging with the presence of Cr and also significantly decreases the oxygen partial pressure dependence after aging. The degradation rate shows a positive correlation to the concentration of Cr. The results indicate that decreased sintering temperature increases the total surface area, leading to more available sites for Sr-Cr-O nucleation and thus greater Cr degradation.« less

Li- and Mn-Rich Cathode Materials: Challenges to Commercialization

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zheng, Jianming; Myeong, Seungjun; Cho, Woongrae

2016-12-14

The lithium- and manganese-rich (LMR) layered structure cathode exhibit one of the highest specific energy (~900 Wh kg-1) among all the cathode materials. However, the practical applications of LMR cathodes are still hindered by several significant challenges including voltage fade, large initial capacity loss, poor rate capability and limited cycle life. Herein, we review the recent progresses and understandings on the application of LMR cathode materials from practical point of view. Several key parameters of LMR cathodes that affect the LMR/graphite full cell operation are systematically analysed. These factors include the first cycle capacity loss, voltage fade, powder tap density,more » electrode density of LMR based cathode etc. New approaches to minimize the detrimental effect of these factors are highlighted in this work. We also provided the perspectives for the future research on LMR cathode materials, focusing on addressing the fundamental problems of LMR cathodes while always keeping practical considerations in mind.« less

Lithium air batteries having ether-based electrolytes

DOEpatents

Amine, Khalil; Curtiss, Larry A.; Lu, Jun; Lau, Kah Chun; Zhang, Zhengcheng; Sun, Yang-Kook

2016-10-25

A lithium-air battery includes a cathode including a porous active carbon material, a separator, an anode including lithium, and an electrolyte including a lithium salt and polyalkylene glycol ether, where the porous active carbon material is free of a metal-based catalyst.

Li-air batteries having ether-based electrolytes

DOEpatents

Amine, Khalil; Curtiss, Larry A; Lu, Jun; Lau, Kah Chun; Zhang, Zhengcheng; Sun, Yang-Kook

2015-03-03

A lithium-air battery includes a cathode including a porous active carbon material, a separator, an anode including lithium, and an electrolyte including a lithium salt and polyalkylene glycol ether, where the porous active carbon material is free of a metal-based catalyst.

High-emission cold cathode

DOEpatents

Mancebo, L.

1974-01-29

A field-emission cathode having a multitude of field emission points for emitting a copious stream of electrons when subjected to a high field is described. The cathode is constructed by compressing a multitude of tungsten strips alternately arranged with molybdenum strips and copper ribbons or compressing alternately arranged copper plated tungsten and molybdenum strips, heating the arrangement to braze the tungsten and molybdenum strips together with the copper, machining and grinding the exposed strip edges of one side of the brazed arrangement to obtain a precisely planar surface, etching a portion of the molybdenum and copper to leave the edges of the tungsten strips protruding for electron emission, and subjecting the protruding edges of the tungsten strips to a high electric field to degas and roughen the surface to pnovide a large number of emitting points. The resulting structure is particularly useful as a cathode in a transversely excited gaseous laser where the cathode is mounted in a vacuum chamber for emitting electrons under the influence of a high electric field between the cathode and an extractor grid. The electrons pass through the extractor grid, a thin window in the wall of the laser chamber and into the laser chamber which is filled with a gaseous mixture of helium, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. A second grid is mounted on the gaseous side of the window. The electrons pass into the laser chamber under the influence of a second electric field between the second grid and an anode in the laser chamber to raise selected gas atoms of the gaseous mixture to appropriately excited states so that a subsequent coherent light beam passing through the mixture transversely to the electron stream through windows in opposite ends of the laser chamber stimulates the excited atoms to amplify the beam. (Official Gazette)

Hot hollow cathode gun assembly

DOEpatents

Zeren, J.D.

1983-11-22

A hot hollow cathode deposition gun assembly includes a hollow body having a cylindrical outer surface and an end plate for holding an adjustable heat sink, the hot hollow cathode gun, two magnets for steering the plasma from the gun into a crucible on the heat sink, and a shutter for selectively covering and uncovering the crucible.

Surface studies on scandate cathodes and synthesized scandates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lesny, Gary; Forman, Ralph

1990-01-01

Auger, ESCA, electron emission, evaporation, and desorption measurements were made on three different types of scandate surfaces. They are: (1) an impregnated top layer scandate cathode, (2) an unimpregnated top layer scandate cathode with a deposited barium or barium oxide adsorbate surface layer, and (3) a synthesized scandate surface, which replicates a scandate cathode surface. The purpose of these experiments was to determine the role that Sc2O3 plays in making the scandate cathode a more copious electron emitter than the conventional impregnated-type cathode. The synthesized scandate surface experiments consisted of depositing multilayer scandium on a tungsten surface, oxidizing the scandium, and then depositing either Ba or BaO on the scandium oxide surface. The results of these measurements showed that the low work function portions of the thin-film scandate cathode are where the Sc2O3 is the substrate and BaO is the adsorbate.

Cathode for molten carbonate fuel cell

DOEpatents

Kaun, Thomas D.; Mrazek, Franklin C.

1990-01-01

A porous sintered cathode for a molten carbonate fuel cell and method of making same, the cathode including a skeletal structure of a first electronically conductive material slightly soluble in the electrolyte present in the molten carbonate fuel cell covered by fine particles of a second material of possibly lesser electronic conductivity insoluble in the electrolyte present in the molten carbonate fuel cell, the cathode having a porosity in the range of from about 60% to about 70% at steady-state cell operating conditions consisting of both macro-pores and micro-pores.

A study of cathode erosion in high power arcjets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harris, William Jackson, III

Cathode erosion continues to be one of the predominant technology concerns for high power arcjets. This study will show that cathode erosion in these devices is significantly affected by several mitigating factors, including propellant composition, propellant flowrate, current level, cathode material, and power supply current ripple. In a series of 50-hour and 100-hour long duration experiments, using a water-cooled 30 kilowatt laboratory arcjet, variations in the steady-state cathode erosion rate were characterized for each of these factors using nitrogen propellant at a fixed arc current of 250 Amperes. A complementary series of measurements was made using hydrogen propellant at an arc current of 100 Amperes. The cold cathode erosion rate was also differentiated from the steady-state cathode erosion rate in a series of multi-start cathode erosion experiments. Results of these measurements are presented, along with an analysis of the significant effects of current ripple on arcjet cathode erosion. As part of this study, over a dozen refractory cathode materials were evaluated to measure their resistance to arcjet cathode erosion. Among the materials tested were W-ThO2(1%, 2%, 4%), poly and mono-crystalline W, W-LaB6, W-La2O3, W-BaO2, W-BaCaAl2O4, W-Y2O3, and ZrB2. Based on these measurements, several critical material properties were identified, such work function, density, porosity, melting point, and evaporation rate. While the majority of the materials failed to outperform traditional W-ThO2, these experimental results are used to develop a parametric model of the arcjet cathode physics. The results of this model, and the results of a finite-element thermal analysis of the arcjet cathode, are presented to better explain the relative performance of the materials tested.

The Cathodic Behavior of Ti(III) Ion in a NaCl-2CsCl Melt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Yang; Jiao, Shuqiang; Hu, Liwen; Guo, Zhancheng

2016-02-01

The cathodic behavior of Ti(III) ions in a NaCl-2CsCl melt was investigated by cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry, and square wave voltammetry with a tungsten electrode being the working electrode at different temperatures. The results show that the cathodic behavior of Ti(III) ion consists of two irreversible steps: Ti3+ + e = Ti2+ and Ti2+ + 2 e = Ti. The diffusion coefficient for the Ti(III) ion in the NaCl-2CsCl eutectic is 1.26 × 10-5 cm2 s-1 at 873 K (600 °C), increases to be 5.57 × 10-5 cm2 s-1 at 948K (675°C), and further rises to 10.8 × 10-5 cm2 s-1 at 1023 (750 °C). Moreover, galvanostatic electrolysis performed on a titanium electrode further presents the feasibility of electrodepositing metallic titanium in the molten NaCl-2CsCl-TiCl3 system.

Chrysanthemum flower-like NiCo2O4-nitrogen doped graphene oxide composite: an efficient electrocatalyst for lithium-oxygen and zinc-air batteries.

PubMed

Moni, Prabu; Hyun, Suyeon; Vignesh, Ahilan; Shanmugam, Sangaraju

2017-07-06

Chrysanthemum flower-like NiCo 2 O 4 -nitrogen doped graphene oxide composite material has been explored as a bifunctional cathode electrocatalyst for aqueous zinc-air and non-aqueous lithium-oxygen batteries. This cathode exhibits maximum discharge capacities of 712 and 15 046 mA h g -1 for zinc-air and lithium-oxygen batteries, respectively, with stable cycling over 50 cycles.

28,000 Hour Xenon Hollow Cathode LifeTest Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sarver-Verhey, Timothy R.

1997-01-01

The International Space Station Plasma Contactor System requires a hollow cathode assembly (HCA) with a lifetime of at least 18,000 hours. Critical components of the HCA include the hollow cathode and electron emitter. A series of hollow cathode wear tests was performed which included a life test operated at the maximum current of the HCA. This test sought to verify the hollow cathode design and contamination control protocols. The life test accumulated 27,800 hours of operation before failing to ignite. The hollow cathode exhibited relatively small changes in operating parameters over the course of the test. This life test is the longest duration test of a high current xenon hollow cathode reported to date.

Understanding the Role of Temperature and Cathode Composition on Interface and Bulk: Optimizing Aluminum Oxide Coatings for Li-Ion Cathodes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Han, Binghong; Paulauskas, Tadas; Key, Baris

Here, surface coating of cathode materials with Al 2O 3 has been shown to be a promising method for cathode stabilization and improved cycling performance at high operating voltages. However, a detailed understanding on how coating process and cathode composition changes the chemical composition, morphology and distribution of coating within cathode interface and bulk lattice, is still missing. In this study, we use a wet-chemical method to synthesize a series of Al 2O 3-coated LiNi 0.5Co 0.2Mn 0.3O 2 and LiCoO 2 cathodes treated under various annealing temperatures and a combination of structural characterization techniques to understand the composition, homogeneitymore » and morphology of coating layer and the bulk cathode. Nuclear magnetic resonance and electron microscopy results reveal that the nature of the interface is highly depended on the annealing temperature and cathode composition. For Al 2O 3-coated LiNi 0.5Co 0.2Mn 0.3O 2, higher annealing temperature leads to more homogeneous and more closely attached coating on cathode materials, corresponding to better electrochemical performance. Lower Al 2O 3 coating content is found to be helpful to further improve the initial capacity and cyclability, which can greatly outperform the pristine cathode material. For Al 2O 3-coated LiCoO 2, the incorporation of Al into the cathode lattice is observed after annealing at high temperatures, implying the transformation from “surface coatings” to “dopants”, which is not observed for LiNi 0.5Co 0.2Mn 0.3O 2. As a result, Al 2O 3-coated LiCoO 2 annealed at higher temperature shows similar initial capacity but lower retention compared to that annealed at a lower temperature, due to the intercalation of surface alumina into the bulk layered structure forming a solid solution.« less

Understanding the Role of Temperature and Cathode Composition on Interface and Bulk: Optimizing Aluminum Oxide Coatings for Li-Ion Cathodes

DOE PAGES

Han, Binghong; Paulauskas, Tadas; Key, Baris; ...

2017-04-07

Here, surface coating of cathode materials with Al 2O 3 has been shown to be a promising method for cathode stabilization and improved cycling performance at high operating voltages. However, a detailed understanding on how coating process and cathode composition changes the chemical composition, morphology and distribution of coating within cathode interface and bulk lattice, is still missing. In this study, we use a wet-chemical method to synthesize a series of Al 2O 3-coated LiNi 0.5Co 0.2Mn 0.3O 2 and LiCoO 2 cathodes treated under various annealing temperatures and a combination of structural characterization techniques to understand the composition, homogeneitymore » and morphology of coating layer and the bulk cathode. Nuclear magnetic resonance and electron microscopy results reveal that the nature of the interface is highly depended on the annealing temperature and cathode composition. For Al 2O 3-coated LiNi 0.5Co 0.2Mn 0.3O 2, higher annealing temperature leads to more homogeneous and more closely attached coating on cathode materials, corresponding to better electrochemical performance. Lower Al 2O 3 coating content is found to be helpful to further improve the initial capacity and cyclability, which can greatly outperform the pristine cathode material. For Al 2O 3-coated LiCoO 2, the incorporation of Al into the cathode lattice is observed after annealing at high temperatures, implying the transformation from “surface coatings” to “dopants”, which is not observed for LiNi 0.5Co 0.2Mn 0.3O 2. As a result, Al 2O 3-coated LiCoO 2 annealed at higher temperature shows similar initial capacity but lower retention compared to that annealed at a lower temperature, due to the intercalation of surface alumina into the bulk layered structure forming a solid solution.« less

Development program on a cold cathode electron gun

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spindt, C. A.

1979-01-01

A prototype electron gun with a field emitter cathode capable of producing 95 mA in a 1/4 mm diameter beam at 12 kV was produced. Achievement of this goal required supporting studies in cathode fabrication, cathode performance, gun design, cathode mounting and gun fabrication. A series of empirical investigations advanced fabrication technology: More stable emitters were produced and multiple cone failure caused by chain reaction discharges were reduced. The cathode is capable of producing well over 95 mA, but a substantial collector development effort was required to demonstrate emission levels in the 100 mA region. Space charge problems made these levels difficult to achieve. Recommendations are made for future process and materials investigation. Electron gun designs were modeled and tested. A pair of two-electrode gun structures were fabricated and tested; one gun was delivered to NASA. Cathodes were pretested up to 100 mA at SRI and delivered to NASA for test in the gun structure.

Low-Temperature Nitriding of Pure Titanium by using Hollow Cathode RF-DC Plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Windajanti, J. M.; S, D. J. Djoko H.; Abdurrouf

2017-05-01

Pure titanium is widely used for the structures and mechanical parts due to its high strength, low density, and high corrosion resistance. Unfortunately, titanium products suffer from low hardness and low wear resistance. Titanium’s surface can be modified by nitriding process to overcome such problems, which is commonly conducted at high temperature. Here, we report the low-temperature plasma nitriding process, where pure titanium was utilized by high-density RF-DC plasma combined with hollow cathode device. To this end, a pure titanium plate was set inside a hollow tube placed on the cathode plate. After heating to 450 °C, a pre-sputtering process was conducted for 1 hour to remove the oxide layer and activate the surface for nitriding. Plasma nitriding using N2/H2 gasses was performed in 4 and 8 hours with the RF voltage of 250 V, DC bias of -500 to -600 V, and gas pressure of 75 to 30 Pa. To study the nitriding mechanism as well as the role of hollow cathode, the nitrided specimen was characterized by SEM, EDX, XRD, and micro-hardness equipment. The TiN compound was obtained with the diffusion zone of nitrogen until 5 μm thickness for 4 hours nitriding process, and 8 μm for 8 hours process. The average hardness also increased from 300 HV in the untreated specimen to 624 HV and 792 HV for 4 and 8 hours nitriding, respectively.

Porous metal-organic framework Cu3(BTC)2 as catalyst used in air-cathode for high performance of microbial fuel cell.

PubMed

Tian, Pei; Liu, Di; Li, Kexun; Yang, Tingting; Wang, Junjie; Liu, Yi; Zhang, Song

2017-11-01

Metal-organic framework Cu 3 (BTC) 2 , prepared by an easy hydrothermal method, was used as the oxygen-based catalyst in microbial fuel cell (MFC). The maximum power density of Cu 3 (BTC) 2 modified air-cathode MFC was 1772±15mWm -2 , almost 1.8 times higher than the control. BET results disclosed high specific surface area of 2159.7m 2 g -1 and abundant micropores structure. Regular octahedron and porous surface of Cu 3 (BTC) 2 were observed in SEM. XPS testified the existence of divalent copper in the extended 3D frameworks, which importantly acted as the Lewis-acid sites or redox centers in ORR. Additionally, the total resistance decreased by 42% from 17.60 to 10.24Ω compared with bare AC electrode. The rotating disk electrode test results showed a four-electron transfer pathway for Cu 3 (BTC) 2 , which was crucial for electrochemical catalytic activity. All the structural and electrochemical advantages make Cu 3 (BTC) 2 a promising catalyst for ORR in MFC. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Diffusion in energy materials: Governing dynamics from atomistic modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parfitt, D.; Kordatos, A.; Filippatos, P. P.; Chroneos, A.

2017-09-01

Understanding diffusion in energy materials is critical to optimising the performance of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and batteries both of which are of great technological interest as they offer high efficiency for cleaner energy conversion and storage. In the present review, we highlight the insights offered by atomistic modelling of the ionic diffusion mechanisms in SOFCs and batteries and how the growing predictive capability of high-throughput modelling, together with our new ability to control compositions and microstructures, will produce advanced materials that are designed rather than chosen for a given application. The first part of the review focuses on the oxygen diffusion mechanisms in cathode and electrolyte materials for SOFCs and in particular, doped ceria and perovskite-related phases with anisotropic structures. The second part focuses on disordered oxides and two-dimensional materials as these are very promising systems for battery applications.

PTFE effect on the electrocatalysis of the oxygen reduction reaction in membraneless microbial fuel cells.

PubMed

Guerrini, Edoardo; Grattieri, Matteo; Faggianelli, Alessio; Cristiani, Pierangela; Trasatti, Stefano

2015-12-01

Influence of PTFE in the external Gas Diffusion Layer (GDL) of open-air cathodes applied to membraneless microbial fuel cells (MFCs) is investigated in this work. Electrochemical measurements on cathodes with different PTFE contents (200%, 100%, 80% and 60%) were carried out to characterize cathodic oxygen reduction reaction, to study the reaction kinetics. It is demonstrated that ORR is not under diffusion-limiting conditions in the tested systems. Based on cyclic voltammetry, an increase of the cathodic electrochemical active area took place with the decrease of PTFE content. This was not directly related to MFC productivity, but to the cathode wettability and the biocathode development. Low electrodic interface resistances (from 1 to 1.5 Ω at the start, to near 0.1 Ω at day 61) indicated a negligible ohmic drop. A decrease of the Tafel slopes from 120 to 80 mV during productive periods of MFCs followed the biological activity in the whole MFC system. A high PTFE content in the cathode showed a detrimental effect on the MFC productivity, acting as an inhibitor of ORR electrocatalysis in the triple contact zone.

Reinvigorating Reverse-Osmosis Membrane Technology to Stabilize the V 2 O 5 Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wu, Ji; Byrd, Ian; Jin, Congrui

V 2O 5 is deemed as one of the most promising cathode materials for next-generation high-capacity lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). It possesses a theoretical capacity of 294 mAh g -1, which is much higher than conventional cathodes. But, there are many issues to be solved before its practical use, including poor cycle life and unsatisfactory rate performance, mainly owing to its low electronic conductivity and ionic diffusivity, as well as structural instability. Our work reports three types of V 2O 5 asymmetric membranes synthesized by using an adapted reverse-osmosis membrane technology combined with sol-gel chemistry, aiming to stabilize the cyclability andmore » improve the rate performance. V 2O 5 asymmetric membrane cathodes prepared using graphene as the conductive additives have a specific capacity of approximately 160 mAh g -1 at a current density of 100 mA g -1 with no capacity degradation after 380 cycles. It is also found that the annealing temperature and the choice of conductive additives can affect the morphology of V 2O 5 nanoparticles and the overall electrode cyclability. Furthermore, we find that a lower annealing temperature (300 vs. 400 °C) and the addition of graphene are beneficial to long-term cycling performance.« less

Reinvigorating Reverse-Osmosis Membrane Technology to Stabilize the V 2 O 5 Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode

DOE PAGES

Wu, Ji; Byrd, Ian; Jin, Congrui; ...

2017-02-27

V 2O 5 is deemed as one of the most promising cathode materials for next-generation high-capacity lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). It possesses a theoretical capacity of 294 mAh g -1, which is much higher than conventional cathodes. But, there are many issues to be solved before its practical use, including poor cycle life and unsatisfactory rate performance, mainly owing to its low electronic conductivity and ionic diffusivity, as well as structural instability. Our work reports three types of V 2O 5 asymmetric membranes synthesized by using an adapted reverse-osmosis membrane technology combined with sol-gel chemistry, aiming to stabilize the cyclability andmore » improve the rate performance. V 2O 5 asymmetric membrane cathodes prepared using graphene as the conductive additives have a specific capacity of approximately 160 mAh g -1 at a current density of 100 mA g -1 with no capacity degradation after 380 cycles. It is also found that the annealing temperature and the choice of conductive additives can affect the morphology of V 2O 5 nanoparticles and the overall electrode cyclability. Furthermore, we find that a lower annealing temperature (300 vs. 400 °C) and the addition of graphene are beneficial to long-term cycling performance.« less

Magnetically Diffused Radial Electric-Arc Air Heater Employing Water-Cooled Copper Electrodes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mayo, R. F.; Davis, D. D., Jr.

1962-01-01

A magnetically rotated electric-arc air heater has been developed that is novel in that an intense magnetic field of the order of 10,000 to 25,000 gauss is employed. This field is supplied by a coil that is connected in series with the arc. Experimentation with this heater has shown that the presence of an intense magnetic field transverse to the arc results in diffusion of the arc and that the arc has a positive effective resistance. With the field coil in series with the arc, highly stable arc operation is obtained from a battery power supply. External ballast is not required to stabilize the arc when it is operating at maximum power level. The electrode erosion rate is so low that the airstream contamination is no more than 0.07 percent and may be substantially less.

Soot Formation in Laminar Acetylene/Air Diffusion Flames at Atmospheric Pressure. Appendix C

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Xu, F.; Faeth, G. M.; Urban, D. L. (Technical Monitor); Yuan, Z.-G. (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

The flame structure and soot-formation (soot nucleation and growth) properties of axisymmetric laminar coflowing jet diffusion flames were studied experimentally. Test conditions involved acetylene-nitrogen jets burning in coflowing air at atmospheric pressure. Measurements were limited to the axes of the flames and included soot concentrations, soot temperatures, soot structure, major gas species concentrations, radical species (H, OH, and O) concentrations, and gas velocities. The results show that as distance increases along the axes of the flames, detectable soot formation begins when significant H concentrations are present, and ends when acetylene concentrations become small. Species potentially associated with soot oxidation-O2, CO2, H2O, O, and OH-are present throughout the soot-formation region so that soot formation and oxidation proceed at the same time. Strong rates of soot growth compared to soot nucleation early in the soot-formation process, combined with increased rates of soot nucleation and oxidation as soot formation proceeds, causes primary soot particle diameters to reach a maximum relatively early in the soot-formation process. Aggregation of primary soot particles proceeds, however, until the final stages of soot oxidation. Present measurements of soot growth (corrected for soot oxidation) in laminar diffusion flames were consistent with earlier measurements of soot growth in laminar premixed flames and exhibited encouraging agreement with existing hydrogen-abstraction/carbon-addition (HACA) soot growth mechanisms in the literature that were developed based on measurements within laminar premixed flames. Measured primary soot particle nucleation rates in the present laminar diffusion flames also were consistent with corresponding rates measured in laminar premixed flames and yielded a crude correlation in terms of acetylene and H concentrations and the temperature.

Soot Formation in Laminar Acetylene/Air Diffusion Flames at Atmospheric Pressure. Appendix H

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Xu, F.; Faeth, G. M.; Yuan, Z.-G. (Technical Monitor); Urban, D. L. (Technical Monitor); Yuan, Z.-G. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

The flame structure and soot-formation (soot nucleation and growth) properties of axisymmetric laminar coflowing jet diffusion flames were studied experimentally. Test conditions involved acetylene-nitrogen jets burning in coflowing air at atmospheric pressure. Measurements were limited to the axes of the flames and included soot concentrations, soot temperatures, soot structure, major gas species concentrations, radical species (H, OH, and O) concentrations, and gas velocities. The results show that as distance increases along the axes of the flames, detectable soot formation begins when significant H concentrations are present, and ends when acetylene concentrations become small. Species potentially associated with soot oxidation-O2, CO2, H2O, O, and OH-are present throughout the soot-formation region so that soot formation and oxidation proceed at the same time. Strong rates of soot growth compared to soot nucleation early in the soot-formation process, combined with increased rates of soot nucleation and oxidation as soot formation proceeds, causes primary soot particle diameters to reach a maximum relatively early in the soot-formation process. Aggregation of primary soot particles proceeds, however, until the final stages of soot oxidation. Present measurements of soot growth (corrected for soot oxidation) in laminar diffusion flames were consistent with earlier measurements of soot growth in laminar premixed flames and exhibited encouraging agreement with existing hydrogen-abstraction/carbon-addition (HACA) soot growth mechanisms in the literature that were developed based on measurements within laminar premixed flames. Measured primary soot particle nucleation rates in the present laminar diffusion flames also were consistent with corresponding rates measured in laminar premixed flames and yielded a crude correlation in terms of acetylene and H concentrations and the temperature.

Soot Formation in Laminar Acetylene/Air Diffusion Flames at Atmospheric Pressure. Appendix J

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Xu, F.; Faeth, G. M.; Urban, D. L. (Technical Monitor); Yuan, Z.-G. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

The flame structure and soot-formation (soot nucleation and growth) properties of axisymmetric laminar coflowing jet diffusion flames were studied experimentally. Test conditions involved acetylene-nitrogen jets burning in coflowing air at atmospheric pressure. Measurements were limited to the axes of the flames and included soot concentrations, soot temperatures, soot structure, major gas species concentrations, radical species (H, OH, and O) concentrations, and gas velocities. The results show that as distance increases along the axes of the flames, detectable soot formation begins when significant H concentrations are present, and ends when acetylene concentrations become small. Species potentially associated with soot oxidation--O2, CO2, H2O, O, and OH-are present throughout the soot-formation region so that soot formation and oxidation proceed at the same time. Strong rates of soot growth compared to soot nucleation early in the soot-formation process, combined with increased rates of soot nucleation and oxidation as soot formation proceeds, causes primary soot particle diameters to reach a maximum relatively early in the soot-formation process. Aggregation of primary soot particles proceeds, however, until the final stages of soot oxidation. Present measurements of soot growth (corrected for soot oxidation) in laminar diffusion flames were consistent with earlier measurements of soot growth in laminar premixed flames and exhibited encouraging agreement with existing hydrogen-abstraction/carbon-addition (HACA) soot growth mechanisms in the literature that were developed based on measurements within laminar premixed flames. Measured primary soot particle nucleation rates in the present laminar diffusion flames also were consistent with corresponding rates measured in laminar premixed flames and yielded a crude correlation in terms of acetylene and H concentrations and the temperature.

Perfluorinated ionomer-enveloped sulfur cathodes for lithium-sulfur batteries.

PubMed

Song, Jongchan; Choo, Min-Ju; Noh, Hyungjun; Park, Jung-Ki; Kim, Hee-Tak

2014-12-01

Nafion is known to suppress the polysulfide (PS) shuttle effect, a major obstacle to achieving high capacity and long cycle life for lithium-sulfur batteries. However, elaborate control of the layer's configuration is required for high performance. In this regard, we designed a Nafion-enveloped sulfur cathode, where the Nafion layer is formed on the skin of the cathode, covering its surface and edge while not restricting the porosity. Discharge capacity and efficiency were enhanced with the enveloping configuration, demonstrating suppression of shuttle. The edge protection exhibited better cycling stability than an edge-open configuration. In the absence of the Nafion envelope, charged sulfur concentrated on the top region of the cathode because of the relatively lower PS concentration at the cathode surface. Surprisingly, for the Nafion-enveloped cathode, sulfur was evenly distributed along the cathode, indicating that the configuration imparts a uniform PS concentration within the cathode. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Synchrotron X-ray studies of model SOFC cathodes, part I: Thin film cathodes

DOE PAGES

Chang, Kee-Chul; Ingram, Brian; Ilavsky, Jan; ...

2017-10-14

In this work, we present synchrotron x-ray investigations of thin film La 0.6Sr 0.4Co 0.2Fe 0.8O 3-δ (LSCF) model cathodes for solid oxide fuel cells, grown on electrolyte substrates by pulse laser deposition, in situ during half-cell operations. We observed dynamic segregations of cations, such as Sr and Co, on the surfaces of the film cathodes. The effects of temperature, applied potentials, and capping layers on the segregations were investigated using a surfacesensitive technique of total external reflection x-ray fluorescence. We also studied patterned thin film LSCF cathodes using high-resolution micro-beam diffraction measurements. We find chemical expansion decreases for narrowmore » stripes. This suggests the expansion is dominated by the bulk pathway reactions. Lastly, the chemical expansion vs. the distance from the electrode contact was measured at three temperatures and an oxygen vacancy activation energy was estimated to be ~1.4 eV.« less

Effect of Intermetallic on Electromigration and Atomic Diffusion in Cu/SnAg3.0Cu0.5/Cu Joints: Experimental and First-Principles Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Wei; Liu, Lijuan; Li, Baoling; Wu, Ping

2009-06-01

Electromigration phenomena in a one-dimensional Cu/SnAg3.0Cu0.5/Cu joint were investigated with current stressing. The special effect of intermetallic compound (IMC) layers on the formation of serious electromigration damage induced by nonuniform current density distribution was discussed based on experimental results. Meanwhile, hillocks were observed both at the anode and near the cathode of the joint, and they were described as the result of diffusion of atoms and compressive stress released along grain boundaries to the relatively free surface. Moreover, the diffusion behavior of Cu at the cathode was analyzed with the electromigration equation, and the stability of Ag atoms in the solder during electromigration was evaluated with a first-principles method.

Mesoporous LiFeBO3/C hollow spheres for improved stability lithium-ion battery cathodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhongxue; Cao, Liufei; Chen, Liang; Zhou, Haihui; Zheng, Chunman; Xie, Kai; Kuang, Yafei

2015-12-01

Polyanionic compounds are regarded as one of the most promising cathode materials for the next generation lithium-ion batteries due to their abundant resource and thermal stability. LiFeBO3 has a relatively higher capacity than olivine LiFePO4, however, moisture sensitivity and low conductivity hinder its further development. Here, we design and synthesize mesoporous LiFeBO3/C (LFB/C) hollow spheres to enhance its structural stability and electric conductivity, two LiFeBO3/C electrodes with different carbon content are prepared and tested. The experimental results show that mesoporous LiFeBO3/C hollow spheres with higher carbon content exhibit superior lithium storage capacity, cycling stability and rate capability. Particularly, the LFB/C electrode with higher carbon content demonstrates good structural stability, which can maintain its original crystal structure and Li storage properties even after three months of air exposure at room temperature. The exceptional structural stability and electrochemical performance may justify their potential use as high-performance cathode materials for advanced lithium-ion batteries. In addition, the synthesis strategy demonstrated herein is simple and versatile for the fabrication of other polyanionic cathode materials with mesoporous hollow spherical structure.

Fast turn-on osmium coated cathode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marrian, C. R. K.; Haas, G. A.; Shih, A.

1984-03-01

This abstract discloses a fast turn-on refractory coated cathode comprising a porous tungsten metal matrix impregnated with barium calcium aluminate and coated with osmium. The osmium coating has a planned series of interruptions with each interruption being on the order of several microns in width to thereby expose the tungsten. These interruptions permit the barium and oxygen from the impregnant to rise to the cathode surface during activation or reactivation to form a desired near monolayer of barium and oxygen to enhance electron emission. Thus, this cathode design provides a fast turn-on characteristic even after shelf storage.

Plasma-induced field emission study of carbon nanotube cathode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Yi; Xia, Liansheng; Zhang, Huang; Liu, Xingguang; Yang, Anmin; Shi, Jinshui; Zhang, Linwen; Liao, Qingliang; Zhang, Yue

2011-10-01

An investigation on the plasma-induced field emission (PFE) properties of a large area carbon nanotube (CNT) cathode on a 2 MeV linear induction accelerator injector is presented. Experimental results show that the cathode is able to emit intense electron beams. Intense electron beams of 14.9-127.8A/cm2 are obtained from the cathode. The CNT cathode desorbs gases from the CNTs during the PFE process. The fast cathode plasma expansion affects the diode perveance. The amount of outgassing is estimated to be 0.06-0.49Pa·L, and the ratio of outgassing and electron are roughly calculated to be within the range of 170-350 atoms per electron. The effect of the outgassing is analyzed, and the outgassing mass spectrum of the CNT cathode has been studied during the PFE. There is a significant desorption of CO2, N2(CO), and H2 gases, which plays an important role during the PFE process. All the experiments demonstrate that the outgassing plays an important role in the formation of the cathode plasma. Moreover, the characteristic turn-on time of the CNT cathode was measured to be 39 ns.

Hollow cathode startup using a microplasma discharge