Which types of electrolyzers can also be used as fuel cells?5 answersAnion-exchange membrane (AEM) technologies, such as AEM water electrolyzers (AEMWEs) and fuel cells (AEMFCs), are versatile in their ability to both transform and utilize renewable resources, indicating their dual functionality as both electrolyzers for hydrogen production and fuel cells for hydrogen utilization. Similarly, solid oxide electrolyzer (SOE) technology, particularly in its metal-supported cell configurations, demonstrates potential for reversible operation, contributing to energy storage and the production of green fuels, suggesting its capability to function in a dual role as well. The integration of electrolyzers (EL) and fuel cells (FC) in green hydrogen energy storage systems further supports the concept of dual-use technologies, where stored hydrogen can be converted back to electrical energy, showcasing the reversible functionality of such systems.
Alkaline electrolyzers (AELs) based on platinum on Vulcan cathodes and stainless-steel anodes, optimized for high-current density operation, although primarily designed for electrolysis, could theoretically be adapted for fuel cell applications due to their high efficiency and durability. The transition from proton exchange membrane fuel cells to AEMFCs, with their compatibility with non-Pt-group metals, suggests a flexibility in component materials that could be leveraged in reversible systems. While not directly stated, the advancements in CO2 conversion and hydrogen production through water electrolysis hint at the underlying potential for reversibility in these systems, especially when considering the broader context of renewable energy integration and storage.
Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) are highlighted for their high operating temperatures and favorable thermodynamics, which not only make them efficient for electrolysis but also suggest their potential reversibility for use in fuel cell applications, especially when considering their integration with chemical syntheses. The development of CO2 electrolyzers using polymer electrolyte based gas-diffusion electrodes, while focused on CO2 reduction, introduces materials and designs that could be adaptable for fuel cell operations, given the emphasis on efficient gas diffusion and electrolyte performance.
Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzers, known for their high efficiency in converting electricity into hydrogen, utilize components and interfaces that could potentially be optimized for reverse operation as fuel cells, as indicated by studies on interface morphology and transport dynamics. Lastly, the exploration of gas diffusion electrodes in CO2 reduction, with a focus on maintaining optimal local pH levels for high selectivity and efficiency, introduces design considerations that could be relevant for reversible fuel cell applications, especially in managing the electrolyte environment.
In summary, AEM technologies, SOEs, and PEM systems, along with advancements in electrolyzer design and operation, suggest a broad potential for these devices to be used not only for electrolysis but also as fuel cells, highlighting the versatility and dual functionality inherent in these systems.
How can PEM electrolysis be used to produce hydrogen?4 answersProton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis is a method used to produce hydrogen through water electrolysis. One approach is to use platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) loaded onto single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) as a cathodic electrocatalyst. Another method involves optimizing the operating and design conditions of PEM electrolysis cells, such as cell voltage, temperature, and water flow rate, to improve performance. Additionally, a novel PEM electrolysis cell structure utilizing three-dimensional titanium meshes as flow distributors has been proposed, which improves current density, pressure, hydrogen concentration, and temperature uniformity. To enable widespread use of PEM electrolyzers, manufacturing processes for industrial scale-up production of components like bipolar plates and porous transport layers are being developed, with protective coatings applied to withstand corrosive conditions. The structure and performance of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) in PEM electrolyzers also significantly affect efficiency, with factors such as the use of platinum-coated titanium felt and optimized catalyst loading playing a role.
How to produce green hydrogen with electrolysis?5 answersGreen hydrogen can be produced through water electrolysis using various methods and technologies. One approach is the fabrication of a multilayered electrode by coating a nickel foam with nickel-cobalt-iron (Ni-Co-Fe) oxide layers, which exhibits high catalytic performance and durability. Another method involves constructing an electrolysis cell with cylindrical stainless steel electrodes immersed in an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide, which can increase cell efficiency with temperature variation. Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) Water Electrolysis (WE) is an innovative technology that combines the advantages of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) and conventional alkaline electrolysis, with ongoing research on membrane and catalyst development. Water electrolyzers that use anion exchange membranes have shown significant improvements in single-cell electrolysis activity, with the use of improved materials and catalysts. Solar-driven water electrolysis is another promising route, utilizing photovoltaic systems, rechargeable energy storage devices, and photoelectrochemical water splitting systems. Further research is needed to translate laboratory-scale performance to large-scale commercial systems.
What is the most promising electrocatalytic hydrogenation of organic molecules?5 answersThe most promising electrocatalytic hydrogenation of organic molecules is the use of water (H2O) as the hydrogen source over nanostructured cathodes. This technique offers an efficient and sustainable approach to synthesize hydrogenated products under ambient conditions, avoiding the use of high-pressure and flammable hydrogen gas or other toxic/expensive hydrogen donors. Additionally, the use of easily available heavy water (D2O) for deuterated syntheses is attractive due to the widespread applications of deuterated molecules in organic synthesis and the pharmaceutical industry. Pincer metal complexes have also shown great potential as catalysts for various organic transformations, including hydrogenation reactions. These complexes exhibit high catalytic activity, atom economy, and eco-friendly routes, making them valuable for industrial production, academic research, and green environment. Furthermore, molybdenum disulfide intercalated by dimethylamine (MoS2-DMA) has demonstrated superior performance in the electrocatalytic hydrogenation of nitroarenes to anilines. The engineered interlayer chemistry in MoS2-DMA enhances the activation of nitro groups and stabilizes chemisorbed H intermediate, resulting in excellent hydrogenation performance.
Can green hydrogen be produced using stable water-splitting catalysts without the need of expensive iridium?5 answersGreen hydrogen can be produced using stable water-splitting catalysts without the need for expensive iridium. Various catalysts have been explored for this purpose, including polymeric carbon nitride (C3N4)-based materials, ruthenium (Ru), cobalt (Co), and iron (Fe) nanoparticles anchored on reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and candle soot derived carbon. These catalysts have shown promising results in terms of hydrogen evolution and oxygen evolution reactions, with low overpotentials and high current densities. Additionally, carbon-based materials such as graphene, graphitic carbon nitride, and carbon quantum dots have been investigated as photocatalytic semiconductors for hydrogen production. These materials offer high activity, stability, and low cost, making them suitable for sustainable hydrogen production. By utilizing these stable water-splitting catalysts, it is possible to produce green hydrogen without relying on expensive iridium catalysts.
What are the best electrolyzer technology for hydrogen production from wind energy?5 answersThe best electrolyzer technology for hydrogen production from wind energy is the alkaline water electrolysis method. This approach is considered the most promising for industrial-scale production of green hydrogen. The alkaline electrolyzer discussed in the study has a rated hydrogen production of 50 m3/h and can operate over a wide range of power loads, from 30% to 100% rated power. It offers high-purity hydrogen production (>99.5%) and competitive DC energy efficiency (4.01-4.51 kW h/Nm3 H2). The electrolyzer also has the capability to absorb highly fluctuating energy output from renewables, making it suitable for wind energy applications. Additionally, the study highlights the dynamic operational characteristics of the alkaline electrolyzer, including minute-level power and pressure modulation with high accuracy. Therefore, the alkaline water electrolysis technology is a recommended choice for hydrogen production from wind energy.