Periodic Reporting for period 1 - EconCell (Aligned one-dimensional nanostructure electrodes from Electrically Conductive pOrous coordiNation polymer for proton exChange mEmbrane fueL celLs)
Berichtszeitraum: 2021-09-01 bis 2023-08-31
The research was conducted for more than 7 months from 25th Apr 2022. The fellow got a permanent professorship so the project was stopped on 30th Nov 2022.
The project has achieved its proposed objectives and milestones for the period on the research of aligned one-dimensional nanostructure electrodes from electrically conductive porous coordination polymer (E-PCPs) for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). PEMFC is considered as a highly potential electrochemical energy conversion technology because of its low operation temperature, quick start-up and shutdown, high energy efficiency and power flexibility. Besides, progress was achieved in the application of porous coordination polymer for the promoted contact of Nafion ionomer with Pt nanowires (NWs) electrocatalysts, and the work is under preparation now.
The overall aim of EconCell is to develop PEMFC electrodes with aligned one-dimensional nanostructure electrodes from electrically conductive porous coordination polymers modified by ionic liquids, providing a further understanding of structure-property relationships of practical fuel cell electrodes. During the research period, the electrodes with one-dimensional nanostructure electrodes containing Pt nanowires and E-PCPs were developed. Both layer-by-layer drop-coating method and vapor-assisted solvothermal method were explored. The electrolyte ionomer enrichment effects of E-PCPs on the surface properties of Pt NWs gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) were investigated. The optimal E-PCPs coated Pt NW GDEs showed improved power performances compared to the pristine Pt NW GDE and also the GDE from the commercial Pt/C (TKK) nanoparticle electrocatalysts. The power performance and durability of the as-prepared E-PCPs coated Pt NW electrodes were then evaluated in single PEMFCs and compared. The results showed that the E-PCPs coating improved the power performance of Pt NW, but no positive effect was observed for the stability. The mechanisms behind were explored.
The project has achieved its proposed objectives and milestones for the period on the research of aligned one-dimensional nanostructure electrodes from electrically conductive porous coordination polymer (E-PCPs) for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). PEMFC is considered as a highly potential electrochemical energy conversion technology because of its low operation temperature, quick start-up and shutdown, high energy efficiency and power flexibility. Besides, progress was achieved in the application of porous coordination polymer for the promoted contact of Nafion ionomer with Pt nanowires (NWs) electrocatalysts, and the work is under preparation now.
The overall aim of EconCell is to develop PEMFC electrodes with aligned one-dimensional nanostructure electrodes from electrically conductive porous coordination polymers modified by ionic liquids, providing a further understanding of structure-property relationships of practical fuel cell electrodes. During the research period, the electrodes with one-dimensional nanostructure electrodes containing Pt nanowires and E-PCPs were developed. Both layer-by-layer drop-coating method and vapor-assisted solvothermal method were explored. The electrolyte ionomer enrichment effects of E-PCPs on the surface properties of Pt NWs gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) were investigated. The optimal E-PCPs coated Pt NW GDEs showed improved power performances compared to the pristine Pt NW GDE and also the GDE from the commercial Pt/C (TKK) nanoparticle electrocatalysts. The power performance and durability of the as-prepared E-PCPs coated Pt NW electrodes were then evaluated in single PEMFCs and compared. The results showed that the E-PCPs coating improved the power performance of Pt NW, but no positive effect was observed for the stability. The mechanisms behind were explored.
The milestones are achieved as the followings: 1) M1, achieving single-/multi-metallic E-PCPs with enriched well-defined coordinated active sites for ORR and good chemical stability; 2) partial M2, successful hybridizing E-PCPs with aligned one dimensional nanostructure arrays to achieve electrodes with enhanced catalytic activities. The completed work of EconCell improved the current fundamental understanding of structure-property relationships of PEMFC electrodes, and enhancement mechanisms in activities and the enriching effect of surface modification.
A paper tentatively titled Electrolyte Ionomer Enrichment Effects of E-PCPs on Pt Nanorod Array Electrodes for PEM Fuel Cells is under preparation.
During the fellowship, the transfer of knowledge and training are of clarity and quality between Dr. Yao on E-PCPs and the host Dr Du's group on fuel cells and their industrial requirements. Dr. Yao participated in attending 4 academic activities, 1 seminar, and many training activities provided by the University of Birmingham (UoB), helping to organize the 3rd ABCP annual conference, research meetings and workshops in cooperation with Dr Du, and supervision of undergraduate, master and PhD students, providing extensive networking of international academics and industrialists. Dr Yao has established a solid relationship with the partners from UoB and the other EU region on a daily basis and various activities concerned academic and industrial merits.
The Fellowship opens multifarious career possibilities for Dr. Yao, promoting his academic reputation and future career prospects. It is very helpful to pave an academic career pathway aiming to become a fully independent group leader. Therefore, Dr. Yao successfully got the PI and full professor position in Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He is now a group leader and running a new lab named semiconductive soft porous interface. Dr. Yao will aim to build collaboration between the academic and industrial units in Europe and in China.
The success of EconCell work enhances innovation capacity of component and construction of direct catalyst electrodes and catalyst layer structures, and its potential promotion in EU will contribute to scientific and technological advances in PEMFC, nanomaterial science and coordination chemistry. The output will also greatly widen PEMFC application, reduce carbon emission and fossil energy consumption, making FC more attractive for potential exploiters and users of this clean technology.
Present work carried out contributes towards positive controlling of climate change and European policy objectives and strategies and have an impact on policy making. The results and understanding of catalyst layer structure and performances will power the application market, like in sustainable power generators and vehicles, and also the fuel producing technologies. A further understanding of electrode structures will also benefit the design and development of other electrochemical devices, e.g. batteries, super capacitors and sensors. The achievement of hybridization approach could also benefit for developing new nanostructures for industrial catalysis, catalysts for bio-fuel and bio-sensors, etc.
During the fellowship, the transfer of knowledge and training are of clarity and quality between Dr. Yao on E-PCPs and the host Dr Du's group on fuel cells and their industrial requirements. Dr. Yao participated in attending 4 academic activities, 1 seminar, and many training activities provided by the University of Birmingham (UoB), helping to organize the 3rd ABCP annual conference, research meetings and workshops in cooperation with Dr Du, and supervision of undergraduate, master and PhD students, providing extensive networking of international academics and industrialists. Dr Yao has established a solid relationship with the partners from UoB and the other EU region on a daily basis and various activities concerned academic and industrial merits.
The Fellowship opens multifarious career possibilities for Dr. Yao, promoting his academic reputation and future career prospects. It is very helpful to pave an academic career pathway aiming to become a fully independent group leader. Therefore, Dr. Yao successfully got the PI and full professor position in Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He is now a group leader and running a new lab named semiconductive soft porous interface. Dr. Yao will aim to build collaboration between the academic and industrial units in Europe and in China.
The success of EconCell work enhances innovation capacity of component and construction of direct catalyst electrodes and catalyst layer structures, and its potential promotion in EU will contribute to scientific and technological advances in PEMFC, nanomaterial science and coordination chemistry. The output will also greatly widen PEMFC application, reduce carbon emission and fossil energy consumption, making FC more attractive for potential exploiters and users of this clean technology.
Present work carried out contributes towards positive controlling of climate change and European policy objectives and strategies and have an impact on policy making. The results and understanding of catalyst layer structure and performances will power the application market, like in sustainable power generators and vehicles, and also the fuel producing technologies. A further understanding of electrode structures will also benefit the design and development of other electrochemical devices, e.g. batteries, super capacitors and sensors. The achievement of hybridization approach could also benefit for developing new nanostructures for industrial catalysis, catalysts for bio-fuel and bio-sensors, etc.