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- carbon nanofibers, platinum electrodeposition, ele ctrochemical surface area (1)
- Hydraulic compression, Carbon Nano Fibers, PEM Fuel Cells, Catalyst utilization (1)
- Hydrogen evolution reaction (1)
- NiCrBSi coatings; flame spraying; induction remelting; wear resistance (1)
- PEM fuel cell electrocatalysts, Carbon nanofibers, Oxygen plasma activation, Pulsed electroplating. (1)
- PEM water electrolysis (1)
- PtCoMn (1)
- Ternary alloy catalyst preparation (1)
- carbon nanofibers, platinum electrodeposition, electrocatalysts (1)
- education; skills; competences; pandemic; online or face-to-face (1)
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Even though we live in a period when the word digitization is prevalent in many social areas, the COVID-19 pandemic has divided mankind into two main categories: some people have seen this crisis as an opportunity to move the activities online and, furthermore, to accelerate digitization in as many areas as possible, while others have been reluctant, keeping their preferences for face-to-face activities. The current work presents the results of an analysis on 249 students from 11 engineering faculties. The study aims to identify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students’ educational experiences when switching from face-to-face to online education during a public health emergency or COVID 19-related state of alert. The overall conclusion was that, although the pandemic has brought adverse consequences on the health and life quality of many people, the challenges that humankind has been subjected to have led to personal and professional development and have opened up new perspectives for carrying out the everyday activities.
In polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) noble metal nano particles are deposited on graphitic supports serving as electrocatalysts for devices with high power density. In this study anodes are analysed with low platinum loading of about 0.1 mg cm-2. These electrodes are prepared by carbon nano fibres (CNF) decorated with platinum nano particles. For electrode manufacturing two sorts of fibres, which are produced in an industrial scale, are used with different graphitisation degree and surface area. CNF layers are applied on commercially available graphitic substrate by spray coating which leads to a porous structure with high surface area. Subsequently, platinum deposition is achieved by pulsed electroplating for an improved platinum utilisation in PEMFC electrodes. Spray coating and platinum deposition are assisted by a previous oxygen plasma activation process. Prepared anode material is characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) and thermogravimetry (TGA). Electrochemical analyses (cyclic voltammetry and corrosion test) are carried out in 0.5 M sulphuric acid. The effect of graphitisation degree of carbon nano fibres on the performance of prepared electrodes is investigated in-situ in a PEM fuel cell test bench.
In this experimental work polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) electrodes are analysed, which are prepared by the use of two sorts of carbon nano fibres (CNF) serving as support material for platinum nano particles. Those CNFs, which are heat treated subsequently to their production, have a higher graphitisation degree than fibres as produced. The improved graphitisation degree leads to higher electrical conductivity, which is favourably for the use in PEMFC electrodes. Samples have been analysed, in order to determine graphitisation degree, electrical conductivity, as well as morphology and loading of the prepared electro catalyst. Membrane electrode assemblies manufactured from prepared electrodes are analysed in-situ in a PEM fuel cell test environment. It has been determined that power output for samples containing CNFs with higher graphitisation degree is increased by about 13.5%.
In state of the art polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) rare and expensive platinum group metals (PGM) are used as catalyst material. Reduction of PGM in PEMFC electrodes is strongly required to reach cost targets for this technology. An optimal catalyst utilisation is achieved in the case of nano-structured particles supported on carbon material with a large specific surface area. In this study, graphitic material in form of carbon nanofibres (CNFs) is decorated with platinum (Pt) particles serving as catalyst material for PEMFC electrodes with low Pt loading. For electrode preparation CNFs have been previously activated by means of radio frequency induced oxygen plasma. This kind of treatment results in formation of functional groups on the CNF’s surface which directly influences the characteristics of subsequent Pt particle deposition. Different plasma parameters (plasma power, gas flow or exposure time) have to be set in order to achieve formation of oxygen containing functional groups (hydroxylic, carboxylic or carbonylic) on the CNF’s surface. In the frame of this experimental work, electrodes are investigated in respect of optimal morphology, microstructure as well as electrochemical properties. Therefore, samples were characterised by means of scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray analysis, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetry, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence as well as polarisation measurements.
In the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) state of the art, rare and expensive platinum group metals (PGM) or PGM alloys are used as catalyst material. Reduction of PGMs in PEMFC electrodes is strongly required to reach cost targets for this technology. An optimal catalyst utilization is achieved in case of nano-structured particles supported on carbon material with a large specific surface area. In this study, graphitic material, in form of carbon nanofibers (CNF), is decorated with Pt particles, serving as catalyst material for PEMFC electrodes with low Pt loading. As a novelty, the effect of oxygen plasma treatment of CNFs previously to platinum particle deposition has been studied. Electrodes are investigated in respect of the optimal morphology, microstructure as well as electrochemical properties. Therefore, samples are characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray analysis, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetry, X-ray diffraction as well as X-ray fluorescence analysis. In order to determine the electrochemical active surface area of catalyst particles, cyclic voltammetry has been performed in 0.5 M sulphuric acid. Selected samples have been investigated in a PEMFC test bench according to their polarization behavior.
For this study gas diffusion electrodes (GDE) with low platinum loading are prepared for the application as anode in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) systems based on hydraulic compression. As catalyst support material, carbon nanofibers (CNF) are investigated because of their high specific surface area and high graphitization degree. The electrode preparation is optimized by an economic and environmental friendly pre-treatment process in oxygen plasma. For GDE manufacture an ink containing oxygen plasma activated CNFs as well as hydrophilic polymer is used. After spray coating of this CNF ink on a graphitic substrate, platinum is deposited using the pulse plating technique. Preliminary results showed a considerable improvement of CNF dispersibility as well as an increased amount and an optimized morphology of the deposited platinum. Morphology and microstructure are observed by scanning electron microscopy as well as transmission electron microscopy. Platinum loading is determined by thermogravimetric analysis to be in the range of 0.01 mg cm-2 to 0.017 mg cm-2. Furthermore, MEAs are prepared from these GDEs and testing is performed in a novel modular fuel cell test stack based on hydraulic compression. Technical information about stack design and functions is given in this work.
This experimental work deals with the preparation and investigation of PEM fuel cell electrodes, which are obtained using Graphene Related Material (GRM) serving as catalyst support material for platinum nanoparticles. The applied GRM belong to the group of carbon nanofibers and exhibits a helical-ribbon structure with dimensions of 50 nm in diameter and an average length up to a few µm. Furthermore, utilized GRM provide a superior graphitisation degree of about 100 %, which leads to both high corrosion resistance and low ohmic resistance. Material stability plays one of the main roles for long term fuel cell operation, whereby a great electrical catalyst contact combined with high specific surface area yields in high fuel cell performances.
Prior to GRM dispersion and deposition onto a gas diffusion layer, the graphene structures are functionalized by oxygen plasma treatment. Through this step, functional oxygen groups are generated onto the GRM outer surface providing an improved hydrophilic behaviour and facilitating the GRM suspension preparation. In addition, the oxygen groups act as anchors for platinum nanoparticles which are subsequently deposited onto the GRM surface through a pulse electrodeposition process.
Membrane electrode assemblies produced with the prepared electrodes are investigated in-situ in a PEM fuel cell test bench.
This work deals with the preparation and investigation of PEM fuel cell electrodes, which are obtained using graphene related material (GRM) serving as catalyst support for platinum nanoparticles. Applied GRM are used for the preparation of suspensions in four distinct mixing ratios. Two sorts of GRM have been investigated: carbon nanofibers (CNF) and graphene oxide (GO). Utilized CNFs provide a superior graphitization degree of about 100%, which leads to both high corrosion resistance and low ohmic resistance in PEM fuel cells.
For electrode preparation a GRM containing layer serving as catalyst support is applied onto a gas diffusion layer (GDL). Prior to GRM suspension and deposition onto a GDL, the graphene structures are functionalized by plasma treatment. Due to this step, an improved hydrophilic behavior for facilitating suspension preparation is achieved. In addition, a subsequent platinum nanoparticle deposition by pulsed electrodeposition process is optimized.
Ni-based alloys are among the materials of choice in developing high-quality coatings for ambient and high temperature applications that require protection against intense wear and corrosion. The current study aims to develop and characterize NiCrBSi coatings with high wear resistance and improved adhesion to the substrate. Starting with nickel-based feedstock powders, thermally sprayed coatings were initially fabricated. Prior to deposition, the powders were characterized in terms of microstructure, particle size, chemical composition, flowability, and density. For comparison, three types of powders with different chemical compositions and characteristics were deposited onto a 1.7227 tempered steel substrate using oxyacetylene flame spraying, and subsequently, the coatings were inductively remelted. Ball-on-disc sliding wear testing was chosen to investigate the tribological properties of both the as-sprayed and induction-remelted coatings. The results reveal that, in the case of as-sprayed coatings, the main wear mechanisms were abrasive, independent of powder chemical composition, and correlated with intense wear losses due to the poor intersplat cohesion typical of flame-sprayed coatings. The remelting treatment improved the performance of the coatings in terms of wear compared to that of the as-sprayed ones, and the density and lower porosity achieved during the induction post-treatment had a significant positive role in this behavior.
Carbon Nanofibers (CNF) are considered to be a promising catalyst support material due to their unique characteristics, excellent mechanical, electrical and structural properties, high surface area and nevertheless, good interaction with metallic catalyst particles. The possibility of preparing CNF decorated with platinum by an electrochemical method was tested, using a hexachloroplatinic bath solution. The experiments were carried out with the aid of a Potentiostat/Galvanostat Ivium Technologies Vertex, in a three – electrode cell. The aim of the present work was to determine the electrochemical surface area (ECSA) of the CNF-Pt catalysts in relation to the functionalization treatment of fibers, using an electrochemical method. ECSA for different functionalized CNF-Pt catalysts was determined by cyclic voltammetry in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution. The highest active surface of platinum was obtained for the samples with CNF functionalized by plasma treatment using 80 W for 1800 s. The obtained results correlate very well with the particles size and distribution of platinum, revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the quantity of deposited platinum determined by thermo gravimetrical analysis (TGA) respectively. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) has been proven to be a suitable method for estimation of the ECSA of the electrocatalysts.
Platinum is one of the most effective electro catalysts for PEMFCs (proton exchange membrane fuel cells), but because of its prohibitive price, the use of this metal in industrial purposes is limited. As a consequence, during last years, several materials have been investigated, in order to obtain an efficient catalyst for both ORR (oxygen reduction reaction) and HOR (hydrogen oxidation reaction), which can replace the expensive platinum but preserving the same properties: high electrical conductivity, structural stability and good corrosion resistance. Moreover, one of the most important parameters for catalyst materials is the electrochemical surface area (real surface area), which has a strong influence on the reaction rate and also on the current density.
CNFs (carbon nanofibers) are considered to be a promising catalyst support material due to their unique characteristics, excellent mechanical, electrical and structural properties, high surface area and nevertheless, good interaction with platinum particles.
The possibility of preparing CNFs decorated with platinum by electrochemical methods was tested, using a hexachloroplatinic solution bath. The experiments were carried out with the aid of a Potentiostat/Galvanostat MMate 510, in a three – electrode cell.
The aim of the present work was to determine the electrochemical surface area of the CNFs – Pt catalysts, using an electrochemical method. The obtained results correlate very well with the particles size and distribution of platinum, analyzed by SEM (scanning electron microscopy) respectively with the quantity of deposited platinum determined by TG (thermo gravimetrical analyses). Cyclic voltammetry is a suitable method for estimation of the real surface area for catalyst particles.
Platinum nanoparticles electrodeposition on carbon nanofibers (CNF) support has been performed with the purpose to obtain electrodes that can be further used especially in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). A pretreatment of CNF is required in order to enhance the surface energy, which simultaneously improves handling and wettability as well as interaction with the platinum cations. This step was performed using oxygen plasma functionalization. To produce CNF supported Pt catalysts, an electrochemical method was applied and the deposition parameters were adjusted to obtain nanosized platinum particles with a good distribution onto the graphitic surface. The morphology and structure of the obtained particles were investigated by scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy. The amount of deposited platinum was established using thermogravimetrical measurements. Cyclic voltammetry performed in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution was applied for determining the electrochemical surface area (ECSA) of the obtained electrodes.The functionalization degree of the CNF outer surface has a strong influence on the structure, distribution and amount of platinum particles. Moreover, the current densities, which were set for the deposition process influenced not only the particles size but also the platinum amount. Applying an oxygen plasma treatment of 80 W for 1800 s, the necessary degree of surface functionalization is achieved in order to deposit the catalyst particles. The best electrodes were prepared using a current density of 50 mA cm-2 during the deposition process that leads to a homogenous platinum distribution with particles size under 80 nm and ECSA over 6 cm2
A systematic method for obtaining a novel electrode structure based on PtCoMn ternary alloy catalyst supported on graphitic carbon nanofibers (CNF) for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in acidic media is proposed. Ternary alloy nanoparticles (Co0.6Mn0.4 Pt), with a mean crystallite diameter under 10 nm, were electrodeposited onto a graphitic support material using a two-step pulsed deposition technique. Initially, a surface functionalisation of the carbon nanofibers is performed with the aid of oxygen plasma. Subsequently, a short galvanostatic pulse electrodeposition technique is applied. It has been demonstrated that, if pulsing current is employed, compositionally controlled PtCoMn catalysts can be achieved. Variations of metal concentration ratios in the electrolyte and main deposition parameters, such as current density and pulse shape, led to electrodes with relevant catalytic activity towards HER. The samples were further characterised using several physico-chemical methods to reveal their morphology, structure, chemical and electrochemical properties. X-ray diffraction confirms the PtCoMn alloy formation on the graphitic support and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy highlights the presence of the three metallic components from the alloy structure. The preliminary tests regarding the electrocatalytic activity of the developed electrodes display promising results compared to commercial Pt/C catalysts. The PtCoMn/CNF electrode exhibits a decrease in hydrogen evolution overpotential of about 250 mV at 40 mA cm−2 in acidic solution (0.5 M H2SO4) when compared to similar platinum based electrodes (Pt/CNF) and a Tafel slope of around 120 mV dec−1, indicating that HER takes place under the Volmer-Heyrovsky mechanism.
Without proper post-processing (often using flame, furnace, laser remelting, and induction) or reinforcements’ addition, Ni-based flame-sprayed coatings generally manifest moderate adhesion to the substrate, high porosity, unmelted particles, undesirable oxides, or weak wear resistance and mechanical properties. The current research aimed to investigate the addition of ZrO2 as reinforcement to the self-fluxing alloy coatings. Mechanically mixed NiCrBSi-ZrO2 powders were thermally sprayed onto an industrially relevant high-grade steel. After thermal spraying, the samples were differently post-processed with a flame gun and with a vacuum furnace, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy showed a porosity reduction for the vacuum-heat-treated samples compared to that of the flame-post-processed ones. X-ray diffraction measurements showed differences in the main peaks of the patterns for the thermal processed samples compared to the as-sprayed ones, these having a direct influence on the mechanical behavior of the coatings. Although a slight microhardness decrease was observed in the case of vacuum-remelted samples, the overall low porosity and the phase differences helped the coating to perform better during wear-resistance testing, realized using a ball-on-disk arrangement, compared to the as-sprayed reference samples.