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This paper presents a comprehensive techno-economic analysis of the world's first large-scale commercial Power-to-X (PtX) plant in Kassø, Denmark. This innovative facility combines solar photovoltaic (PV), an electrical grid, green hydrogen production, methanol synthesis, and district heating in an integrated system. We conduct an in-depth analysis to explore optimal operating conditions, the potential for sector coupling within the power and heat sectors, and the economic feasibility of the integrated system. In particular, we study different scenarios considering changes in solar PV power generation, electricity market price, CO 2 price, and methanol price to explore their impacts on the system performance. Our results show that the electrolyzer's operation, a pivotal component of the system, heavily depends on the electricity spot price as well as the methanol price. Based on the green production of methanol, a premium price of 4800 DKK/t (0.64 €/t) is considered in this study (selling price of 8400 DKK/t). The results show that in case of high electricity prices (2022 spot market) or no premium price for methanol, the optimum annual production of methanol decreases by 58% and 67%, respectively. Furthermore, we observe that the variability of solar power output significantly impacts the plant's performance and economic viability, as it supplies about 30% of the plant's power consumption. Although the results are unique to the Kassø plant, the study's techniques and insights can be applied to other comparable systems around the world. The study also highlights how crucial it is to take market, climate, and technical factors into account when developing and running integrated energy systems. • Techno-economic analysis of the world's first large-scale commercial Power-to-X (PtX) plant in Kassø, Denmark. • Insights to optimal operating conditions, sector coupling potential, and economic feasibility of Power-to-Methanol plants. • Analysis of the impact of market dynamics on the operational efficiency and economic viability of the integrated plant. • Study of the role of intermittent solar power and its impact on the performance and economic sustainability of the plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shared energy storage system is recognized as a promising business model for the coordinated operation of integrated energy systems (IES) to improve the utilization of energy storage and the consumption of renewable energy. As the hydrogen energy gradually receives more attention, this paper constructs the structure of a hybrid hydrogen energy storage system shared by an IES alliance in a dynamic pricing mode. A bi-level optimization model for the shared hybrid hydrogen energy storage system (SHHESS) is proposed to optimize the capacity configuration decisions and the pricing strategy jointly. The upper level determines the capacity and dynamic price of SHHESS with maximum profits and the lower level obtains the optimal operation of the IES alliance minimizing the total operation costs. The proposed model is solved by an improved PSO-GA algorithm and CPLEX solver. Finally, numerical tests are conducted in different scenarios. The results show that the hybrid energy storage system improves the daily profits of SHHESS by 70.3% and 5.44%, and reduces the renewable energy curtailment by 80.93% and 48.92% respectively compared to the battery-only and hydrogen-only systems. Additionally, the daily operation cost of the IES alliance is 35.2% lower than the individual operation scenario. The proposed model confirms the feasibility and superiority of the hybrid hydrogen energy storage system in a sharing business mode. • Design an interactive structure of a shared hybrid hydrogen energy storage system. • Propose a bi-level planning optimization framework for shared hybrid hydrogen energy storage. • The dynamic price of energy storage sharing service is optimized. • Determine the optimal operation strategy of the integrated energy system alliance. • Propose a hybrid method combining an improved PSO-GA and CPLEX optimizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blending of partially cracked ammonia with biosyngas is an attractive strategy for improving NH 3 combustion. In practice, products of biomass gasification and those of thermo-catalytic cracking of NH 3 are subject to some compositional uncertainties. Despite their practical importance, so far, the effects of such uncertainties on combustion systems remained largely unexplored. Hence, this paper quantifies the effects of small compositional uncertainties of reactants upon combustion of partially cracked NH 3 /syngas/air mixtures. An uncertainty quantification method, based on polynomial chaos expansion and a data-driven model, is utilised to investigate the effects of uncertainty in fuel composition on the laminar flame speed (S L) and adiabatic flame temperature (T ad) at different inlet pressures (P i). The analysis is then extended to the power output of a combined-cycle gas turbine fuelled by the reactants. It is found that 1.5% fuel compositional uncertainty can cause 12–21% of S L uncertainty depending on the inlet pressure. Furthermore, the effect of compositional uncertainty on T ad increases at higher ratios of H 2 to NH 3. Sensitivity analysis reveals that the uncertainty of CO contribution to S L uncertainty is higher than that of NH 3 , while the trend is reversed for the T ad uncertainty. In addition, the power output from the combined-cycle gas turbine system varies between 4 and 6% with 1.5% of fuel compositional uncertainty. This become more noticeable at elevated P i [5–10 atm], particularly when the fuel mixture contains high H 2 which is the main contributor to T ad variability. • PCE-UQ model to analyse compositional variability effects on flame properties (S L and T ad). • Additional UQ analysis examines the uncertainty impacts on a CCGT system. • H 2 variability is the strongest contributor to the uncertainty in the CCGT power output. • Richer fuel mixtures are most affected (6%) by minor fuel compositional variability. • Uncertainty impact is higher for high H 2 fuel mixtures combustion at elevated pressures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The catalyst support structure has a significant influence on the performance of the methanol steam reforming (MSR) microreactor for in-situ hydrogen production. Triply period minimal surface (TPMS) structures are emerging as an attractive option as porous MSR catalyst supports owing to their excellent specific surface area, smooth surface and highly interconnected pores. This paper develops a numerical model of the sheet TPMS unit structures with catalyst coating to investigate the flow and reaction characteristics for hydrogen production of MSR reaction. The P, G, and D curved surface structural models were constructed with different porosities. The numerical results indicated that the P curved surface structure with the porosity of 90% had the lowest pressure drop of 0.15 Pa and the highest permeability of 6.31 × 10−9 m2, while the G curved surface structure always demonstrated excellent flow performance within the porosity range of 50–90%. The D curved surface structure exhibited the best reaction performance with hydrogen production exceeding P and G curved surface structures by about 23% and 78% respectively. Furthermore, the performance differences between the two flow phases of the sheet TPMS structures were investigated for the bicontinuous characteristic. The flow phases of the G curved surface structure demonstrated the best consistency in flow and reaction performances. Finally, the optimal design of the sheet, network, and multi-unit heterogeneous TPMS structural catalyst supports was discussed. • A numerical model of the TPMS structures with catalyst coating was developed. • The flow and reaction characteristics of the TPMS structures were studied. • The performance of two flow phases in the TPMS structures were compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Syngas, which is used as both a fuel and a raw material, presents numerous safety risks during its utilization. In this paper, the effects of H 2 /CO ratio (R = 0%, 30%, 50%, 70% and 100%) and CO 2 dilution ([CO 2 ] = 0%–20%) on the explosion behaviors of syngas/air mixtures with different equivalence ratios (φ = 0.8, 1.0, 1.6, and 2.5) are examined via experiments and numerical calculations. The results show that the peaks of explosion pressure and OH* spectral intensity are significantly influenced by the H 2 percentage in the syngas. The introduction of CO 2 notably decreases these parameters in oxygen-rich and severe oxygen-poor states. Additionally, the flame propagation speed noticeably increases with increasing H 2 proportion in the syngas. The influence of CO 2 on the buoyancy instability of the spherical flame of syngas is considered negligible when compared to that of other combustible gases, such as CH 4. Nevertheless, the presence of CO 2 decreases the density ratio between the unburned gas and burned gas and increases the flame thickness of syngas/air mixtures. This trend reduces the cellular instability of the spherical flame, particularly in severe oxygen-poor states. Notably, there is a definite correlation between the formation of cellular flames and the rise rate of explosion pressure. The cellular structure on the flame surface becomes more pronounced when the rise rate of explosion pressure increases. Conversely, it develops later or is noticeably inhibited. Furthermore, the main reaction pathways are H 2 → ∙OH → H 2 O 2 → H 2 O and H 2 → ∙OH → CO → CO 2 during the syngas explosion process. ∙OH is critical in the entire chain reaction because it promotes the conversion of H 2 to H 2 O and acts as a vital connection between the reactants H 2 and CO in the explosion process. • The P max and I max were investigated with H 2 addition and CO 2 dilution. • The cellular instability of the spherical flame was analyzed. • The interaction of flame development and explosion pressure was revealed. • The main reaction pathways during the syngas explosion process were examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiphysics simulations of solid oxide cell (SOC) require extensive experience and can be labor intensive. This paper reports the first successful implementation of automated multiphysics simulation process for industrial-scale planar SOC stacks. The automation is realized through Python based Ansys SpaceClaim scripting for building geometric model, Python based Ansys Workbench Meshing scripting for setting numerical grids, and Scheme based Ansys Fluent TUI commands for performing multiphysics simulations. The model building process allows for customized dimensions of all stack components and the corresponding edge grid counts. The automation of simulations streamlines all the computational steps in multiphysics modeling. The multiphysics model is shown to agree well with the experimental data. The automated tool is illustrated in a parametric analysis of SOC operations, illuminating the influences of size, shape and thermal boundary on the stack performance. The automation makes the simulations simple and efficient, invaluable for the SOC design and operation analysis. • First realization of automated multiphysics modeling of production-scale SOC stacks. • Techniques for automated high-fidelity geometry model building and mesh creation. • Simulation of 6 different sized kW-scale stacks & with different thermal conditions. • Mechanism for the influences of stack size and shape on physical fields revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legislation regulating the sustainability requirements for hydrogen technologies relies more and more on life cycle assessments (LCAs). Due to different scopes and development processes, different pieces of EU legislation refer to different LCA methodologies, with differences in the way multifunctional processes (i.e., co-productions, recycling, and energy recovery) are treated. These inconsistencies arise because incentive mechanisms are not standardized across sectors, even though the end product, hydrogen, remains the same. The goal of this paper is to compare the life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of hydrogen from four production pathways depending on the multifunctional approach prescribed by the different EU policies (e.g., using substitution or allocation). The study reveals a large variation in the LCA results. For instance, the life-cycle GHG emissions of hydrogen co-produced with methanol is found to vary from 1 kg CO 2 -equivalent/kg H 2 (when mass allocation is considered) to 11 kg CO 2 -equivalent/kg H 2 (when economic allocation is used). These inconsistencies could affect the market (e.g., hydrogen from a certain pathway could be considered sustainable or unsustainable depending on the approach) and the environment (e.g., pathways that do not lead to a global emission reduction could be promoted). To mitigate these potential negative effects, we urge for harmonized and strict guidelines to assess the life-cycle GHG emissions of hydrogen technologies in an EU policy context. Harmonization should cover international policies too, to avoid the same risks when hydrogen will be traded based on its GHG emissions. The appropriate methodological approach for each production pathway should be chosen by policymakers in collaboration with the LCA community and stakeholders from the industry based on the potential market and environmental consequences of such choice. • LCA methodologies for hydrogen-related policies are currently not fully harmonized. • Four hydrogen production pathways involving multifunctionality were analysed. • GHG emissions of hydrogen vary significantly with the LCA methodology adopted. • Inconsistencies can lead to market distortions, inefficiencies, and confusion. • There is an urgent need for harmonized and strict LCA guidelines for H2 production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of green hydrogen through electrolysis, utilizing renewable energies, is recognized as a pivotal element in the pursuit of decarbonization. In order to attain cost competitiveness for green hydrogen, reasonable generation costs are imperative. To identify cost-effective import partners for Germany, given its limited green hydrogen production capabilities, this study undertakes an exhaustive techno-economic analysis to determine the potential Levelized Cost of Hydrogen in Germany, Norway, Spain, Algeria, Morocco, and Egypt for the year 2050, which represents a critical milestone in European decarbonization efforts. Employing a stochastic approach with Monte Carlo simulations, the paper marks a significant contribution for projecting future cost ranges, acknowledging the multitude of uncertainties inherent in related cost parameters and emphasizing the importance of randomness in these assessments. Country-specific Weighted Average Cost of Capital are calculated in order to create a refined understanding of political and economic influences on cost formation, rather than using a uniform value across all investigated nations. Key findings reveal that among the evaluated nations, PV-based hydrogen emerges as the most cost-efficient alternative in all countries except Norway, with Spain presenting the lowest Levelized Cost of Hydrogen at 1.66 €/kg to 3.12 €/kg, followed by Algeria (1.72 €/kg to 3.23 €/kg) and Morocco (1.73 €/kg to 3.28 €/kg). Consequently, for economically favorable import options, Germany is advised to prioritize PV-based hydrogen imports from these countries. Additionally, hydrogen derived from onshore wind in Norway (2.24 €/kg to 3.73 €/kg) offers a feasible import alternative. To ensure supply chain diversity and reduce dependency on a single source, a mixed import strategy is advisable. Despite having the lowest electricity cost, Egypt shows the highest Levelized Cost of Hydrogen, primarily due to a significant Weighted Average Cost of Capital. • LCOH projections for 2050 were determined through Monte Carlo Simulation. • PV-based hydrogen is the most cost-effective option in all countries except Norway. • Spain exhibits the lowest LCOH, followed by Algeria and Morocco. • Country-specific WACC variations significantly impact the LCOH. • Importing from Spain, Algeria, Morocco (PV), and Norway (onshore) is advised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as emerging material have drawn much attention to apply to the field of water splitting. In this paper, layered NiFe-MIL-53 and nanoflower-like CoFe-MOF-74 were sequentially grown on nickel foam through two-step in-situ growth to construct a MOF-74/MIL-53 heterojunction. On this basis, we used the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) to significantly improve the oxygen evolution reaction performance of MOF-74/MIL-53 heterojunction. Under illumation, the obtained Au-MOF-74/MIL-53 exhibits a lower overpotential of 218 mV, which is far superior to commercial catalyst. The reaction kinetics are significantly enhanced due to the lower charge transfer resistance and the higher electric double layer capacitance. We confirmed the existence of charge transfer between Au NPs and MOFs, and at the same time, the deposition of Au NPs significantly reduced the charge transfer resistance of MOF-74/MIL-53. On the basis of our work, we provide a novel MOF-based electrocatalytic nanocomposite structure for efficient water splitting. • MOF-74/MIL-53 heterojunction is synthesized by in-situ growth method. • Nanoflower-like MOF-74, with more active centers, contributes to mass transfer. • Au-MOF-74/MIL-53 exhibits much lower overpotential than commercial catalysts. • MOF coupled with plasmonic Au NPs can effectively promote water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass-derived carbon materials are considered potential lithium-ion anode materials because they are sustainable, renewable, economical, and environmentally friendly and have tunable microstructures. However, biomass-derived carbon materials have low specific capacity and show capacity degradation during long-term electrochemical cycling, which prevents their application in high-performance lithium-ion batteries. Hence, in this paper, nitrogen-doped hierarchical porous carbon (NHPC) is synthesized from a biomass waste material, corncob, through one-step activation and carbonization procedures. N-doping in the NHPC modifies the electron distribution on the surface of carbon, resulting in the generation of additional lithium-ion storage sites and enhancing electrode wettability to increase the conductivity. Additionally, the doping procedure results in a hierarchical porous structure with an increased specific surface area and pore volume, which facilitates ion transport and provides remarkable cycling stability. The electrochemical performance of NHPC is improved by the jointly beneficial combination of N-doping and the hierarchical porous structure. The optimized NHPC electrode provides a reversible specific capacity of 700 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 100 mA g−1. This study provides a simple and efficient method for improving the electrochemical properties of biomass-derived carbon materials through elemental doping and modulation of microscopic morphology and structure. • Nitrogen-doped hierarchical porous carbon was derived from biomass waste corncob. • The generated mesopores increased specific surface area and pore volume. • The combination of N-doping and hierarchical porous structure improved Li+ storage. • The large capacitive contribution in the mechanism resulted in good cycling stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a multi-objective framework for sustainable scheduling of hybrid hydrogen-power systems. In the proposed model, the microgrid system incorporated renewable energy systems, battery energy storage systems, non-renewable resources, power-to-hydrogen, hydrogen-to-power, demand response programs, and hydrogen storage systems to present a highly flexible structure in the energy systems. The purpose of the proposed model is to provide a complete operation mechanism for the daily scheduling of microgrids considering environmental, economic, and sustainable problems. To this end, a stochastic three-objective optimization model is proposed to consider the intermittent behavior of renewable generation, loads, and market prices and simultaneously tries to minimize the carbon emission, total cost, and peak loads. The peak load reduction is important because it increases the reliability, renewable energy integration, power quality, and reduced cost of reserve capacity. Therefore, a min-max approach is presented to reduce the peak load in the proposed model. Also, the hydrogen-to-power and power-to-hydrogen resources are integrated as flexible resources to increase the efficiency of microgrids during operation scheduling. The proposed model is evaluated on a standard case study and the numerical results show the multi-objective model reduces the carbon emission by 28.05 kg and increases the load factor by 6.26%, respectively. • Description of a multi-objective problem that integrates electricity and hydrogen. • Proposing an enviro-economic model to reduce carbon emission and operating cost. • The proposed model significantly uniforms the load profile by min-max approach. • Hydrogen storage tank and DR programs are considered to increase the flexibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of hydrogen into the gas grid requires stricter safety measures due to its enhanced flammability compared to natural gas. Detecting small hydrogen leaks is crucial for meeting health and safety requirements, given hydrogen's potential for easy ignition and the hazards associated with its combustion. This paper presents an overview of the quantification of small hydrogen leaks, regarding conversions between common units of measurement, namely concentration and leak rate. In addition, the need for traceable assessments of hydrogen leakage was also considered, which included proposal of the design, calibration, and metrological evaluation of portable hydrogen reference leaks in the range of 10−6 to 10−4 Std cm3/s, the latter being considered as the lowest side of the range of interest for quantifying hydrogen leaks. Two methods of manufacturing leak artefacts, namely conductance and permeation, are explored, and the produced leaks were used to test two hydrogen leak detectors with different working principles. A calibration technique based on a constant pressure gas flowmeter is described together with the uncertainty budget. The study provides insights into the challenges of calibrating detectors for hydrogen leaks, highlighting the importance of traceability in ensuring safety and environmental protection in the context of hydrogen infrastructure. It was demonstrated that reference leaks are highly suitable to test hydrogen leak detectors in the mentioned flow range due to their simplicity, high reliability, low depletion rate and high portability. • Traceability of small hydrogen leaks is challenging. • Reference leaks allow quantitative testing of hydrogen leak detectors. • Designs for the construction of hydrogen reference leaks are disclosed. • Hydrogen reference leaks can be calibrated by a constant pressure gas flowmeter. • Linearity and reproducibility of hydrogen leak detector was assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new design principle for bimetallic catalysts is proposed by combining strongly adsorbed atoms (SAA) with weakly adsorbed atoms (WAA) where the SAA and WAA are classified by the free adsorption energy of oxygen-containing intermediates on the metal atom. And the ORR performances of the bimetallic catalysts designed by the method are compared with the common single metal atom catalysts. The method is successfully confirmed as the overpotential of the Mn-based bimetallic catalysts decreases from 0.63 V in G-MnN 4 to as low as 0.33 V, and that of the Fe-based bimetallic catalysts decreases from 0.76 V in G-FeN 4 to 0.23 V. In addition, the correlation between adsorption free energy and adsorption bond length is revealed for the first time, and the optimal adsorption bond length is determined. Finally, the adsorption energy of O 2 is plotted versus the free adsorption energy of three oxygen-containing intermediates for the first time, and a suitable adsorption energy of O 2 is found to be -1.4∼-1.0 eV. These findings provide a new perspective for the design of high-performance bimetallic catalysts. • Catalysts obtained by combining strongly adsorbed atoms with weakly adsorbed atoms show superior performance. • Correlation between adsorption free energy and adsorption bond length is revealed for the first time. • Adsorption energy of O 2 can be used as a descriptor of ORR performance. • ORR performance is related to the energy difference of hybridization between metal atom and adsorbed species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Power-to-Hydrogen (P2H) clean systems have been increasingly adopted for Virtual Power Plant (VPP) to drive system decarbonization. However, current models for the joint operation of VPP and P2H often disregard the full impact on grid operation or hydrogen supply to multiple consumers. This paper contributes with a VPP operating model considering a full Alternating Current Optimal Power Flow (AC OPF) while integrating different paths for the use of green hydrogen, such as supplying hydrogen to a Combined Heat and Power (CHP), industry and local hydrogen consumers. The proposed framework is tested using a 37-bus distribution grid and the results illustrate the benefits that a P2H plant can bring to the VPP in economic, grid operation and environmental terms. An important conclusion is that depending on the prices of the different hydrogen services, the P2H plant can increase the levels of self-sufficiency and security of supply of the VPP, decrease the operating costs, and integrate more renewables. • Design of a VPP operation model considering P2H systems. • Modeling and exploitation of multiple hydrogen consumption paths. • Integration of full AC OPF in the VPP network operating model. • Assessment of the impact of P2H systems in the VPP operation. • Analysis of P2H contribution to the VPP self-sufficiency and decarbonization goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blending hydrogen with natural gas is useful for reducing CO 2 emissions, but this alters the flame structure, creating challenges for flame stability. Numerous researches on methane-hydrogen flame structure have been carried out based on two-dimensional combustion diagnostic techniques such as flame chemiluminescence and planar laser-induced fluorescence. In this paper, a low-cost OH* chemiluminescence imaging system consisting of 8 ultraviolet (UV) cameras is proposed to reconstruct the three-dimensional (3D) structure of methane-hydrogen flames, and validated through use of the correlation coefficient. Further experimental investigations of the low-swirl methane-hydrogen flames are performed by this computed tomography of chemiluminescence (CTC) system. The flame properties are determined to evaluate the effects of various fractions of blended hydrogen on the flame structure, including the flame center of mass, flame surface density and fractal dimension. Results showed that the flame initially has bowl-shape structure. The flame height gradually decreases and the flame cross-sectional area increases as the blended hydrogen fraction increases. Meanwhile, the bottom of the flame moves toward the nozzle outlet. Nevertheless, when the blended hydrogen fraction reaches 50%, the flame transforms into a cup-shaped flame and shows a double-layer flame structure. When the flame is bowl-shaped, the flame center of mass moves away from the nozzle center axis with increasing blended hydrogen fraction, but the fractal dimension and flame surface density are not sensitive to the blended hydrogen fraction. In contrast, when the flame is cup-shaped, the flame center of mass moves towards the nozzle center axis, and the flame surface density and fractal dimension increase significantly, indicating the increase of flame wrinkling. These results reveal that blending hydrogen leads to two distinct flame structures and characteristics in low-swirl flame, also demonstrate that the proposed 3D low-cost CTC system based on multiple UV cameras is well-suited for combustion diagnostics. • A low-cost 3D computed tomography of OH* chemiluminescence system is proposed. • Two distinct low-swirl CH 4 –H 2 flame shapes are observed and reconstructed. • The change in flame shape is accompanied by a significant change in flame wrinkling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

R–P structured catalysts have attracted attention due to their low noble metal content and long-term stability. In this paper, we calculated the synthesis difficulty, Sr segregation, and OER catalytic activity of SrBO 3 , Sr n+1 BnO 3n+1 (B = Ru, Ir, n = 1, 2), taking into account the effects of perovskite layer numbers and strain. The synthesis difficulty was calculated: SrBO 3 < Sr 2 BO 4 < Sr 3 B 2 O 7. The perovskite layer numbers of R–P catalysts were also found to affect the OER process, from n = 1 to 2, the rate-controlling step changes from O*→OOH* to OOH*→O 2. Sr 2 IrO 4 was calculated to have the best catalytic activity but is very prone to Sr segregation. Due to the unique layered nature, Sr 2 IrO 4 is still considered the most promising OER catalyst. Furthermore, we also concluded that applying strain impairs the OER catalytic performance of R–P oxides. Our work investigated the OER catalytic mechanisms of R–P oxides, which is significant for the development of water electrolysis. [Display omitted] • OER catalytic activity of R–P oxides (n = 1, 2) and perovskites were compared firstly. • According to ΔH calculation, synthesis difficulty: Perovskite < R–P (n = 1) < R–P (n = 2). • From n = 1 to 2, the rate-controlling step of OER changes from O*.→OOH* to OOH*→O 2 • Among these, Sr 2 IrO 4 has the best catalytic ability and is most prone to segregation. • Applying strain impairs the OER catalytic performance of R–P oxides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing the energy consumption of hydrogen liquefaction process is an urgent issue to improve the economy of liquid hydrogen transportation. A novel large-scale hydrogen liquefaction system, with a capacity of 100 TPD, is proposed in this paper. The pre-cooling system is composed of a mixed-refrigerant (MR) refrigeration cycle and a CO 2 –NH 3 cascade refrigeration cycle. Due to the auxiliary pre-cooling effect of the CO 2 –NH 3 cascade cycle, temperature of the pre-cooled hydrogen can be as low as −200.9 °C. A modified MR Joule Brayton cycle with an additional compressor is used as the cryogenic system to cool the hydrogen from −200.9 °C to −252.2 °C. Besides, a four-stage ortho-to-para conversion (OPC) process is utilized. Performance of the novel system is investigated and optimized using the Aspen HYSYS software. According to the results, the lowest specific energy consumption (SEC) of the proposed process is 6.15 kWh/kg LH2 and the exergy efficiency is as high as 67.4%. Based on the energy analysis, the best system coefficient of performance is 0.1751 with a 96.3% of p-H 2 in the liquid hydrogen. In addition, compared to the initial conceptual system, the proposed system exhibits significant performance enhancements, a 20% reduction in SEC and a 27.9% increase in exergy efficiency. A sensitivity analysis is conducted to assess the impact of refrigerant composition and hydrogen pressure on the system, resulting in the determination of the optimal proportions of refrigerant components and the optimal inlet pressure. Results of the study can provide theoretical reference for the further development of large-scale hydrogen liquefaction technology. • A novel large hydrogen liquefaction process is proposed and analyzed. • The process employs mixed refrigerant for pre-cooling and cryogenics. • Performances of the process are simulated and optimized with Aspen HYSYS. • The overall specific energy consumption of the process is 6.15 kWh/kg LH2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a diabatic compressed air energy storage system fueled by a natural gas/hydrogen mixture that integrates heating and power generation is proposed. A comprehensive thermodynamic analysis has been conducted to identify the key factors influencing system performance and elucidate the detailed formation and distribution patterns of irreversible losses when utilizing a hydrogen-natural gas blend as fuel in the proposed system. The research results indicate that increasing the hydrogen blending ratio from 0.5 to 1 lead to greater enhancements in roundtrip efficiency (∼1.08% vs. ∼0.33%), exergy efficiency (∼3.88% vs. ∼1.15%), and energy density (∼1.24% vs. ∼0.42%) compared to an increase from 0 to 0.5. The combustor suffers the largest exergy destruction proportion, with a notable reduction in exergy destruction achieved through increased hydrogen blending. System performance benefits significantly from higher combustor outlet temperatures and expansion ratios at various hydrogen blending ratios. The rate of change in exergy efficiency (∼42.76% vs. ∼83.17%) and energy density (∼58.83%) demonstrates an inverse correlation with the varied parameters (1100–1500K, 4–8), except for the rate of change in energy density (∼6.76%), which displays a positive relationship with the combustor outlet temperature. Notably, a significant decrease in the rate of change in roundtrip efficiency (∼1.87% vs. ∼6.64%) is observed within a specific parameter range (1400–1500K, 5–6). Sensitivity analysis identifies the combustor outlet temperature as the most influential factor in enhancing system performance, consistently showing positive effects of the hydrogen blending ratio. [Display omitted] • A natural gas/hydrogen-fueled CAES system combined heating and power is proposed. • Increasing the hydrogen contents significantly reduces combustor exergy destruction. • Higher hydrogen content (>0.5) yields notable performance boosts, especially in EXE. • The ROC s infected by ER display a remarkable correlation compared to the COT. • The COT is the crucial parameter on system performance via sensitivity analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium is widely used but often accompanied by frequent magnesium powder explosion accidents. If the variation regularity and mechanism of the minimum explosion concentration (c m) of magnesium powder under the multi-factor coupling effect can be understood, the occurrence of magnesium powder explosion accidents can be fundamentally avoided, and intrinsic safety can be achieved. In this paper, experiments were conducted using a self-made 20 L explosion device to explore the effects of particle size, initial temperature, and equilibrium relative humidity (ERH) coupling on the c m of magnesium powder. The study found that an increase in ERH of moist magnesium powder would lead to easier agglomeration of the dust, making it less prone to activation. Additionally, excessive moisture also absorbed more heat, reducing the ignition sensitivity of the dust cloud and resulting in a continuous increase in c m. However, increasing the initial temperature and decreasing the dust particle size both decreased the c m of moist magnesium powder, weakening the effect of ERH on c m. Furthermore, using the analysis methods of orthogonal experimental range and AHP model, it was determined that the influence weights of the factors coupling effects on the c m of magnesium powder, from highest to lowest weight, were: particle size > ERH > initial temperature. Furthermore, in order to deeper understand the mechanism of the action process that affect the c m of moist magnesium powder, additional experiments were conducted to further confirm that the addition of hydrogen derived from the erosion reaction of moist magnesium powder to the explosion system can reduce the c m of magnesium dust clouds. Moreover, a quantitative mathematical model for predicting the c m of magnesium powder/hydrogen two-phase system was also established. The mechanism of temperature effect on the ignition of moist particles. [Display omitted] • A quantitative mathematical model for predicting MEC of Mg dust/H 2 hybrid is created. • Higher initial temp and lower particle size weaken ERH effect on wet Mg powder MEC. • The higher the ERH, the greater the effect of initial temp on the MEC of Mg powder. • Use orthogonal test range and AHP model to assess factors' impact weight on dust MEC. • Impact weights of factors coupling on dust MEC: Particle size > ERH > Initial temp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reverse water gas shift (RWGS) is of great significance to the resource utilization of CO 2. In this paper, based on the features of MoO 3 , the Mo-based catalysts doped with Ga, Ti and Ce were prepared, and the effects of oxygen vacancies and basic sites on the RWGS reaction were studied. When the volume ratio of H 2 and CO 2 is 1 : 1, the yield of CO can reach 26.66%. Because it exposes higher concentration of Ce sites and moderate alkaline active sites on the surface. When the proportion of H 2 in the reaction gas increases, the highest yield of CO can reach 54.53%, which is mainly attributed to a large number of oxygen vacancies on the surface of MoTi. This study can be used as a reference for the design of catalysts for RWGS reaction under different reaction conditions. A series of Mo-based catalysts were prepared, and the significance of oxygen vacancies and surface basic sites in RWGS reaction was explored, and a reference was provided for the study of similar catalytic materials under different reaction gas ratios. [Display omitted] • MoO 3 by doping transition metal has a good application prospect in RWGS reaction. • The yield of MoTi and MoCe is close to equilibrium in RWGS reaction. • High CO 2 concentration is good for MoTi with higher density oxygen vacancies. • High H 2 concentration is good for MoCe with higher density surface basic sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen energy plays an important role in achieving green and low-carbon transformation and development. It is a feasible method to produce clean hydrogen by solar irradiation. In this paper, a new type of InN/BTe van der Waals heterojunction is designed based on density functional theory. The calculated results show that the lattice mismatch of the heterojunction is less than 2% and has good stability, which is beneficial to the experimental synthesis. Under light irradiation, the transfer path of electrons and holes generated by light excitation is Z-scheme mechanism, which accumulates in BTe conduction band and InN valence band with stronger redox activity, respectively, and improves the efficiency of photocatalytic hydrolysis. The InN/BTe heterojunction under the standard hydrogen electrode can achieve complete decomposition of water and spontaneous hydrogen evolution reaction. The high solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency (up to 17.92%) and electron mobility (1820.54 cm2/Vs) indicate that the InN/BTe heterojunction is a promising photocatalytic material. [Display omitted] • The design of a novel direct Z-scheme InN/BTe heterojunction. • The HER of InN/BTe heterojunction occurs spontaneously under the standard hydrogen electrode. • The solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of InN/BTe heterojunction is as high as 17.92%. • InN/BTe heterojunction is a potential efficient photocatalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid depletion of fossil fuels has become the worst scenario as most of the energy needed still depends on the use of fossil energy, oil, natural gas, and coal. The combustion of crude oil and coal has contributed to the major anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO 2) gas in the atmosphere and has worsened climate change and global warming. Therefore, the abundant CO 2 in the surrounding has opened the door to many studies to convert CO 2 into the next generation of fuels and indirectly reduce the greenhouse effect. Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) nanomaterials have appeared as a practical and reliable catalyst for CO 2 conversion to sustainable fuels under normal atmospheric conditions. Having fascinating electronic and catalytic properties, these earth-abundant element-based materials are being explored and developed for real-world application. This paper reviews the recent insight into the synthesis, properties and application of TMDs as catalysts in electrocatalysis, photocatalysis and thermal catalysis for CO 2 reduction and conversion. The role of type of sulfide (S), selenide (Se) and telluride (Te)-based TMDs in the production of various valuable products such as formate (HCO 2 −), formic acid (CH 2 O 2), methanol (CH 3 OH), and ethanol (CH 3 CH 2 OH), amongst others, will be discussed in detail. The possible reaction pathways and mechanisms and the relationship between tailoring the catalysts properties and CO 2 activation towards high CO 2 reduction and conversion efficiency will also be evaluated. • TMD catalysts have demonstrated promising performance in converting CO 2. • TMD catalyst can be used for electro-, photo- and thermal-catalytic CO 2 conversion. • The synthesis and characterization methods of TMD catalysts has been reviewed. • The different types of TMD catalysts and their potential have been investigated. • The mechanisms of all catalytic reactions have been examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, multi-objective optimization of the hydrogen production ( m ˙ H 2 ) of a solar-based cobalt-chlorine (Co–Cl) thermochemical cycle with grey relational analysis (GRA) has been performed. Monthly total irradiance averages (A), wind velocity (B), receiver height (C), receiver radius (D) and number of heliostats (E) are considered to achieve the highest the useful energy absorbed by the solar receiver ( Q ˙ a b s ), efficiency of the receiver (η r e c ), the overall efficiency of the system (η o v e r a l l) and hydrogen production ( m ˙ H 2 ). Orthogonal experimental design is planned according to L 18 orthogonal array created by Taguchi method. The percent contribution rates (PCR) on the Q ˙ a b s , η r e c , η o v e r a l l and m ˙ H 2 are determined with the help of ANOVA analysis. The optimal parameters are identified as monthly total irradiance average of 143.8 kW h (A 3), wind velocity of 5 m/s (B 2), receiver height of 8 m (C 1), receiver radius of 3 m (D 1) and number of heliostats of 850 (E 3), respectively. The highest Q ˙ a b s , η r e c , η o v e r a l l and m ˙ H 2 values corresponding to A 3 B 2 C 1 D 1 E 3 are obtained as 50.2 GW; 64.1%; 22.2% and 122.59 (tons/month), respectively. The PCR of the A, B, C, D and E parameters influencing the f-factor are determined to be 12.6 %, 1.92 %, 0.48 %, 15.03 %, and 53.20 %, respectively. Also, empirical equations are developed with regression analysis (RA) to estimate the Q ˙ a b s , η r e c , η o v e r a l l , m ˙ H 2 values. The statistical coefficients (R2-value) for training and testing data's are determined in the range of 0.771167–0.99608 for Q ˙ a b s , η r e c , η o v e r a l l and m ˙ H 2 , respectively. • Hydrogen production of a solar-based Co–Cl has been investigated. • Optimization of solar-based Co–Cl determined with Taguchi based GRA. • The η o v e r a l l of solar-based Co–Cl computed as 22.2%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N-rich precursors govern the thermal polymerization formation of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) based catalysts towards enhanced photocatalytic performance. In this paper, Cu components were introduced in superior thin g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets using the thermal polymerization copper acetate and bulk g-C 3 N 4 created by different precursors including melamine, dicyandiamide, and thiourea, such as melamine-g-C 3 N 4 (MCN), dicyandiamide-g-C 3 N 4 (DCN), and thiourea-g-C 3 N 4 (TCN). The performance of Cu-g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets depended strongly on the precursors of bulk g-C 3 N 4 samples. The well-developed Cu nanoparticles with clear lattice fringes were observed in the sample prepared using MCN (sample Cu-MCN) while the crystallinity of Cu nanoparticles became worse in the sample prepared using DCN (sample Cu-DCN). Interestingly, Cu clusters were homogeneously distributed in superior thin g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets in the case of using TCN (sample Cu-TCN) because of S components in thiourea affected the thermal polymerization. The photocatalytic activity of Cu-TCN was drastically improved compared with other Cu-g-C 3 N 4 samples. The photocatalytic hydrogen production rate of Cu-TCN with 1% of Cu components was 4035.6 μmol g-1 h-1. Cycle stability test indicated that sample Cu-TCN revealed high stability, in which the H 2 generation rate was retained 95% of their initial value after 5 cycles. These results supply efficient approaches for the study and application of g-C 3 N 4 based photocatalysts. • Cu components introduced in g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets using bulk g-C 3 N 4 created by different precursors. • Precursors (melamine, dicyandiamide, and thiourea) affect the activity of Cu-g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets. • Cu distribution in g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets depended on the thermal polymerization of precursors. • Cu clusters distributed in g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets created using thiourea revealed the best performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fuel cell behavior is characterized by important electric and kinetic parameters such as charge transfer coefficient, exchange current density and ohmic resistance. The quantitative estimate of these parameters by a semi-empirical approach without resorting to the sophisticated and costly methods like AC Impedance spectroscopy is presented in this paper. A fuel cell model that describes voltage-current density behavior is utilized to acquire the fuel cell parameters by using two different kinds of fitting procedures. A set of equations suitable for fitting various regions of voltage-current density variation are proposed and the criteria used to assess the quality of fit is uniformly applied to all the fitting procedures. The importance of leakage current as a parameter is also discussed by presenting improved form of fuel cell model. The model is fitted on the DC Impedance (Polarization) curve experimental data obtained for liquid feed passive Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC) at different methanol feed concentration and the operating torque. After establishing the applicability of the model and the proposed fitting procedure, a detailed sensitivity analysis is conducted to demonstrate the reliability of the model. The sensitivity analysis, along with an independent parameter sensitivity method is used to study the impact of individual model parameters on fitting criteria. The results showed higher sensitivity ratio (SR) for the model equation as compared to the sensitivity analysis for a given assumed value of charge transfer coefficient. Also, the fitted curve on experimental data shows nearly same Sum of Squared Residue (SSR) for two kinds of fitting procedures. The 95% confidence intervals for all the fuel cell parameters were presented and analyzed. The ohmic resistance and exchange current density obtained by improved form of model equation were validated by the experimental data in the literature. The deviation and dispersion behavior of important parameters of charge transfer coefficient and ohmic resistance are thoroughly studied for various kinds of variation types, percentage of points and the type of method. Finally, the trends of the sensitivity factor based on the value of model parameter were analyzed. The importance of the present model in obtaining valuable information regarding the fuel cell behavior under different operating conditions is presented. [Display omitted] • A simple semi-empirical method for estimation of kinetic and electric parameters of the fuel cell is developed. • Normal equations and well-defined objective function have been used for fitting. • Experimental I–V curve is used for fitting and EIS-ohmic resistance is utilized for validation. • Sensitivity analysis accompanied with parameter sensitivity method are used to establish the validity of the model and fitting procedure. • Estimation of important fuel cell parameters without resort to sophisticated AC Impedance techniques is a novel feature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidation of metals in water has been explored to generate sustainable carbon free hydrogen and power. This paper studies the thermal ignition of micro aluminum powders in high-pressure deionized (DI) water for cogeneration of hydrogen, heat, and alumina. Thermal ignition (temperature runaway) is necessary to ensure achieving high reaction temperatures, past the saturation temperature, where alumina formation is thermodynamically favorable. Aluminum powders with nominal particle diameters of 1, 10 and 45 μm with spherical morphology and 2 μm with flake morphology were mixed with DI water to form slurries with equivalence ratio of 1.3 in a 100 mL batch reactor. The reactor was pressure maintained between 500 and 2000 psig using a back-pressure regulator, and heat was injected into the slurry through an electric band heater. It was found that 1 and 2 μm powders ignite in compressed water, but only the 2 μm slurries achieved temperatures above saturation temperature at pressures above 700 psig. On the other hand, 10 and 45 μm powders require saturated steam for ignition at pressures above 1000 and 1200 psig, respectively. Hydrogen volume data indicate that larger powders at higher pressures optimize reaction yield, which is likely due to delayed ignition which preserves the active aluminum content and the particle-water reaction interfaces. Scanning electron microscopy images illustrate that the byproduct particles crack upon ignition at the saturation temperature, which increases the specific surface area by an order of magnitude relative to the aluminum powders. Pore size distribution data indicates the formation of micro, meso and macropores upon the ignition. X-ray powder diffraction data indicate that reaction temperatures above 450 °C promote the formation of alumina (Al 2 O 3) instead of boehmite (ALOOH). • Hydrogen, heat and alumina are cogenerated from reaction of aluminum with water. • Pressure controls the onset of reaction. • Specific surface area of the powder has a significant impact on ignition. • Presence of steam is necessary for ignition of larger powders. • High specific surface area alumina powder is produced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wettability of shale reservoirs has an important influence on the flow of external fluids. In this paper, the effect of wettability on the self-absorption of hydraulic fracturing fluid under different pore size conditions is first analyzed. Then, the mechanism of the influence of wettability pore size on the flow coefficient is elucidated. The results show that (a) as the pore size decreases, the importance of various forces acting on the fluid during the flow process changes, and the solid-liquid interaction will greatly affect the fluid flow in the nanopore. (b) When the radius is 5, the flow enhancement increases from 0.6331 to 0.998 as the radius increases from 0 to 3.141594.(c) The shale inorganic material contains a variety of minerals, and the interaction forces between different mineral surfaces and water molecules are different, resulting in different apparent viscosities. • The influence of wettability on hydraulic fracturing fluid imbibition is analyzed. • The effect of different pore size conditions is considered. • The wettability pore size influence mechanism of flow coefficient is clarified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Timely and effective fault diagnosis is crucial to guarantee the reliability and durability of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Segmented cell technology has been proven to be a powerful tool for exploring the internal characteristics of fuel cells, yet it is seldom applied for fault diagnosis. This paper proposes a data-driven fault diagnosis method that combines segmented cell and deep learning technology for PEMFC water management fault diagnosis. The dynamic characteristics of the current distribution of the fuel cell under different levels of faults are explored with segmented cell technology. A dual-input convolutional neural network is applied to combine current distribution data and sensor data for a more comprehensive system status for fault diagnosis. The results show that the model can efficiently identify flooding and drying faults with more than 98.5% accuracy, faster and more accurately than other algorithms. This work highlights the significance of segmented cell technology for the comprehension of water management inside PEMFC and provides a new concept for PEMFC fault diagnosis. [Display omitted] • The segmented cell technology is applied to investigate the current distribution during flooding and drying process. • A dual-input CNN is adopted to establish a fault diagnosis model for PEMFC water management. • The proposed method exhibits excellent diagnostic performance, with an accuracy rate of over 98.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

World is presently facing major challenges in energy industry to reduce or replace greenhouse gases (CO 2 , CH 4 , NO x etc.) emissions to net zero in the coming decades while decreasing the reliance on traditional fossil fuels. In the current scenario, hydrogen (H 2) appears to be an excellent alternative energy source to meet the criteria. Storage of H 2 over a long period of time in large quantities poses a significant challenge for its widespread uses. In order to overcome this issue, the idea of using large-scale depleted underground hydrocarbon reservoirs, salt caverns, underground aquifers, etc. is considered to be a suitable option for underground hydrogen storage. However, underground storage of H 2 for a longer time period comes up with a potentially high microbial activity where H 2 can be utilized in the microbial metabolism and converted into undesirable gases like CH 4 and H 2 S which in turn, damage the porous medium due to clogging, acid formation, and corrosion activity. This review paper explores the various scientific challenges during large-scale H 2 storage in porous medium to facilitate the global H 2 economy. Moreover, a detailed description of the effect of subsurface environment conditions such as pressure, temperature, pH, and salinity on microbes is included in this study. In addition to this, steps to counter microbial activity in stored H 2 monitoring and mitigation approaches are also discussed in this article. • Underground hydrogen storage and its mechanism are discussed. • Effect of microorganisms on stored hydrogen and porous media properties comprehensively reviewed. • The impact of microbial activity on subsurface storage environment conditions. • Monitoring and mitigation strategies to counter microbial activities comprehensively reviewed. • Latest treatment proposition of microbial activities and role of biocides in underground hydrogen storage discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonia (NH 3), as a zero carbon, easy to synthesize, and easily obtainable fuel, is one of the choices for future internal combustion engine fuels. However, the slow laminar flames speed and high ignition temperature of NH 3 seriously hinder the development of NH 3 engines. Efficiently igniting NH3 and ensuring its stable combustion is currently a challenging research topic. Utilizing diesel to optimize the NH3 combustion process is one effective solution. However, the increase of unburned ammonia (UNH 3) and unstable combustion, under high load conditions have always been technical challenges that constrain the development of ammonia-diesel dual-fuel (ADDF) engines. Previous studies have found that pre-chambers (PC) have a significant effect on improving ammonia combustion characteristics. Therefore, based on the PC system, this study proposes two combustion modes: Reactivity Assisted Jet Ignition (RAJI) and Reactivity Turbulent Jet Disturbance (RTJD), which greatly optimize the combustion characteristics of ADDF engines under high load conditions. The research results indicate that the RAJI mode effectively improves the thermal environment inside the cylinder. Setting the start of diesel injection of pre-chamber (SODI-PC) at −14 °CA after top dead center (ATDC) can increase the cylinder temperature by 25.05% before the start of diesel injection of main chamber (SODI-MC). The improvement of thermal environment reduces the average generation of N 2 O to 13.56% of the traditional mode. However, if SODI-PC is postponed to −8 °CA ATDC, the effect of creating a thermal environment is no longer significant. Research on the RTJD mode has found that adopting the RTJD mode can significantly optimize emissions. Compared with traditional modes, N 2 O, UNH 3 , and Soot decreased by 28.81%, 27.79%, and 35.08%, respectively. Additionally, SODI-PC is delayed until after 4 °CA ATDC, CO and UHC will be further reduced to 50.00% and 12.24% of the traditional mode, respectively. In addition, the RTJD mode overcomes the deficiency of the slow laminar flame speed of NH 3 , shortening the combustion duration by 23.46%, and effectively improving the gross indicated thermal efficiency (ITEg) by an average increase of 1.08%, with the highest increase reaching 47.57%. This paper provides ideas for optimizing the structure and strategy of ADDF engines, as well as theoretical support and empirical reference for achieving clean and efficient combustion of engines. [Display omitted] • Two combustion modes: RAJI and RTJD are proposed. • The RAJI mode can reduces the average generation of N 2 O to 13.56% of the traditional mode. • In RAJI mode the N 2 O and UNH 3 , was decreased by 28.81% and 27.79%, respectively. • The RTJD mode shortens the combustion duration by 23.46%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The measures needed to limit global warming pose a particular challenge to current fossil fuel exporters, who must not only decarbonise their local energy systems, but also compensate for the expected decline in fossil fuel revenues. One possibility is seen in the export of green hydrogen. Using Algeria as a case study, this paper analyses how different levels of ambition in hydrogen exports, energy efficiency and fuel switching affect the cost-optimal expansion of the power sector for a given overall emissions reduction path. Despite falling costs for photovoltaics and wind turbines, the results indicate that in countries with very low natural gas prices, such as Algeria, a fully renewable electricity system by 2050 is unlikely without appropriate policy measures. The expansion of renewable energy should therefore start early, given the high annual growth rates required, which will be reinforced by additional green hydrogen exports. In parallel, energy efficiency is a key factor as it directly mitigates CO2 emissions from fossil fuels and reduces domestic electricity demand, which could instead be used for hydrogen production. Integrating electrolysers into the power system could potentially help to reduce specific costs through load shifting. Overall, it seems advisable to analyse hydrogen exports together with local decarbonisation in order to better understand their interactions and to reduce emissions as efficiently as possible. These results and the methodology could be transferred to other countries that want to become green hydrogen exporters in the future and are therefore a useful addition for researchers and policy makers. • The required strong capacity expansion for PV and wind is challenging, but feasible. • "Energy efficiency first" benefits both the local energy transition and H2 exports. • Fully renewable power systems require a suitable political framework. • Higher hydrogen exports might help to reduce the specific power system cost. • Fossil capacity expansion must be stopped to avoid lock-ins and higher future costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern energy systems are large distributed systems and, as a rule, contain energy storage systems and, in particular, hydrogen batteries and hydrogen production systems. The use of hydrogen for energy transportation has recently been actively studied in a number of scientific projects. To ensure continuous operation of instrumentation and control equipment on long hydrogen pipelines (gas and cryogenic), it is important to ensure constant autonomous power supply to these systems. This can be solved using micromechanical energy microgeneration systems for the uninterrupted operation of various sensors, which are installed in large numbers on almost all elements of the structure and infrastructure. In addition, an important area of scientific research is the revision of the concepts and appearance of traditional devices of modern renewable energy: windmills, solar cells, turbines, etc. Fundamentally new energy devices are on the agenda, capable of recovering mechanical energy of any power and supplying it to the consumer in the form of a given specific energy flow. Collection of chaotically distributed natural energy of the environment (mechanical energy in the form of: vibrations, acoustic vibrations, wave energy, gusts of wind, tornadoes, precipitation, vibrations of the earth's crust, etc.), as well as collection of dissipated energy from artificial sources (iron and automobile highways, airstrips, spaceports, production facilities, etc.) with the help of mechanical microgenerators will allow the recovery and conversion of mechanical energy of various powers, including low power, into a universal energy carrier - hydrogen. Mechanical vibrations of artificial origin are of particular interest due to their widespread use for domestic and industrial purposes in a wide range of vibrations. The energy of mechanical vibrations can be collected and converted into electrical energy using piezoelectric, electromagnetic, triboelectric or electrostatic (capacitive) energy converters. Electrostatic microelectromechanical energy converters are considered the most promising among other energy converters, since their manufacturing processes are based on standard technology for the production of integrated circuits and microelectromechanical systems. Energy conversion by an electrostatic converter is carried out due to an external mechanical force that does work against the force of attraction of the charged electrodes of a variable capacitor. To transfer the received electrical energy to the load of the consuming device, the electrostatic converter is connected to the corresponding electrical circuits (conditioning circuits). Such a system as a whole is a kind of microgenerator or energy collector. Microenergy flow recovery systems integrated into large energy systems will ensure the collection and recovery of significant amounts of energy for remote energy consumers. At the same time, the concept of a distributed mechanical energy recovery system is quite simple: a mechanical energy receiver - a converter into electrical energy - a preliminary electrical storage device - an energy distributor - an electric energy accumulator - an electrolyser - a hydrogen accumulator - a fuel cell. To optimize the operation of the working circuit, including preliminary electrical systems for energy storage and conversion: capacitors and electric energy accumulators, electrolyzers; To ensure their durability and reliability, flexible automatic control of electrical power distribution is necessary. The real work was done to solve that problem. In addition, for extended and large power facilities it is important to ensure widespread sensory control of system parameters. At the same time, if all sensors receive power from an autonomous energy-generating device, then the costs of creating extended communications for instrumentation will be sharply reduced. In addition, the reliability of the control system will significantly increase. The results of studying operation features of a kinetic microgenerator with reduced output voltage are presented. The performance of a multi-stage modified Bennet doubler is compared to a system including a two-stage modified Bennet doubler and a diode-capacitor voltage divider. It is shown that with an increase of the number of stages in the modified Bennet doubler, the conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy becomes less and less efficient. At the same time, for achieving the maximum energy accumulation rate (power), a two-stage power amplifier based on the Bennet doubler is preferable. It is established that when analyzing the operation of a diode-capacitor voltage divider, it is necessary to take into account the intrinsic (reverse) capacitances of the discharging diodes affecting the divider operation significantly. The divider behavior features while changing the load resistance and the intrinsic capacitances of the discharge diodes are found and analyzed. Analytical expressions linking the main characteristics of the microgenerator as a whole with the parameters of the electronic components used are derived. It is shown that for expanding the range of the "correct" division of the divider, it is necessary to use discharge diodes with minimal intrinsic capacitances, and also that connecting a load to the Bennet doubler as a voltage divider changes the permissible capacitance modulation depth of the variable capacitor. This paper examines the concepts of creating large energy-generating flows based on arrays of micromechanical energy converters placed on optimal energy-efficient receiving surfaces and analyzes the issues of cryogenic production, storage, consumption and transportation of hydrogen. Stationary and mobile cryogenic storage systems for hydrogen are considered. Much attention is paid to the safety of large cryogenic and gas hydrogen systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The peak explosion pressure and maximum rate of pressure rise of explosions in confined spaces are key safety parameters to evaluate the hazard of processes running in closed vessels and to design enclosures able to withstand explosions or of their vents used as relief devices. These properties are examined in the present paper, for hydrogen-hydrocarbon-air mixtures at sub-atmospheric pressures, using propane and n -butane as test fuels and variable hydrogen ratios between 0 and 0.3. The experimental study was carried out in a sphere and a cylindrical chamber at room temperature and sub-atmospheric pressures (between 0.3 and 1.0 bar). On the basis of pressure recordings, the characteristic explosion indices, i.e., the maximum explosion pressure (p max), maximum rate of pressure rise ((dp/dt) max), deflagration index (K G), and time to peak pressure (θ max) were derived. Numerical simulations were used to determine the adiabatic explosion pressures and adiabatic flame temperatures of isochoric combustion. The effects of initial pressure (p 0), hydrogen concentration, and shape and size of the explosion vessel on explosion indices are discussed. For each hydrogen concentration of the blended fuels, linear correlations p max = f(p 0) and (dp/dt) max = f(p 0) were found. In addition, the heat loss to the walls during explosion propagation was estimated on the basis of the difference between the adiabatic and experimental explosion pressures. The amount of heat lost increases with the increase of hydrogen blending ratio and vessel asymmetry. • Hydrogen-blended propane-air and butane-air explosions were studied in two closed vessels. • The experiments were performed at various initial pressures between 0.3 and 1.0 bar. • As Hydrogen blending ratio increases, the explosion pressure, the maximum rate of pressure rise, and the severity factor increase. • The increase of hydrogen blending ratio results in the decrease of the explosion times. • The observed variations depend largely on the volume and shape of the explosion vessel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen energy is recognized as a crucial solution for addressing energy crises and advancing energy conservation and emissions reduction. It will play a significant role in the future integrated energy systems (IESs). However, the influence of seasonal variations in scheduling optimization of hydrogen-integrated energy system has rarely been investigated. A low-carbon scheduling model for IES, adopting multiple demand responses and a ladder-type carbon trading mechanism, has been established. Additionally, a multi-time scale dispatch optimization strategy considering seasonal hydrogen utilization is thus proposed in this paper. Specifically, day-ahead scheduling optimizes the system taking into account the seasonal variations of renewable energy and load. In the intraday stage, rolling optimization is adopted to address the forecasting errors introduced by wind and photovoltaic fluctuations. In the real-time stage, chance-constrained methods are employed to ensure short-term supply-demand balance. The efficacy of the proposed strategy is verified using real-world measurements, and the results show the multi-time scale scheduling strategy and multiple demand responses effectively enhanced the system's self-regulation capability, leading to a 12% increase in renewable energy absorption. In addition, seasonal hydrogen utilization is essential for system design, as it enhances the absorption of renewable energy, reducing the purchase cost by 4% and the total cost by 2.6%. • Integrated energy system considering seasonal hydrogen utilization. • Multi-time scale optimization with multiple demand response. • Ladder-type carbon trading mechanism reduces system carbon emissions. • Refined hydrogen utilization increased renewable energy absorption by 12%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts is an important strategy to produce hydrogen energy by water splitting. Based on the Kirkendall effect and the capillary action of Al melting, this paper introduced a proper amount of Al into NiFe, and the 3D porous bulk high-efficiency OER electrodes were successfully prepared by microwave sintering. The 3D porous structure can provide abundant active sites for OER. The porous channel accelerates the penetration of O 2 and electrolyte, shortens the diffusion path of reagents and products, and reduces the charge transfer resistance. It is worth noting that the NiFeAl porous bulk electrode shows excellent OER performance. The overpotentials are 205 mV and 251 mV at the current density of 10 mA cm−2 and 100 mA cm−2, respectively, and the Tafel slope is as low as 39.3 mV dec−1. Due to the existence of Al in the electrode and continuous etching and reconstruction in 1 M KOH solution, the stability test of the electrode lasts for more than 80 h, and the stability rate is even as high as 99.6%. In this work, a new view is put forward in developing an efficient and stable OER electrocatalysts for the preparation of transition metals. • Porous bulk NiFeAl OER electrodes were prepared by microwave sintering. • The Kirkendall effect and Al doping leaded to the formation of 3D porous structure. • The NiFeAl had a overpotential of 205 mV with the Tafel slope of 39.3 mV dec−1. • The stability had more than 80 h at 50 mA cm−2 in 1 M KOH solution. • Continuous etching of Al in strong alkaline electrolyte resulted in surface reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the preliminary design and thermodynamic analysis of hydropower and solar integrated e-fuel production system for a tea factory. In this regard, an integrated hydro-solar e-fuel production system has been developed, which is mainly able to produce e-methanol and green hydrogen. The system contains five main subsystems: i) Proton exchange membrane electrolyzer system, ii) CO 2 capture and storage system, iii) Methanol production system, iv) Photovoltaic system, and v) Penstock hydroelectric power plant. In terms of the general system operating principle, it is important to emphasize that the energy need of the system is supplied by solar power plant during the sunshine duration (the case 1) and provided by hydropower plant in the period when solar energy is not sufficient (the case 2). Considering the required assumptions, in the first step, preliminary design was performed, and in the second step, the energy and exergy analyzes were achieved, and in the final step, the effects of parameters such as CO 2 capture efficiency, methanol reactor conversion ratio, and environmental temperature on the system performance were parametrically investigated. Accordingly, in the case 1, the maximum energy and exergy efficiencies of the integrated e-fuel production system were respectively obtained to be 7.132% and 6.569% while, in the case 2, those were respectively calculated to be 39.44% and 42.36%. Moreover, approximately 235.9 tons of CO 2 emission in operation period of the tea factory considered in this work can be reduced by the integrated hydro-solar e-fuel production system that has a production capacity of 399.8 kg/h for methanol and 37.73 kg/h for hydrogen. It is expected that the integrated system concept may contribute to the researchers, system designers, policy makers, investors, and different enterprises for practical applications. • Hydropower and solar integrated e-fuel production system for a tea factory is proposed. • The preliminary design and thermodynamic analysis have been performed. • Thanks to the developed systems, 235.9 tons of CO 2 emissions can be reduced. • The maximum exergy efficiency of case-1 and case-2 are obtained to be 6.569% and 42.36%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy production through electrolysis of water to obtain "green hydrogen" has gained interest as a clean energy storage option. However, integrating variable renewable energy resources into the grid poses challenges to maintaining energy balance and stability. In this paper, a hybrid energy storage system combining short-term battery energy storage system and long-term hydrogen-based energy storage system is proposed for an isolated DC microgrid with a structure similar to a hydrogen refueling station. Passivity-Based Control (IDA-PBC) is utilized for power converters regulation, ensuring global stability based on Lyapunov theory while accounting for the nonlinear characteristics of the physical system. The control strategy is designed to ensure a reliable supply of electrical energy to the loads, preserve the quality of electrical variables in the network, and secure the safe operation of system components. Additionally, to safeguard devices from overvoltage, a Sliding Mode Reference Conditioning loop (SMRC) is proposed. It intervenes only when there is a potential risk of exceeding predefined boundaries. Simulations results under demanding conditions demonstrate the effectiveness of incorporating hydrogen energy storage systems with IDA-PBC and SMRC for this class of problems. • An isolated MG with H2 storage, typical structure of a refueling station, was modeled. • The IDA-PBC ensures the stability of the nonlinear and complex MG. • SMRC ensures overvoltage protection in the bus. • The control confirms that H2 storage integrated with RES contributes to MG stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetic field distribution of an electromagnetic device could provide information about its health state. This paper focuses on the Fuel Cell (FC) diagnosis using the magneto-tomography, which involves mapping the magnetic field produced by any electrical device. Since magnetic field and current density are directly related, this study could describe the (ab)normal operation of a FC. For this purpose, a two-dimensional (2-D) multi-layer model based on Maxwell-Fourier methods is developed. In order to validate the developed model for the FC diagnosis, an experimental bench was set up to emulate the FC operating mode. This innovative purely analytical model presents confident results, the magnetic field generated by the FC is studied into three different functioning cases. The analytical results and the experimental measurements are similar in the three cases, in the worst situation, the difference of the magnetic field doesn't exceed 15 A/m, this is representing a relative error of 6 %. The efficiency of the model is consequently established. • An analytical model is required to develop a diagnostic tool for fuel cells (FC) using magneto-tomography. • Magneto-tomography is an effective method to diagnose the health state of a FC. • Good agreement with experimental measurements permits to validate the multi-layer model. • Magneto-tomography using multi-layer model could consequently increase the FC lifetime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell - Mechanical Heat Pump - Combined Heat and Power (PEMFC-MHP-CHP) system is a reliable energy supply solution, which can operate independently of the grid during emergencies or be used for peak shaving and load leveling in renewable energy networks. This paper proposes two system structures, namely the separated and integrated systems and establishes MATLAB/Simulink models. Then, a sensitivity analysis is conducted, examining system design and operation. The results show that the separated system can satisfy basic heating and electricity demands without an external power supply at −14.5 °C. Increasing the number of cells by 20, reducing one room's heat load (36 m2), or increasing the current density by 0.1 A/cm2 results in reductions in compressor power consumption ranging from 1.76 % to 2.91 %, 7.42 %–10.57 %, and 6.52 %–16.88 %, respectively. On the other hand, the integrated system has higher power consumption but can operate smoothly at lower temperatures than the separated system. It is suitable for integration with auxiliary power devices in low-temperature environments. The PEMFC's heat output minimally affects system efficiency. Reducing the number of rooms improves system performance, with each reduction of one room decreasing compressor power consumption by 5.43 %–8.55 %. Meanwhile, two design options are identified based on the power supply and hot water demands. Further research and development can enhance the efficiency and performance of these systems, promoting their wider use in the future. • Established MATLAB/Simulink models for the PEMFC-MHP-CHP system. • Demonstrated better performance and stable heating capacity compared to conventional CHP systems. • Provided insights into advantages and limitations of separated and integrated systems. • Conducted a thorough performance analysis under load fluctuations for energy supply and peak shaving. • Proposed system design and operational options based on sensitivity analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extensive use of coal and oil for heating, electricity generation and cooling of buildings contributes to various environmental problems, both locally and globally. One of the feasible solutions to the climatic issues currently in this region is using sustainable energy sources. Hydrogen is an alternative option to fossil resources generated from sustainable energy sources. It is a form of energy that is both ecologically safe and sustainable. Hydrogen may now be produced in several different ways, including by reforming hydrocarbons, the Electrolysis of water, and Steam reforming of fossil fuels. However, because there is a finite supply of fossil fuels and a change in climate conditions due to the emission of CO 2 & other contaminants, there has been a focus on producing hydrogen using renewable resources. This study reviews an H 2 production system that combines geothermal & solar energy, the two primary renewable energy sources and a hybrid solar-geothermal system. This study looked into different aspects, like the working fluid for water electrolysis, the geothermal fluid temperature, and the type of power cycle. Comparative analysis was also performed on numerous GPPs, including flash, ORC cycles, binary, flash-binary, and solar collectors; this covers investigations on the rates and costs of producing hydrogen. • This paper looks at three different approaches of producing hydrogen using renewable energy sources. • An innovative renewable energy system that depends on solar and geothermal power. • An integrated system consists of geothermal and solar energy, an electrolyzer, and a fuel cell unit. • Hydrogen production as a function of design factors including working fluid, electrolysis temperature, and cycle type. • Producing hydrogen from geothermal and solar energy is a cost-effective and potentially profitable solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present paper aims to investigate effects of nanoparticle addition to thermal oil of parabolic trough collectors which are integrated to Kalina cycle for electricity generation to run an alkaline electrolyzer for hydrogen production. Thermodynamic models for Kalina cycle, thermal model for parabolic collectors and electrochemical models for water electrolyzer are developed for overall plant modeling. Three types of nanoparticles including: copper oxide, alumina and titanium oxide are considered and overall plant performance is investigated using these nanoparticles and is compared with basefluid. The nanofluid thermophysical properties are evaluated as a function of nanoparticles' properties, volume fraction and the base fluid properties. The effects of key variables such as nanoparticle volume fraction, collector inlet temperature, evaporation pressure and ammonia concentration of Kalina system were evaluated on hydrogen production as well as exergetic efficiencies. Results revealed greater positive influence for CuO compared to TiO 2 and Al 2 O 3 on performance improvement for both hydrogen generation and its exergetic efficiency. Also, compared to basefluid (without nanoparticles) case, it was found that CuO particles result in a solar-to-H 2 exergy efficiency improvement by 4.7%. Using this nanofluid with a volume fraction of 5%, the H 2 production rate enhances from 0.633 kg / h to 0.664 kg / h , indicating 4.9 % improvement. • An alkaline electrolyzer-based hydrogen production plant powered by PTC is modeled. • Three types of nanoparticles are employed for hydrogen production enhancement. • Copper oxide nanoparticles are found to be better than titanium oxide and alumina. • Nanoparticles are applied to enhance the PTC thermal performance. • Hydrogen production rate can be enhanced by 4.9 % using CuO nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional use of TOPSIS evaluation for assessing the resilience of hydrogen refueling stations results in overly one-sided outcomes and fails to identify the indicators that have a significant impact on the resilience of the stations. Therefore, this paper proposes an improved method for evaluating the safety resilience of hydrogen refueling stations based on CRITIC-DEMATEL and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The CRITIC-DEMATEL combination weighting method is employed to determine weights, thus improving the TOPSIS method. This method is then applied to assess the resilience level of hydrogen refueling stations. Then, introducing a Conditional Logistic Regression model identifies indicators with significant impact on resilience. The improved TOPSIS method enhances the reliability and accuracy of evaluation results. The Conditional Logistic Regression model provides a more accurate delineation of the impact size of indicators on the safety resilience of hydrogen refueling stations compared to traditional methods. • Established a safety resilience evaluation index system for hydrogen stations. • Enhanced TOPSIS using the CRITIC-DEMATEL method. • Introduced conditional logistic regression to analyze the impact degree of indicators. • For high-impact indicators, proposed targeted improvement measures and recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient hydrogen-production through the Aluminum-water reaction has become a prominent subject of interest. The impediment encountered in the reaction can be effectively alleviated by Aluminum-based alloy. In this study, density functional theory (DFT) was utilized to explore the mechanism of water decomposition stage on the surface of aluminum and gallium alloy (AGA). Through surface reaction calculations of 12 stable AGA configurations, it was gradually revealed that the optimal alloy ratio was gallium-to-aluminum at 3.5:1. Analysis of the density of states (DOS) indicated that the presence of gallium amplified the activity of surface aluminum. Moreover, frontier orbital theory and charge density maps confirmed that, due to the weak interaction between Ga and ions, the presence of H 2 inhibited Ga passivation, thereby enhancing the reactivity of AGA. This paper provided valuable insights into the surface reaction mechanisms of AGA using DFT, offering theoretical support for hydrogen production processes. • Density functional theory investigated the early stages of AGA-water reaction. • Modeling AGA (Ga proportions 73.8%–81.2%) yields 12 stable configurations. • Ga:Al = 3.5:1 exhibits highest energies for O 2 , H 2 O, and co-adsorption. • Ga enhances AGA's catalytic activity, shown in DOS graphs comparisons. • AGA plays dual roles in surface hydrogen dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The novel S-scheme heterostructure shows its superiority in photocatalysis due to its high efficiency of charge transfer. In this paper, we compared the mechanical, electronic, optical and transport properties of two different contact modes of heterostructure structures of MoSe 2 /Janus PtSSe and their applications in photocatalytic water splitting through density functional theory. The results show that the charge transfer of MoSe 2 /SePtS heterostructures occurs between layers. On the contrary, the charge separation of MoSe 2 /SPtSe heterostructures is significant, and there are internal electric fields and suitable band arrangements at the interface from MoSe 2 to SPtSe direction, forming S-scheme photocatalysts. Compared with the MoSe 2 /SePtS heterostructure, the MoSe 2 /SPtSe heterostructure has higher carrier mobility. Furthermore, the MoSe 2 /SPtSe heterostructure has good light absorption in the visible range, and the solar-to-hydrogen (STH) efficiency is as high as 7.97%. Gibbs free energy calculation shows that the overpotential η OER = 1.63 V (pH = 0) decreases to η OER = 1.11 V(pH = 7) with the increase of pH value. We expect that our results can provide valuable insights into the rational design of efficient heterostructure in photocatalytic water splitting systems. [Display omitted] • MoSe 2 /SPtSe heterostructure with high carrier mobility. • The existence of charge transfer in the MoSe 2 /SPtSe heterostructure is advantageous. • MoSe 2 /SPtSe heterostructure is a S-scheme photocatalyst for water splitting. • The ηOER of MoSe 2 /SPtSe heterojunction decreased with the increase of pH. • MoSe 2 /SPtSe heterostructure has ultra-high STH efficiency (7.79%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transportation is an economic sector that contributes significantly to global warming due to its high consumption of fossil fuels, and sustainably produced hydrogen is a major contender for an alternative clean energy source. Public transit is vital for environmental sustainability via reducing individual vehicle usage and traffic congestion, and the prospect of powering buses using hydrogen fuel has been extensively studied lately. This paper seeks to comprehensively review the current status of research on hydrogen-powered buses considering triple bottom line sustainability perspectives. A brief technical overview of prospective environmentally benign hydrogen production processes has been presented. Technological, economic, and environmental findings and research trends seen in recent analyses on hydrogen-powered buses have been summarized, along with the status quo of global hydrogen refuelling stations. Identified focal points for future studies include performance enhancements, refuelling infrastructure propagation, and policy formulation. The conclusions derived from this review will benefit the accelerated deployment of hydrogen-fuelled public transit fleets. • Environmentally benign hydrogen production is reviewed techno-economically. • The prospects of using hydrogen for public bus transport are discussed thoroughly. • Blue and green hydrogen production are likely to coexist in the hydrogen economy. • Costs and energy consumption of hydrogen-powered buses need improvement. • Refuelling facility deployment and public awareness of safety should be enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CO and H 2 S poisoning of Pt-based catalysts for hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) stands as one of the long-standing hindrances to the widespread commercialization of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. In this paper, a Ru/Ti 4 O 7 catalyst is successfully synthesized by the microwave-thermal method. This Ru/Ti 4 O 7 catalyst shows a much higher noble metal mass activity than those of commercial PtRu/C and conventional Ru/C catalysts. The performance of the Ru/Ti 4 O 7 catalyst under the exist of CO or H 2 S shows insignificant current decay, which is far superior to commercial PtRu/C and Pt/C catalysts. In this Ru/Ti 4 O 7 catalyst, the electron transfer between Ru and Ti to form d-p orbital hybridization is considered to be responsible for the favorable catalytic HOR performance and the corresponding CO and H 2 S tolerance. The interaction mechanism formed by electron transfer may open a promising way for the subsequent development of anti-poisoning catalysts for PEM fuel cell hydrogen oxidation reaction. [Display omitted] • Ru/Ti 4 O 7 catalyst shows a superior noble metal mass activity than those of commercial Pt–Ru/C based catalysts. • Ru/Ti 4 O 7 catalyst exhibits excellent resistance to CO poisoning. • The catalyst is extremely resistant to H 2 S while remaining CO-tolerant. • MSI of Ru/Ti 4 O 7 ensures catalytic activity and anti-poisoning properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of efficient, stable and low-cost catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is one of the major difficulties in water electrolysis. It is also the key to realizing the large-scale production of hydrogen energy, a renewable and clean energy source. In recent years, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted much attention as novel precursors for preparing water electrolysis catalysts due to their high porosity and large specific surface area. In this paper, we use ZIF-67 as a precursor and modify it by doping transition metal elements Fe and Ni. Afterwards, Fe–Ni–CoSe 2 @NC is synthesized by a thermal selenization process. The results show that the HER overpotential of the catalyst after modification is reduced by 50%, and the efficiency of water electrolysis is significantly improved. Moreover, the catalyst has good stability under alkaline condition and is more economical than the expensive Pt-based catalysts, which provides more possibilities for industrial applications. [Display omitted] • The catalysts prepared by ZIF-67 as a precursor have large specific surface area. • Co-doping of Fe and Ni greatly improves the electrochemical activity of CoSe 2 @NC. • Fe–Ni–CoSe 2 @NC has relatively good stability and obvious economic advantage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonia have been attractive as one of the alternative fuels for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, ammonia combustion has lower combustion performance than common hydrocarbon fuels. Furthermore, it may emit nitrous oxide (N 2 O), which is one of the GHGs. This paper presents the experimental investigations of plasma-assisted ammonia combustion (PAAC) using a rod-electrode-type microwave plasma source (MPS) at atmospheric pressure. The equivalence ratios of premixed ammonia/dry air (NH 3 /Air) gas are set below the stoichiometric combustion of NH 3 to reduce toxic NH 3 in the combustion gas. Under the condition of the equivalence ratios, the experiments are focused on reducing the unburned NH 3 and produced N 2 O concentrations in the combustion gas. In the experiments, the unburned NH 3 , nitrogen oxide (NO x) (the sum of nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO 2)), and N 2 O concentrations in the combustion gas are investigated in terms of the flow velocity of premixed NH 3 /Air gas inside the rod-electrode-type MPS and the transmission power to the rod-electrode-type MPS. In conclusion, the rod-electrode-type MPS is identified to be useful for PAAC. The NH 3 and N 2 O concentrations in the combustion gas reach approximately 25 and 4 parts per million (ppm), respectively, under the conditions of the equivalence ratio of 1.0, flow velocity of approximately 0.167 m/s, and transmission power of about 84 W. At that time, the NO x concentration is approximately 4300 ppm, and the power transmission efficiency is approximately 68 %. • Plasma-assisted ammonia combustion (PAAC) was conducted using microwave discharge. • The microwave discharge was generated using a rod-electrode-type microwave plasma source (MPS). • The experiments were conducted without a swirler and below the stoichiometric combustion. • The minimum concentrations of NH 3 and N 2 O in the combustion gas reached 25 and 4 ppm. • The rod-electrode-type MPS was identified to be useful for PAAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper suggests a Recalling Enhanced Recurrent Neural Network (RERNN) method for accurately predicting the performance and emissions of spark ignition (SI) engines. The RERNN method is an efficient neural network technique. The RERNN model is also trained using a better conjugate method that speeds up convergence by using a generalized Armijo search technique. The proposed method analyzes combustion phasing, exhaust temperature, engine-out emissions, burn duration, mean effective pressure, ignition lag, and maximum pressure rise rate. By then, the proposed technique is implemented on the MATLAB platform and is evaluated for its performance against existing techniques. The proposed RERNN method achieves a better outcome than other existing Seagull Optimization Algorithm (SOA), Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm (GOA), and Wild Horse Optimizer (WHO) techniques. The proposed method shows the error in carbon monoxide (CO) is 0.18% and carbon dioxide (CO2) is 0.29% at a high speed of 900 rpm compared with other existing approaches. • RERNN method designed for accurately predicting performance in SI engines. • The RERNN method is highlighted as an efficient neural network technique. • The RERNN model is trained using an improved conjugate method. • This approach contributes to a more holistic evaluation of engine performance. • The proposed RERNN method, implemented on the MATLAB platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers are promising devices for hydrogen production from water splitting, but their performance and stability are still limited by various factors. This paper studies the effects of different structures on the performance of PEM electrolyzers, focusing on the working temperature, water conductivity, and the structure of bipolar plate. The results show that higher temperature and lower water conductivity enhance the electrolyzer performance, by increasing the catalyst activity and the proton transport. Moreover, a novel structure using a platinum-coated titanium mesh-based bipolar plate is proposed and tested. This structure improves the performance of the electrolyzer, by optimizing the mass transport, pressure drop, and water management in the electrolyzer. A 23-cell electrolyzer with this structure is developed and demonstrated. The electrolyzer achieves a high performance and stability, with a cell voltage of 1.742 V, a voltage efficiency of 85.0%, and a hydrogen production rate of 1.14 Nm3/h at 0.99 A/cm2. The observed cell voltage for the PEM electrolyzer is consistent with the documented range, typically spanning from 1.55 to 1.90 V at a current density of 0.99 A/cm2. This suggests that our bipolar plate design simplifies PEM electrolyzer manufacture while maintaining comparable performance to existing electrolyzers. [Display omitted] • Performance of PEM electrolyzers affected by different structures. • Higher temperature and lower water conductivity enhance performance. • Platinum-coated titanium mesh as flow field plate improves performance. • 23-cell electrolyzer with novel structure achieves high performance and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]