Researchers at the 小蝌蚪APP are helping to ensure that next-generation energy systems such as fuel cells, electrolyzers and batteries are more durable.
The work of UL Lafayette小蝌蚪APP檚 Dr. Yudong Wang and Dr. Xiao-Dong Zhou is significant, given the systems convert energy in fossil fuels and hydrogen into electricity, or produce hydrogen from renewable electricity. In the process, they create fewer harmful emissions than traditional methods of power generation and hydrogen production.
Wang is a research assistant professor for UL Lafayette小蝌蚪APP檚 Institute for Materials Research & Innovation. Zhou directs the institute and is the Stuller Endowed Chair and professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering.
The researchers 小蝌蚪APP along with Dr. Emir Dogdibegovic of the 小蝌蚪APP of South Carolina 小蝌蚪APP揳nalyzed the performance of nickelate-based electrodes. Nickelate is a double compound containing nickel bound to oxygen.
Electrodes 小蝌蚪APP which consist or materials such as metals 小蝌蚪APP promote the catalytic activity that generates electricity. The process, however, involves electrochemical reactions referred to as phase transitions that cause compositional change of electrode materials. The result is decreased durability in advanced energy systems.
At the heart of the issue is that little is understood about the compositional changes that occur as a result of the reactions, during which chemical energy is transformed into electrical energy.
The researchers found that nickelate-based electrodes perform at high levels under certain conditions. 小蝌蚪APP淧roper electrode design based on electrochemical operation conditions to achieve longer durability is necessary for better performance in fuel cells, electrolyzers and batteries,小蝌蚪APP Wang explained.
That小蝌蚪APP檚 important given better materials design for the electrodes makes them a more viable option for power generation and hydrogen production. 小蝌蚪APP淣obody wants to change their cell phone battery more often than they have to,小蝌蚪APP Wang said with a smile.
Results of the researchers小蝌蚪APP study are detailed in the latest issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The multidisciplinary, peer-reviewed scientific journal is the second most cited.
The findings of Wang and Zhou will help inform materials design research that is being conducted at the 小蝌蚪APP小蝌蚪APP檚 . The institute fosters interdisciplinary research in advanced and specialized metals, polymers, ceramics and composite materials.
小蝌蚪APP淥ur work provides a better understanding why there are such different rates during phase transition and how to better design future electrode materials, which are questions that have been lingering,小蝌蚪APP Zhou explained.
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Photo caption: Researchers at the 小蝌蚪APP, including Dr. Yudong Wang (shown above), are helping to ensure that next -generation energy systems such as fuel cells, electrolyzers and batteries are more durable. Submitted photo
