bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation and Upscaling of Impregnated La0.20Sr0.25Ca0.45TiO3 Fuel Electrodes for Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells Under H2O, CO2 and Co-Electrolysis Conditions
Authors: Price Robert , Fuente Cuesta Aida , Bausinger Holger , Longo Gino , Grolig Jan Gustav , Mai Andreas , Irvine John
Published: May 2023

Recent research into Rh and Ce0.80Gd0.20O1.90-impregnated La0.20Sr0.25Ca0.45TiO3 fuel electrodes for solid oxide fuel cells has demonstrated the high-stability of these material sets to a variety of harsh operating conditions at small scales (button cells with 1 cm2 active area), as well as full commercial scales (100 cm2 cells) in short stacks (5 cells) and full micro-combined heat and power systems (60 cells). In this work, the authors present a comprehensive evaluation of the ability of these novel titanate-based materials to function as fuel electrodes in solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs). Short-term and durability testing of button cell scale SOECs, under CO2 and steam electrolysis conditions, highlighted the limited stability of lanthanum strontium manganite-based air electrodes with lanthanum strontium cobaltite ferrite-based air electrodes offering improved degradation. Upscaling of this optimized cell chemistry to a 16 cm2 active area SOEC and testing under CO2, CO2/steam and steam electrolysis conditions demonstrated encouraging performance over a period of ~600 hours.
Multiscale and Multiphysical Numerical Simulations of Solid Oxide Cell (SOC)
Authors: Zhang Shidong , Wang Kai , Yu Shangzhe , Kruse Nicolas , Peters Roland , Kunz Felix , Eichel Rudiger-A
Published: May 2023

This study presents a novel model for investigating the microstructural evolution of nickel (Ni), yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), and gas phases in a solid oxide cell (SOC), and its effects on cell performance. The triple-phase-boundary (TPB), which is the interface between the three phases, plays a crucial role in the electrochemical reaction of the SOC. However, during operation, nickel particles coarsen or migrate, leading to the redistribution of the TPB. To study this phenomenon, a phase field method was utilized to simulate the fuel electrode's detailed structure, and an approach was developed to track the TPB lines (TPBl) and voxels (TPBv). The study then employed the open-source computational fluid dynamics library, OpenFOAM, to simulate the half-cell performance. The results provide a detailed understanding of the dynamics of the TPB and its impact on multiphysical transport phenomena.
Influence of Microstructure on the Sulfur Tolerance of Ceria-Based Anodes in Low Temperature SOFC
Authors: Kullmann Felix , Schwiers Alexander , Juckel Martin , Menzler Norbert H. , Weber Andre
Published: May 2023

Hydrocarbon fuels such as natural gas or biogas commonly contain small amounts of impurities like sulfur which result in a strong degradation of the polarization resistance (R
pol) in Ni/YSZ anodes. The sulfur poisons the nickel catalyst and hinders the electrooxidation of hydrogen. At common SOFC operation temperatures above 700 °C the R
pol of a Ni/GDC anode is less influenced. The trend to a significantly lower operating temperature of SOFCs even below 600 °C raises the question to which extend the sulfur tolerance of ceria-based anodes is maintained. We analyzed the impact of H2S on the R
pol of four ceria-based anodes, differing in their microstructure, at an operation temperature of 600 °C by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The distribution of relaxation times (DRT) analysis is applied to deconvolute the electrochemical processes followed by a complex nonlinear least square approximation to quantify the loss processes and the impact of sulfur.
Theoretical Prediction of the Vapor Pressure of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Components
Authors: Hu Yang , Wang Kai , Spatschek Robert , Müller Michael , Wessel Egbert
Published: May 2023

Due to the high operating temperature of solid oxide fuel cells, various chemical reactions can lead to degradation, for instance, based on Cr2O3 gas phase evaporation from the interconnect and subsequent reaction with SrO which originates from LSCF cathodes. Therefore, investigations of the potential chemical reactions and the sublimation process play an extremely important role to study the related chemical reactions in SOFCs. Here we propose a practical physical model based on density functional theory calculations and statistical mechanics to predict the vapor pressure of pure substances. This model is allowed to extend the thermodynamic database and to analyze the resulting chemical reactions inducing the new phase formation which leads to the degradation of SOFCs. These investigations serve as a theoretical basis to understand and reduce degradation phenomena from a thermodynamic and kinetic perspective.
Role of Dopants in Fine-Tuning the Electrical and Catalytic Properties of Barium Niobate Perovskites Towards High-Temperature Electrolyzer Application
Authors: Ramaiyan Kannan , Denoyer Luke H , Benavidez Angelica , Garzon Fernando H.
Published: May 2023

Perovskite materials are used for high temperature electrochemical applications such as solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) and electrolyzers due to their tunable conductivity and catalytic activity. However, high temperature operation poses significant challenges in both fabrication and durable operation that is further complicated by the operating environment. We studied barium niobates with various A and B site dopants. These doped niobates showed enhanced thermochemical stability in SOFC relevant conditions and catalytic activity towards methane activation. The redox behavior of the Nb4+/5+ couple seem to be at a key reason behind this redox stability while the size and electronegativity of the dopants affect the electrical properties. The chemical stability was analyzed by TGA measurements followed by analysis of the perovskite powders using PXRD measurements. Impedance measurements were utilized to analyze their electrical conductivity. Our results demonstrate doped barium niobates as a promising candidate for stable operation in high temperature electrochemical applications.
Progress of the Evaluation and Analysis Methods for Durability of SOFC Stacks
Authors: Horita Teruhisa
Published: May 2023

Recent progress in the development of R&D for the evaluation and analytical methods of SOFC stack durability is reported under the NEDO Japanese national project. The goal of this project is the following two points: (1) to develop the advanced evaluation and analytical methods for the cell stacks which show a lifetime over 15 years (130 kh) with high efficiency of over 65% LHV, and (2) to develop the evaluation and analytical methods for dynamic operation mode such as rapid start-stop and load cycling. Three practical stacks (one flat tube and two types of planar) were supplied by the stack developers and tested over 10,000 hours with high fuel utilization (Uf~85%). It was found that the same evaluation methods can be applied to the stack resistance component determination between normal Uf (=75%) and high Uf (85%) conditions. Relatively stable performances were reported for these stacks and degradation factors were considered taking into account the degradation mechanisms at cells and stacks. Under high Uf conditions, some specific degradation mechanisms are now analyzed in the cells. For rapid starts of stacks, evaluation protocols are considered taking into account the mechanical stress arising from the thermal distribution in the cells. Simulation methods are considered for the evaluation of performance after 15 years of operation in the stacks.
Direct Utilization of Pure and Denatured Ethanol in Metal Supported Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Hu Boxun , Tucker Mike C
Published: May 2023

Metal supported solid oxide fuel cells (MS-SOFC) are integrated with internal reforming catalyst for direct utilization of ethanol to generate electricity. MS-SOFCs are operated up to 500 h at 700°C, with water-ethanol blend fuel using high-purity ethanol and denatured ethanol. Performance and durability with denatured ethanol varies dramatically with the composition of the denaturant. Cells operated with three denatured ethanol fuels containing small amount of methanol, isopropanol, and denatonium benzoate demonstrate similar and relative stable performance after stabilization, suggesting that these fuels are fit for MS-SOFC operation. No or minimum carbon deposits are observed on the high entropy alloy-based reforming catalyst layer. Denatured ethanol containing gasoline and toluene leads to fast degradation. MS-SOFCs are promising for direct utilization of denatured ethanol, offering a path to rapid-start, carbon-neutral operation with widely-available fuels.
Direct Deposition of Dense YSZ/Ni-YSZ Thin-Film Bilayers on Porous Anode-Supported Cells with High Performance and Stability
Authors: Bagarinao Katherine Develos , Yamaguchi Toshiaki , Kishimoto Haruo
Published: May 2023

We present an approach for integrating a thin-film bilayer combination comprising a Ni(O)-YSZ nanocomposite layer and a YSZ thin-film electrolyte prepared using pulsed laser deposition into the architecture of porous Ni-YSZ-supported cells. Achieving a minimum bilayer thickness threshold of ~1.5 µm is found to be critical to achieve a high open circuit voltage value, as well as a significant decrease in the ohmic resistance to ~0.06 Ωcm2 at 750 °C and increase in maximum power density to 1.83 W/cm2. Short-term durability tests up to 45 h at a constant potential of 0.8 V showed stable operation with current densities reaching ~1.7 A/cm2. Cells utilizing thin-film bilayers can overcome issues associated degradation in conventionally sintered cells, in terms of maintaining excellent contact with the anode support and significantly suppressing Ni diffusion into the YSZ electrolyte.
Electrochemical Cells for Novel Routes to Ammonia
Authors: Hendriksen Peter Vang , Sun Xiufu , Mondi Francesco , Monich Patricia Rabelo , Pirou Stéven , Frandsen Henrik Lund
Published: May 2023

Ammonia is an extremely important chemical compound. The conventional production route is CO2 intensive and almost 2% of global anthropogenic CO2 emissions stems from ammonia synthesis. This will have to change over the coming decades to reduce negative impact on the climate and ensure a green route to ammonia. Here, a novel way to provide the synthesis gas mixture for ammonia synthesis is suggested based on combining an SOEC to provide the hydrogen with a dedicated cell to provide also nitrogen for the process. This is suggested to be achieved by electrochemically pumping out oxygen from an air stream. Cells were successfully developed and characterized for this purpose. Exit streams with more than 98% nitrogen purity were documented and the developed cells were shown to be stable over test periods exceeding 3000 hours of operation.
A Simple Preparation of Electrolyte Powder for Stoichiometric Electrolyte in Protonic Ceramic Cells
Authors: Kim Junseok , Nahm Sahn , Lee Jong-Ho , Ji Ho-il
Published: May 2023

Most candidate proton conducting electrolytes are multi-elements perovskite consisting of barium in A site, thus substantially have challenges associated with high volatility of barium during high-temperature sintering process. Here, we describe a simple strategy to fabricate protonic ceramic cells (PCCs) with highly conductive proton electrolyte by minimizing barium volatilization through a low-temperature (1100oC) calcination process. The PCC is fabricated using low-temperature calcined electrolyte powder at which the minimum temperature to remove the barium carbonate phase. While the calcined powder consists of two phases, it becomes perfectly single phase with full density after final cosintering process (1400oC). This result implies that the status of initial electrolyte powder can significantly influence the overall cell characteristics.
Microstructural Changes in Ni-YSZ Electrodes Operated in Fuel Cell and Electrolysis Modes: Effect of Gas Diffusion Limitations
Authors: Cox Dalton , Barnett Scott A
Published: May 2023

Ni-YSZ electrode support symmetric cells were operated at 0, 0.75, 1.00, and 1.50 A/cm2 for 1000 h in 50% H2-50% H2O at 800 ˚C. Electrochemical fracture at the anode-electrolyte interface is observed to occur under high anodic overpotential. Ni migration is observed and quantified over time at the anode of the polarized cells; however, the cathode shows no migration compared to control. Gas diffusion calculations show that steam is significantly enriched and depleted at the anode and cathode respectively, leading to the formation or suppression of volatile Ni(OH)x species, which have been hypothesized as a transport pathway for Ni. However; gas flux calculations show that chemical evaporation alone is unlikely to be fast enough to induce the Ni loss observed.
Sintering of Protonic Ceramics for Tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Panthi Dhruba , Du Yanhai
Published: May 2023

The fabrication of proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells (PC-SOFCs) has been challenging mainly due to the poor sinterability of common proton-conducting electrolyte materials. Extremely high sintering temperatures (up to 1600 °C) and long sintering times (>10 h) are typical for obtaining dense, gas-tight proton-conducting electrolytes. Apart from the high energy cost and long production cycle time, the high sintering temperature leads to several other issues, including chemical stability of the electrolyte and its compatibility with the electrodes. In the present work, we focused on optimizing the co-sintering temperature of tubular PC-SOFCs using a freeze-cast anode support. The densification of the BaZr0.3Ce0.5Y0.2O3 (BZCY) electrolyte was greatly facilitated by the sintering shrinkage of the NiO-BZCY anode support, which was as high as 35%. Preliminary electrochemical testing of the fabricated cells was also conducted.
Operating Strategies for Fischer-Tropsch Tail Gas Recirculation on a 100 kW SOEC Reactor
Authors: Amaya Dueñas Diana Maria , Ullmer Dirk , Riedel Marc , Tomberg Marius , Fortunati Daniele , Heddrich Marc P. , Ansar S. Asif
Published: May 2023

The emulated coupling of a 100 kW SOC reactor with an emulated tail gas recirculation of a Fischer-Tropsch reactor was investigated. Different syngas ratios (H2/CO) were studied, not only experimentally but also with the support of the in-house simulation framework from DLR, TEMPEST, which is specialized for transient simulations on electrochemical reactors. Different operating conditions were evaluated by: (i) adding CH4 at open circuit voltage (OCV) and under current and (ii) by performing an experimental ramp of the emulated Fischer-Tropsch gas composition into the inlet gases of the SOC reactor. These results allowed to evaluate the performance of the SOC reactor with the temperature profile along the cells and the stacks, as well as with the syngas ratio behavior. Operation strategies are analyzed and discussed with the aim to mitigate failure conditions on SOC reactors, while operating in transient conditions in the frame of syngas production via high temperature co-electrolysis.
La0.5Ce0.5O1.75-Catalytic Layer for Methane Conversion into C2 Products Using Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
Authors: Vilela Vanessa Bezerra , Thyssen Vivian Vazquez , Fournet Fayard Franck , Massim Laurance , de Florio Daniel Zanetti , Ferlauto Andre Santarosa , Steil Marlu Cesar , Fonseca Fabio Coral
Published: May 2023

Methane (CH4), the major constituent of natural gas and biogas, is an abundant source to obtain value-added hydrocarbons. The oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) is a direct catalytic route to convert CH4 towards C2 hydrocarbons, ethane (C2H6) and ethylene (C2H4). Using a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is a strategy to overcome some challenges of fixed-bed catalytic reactors. In this context, we have studied the La0.5Ce0.5O1.75 (LCO) oxide as a catalytic layer in a SOFC for methane conversion to C2. The activity test was carried out at different O2-/CH4 ratios, varying the anode gas composition, and applied currents.
Stability of Glass Ceramic Sealants in Atmospheres with Increased Water Contents
Authors: Schilm Jochen , Rost Axel , Javed Hassan , Poetschke Martin
Published: May 2023

Operating solid oxide cells (SOC) in the fuel cell moder as well as in electrolyser mode increases the demands on the stability of glass-based sealants due to higher cell voltages and water contents in the steam atmospheres. Glasses in the system BaO-CaO-Al2O3-SiO2 with B2O3 and La2O3-additions form glass ceramics with extraordinary high CTE-values, suitable as sealants compatible with Crofer 22 APU interconnect in electrolyte supported stacks. The intrinsic properties of a set of glasses are characterized. Sandwich type sealing samples are exposed to a dual atmosphere at 850 °C with an electric voltage of 1,3 V applied across the sealants and a water content of 50 % in the steam atmosphere. In this out-of-stack environment, the resistance of the sealants is recorded. Their resistance over aging time indicates degradation phenomena like interface reactions. By SEM analysis, reactions between sealants and steel interconnect can be correlated with insulating characteristics.
Temperature-Dependent Sheet and Contact Resistivity Measurements on Ag and Ag-Ni Circuit Pastes
Authors: Bhatlawande Aishwarya , Hu Genzhi , Nicholas Jason , Hogan Timothy
Published: May 2023

Here, a van der Pauw method was used to compare the 25-450oC sheet resistivity of Ag-Ni electrical contacts to those made from commercially-available Heraeus C8710 and DAD-87 silver circuit pastes. In addition, a circular transfer length method was used to compare the 25-600oC contact resistivity of Ag-Ni, Heraeus C8710, and DAD-87 on lanthanum strontium manganate (LSM). After 10 hours at 750oC in air, the Ag-Ni sheet resistivity was nearly double that of the commercial Ag pastes. However, after 10 hours at 750oC in air, the Ag-Ni to LSM contact resistivity was between that of Heraeus C8710 and DAD-87. The low Ag-Ni sheet resistivity of ~10-6 ohm-cm, the low Ag-Ni to LSM contact resistivity of ~10-4 ohm-cm2, and the previously-observed >10 times higher adhesion strength of Ag-Ni (compared to Heraeus C8710 or DAD-87) on ceramic substrates, suggests that Ag-Ni may be useful for a variety of high-temperature electronic circuit/current collector applications.
Study of the Crystallization in a Glass-Ceramic Seal
Authors: Laplace Annabelle , Begos Jean-Gabriel , Vallat Charlène , Regnier Elise , Moles Rémi , Brackx Emmanuelle , Schintu Lilou , Vulliez Karl
Published: May 2023

Sealing is a major issue in Solid Oxide Cells (SOC) stacks used for hydrogen production. The specifications that seals must meet are particularly demanding. Glass-ceramics such as materials from the MgO-Al2O3-BaO-SiO2-B2O3 system are used. A preliminary treatment allows the initially amorphous material to set up while partially crystallizing. This paper presents the crystallization study of such a material. The main Ba5Si8O21 and BaMg2Si2O7 crystalline phases are identified and the evolution of crystals morphology with the temperature is followed. The BaxSiyOx+2y surface fraction is determined by image analysis as a function of time and temperature. These data allow accessing the equilibrium crystal fraction. It is then possible to optimize the crystallization treatment and to anticipate the microstructural evolution of the glass-ceramic seal operating in the stack.
Study of a Glass-Ceramic Seal Porosity
Authors: Moles Rémi , Laplace Annabelle , Begos Jean-Gabriel , Vallat Charlène , Regnier Elise , Schintu Lilou , Sierk Alexandre , Vulliez Karl
Published: May 2023

Sealing is a major issue in Solid Oxide Cell (SOC) used for hydrogen production. Currently, a slurry composed of glass powder, organic solvents and adjuvants, is used as a seal. After the deposition of the slurry on the areas to be sealed, a heat treatment allows to obtain a glass-ceramic. This shaping process is very convenient but the obtained material presents porosity. This study aims to understand the evolution of porosity as a function of time and temperature in order to minimize it. A significant increase in porosity is observed when the temperature increases. The porosity evolution is characterized by an increase in pores size and a reduction of pores number, typical of a coalescence phenomenon. At high temperature, the viscosity is low enough to allow pores to rise in the sample. This weakens the upper part of the seal and may cause a loss of sealing.
Perovskite-Type Nd1-XBaxCo0.8Fe0.2O3-δ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.7) Cathodes for Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Sikstrom Daniel , Javed Aroosa , Shoaib Muhammad , Thangadurai Venkataraman
Published: May 2023

Perovskite-type metal oxides with a nominal chemical formula of Nd1-xBaxCo0.8Fe0.2O3-δ (NBCF) (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.7) were prepared by solid-state synthesis method at 1300 °C in air. All members were found to be multiphase. 4-probe DC chronopotentiometry measurements were performed on the sintered sample pellets. The x = 0.4 member reaches a maximum conductivity of 1068 S/cm at 300 °C in air. Among the samples studied, the x = 0.55 member exhibits the lowest area specific polarization resistance (ASR) of 0.026 Ω cm2 for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at 750 °C in air.
Oxygen Transport in Higher-Order Ruddlesden-Popper Phase Materials
Authors: Yatoo Mudasir A , Skinner Stephen J
Published: May 2023

A series of Ruddlesden-Popper phase materials – La3PrNi3O10-
δ, La2Pr2Ni3O10-δ and LaPr3Ni3O10-
δ – were synthesised and investigated by neutron powder diffraction to understand the oxygen defect structure. The thermal expansion coefficient was calculated for all compositions and was found to be in the range of 13.0 - 13.4 × 10-6 ˚C-1, which is compatible with the commonly used electrolyte materials for solid oxide fuel cells. A weak preference for Pr occupying the M(2) site in the rocksalt layer was also observed. The majority of the oxygen vacancies were confined to the perovskite layers with a particular preference for O(1) and O(5) sites at high temperatures observed by neutron diffraction measurements. Further, a preference for a curved oxygen transport pathway around the NiO6 octahedra was observed which agrees with the published literature for these materials.
A Comparative Techno-Economic Assessment of Alternative Fuels in SOFC Systems for Cruise Ships
Authors: Pina Eduardo Antonio , van Veldhuizen Berend , Marechal Francois , Van herle Jan
Published: May 2023

This study presents the techno-economic analysis of a 100 kWe Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) system for maritime applications fueled by methane, methanol, diesel, ammonia, and hydrogen. Two system configurations are considered for each fuel considering cathode off-gas recirculation (COGR) implementation to improve waste heat recovery both in terms of quantity and quality. The economic benefit of COGR is verified for all fuels, especially for methanol, hydrogen, and diesel, which present Levelized Cost of Exergy (LCOEx) reductions of about 10%, 9%, and 6%, respectively. Ammonia and methanol have the lowest LCOEx of about 0.260 EUR/kWh and 0.270 EUR/kWh, respectively, while hydrogen has the highest LCOEx of about 0.430 EUR/kWh. The sensitivity analyses suggest that fuel purchase cost, stack lifetime, and annual interest rate are the three parameters with the highest influence on the system cost. Overall, ammonia and methanol are the most promising fuels.
Understanding Potential Decay during OCV Hold via Dry Recovery Process
Authors: Basha Abdul Bashith Mansoor , Karan Kunal
Published: May 2023

Nearly ∼100 mV of open circuit voltage (OCV) decay is observed in the first 24 h of a typical OCV hold test for assessing the chemical durability of a polymer electrolyte. Significant recovery of this OCV loss has been achieved by subjecting the cell to so-called wet recovery process by lowering the cell potential often under over-humidified conditions, thereby confounding the effect of potential reduction and catalyst/ionomer interfacial reorganization due to humidification. In this work by applying a dry recovery protocol (30% RH) comprising 30 min of lower potential hold in the H2/N2 environment followed by the H2/Air environment, OCV recovery of 82%, 73%, 62% and 58 was achieved by holding potentials at 0.13, 0.2, 0.6, and 0.8 V, respectively. Small changes in electrochemically active surface area and hydrogen cross-over rate observed 48 h cannot explain the nearly 100 mV OCV. The wet recovery process (low potential and 100% RH) resulted in 85% recovery of ∼100 mV of lost OCV implying oxide coverage increase as the dominant factor for sharp OCV decay. Further, it is shown that cross-over hydrogen is not fully oxidized at OCV-like conditions (>0.6 V), highlighting the need to quantify potential-dependent crossover current for OCV decay models.
Effect of Magnesium Chloride in Supporting Electrolyte for Enhancing Sensitive and Selective Electrochemical Sensor: An Approach for Anti-Rheumatic Sulfasalazine Detection
Authors: Promvichai Siriwipa , Kaewjua Kantima , Meoipun Adison , Chotsuwan Chuleekorn , Chailapakul Orawon , Siangproh Weena
Published: May 2023

In this work, an electroanalytical evaluation for voltammetric sensing of the anti-rheumatic sulfasalazine (SSZ) at an unmodified screen-printed graphene electrode (SPGE) is demonstrated. By using the differential pulse (DPV) technique, the SSZ produced a well-defined peak of around −0.3 V (vs Ag AgCl−1) in Britton-Robinson (BR) buffer pH 4. Supporting electrolytes, pH, and salts all significantly impact SSZ reduction. Therefore, their impact on the working solutions was assessed. We discovered that using a mixture of Britton–Robinson (BR) buffer with pH 4 and MgCl2 as a supporting electrolyte can enhance SSZ sensitivity by approximately 1.7 times while simultaneously increasing detection selectivity. Under optimal conditions, the proposed assay demonstrated the ultrasensitive determination of SSZ with a broad linear detection range from 0.01 to 100 μM and a low detection limit of 4.7 nM (S/N = 3). To demonstrate the impact of the proposed method, the sensor has been successfully applied for the quantitative determination of SSZ in pharmaceutical, urine, and artificial serum sample. Therefore, this approach could offer simplicity, and rapidity, and serve as an alternative to the SSZ detection in practical applications.
Characterization of Octyl Hydroxamic Acid as Inhibitor on Cu Chemical Mechanical Polishing
Authors: Xia Rongyang , Hu Lianjun , Cao Jingwei , Pan Guofeng , Qi Yuhang
Published: May 2023

As an inhibitor for copper (Cu), Octyl hydroxamic acid (OHA) has been extensively studied through a combination of density functional theory (DFT) and experiments. Our findings indicate that using a concentration of 3 mM OHA as an inhibitor can lead to a remarkable removal rate (RR) and surface quality when the pH is at 10. Tafel analysis of potentiodynamic polarization plots was performed to demonstrate that OHA can lower the corrosion current. Further insight into the adsorption behavior of OHA on the Cu surface was obtained through a comprehensive study combining X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), DFT calculations, and adsorption isotherm model analysis.
Generalized Heronian Mean Operators Based on Archimedean T‐Norms of the Complex Picture Fuzzy Information and Their Application to Decision‐Making
Authors: Garg Harish , Ali Zeeshan , Gwak Jeonghwan , Hezam Ibrahim M.
Published: May 2023

Complex picture fuzzy set is a special picture fuzzy set where the truth, abstinence, and falsity grades are shown by a complex number and can effortlessly illustrate the problem and inconsistency in the genuine world. T‐norm and t‐conorm play an essential and beneficial role in the environment of fuzzy set theory; similarly, Archimedean t‐norm and t‐conorm have massive flexibility and dominancy in the information fusion procedure. The major contribution of this analysis is to explore the algebraic, Einstein, Hamacher, and Frank operational laws under the complex picture fuzzy set. Moreover, the principle of complex picture fuzzy Archimedean Heronian aggregation operator and complex picture fuzzy weighted Archimedean Heronian aggregation operator are also elaborated by using Archimedean t‐norm and t‐conorm. Additionally, by using the elaborated operators, a multiattribute decision‐making technique is presented to elaborate the consistency and reliability of the explored works. Finally, many examples are illustrated for discussing the advantages and sensitive analysis and graphical representation of the investigated works.
Characteristics and Electrochemical Performance of Hydroxyl-Functionalized Graphene Quantum Dot-Coated Si Nanoparticles/Reduced Graphene Hybrid Anodes for Advanced Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Martino Angelica , Cong Ruye , Jo Minsang , Park Hyun-Ho , Lee Hochun , Lee Chang-Seop
Published: May 2023

By powering sophisticated lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), silicon/carbon (Si/C) composites have the potential to accelerate the sustainable energy transition. This is a first-of-its-kind Si/C hybrid with hydroxyl-functionalized graphene quantum dots (OH-GQD) electrostatically assembled within interconnected reduced graphene oxide networks (OH-GQD@Si/rGO) prepared through solution-phase ultrasonication and subsequent one-step, low-temperature annealing and thermal reduction. The OH-GQD@Si/rGO hybrid utilized as the LIB anode delivered a high initial specific capacity of 2,229.16, 1,303.21, and 1,090.13 mAh g−1 reversible capacities at 100 mA g−1 after 50 and 100 cycles, and recovered 1,473.28 mAh g−1 at rates as high as 5 A g−1. The synergistic benefits of the OH-GQD/rGO interface give dual, conductive carbon protection to silicon nanoparticles. Consecutive Si surface modifications improved Si–rGO contact modes. The initial OH-GQD carbon coating increased storage capacity through vacancy defects changing the electron density in the lattice, whereas hydroxyl functionality at the edges acted as active storage sites. Secondary protection through rGO encapsulation improved Si conductivity and usage by providing continuous electron/ion routes while minimizing Si volume variations. The proposed OH-GQD/rGO hybridization as a dual-carbon protection strategy to Si stabilized the solid electrolyte interface leading to electrode stability. This work is expected to advance the development of next-generation Si-based LIB anodes.
Identification of a Feline Panleukopenia Virus from Captive Giant Pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and Its Phylogenetic Analysis
Authors: Yang Yuqing , Geng Yi , Ouyang Ping , Li Yunli , Guo Hongrui , Deng Huidan , Hou Rong , Lai Weimin , Zhang Dongsheng , Liu Songrui
Published: May 2023

The host range of feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) is expanding and is a serious threat to both captive and free-range endangered wildlife. The FPV named FPV-am2020 was isolated from fecal samples from four diarrheal captive giant pandas in 2020, and pathogenicity and phylogenetic analysis were conducted in this study. Three-month-old cats challenged with FPV-am2020 experienced 100% mortality. The complete FPV-am2020 sequence was determined and comprised 5277 base pairs (bp), 36.76% GC content, and two open reading frames. According to the phylogenetic analysis of whole genome sequences and VP2 gene sequences, FPV-am2020 was closely related with MG764511.1 (isolated from captive lions in China, 2015), KX685354.1 (isolated from captive tigers in China, 2016), and KX900570.1 (isolated from captive jaguar in China, 1986). Furthermore, the study identified a G299E mutation in VP2 which was a key residue involved in phenotype changes in FPV. Thus, increased surveillance of FPV mutant isolates must be enacted to protect giant pandas against potential viral threats.
Data from Cell-autonomous Cxcl1 sustains tolerogenic circuitries and stromal inflammation via neutrophil-derived TNF in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Bianchi Anna , De Castro Silva Iago , Deshpande Nilesh U. , Singh Samara , Mehra Siddharth , Garrido Vanessa T. , Guo Xinyu , Nivelo Luis A. , Kolonias Despina S. , Saigh Shannon J. , Wieder Eric , Rafie Christine I. , Dosch Austin R. , Zhou Zhiqun , Umland Oliver , Amirian Haleh , Ogobuiro Ifeanyichukwu C. , Zhang Jian , Ban Yuguang , Shiau Carina , Nagathihalli Nagaraj S. , Montgomery Elizabeth A. , Hwang William L. , Brambilla Roberta , Komanduri Krishna , Villarino Alejandro V. , Toska Eneda , Stanger Ben Z. , Gabrilovich Dmitry I. , Merchant Nipun B. , Datta Jashodeep
Published: May 2023

Abstract
We have shown that KRAS-TP53 genomic co-alteration is associated with immune-excluded microenvironments, chemoresistance, and poor survival in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients. By treating KRAS-TP53 cooperativity as a model for high-risk biology, we now identify cell-autonomous Cxcl1 as a key mediator of spatial T-cell restriction via interactions with CXCR2+ neutrophilic myeloid-derived suppressor cells in human PDAC using imaging mass cytometry. Silencing of cell-intrinsic Cxcl1 in LSL-K-rasG12D/+;Trp53R172H/+;Pdx-1Cre/+(KPC) cells reprograms trafficking and functional dynamics of neutrophils to overcome T-cell exclusion, and controls tumor growth in a T-cell-dependent manner. Mechanistically, neutrophil-derived TNF is a central regulator of this immunologic rewiring, instigating feed-forward Cxcl1 overproduction from tumor-cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), T-cell dysfunction, and inflammatory CAF polarization via transmembraneTNF-TNFR2 interactions. TNFR2 inhibition disrupts this circuitry and improves sensitivity to chemotherapy in vivo. Our results uncover cancer cell-neutrophil crosstalk in which context-dependent TNF signaling amplifies stromal inflammation and immune tolerance to promote therapeutic resistance in PDAC.
Analysis of the effect of a microcontroller-based solar panel cooling system on temperature and power output
Authors: Kusuma Vicky Andria , Aprillia Happy , Suprapto Sena Sukmananda , Ramadhani Muhammad Nizhom , Firdaus Aji Akbar , Putra Dimas Fajar Uman
Published: May 2023

This research addresses the problem of temperature fluctuations affecting the efficiency of solar panels. A cooling system has been developed using a Peltier and a combination of air- and water-cooling methods. The air-cooling system involves placing a Peltier coated with a heatsink under the solar panel, while the water-cooling system uses pumped water on the panel's surface. The study aims to design a solar panel cooling system to reduce temperature and power losses and compare its output to standard solar panels. The system includes a Peltier, DC fan, and heatsink. Results indicate that the air-cooling system reduced temperature losses on the bottom milk of solar panels by 14.5%. However, the surface of solar panels showed no reduction in temperature losses. Additionally, solar panels with cooling systems were able to reduce power losses by 4% compared to standard solar panels. This research suggests that the use of an air-cooling system utilizing Peltier as the cooling medium could be a potential solution to reduce temperature losses and power losses on solar panels.
A review of application of artificial intelligence for space vector pulse width modulated inverter-based grid interfaced photovoltaic system
Authors: Jaidi Naseem , Mehta Gitanjali
Published: May 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) is being proposed for a range of subfields that deal with photovoltaic (PV) systems as a result of improvements in computer power, tool accessibility, and data generation. The methods employed at present in the PV industry for a variety of tasks, including the outcomes of design, forecasting, control, and maintenance, have been found to be relatively inaccurate. Additionally, the use of AI to carry out these tasks has improved in terms of accuracy and precision, which has made the topic itself highly interesting. In light of this, the goal of this article is to examine the effect AI approaches have on the solar value chain. The article involves creating a map of all currently accessible AI technologies, identifying potential future uses for AI, and weighing the advantages and disadvantages of these technologies’ relative to more conventional approaches. This article lays special emphasis on discussing AI techniques for improving the power quality in grid systems involving space vector pulse width modulated inverters interfacing the photovoltaic to the grid along with power converter defect monitoring, filter flaw detection, and battery monitoring.
História da ciência: de onde vem, para onde vai
Authors: Reis José
Published: May 2023

(1º parágrafo do artigo)

A quem penetra hoje, pela primeira vez, o território da História da Ciência, ou das Ciências, como preferem alguns (HC), talvez cause estra-nheza a aparente instransigência de certos grupos que a ela se dedicam. Mas esta situação é natural num ramo de conhecimento que vai aceleradamente passando da fase de coleta de material e seu tratamento por assim dizer bruto para uma outra, em que pesquisadores já diferenciados para esse estudo específico começam a revolvê-lo em busca de explicações mais profundas do que as que satisfizeram nas primeiras abordagens. Atravessa-se um momento de algumas totais negações, de ardorosas profissões de fé. Recente panorama das correntes que se cruzam nesse revolto mar descortina-se no volume organizado por Teich e Young em homenagem a J. Needham, cuja magistral obra de história comparada da ciência e da tecnologia ao mesmo tempo inspira e re-flete o crescimento quer dos objetivos quer da profundidade dos estudos históricos da ciência em suas múltiplas relações.
Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Lesion Reversal in Older Patients With Stroke Treated With Mechanical Thrombectomy
Authors: Scopelliti Giuseppe , Benzakoun Joseph , Ben Hassen Wagih , Bretzner Martin , Bricout Nicolas , Puy Laurent , Turc Guillaume , Boulouis Grégoire , Oppenheim Catherine , Naggara Olivier , Cordonnier Charlotte , Henon Hilde , Pasi Marco
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND:

Diffusion-weighted imaging lesion reversal (DWIR) is frequently observed after mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke, but little is known about age-related differences and impact on outcome. We aimed to compare, in patients <80 versus ≥80 years old, (1) the effect of successful recanalization on DWIR and (2) the impact of DWIR on functional outcome.

METHODS:

We retrospectively analyzed data of patients treated for an anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion in 2 French hospitals, who underwent baseline and 24-hour follow-up magnetic resonance imaging, with baseline DWI lesion volume ≥10 cc. The percentage of DWIR (DWIR%), was calculated as follows: DWIR%=(DWIR volume/baseline DWI volume)×100. Data on demographics, medical history, and baseline clinical and radiological characteristics were collected.

RESULTS:

Among 433 included patients (median age, 68 years), median DWIR% after mechanical thrombectomy was 22% (6–35) in patients ≥80, and 19% (interquartile range, 10–34) in patients <80 (
P
=0.948). In multivariable analyses, successful recanalization after mechanical thrombectomy was associated with higher median DWIR% in both ≥80 (
P
=0.004) and <80 (
P
=0.002) patients. In subgroup analyses performed on a minority of subjects, collateral vessels status score (n=87) and white matter hyperintensity volume (n=131) were not associated with DWIR% (
P
>0.2). In multivariable analyses, DWIR% was associated with increased rates of favorable 3-month outcomes in both ≥80 (
P
=0.003) and <80 (
P
=0.013) patients; the effect of DWIR% on outcome was not influenced by the age group (
P
interaction=0.185)

CONCLUSIONS:

DWIR might be an important and nonage-dependent effect of arterial recanalization, as it seems to beneficially impact 3-month outcomes of both younger and older subjects treated with mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke and large vessel occlusion.
“Um…, It’s Really Difficult to… Um… Speak Fluently”: Neural Tracking of Spontaneous Speech
Authors: Agmon Galit , Jaeger Manuela , Tsarfaty Reut , Bleichner Martin G. , Zion Golumbic Elana
Published: May 2023

Spontaneous real-life speech is imperfect in many ways. It contains disfluencies and ill-formed utterances and has a highly variable rate. When listening to spontaneous speech, the brain needs to contend with these features in order to extract the speaker’s meaning. Here, we studied how the neural response is affected by four specific factors that are prevalent in spontaneous colloquial speech: (1) the presence of fillers, (2) the need to detect syntactic boundaries in disfluent speech, and (3) variability in speech rate. Neural activity was recorded (using electroencephalography) from individuals as they listened to an unscripted, spontaneous narrative, which was analyzed in a time-resolved fashion to identify fillers and detect syntactic boundaries. When considering these factors in a speech-tracking analysis, which estimates a temporal response function (TRF) to describe the relationship between the stimulus and the neural response it generates, we found that the TRF was affected by all of them. This response was observed for lexical words but not for fillers, and it had an earlier onset for opening words vs. closing words of a clause and for clauses with slower speech rates. These findings broaden ongoing efforts to understand neural processing of speech under increasingly realistic conditions. They highlight the importance of considering the imperfect nature of real-life spoken language, linking past research on linguistically well-formed and meticulously controlled speech to the type of speech that the brain actually deals with on a daily basis.
Digital Disruption and Rethinking the ‘Script’ of Peace Mediation
Authors: Aggestam Karin , Hedling Elsa
Published: May 2023

This article focuses on the quest for digitalisation in peace mediation and to the extent to which digital disruption is reshaping its practices. While digitalisation in the wider field of diplomacy has seen dramatic changes in its practices, peace mediation is a ‘latecomer’. The article explores the constitutive effects on specific norms and practices of peace mediation and identifies opportunities as well as the restraining and even counterproductive effects of digitalisation. Digital technologies, tools and social media platforms are mapped to assess their roles and impact on key practices and to critically analyse the digitalisation of peace mediation. Moreover, a content analysis of international strategic policy documents and central frameworks relevant for international peacebuilding operations is conducted, which shows that digitalisation has taken place gradually and cautiously. Since there are few theoretical and empirical studies on the digitalisation of peace mediation, the article concludes by suggesting three directions to be taken in future research.
Studies on Raspy Crickets: Astyloplatum n. gen. a new gryllacrid genus from Colombian Andes (Orthoptera: Gryllacrididae)
Authors: CADENA-CASTAÑEDA OSCAR J. , M. DIDIER CASTAÑEDA , GARAY ANDREA , GARCÍA ALEXANDER GARCÍA
Published: May 2023

Astyloplatum luteolum n. gen. et n. sp., is described, as a new monospecific genus from the eastern slope of the Colombian Andes, of the middle and highlands of the departments of Boyacá and Santander. This new taxon is distinguished by its yellowish coloration and the lack of articulated stylli on the male subgenital plate; this character converges with several taxa unrelated to the tribe Gryllacridini in which Astyloplatum n. gen. is placed. The convergence of characters in gryllacridines, diversity, complement of the current classification, and the importance of the phallic complex for the delimitation of genera and species are discussed.
Evaluation of the GPM-IMERG V06 Final Run Products for Monthly/Annual Precipitation under the Complex Climatic and Topographic Conditions of China
Authors: Zhang Ying , Zheng Xiao , Li Xiufen , Lyu Jiaxin , Zhao Lanlin
Published: May 2023

The new-generation multisatellite precipitation algorithm, namely, Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM-IMERG), version 6, provides a high resolution and large spatial extent and can be used to offset the lack of surface observations. This study aimed to evaluate the precipitation detection capability of GPM-IMERG V06 Final Run products in different climatic and topographical regions of China for the 2014–20 period. This study showed that 1) GPM-IMERG could capture the spatial and temporal precipitation distributions in China. At the annual scale, GPM-IMERG performed well, with a correlation coefficient R >0.95 and a relative bias ratio (RBias) between 15.38% and 23.46%. At the seasonal scale, GPM-IMERG performed best in summer. At the monthly scale, GPM-IMERG performed better during the wet season (April–September) (RBias = 7.41%) than during the dry season (RBias = 13.65%). 2) GPM-IMERG performed well in terms of precipitation estimation in Southwest China, Central China, East China, and South China, followed by Northeast China and North China, but it performed poorly in Northwest China and Tibet. 3) The climate zone, followed by elevation, played a leading role in the GPM-IMERG accuracy in China, and the main sources of GPM-IMERG deviation in arid and semiarid regions were missed precipitation and false precipitation. However, the influences of missed precipitation and false precipitation gradually increased with increasing elevation. Despite the obvious differences between the GPM-IMERG and surface precipitation estimates, the study results highlight the potential of GPM-IMERG as a valuable resource for monitoring high-resolution precipitation information that is lacking in many parts of the world.

Significance Statement

The purpose of this study was to better understand the capability of GPM-IMERG for precipitation estimation and the causes of errors. GPM-IMERG performed well when estimating precipitation in Southwest China, Central China, East China, and South China, followed by Northeast China and North China, but it performed poorly in Northwest China and Tibet. Climate, followed by elevation, played a leading role in GPM-IMERG accuracy in China. Our results could provide a greater understanding of the accuracy of GPM-IMERG precipitation estimation in the different regions of China and can be applied to water resource management, afforestation (or reforestation) projects, and so on, in areas worldwide where meteorological stations are scarce.