bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Designing an Ammonia Compatible SOFC System
Authors: Huhtinen Werneri , Saxelin Santeri , Kiviaho Jari , Himanen Olli 
Published: December 2024

Ammonia (NH3) as a fuel in Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) systems for marine applications is a promising approach towards carbon-neutral power generation. Ammonia offers distinct advantages over liquefied hydrogen in terms of handling, storage, and existing distribution infrastructure.
In single cell testing, ammonia has been recognized as a potential fuel for SOFC stacks, demonstrating comparable performance to other fuels such as pure hydrogen and natural gas-based reformates. The nickel containing fuel electrodes of fuel cells, facilitate the decomposition of ammonia feed into nitrogen and hydrogen. Hydrogen is then utilized as a fuel for the power generating electrochemical reaction.
However, challenges arise at the stack level when using ammonia, particularly concerning the use of state-of-the-art steel grades as interconnect plate materials. The high-temperature decomposition of ammonia generates highly reactive N3- ions, leading to nitridation reactions that degrade steel structures, impacting electrode contacts, and potentially resulting in significant performance losses and mechanical cracking of cells.
This study introduces three approaches aimed at advancing the design and development of an ammonia compatible SOFC system. Ex-situ material testing was conducted to assess the material tolerances of common metals used in SOFC systems. The results provide insights for material selection and component development. Secondly, to gather comprehensive data on stack durability and degradation in an ammonia-containing environment, stack-level performance testing was performed using simulated pre-cracked ammonia feeds as the fuel for a 350 W SOFC short stack.
Lastly, ensuring sufficient pre-cracking of ammonia is crucial for maintaining the durability of ammonia fueled SOFCs, as high concentrations of raw ammonia can lead to shortened lifespans. Thus, performance mapping of multi-fuel processing capable nickel catalyst was done at various temperatures. This led to the determination of optimal operating conditions for the highly endothermic ammonia cracking reaction, which could be sustained by the excess heat from the SOFC system.
This study combines laboratory-scale experimental results from ex-situ material testing, stack-level durability experiments, and catalyst performance mapping for the cracker unit. These findings establish design parameters for the development of an upscaled ammonia compatible SOFC system.

Acknowledgment

This research was financially supported by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under the grant agreement No 101069828 (project FuelSOME).
Demonstration of Converting Blast Furnace Gas to High Purity Hydrogen
Authors: Flynn Eric , Reinartz Stefan 
Published: December 2024

This paper reports on a novel technology, eXEROTM, that is being utilized in a demonstration project at an integrated steelworks in North America to produce hydrogen from blast furnace gas in a single process step. The paper provides an overview of the technology, the project implementation, and results obtained from the field trial.
Global average temperatures for the 12 months between June 2023 and May 2024 were the highest on record. The continuing warming of our atmosphere heightens the need for decarbonization of existing infrastructure and industrial processes like steel making. With a growing demand for low carbon intensity hydrogen, conventional methods of production face obstacles involving substantial electricity inputs, infrastructure, and CAPEX, which can conflict with operational and business objectives. Our reactor has proven to be an attractive option for existing plant operations by eliminating the need for significant electricity inputs and infrastructure.
The zero-electricity electrolysis technology, trademarked eXEROTM, is based on two gas streams, which are separated by an impermeable electrolyte, and counter-exchange of oxygen ions and electrons. Thus, one of the streams undergoes reduction while the other stream simultaneously undergoes oxidation. Unlike traditional fuel cells or electrolyzers, no current is extracted or delivered to the reactor to drive the process. The overall redox reaction is thermodynamically driven by the different gas compositions across the anode and cathode of the cell, fundamentally described by the Nernst Equation. A mixed conducting electrolyte is used to transport electrons from the anode to the cathode and oxygen ions from the cathode to the anode in the eXERO technology platform. Therefore, with certain chemical compositions at the anode, steam in the cathode will spontaneously dissociate into hydrogen ions and oxygen ions without an external circuit. Like in a traditional solid oxide electrolyzer with an applied external overpotential, electrons flow concurrently from the anode to the cathode, forming hydrogen at the cathode.
A demonstration plant utilizing the eXERO technology was designed, fabricated, installed, and commissioned on an operating steel mill facility. The paper includes information pertaining to operational results under actual plant conditions, the impact of industrial feedstocks, and other challenges. Data on the hydrogen produced by the eXERO technology will be covered along with the relevance of utilizing the technology to generate clean hydrogen from blast furnace gas, in order to decarbonize integrated steel production.
The significance of this milestone for improving industrial processes, mitigating greenhouse gases and creating multiple paths to an effective and affordable energy transition is significant. To our knowledge, this is the first time this direct conversion has been achieved. It represents a much better way for heavy industries to reach environmental and business objectives.
(Invited) Development and on-Body Tests of Wearable Electrochemical Sensors Fabricated By Screen Printing
Authors: Shitanda Isao 
Published: December 2024

We have developed a biofuel cell that uses environmentally and physically safe enzymes to generate electricity from sugar and lactate contained in body fluids. We have also developed a self-driven healthcare device that senses the components of body fluid based on the output value. We have studied the feasibility of a wearable healthcare device that does not require battery replacement, is thin and light, and does not feel uncomfortable to wear, such as for fatigue management of athletes and monitoring for heat stroke in mid-summer.
Development of various elemental technologies, evaluation technologies, and utilization technologies to enhance the practicality of biofuel cells was promoted, and the performance of biofuel cells as a whole was raised to the world's highest level.
In particular, we developed a diaper biofuel cell that generates electricity from urinary sugar in diapers to measure urinary sugar levels and a lactate biofuel cell that generates electricity from lactate in sweat to measure lactate levels.
We have also conducted research on lactate and ion sensors for on-body test. We have conducted implementation tests of self-driven lactate sensors, lactate sensors, ion sensors, and perspiration sensors on actual human wearers. A trend of correlation between blood lactate and sweat lactate has been observed through exercise using an aerobic bike. This presentation will highlight these results.
Ni Nanoparticles in Functionalized Ionic Liquids for Chemoselective Hydrogenation Catalysis
Authors: Riisager Anders , Krishnan Deepthy , Schill Leonhard , Axet M. Rosa , Philippot Karine 
Published: December 2024

The decomposition of organometallic Ni0 complexes with stabilizing agents - named the organometallic approach - is an attractive method to obtain size-controlled Ni nanoparticles (NPs) in solution. The method allows fine control of the NPs growth, while offering a clean metal surface due to the absence of byproducts formed from the precursor complex. Moreover, the nature of the stabilizer can be tuned to affect the catalytic properties of the Ni NPs [1].
Ionic liquids (ILs) can function as both stabilizers and dispersion media for the synthesis of small and narrow-sized Ni NPs by the organometallic approach under mild conditions [2]. Such systems can also benefit from the use of functionalized ILs (FILs) that can interact with the metallic surface and create ligand effects during catalysis [3]. Controlled oxidation forming Ni-NiO NPs is another approach to modify the catalytic reactivity, as previously shown for solid NiO catalysts [4].
In this work, well-defined Ni NPs were synthesized in different ILs (Ni/ILs) and exploited as catalysts for the chemoselective reduction of 2-cyclohexen-1-one, as a representative of the group of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds with industrial relevance [5]. Interestingly, the Ni/ILs systems were found to be efficient catalysts for selective hydrogenation of the substrate to cyclohexanone using hydrogen gas with performance dependence on the applied ILs whereas the oxidized counterparts (Ni-NiO/ILs) were active and selective for catalytic transfer hydrogenation to 2-cyclohexen-1-ol with 2-propanol as H-source and solvent, both under mild reaction conditions (Figure 1).
The work has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement No 860322.
[1] C. Amiens, D. Ciuculescu-Pradines, K. Philippot, Coord. Chem. Rev. 2016, 308, 409.
[2] M.H.G. Prechtl, P.S. Campbell, J.D. Scholten, G.B. Fraser, G. Machado, C.C. Santini, J. Dupont, Y. Chauvin, Nanoscale 2010, 2, 2601.
[3] D. Krishnan, L. Schill, M.R. Axet, K. Philippot, A. Riisager, Nanomater. 2023, 13, 1459.
[4] J. He, M.R. Nielsen, T.W. Hansen, S. Yang, A. Riisager, Catal. Sci. Technol. 2019, 9, 1289.
[5] D. Krishnan, L. Schill, M.R. Axet, K. Philippot, A. Riisager, ChemCatChem 2024, 16, e202301441.

Figure 1
(Invited) Surface and Interface Structure Control of Water Electrolysis Electrodes
Authors: Todoroki Naoto 
Published: December 2024

The development of highly active and durable electrode for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is essential for efficient hydrogen production by polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE). Ir oxide is currently used as OER catalysts, while their extreme scarcity and high cost hinder the widespread adoption of PEMWE. Recently, Ru oxide has attracted attention as a non-iridium OER catalyst with high electronic conductivity. However, since its electrochemical stability under acidic environment is quite low compared to Ir oxide, significant stability improvement is needed for practical applications of Ru-oxide catalysts.
In this talk, I will present our recent work on surface and interface control to improve the performance of Ru oxide using single crystal thin film electrodes prepared by arc-plasma deposition. First, I will introduce the beneficial role of Ti doping on RuO2(hkl) surfaces (hkl = 110, 001, 100). The OER activity, stability, and corrosion resistance were enhanced by a small amount of Ti doping on all the hkl surfaces. Second, the importance of structural control of noble metal oxide catalyst/transition metal oxide support interface will be discussed. The SnO2 interlayer effectively improved not only the electronic resistance, but also the structural stability at the catalyst/support interface [1]. These studies demonstrate that metal oxide thin film model electrodes are powerful platforms to elucidate the role of surface and interfacial structure on the water electrolysis electrodes.
This study was partly supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number 21H01661, 22K19078 and Toyota Mobility Foundation Hydrogen Initiative.
[1] N. Todoroki, R. Kudo, K. Hayashi, M. Yokoi, N. Naraki and T. Wadayama, ACS Catalysis, 13, 2023, 11433.
Bias-Free Environmental Pollutants Conversion By Integrating Bi-Functional Catalyst with Dual Organic Photoelectrode System
Authors: Kim Yejoon , Lee Sanghan 
Published: December 2024

The rapid increase in human activities has led to an oversupply of nitrate and glycerol, emerging as significant environmental pollutants, disrupting the delicate balance of the global nitrogen and carbon cycles. Addressing this challenge, photoelectrochemical (PEC) conversion harnesses solar energy to effectively convert excess nitrate into ammonia and surplus glycerol into high-value carbon compounds, thereby mitigating their environmental impact and enhancing both environmental sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Notably, among the resulting products, ammonia and formic acid have garnered attention as prominent carriers for hydrogen storage and transportation, given their high hydrogen storage capacity relative to their mass and volume, further emphasizing the importance of PEC conversion.
Organic semiconductor materials, characterized by high photovoltage and photocurrent density, present promising prospects for producing efficient photoelectrodes. However, their utility has been hindered by poor stability in aqueous electrolytes. In this study, we address this challenge by employing an encapsulation method to fabricate stable organic semiconductor-based photocathodes and photoanodes operable in aqueous electrolytes. Moreover, we have devised a novel photoelectrochemical system capable of operating without external voltage, facilitated by a dual photoelectrode system.
The Ni-Fe-P alloy, with its unique combination of bimetallic and phosphide properties, stands out as a promising non-noble metal catalyst. Nickel facilitates hydrogenation and enhances product selectivity, while iron boosts initial adsorption and reaction activity. Phosphorus disrupts electron distribution, creating additional active sites for intermediate adsorption. This multifaceted catalytic activity enables the Ni-Fe-P alloy to function effectively in both nitrate reduction and glycerol oxidation simultaneously.
By integrating a bifunctional Ni-Fe-P catalyst into our dual photoelectrode system, we've achieved significant progress. This system efficiently reduces nitrates and converts glycerol, yielding valuable hydrogen carriers like ammonia and formic acid. Importantly, we've attained photocurrent densities of several mA cm⁻² without the need for bias. This breakthrough marks a robust and effective development in photoelectrochemical systems, addressing both environmental remediation and hydrogen carrier production challenges.
A Carbon-Efficient Bicarbonate Electrolyzer
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Li Ju 
Published: December 2024

Carbon efficiency is one of the most pressing problems of carbon dioxide electroreduction today. While there have been studies on anion exchange membrane electrolyzers with carbon dioxide (gas) and bipolar membrane electrolyzers with bicarbonate (aqueous) feedstocks, both suffer from low carbon efficiency. In anion exchange membrane electrolyzers, this is due to carbonate anion crossover, whereas in bipolar membrane electrolyzers, the exsolution of carbon dioxide (gas) from the bicarbonate solution is the culprit. Here, we first elucidate the root cause of the low carbon efficiency of liquid bicarbonate electrolyzers with thermodynamic calculation and then achieve carbon-efficient carbon dioxide electroreduction by adopting a near-neutral-pH cation exchange membrane, a glass fiber intermediate layer, and carbon dioxide (gas) partial pressure management. We convert highly concentrated bicarbonate solution to solid formate fuel with a yield (carbon efficiency) of greater than 96%. A device test is demonstrated at 100 mA cm-2 with a full-cell voltage of 3.1 V for over 200 h [1].
Reference:
[1] Zhang et al., A carbon-efficient bicarbonate electrolyzer, Cell Rep. Phys. Sci.
4, 101662 (2023).
Electrocatalytic Reduction of Simulated Industrial CO2 and CO Mixtures: Revising Chronoamperometry to Enable Selective Gas Mixture Reduction via Cyclic Voltammetry
Authors: Lisak Grzegorz , Chen Wen Qian , Loong Cyrus Foo Jit , Ge Liya , Veksha Andrei , Chan Wei Ping , Shen Yafei 
Published: December 2024

The reduction of carbon oxide mixtures remains underexplored despite advances in the electrocatalytic reduction of pure CO2 or CO. A novel approach for the electrocatalytic reduction of carbon oxide mixtures was developed and optimized through the controlled application of cyclic voltammetry (CV). This method, serving as an alternative to conventional chronoamperometry, ensures a continuous reduction reaction by cycling between the optimized reduction potentials of CO2 (−1.4 V) and CO (−1.6 V). The approach resulted in a significant increase in production efficiency, ranging from 25% to 40% for predominant products (HCOOH and C2H4).
The methodology involved the use of CV to conduct reduction reactions within a defined negative potential window, ensuring a continuous reduction process throughout the entire cycling. This led to an enhanced performance, dependent on the scan rate of cycling, revealing plausible correlations with mass transfer and electrode surface dynamics. Furthermore, the findings indicated that the selectivity towards HCOOH and C2H4 is closely related to the CO2/CO ratios of gas sources, providing insight into the potential for modulating selectivity of industrial gas reduction for improved product quality and customization.
This novel approach of electrocatalytic reduction of carbon oxide mixtures proves to have high universality and potential for industrial applications. The method not only achieves increased efficiency in the production of key products but also offers the ability to modulate selectivity based on gas source ratios. This research provides a new perspective for improved product efficiency and customization in industrial gas reduction processes, making it highly valuable for development of green and renewable energy technologies.
Ref.
[1] W.Q. Chen, J.L.C. Foo, L.Y. Ge, A. Veksha, W.-P. Chan, Y. Shen, G. Lisak, Electrocatalytic reduction of simulated industrial CO2 and CO mixtures: Revising chronoamperometry to enable selective gas mixture reduction via cyclic voltammetry, Chemical Engineering Journal 487 (2024) 150602.

Figure 1
Characterization and Electrochemical Performance of Na(Ni,Fe,Mn)O2 for Sodium-Ion Battery Cathodes
Authors: Kang Min-Seung , Young-guk Son , Jeong Il-Kyoung , Cho chae-Ryong 
Published: December 2024

Given the escalating demand for sustainable energy storage solutions, sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have emerged as formidable contenders against lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), capitalizing on the abundant and cost-effective nature of sodium resources. A pivotal determinant in advancing SIB technology lies in the quest for efficient anode materials, which significantly influence the overall performance and stability of the battery system. Among potential candidates, Na(Ni,Fe,Mn)O2, a layered transition metal oxide, holds promise as an anode material for SIBs.
To explore this potential, we employed the solid-state reaction method to synthesize and analyze three novel anode materials: NaNiO2, NaNi0.9Fe0.05Mn0.05O2, and NaNi0.8Fe0.1Mn0.1O2. Stoichiometric proportions of Na2O2, NiO, Fe2O3, and Mn2O3 served as the starting materials, supplemented with an additional 15% Na2O2 to ensure thorough decomposition during synthesis.
Following synthesis, we conducted a series of analyses to elucidate the structural characteristics of the materials. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were employed to confirm the basic surface morphology, crystal structure, and phase composition. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis provided insights into the elemental composition and chemical states.
Further investigation into the nanostructure and electrochemical performance was carried out using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and in-situ XRD. TEM analysis revealed crystal defects, interface structures, and nanoparticle morphology, while in-situ XRD allowed for real-time observation of crystal structural changes during cycling.
Subsequently, the synthesized materials were utilized as active materials to fabricate Half Coincells, with sodium metal serving as the cathode. Electrochemical evaluations, including constant current charge-discharge tests at various current densities and rate performance assessments, were conducted. These evaluations enabled us to assess the specific capacity, rate capability, and cycling stability of each material, facilitating a comparative analysis of their suitability as anode materials for SIBs.
In summary, this study employs a comprehensive analytical framework to explore the structural characteristics and electrochemical behavior of Na(Ni,Fe,Mn)O2 for SIB applications. By integrating advanced characterization techniques with electrochemical measurements, we aim to uncover key insights into its potential as a high-performance cathode material, advancing the development of sustainable energy storage technologies.
This research was supported by the NRF funded by the MSIT and MEST (grant numbers NRF-2021R1A4A1022198, NRF-2022R1A2B5B01001943, and NRF-2018R1A5A1025594).

Figure 1
Predictors for Sedation Failure in Mitral Transcatheter Edge‐to‐Edge Repair Procedures
Authors: Frerker Christian , Mathern Malte , Saraei Roza , Marquetand Christoph , Graf Tobias , Alhagi Mulham , Stiermaier Thomas , Genske Florian , Jurczyk Dominik , Rawish Elias , Dejanovikj Momir , Foth Friederike , Eitel Ingo , Schmidt Tobias 
Published: December 2024

Background: Mitral transcatheter‐edge‐to‐edge‐repair (M‐TEER) is mostly done with using general anesthesia (GA). Limited data including specific risk factors exist for a deep sedation (DS) approach.Methods and Results: 464 M‐TEER procedures were included for comparison of a DS approach versus those who required a conversion to GA. Specific predefined risk factors were analyzed to identify those patients who might not benefit from a DS strategy by the need of conversion to GA. The conversion rate from DS to GA was 6.7% (n = 433 successful DS and n = 31 conversion to GA). Mean age was 80 years. Classical surgical risk scores did not show any significant difference between the two groups. Patients with DS had a higher procedural success rate (96.1% versus 80.1%; p < 0.001). The time on the intensive care unit (ICU) (3.9 h versus 126 h; p = 0.023) was shorter for patients with DS. Patients who were in the need for a conversion to GA had a lower 30‐day and 1‐year survival rate. A multivariate analysis for conversion to GA showed body mass index (p = 0.023), pre‐existing kidney failure (p < 0.001), obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) (p = 0.031), systolic pulmonary pressure value (p = 0.013), and concomitant tricuspid regurgitation (p = 0.049) as risk factors.Conclusions: Using DS in M‐TEER is feasible with a low conversion rate to GA. In case of a conversion, the procedure is less successful regarding reduction of MR and more complications occurred with a lower survival rate up to 12 months. These data suggest that conversion from DS to GA is high risk. Therefore, we could identify different predictors for the need of a conversion to GA. However, our results could only be hypothesis‐generated and should be evaluated in a randomized study.