Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2007 11:57 am Post subject: New nanoscale engineering breakthrough in hydrogen vehicles
link
New nanoscale engineering breakthrough points to hydrogen-powered vehicles PhysOrg 3/5/2007
Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory have developed an advanced concept in nanoscale catalyst engineering ? a combination of experiments and simulations that will bring polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells for hydrogen-powered vehicles closer to massive commercialization. Sponsored Links
The results of their findings identify a clear trend in the behavior of extended and nanoscale surfaces of platinum-bimetallic alloy. Additionally, the techniques and concepts derived from the research program are expected to make overarching contributions to other areas of science well beyond the focus on electrocatalysis.
The Argonne researchers, Nenad Markovic and Vojislav Stamenkovic, published related results last month in Science and this month in Nature Materials on the behavior of single crystal and polycrystalline platinum alloy surfaces. The researchers discovered that the nanosegregated platinum-nickel alloy surface has unique catalytic properties, opening up important new directions for the development of active and stable practical cathode catalysts in fuel cells.
These scientific accomplishments together provide a solid foundation for the development of hydrogen-powered vehicles, as basic research brings value of society today by helping to lay the foundation for tomorrow's technological breakthroughs. "Understanding catalysis is a grand challenge of nanoscience that is now coming within reach," said George Crabtree, director of Argonne's Materials Science Division. "The systematic work that Voya and Nenad are doing is a major step toward transforming catalysis from an empirical art to a fundamental science."
Their experiments and approach sought to substantially improve and reduce platinum loading as the oxygen-reduction catalyst. The research identified a fundamental relationship in electrocatalytic trends on surfaces between the experimentally determined surface electronic structure (the d -band centre) and activity for the oxygen-reduction reaction. This relationship exhibits "volcano-type" behavior, where the maximum catalytic activity is governed by a balance between adsorption energies of reactive intermediates and surface coverage by spectator (blocking) species.
The electrocatalytic trends established for extended surfaces explain the activity pattern of nanocatalysts and provide a fundamental basis for the enhancement of cathode catalysts. By combining experiments with simulations in the quest for surfaces with desired activity, the researchers developed an advanced concept in nanoscale catalyst engineering.
"In the past, theoretical connections have been suggested between electronic behavior and catalytic activity," explained Markovic. "Our work represents the first time that the connections have been identified experimentally. For us, this development constitutes the beginning of more breakthrough advances in nanocatalysts."
According to Stamenkovic, "Our study demonstrates the potential of new analytical tools for characterizing nanoscale surfaces in order to fine tune their properties in a desired direction. We have identified a cathode surface that is capable of achieving and even exceeding the target for catalytic activity with improved stability. This discovery sets a new bar for catalytic activity of the cathodic reaction in fuel cells."
Through continued research combining nanoscale fabrication, electrochemical characterization and numerical simulation a new generation of multi-metallic systems with engineered nanoscale surfaces is on the horizon. Argonne's Center for Nanoscale Materials, Advanced Photon Source and Electron Microscopy Center will enable some of this research.
"We have got crucial support from Argonne management to set up the new labs and launch research directions, which would establish Argonne as a leading center in basic sciences related to energy conversion." said Stamenkovic.
Their lab includes a custom built three-chamber UHV system equipped with the state-of-the-art surface sensitive tools, including Low Energy Ion Scattering Spectroscopy (LEISS), Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES), angle resolved X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS with monochromator), ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS), Low Energy Electron Diffraction (LEED) optics, sputtering guns, thermal evaporators, dual hemispherical analyzers, and chamber with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy AFM. All three chambers are connected to each other but they can also work as independent chambers, making it possible to transfer samples from one to the other unit in order to get detailed surface characterization or to make desirable surface modification.
"We hope that this research program will lead the nation to more secure energy independence and a cleaner environment for future generations," Markovic said.
Joined: Dec 28, 2005 Posts: 295 Location: Toronto, Ontario
Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2007 12:45 pm Post subject: Re: New nanoscale engineering breakthrough in hydrogen vehic
As a scientist (organic chemist) I have to say they've done a great job of including as many technical terms as possible in that piece. I bet the venture capitalists will be flocking like mad to invest in this as a result!
The problem is that for all the great work that is being done in improving the ability of fuel cells to store hydrogen, comparatively little work is being done on how this hydrogen can be produced in the first place (cause it can't without an equivalent or greater energy input!) The developments with respect to hydrogen just serve to demonstrate that technology isn't going to save the day, and will in all likelihood lead to a tragic misallocation of our dwindling resources.
Joined: Sep 29, 2004 Posts: 2330 Location: Pennsylvania, USA
Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2007 12:56 pm Post subject: Re: New nanoscale engineering breakthrough in hydrogen vehic
I'm not seeing where they are addressing the problems with H powered cars. The first problem is where to get the H from, currently that would be from natural gas and I don't think I have to explain why that's not a potential problem. The other problem is distribution and storage. Look at all the problems we have storing LNG, H is worse. In fact, H will leak right through most materials including glass.
Making energy with H is not currently a problem. Fuel cells are already about 55% efficient, much better than an ICE. _________________ "That's the problem with mercy, kid... It just ain't professional" - Fast Eddie, The Color of Money
Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2007 7:47 pm Post subject: Re: New nanoscale engineering breakthrough in hydrogen vehic
Well this Company seems to think they can use hydrogen within five years.Hydro
They will also introduce a small machine that can produce hydrogen on demand from normal tap water. The unit will be the size of a large american frig. It will take in tap water then purify it several times to make hydrogen.
Joined: Aug 25, 2004 Posts: 34 Location: Regina, SK, Canada
Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2007 8:44 am Post subject: Re: New nanoscale engineering breakthrough in hydrogen vehic
All I kept seeing in the piece was "platinum". I wonder how much platinum each fuel cell requires vs the amount of platinum in a ICE's catalytic converter? _________________ Drive to work... work to drive!
Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 9:23 am Post subject: Hydrogen from seawater & sunlight? (and TiO2)
The panacea for our carbon addiction?
Meh, prob not, just looking for a little underwriting capital.
Quote:
Science turns sun, surf into green energy
Deborah Smith Science Editor 21 Mar 2007
A REVOLUTIONARY technology that uses sunlight and sea water to produce an unlimited supply of clean, hydrogen fuel could be developed within a decade, Sydney researchers say.
Leigh Sheppard, of the University of NSW, estimated that 1.6 million of the solar devices, installed on rooftops, would be able to produce enough hydrogen gas to supply Australia's entire energy needs. While other energy options under discussion, such as nuclear power, produce harmful wastes, the only by-products of this solar hydrogen technology would be oxygen and fresh water, Dr Sheppard said.
"It is the cleanest, greenest energy option for a sustainable economy."
Dr Sheppard said much more research was needed, but the university team was confident it would be able to make the process efficient enough within 10 years for it then to be developed commercially. Its technique relies on using a light sensitive material, titanium dioxide, to harness the power of the sun to split water into oxygen and hydrogen gas. "The process has the additional advantage that it works best in sea water," Dr Sheppard said.
Australia was rich in titanium, and had abundant sunshine. "And we are surrounded by ocean."
It might also be possible to use artesian water, or pump sea water inland, to a large array of solar panels which could produce hydrogen for local use and even for export.
An area covering 40 square kilometres would meet the country's energy needs.
A way of using sunlight to split water was first developed by Japanese scientists in the 1970s, but worldwide interest in developing this approach has only recently been rekindled by concerns about burning fossil fuels and global warming.
The small UNSW team, led by Professor Janusz Nowotny, ...
More at Sydney Morning Herald article
_________________ "It's called the American Dream because you'd have to be asleep to believe it."
Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 10:27 am Post subject: Re: Hydrogen from seawater & sunlight? (and TiO2)
that such a thing works is a fact, the only question is cost;
maybe we are running out of fuel for 2,5$/gal or 30kwh, but there is plenty of fuel at 5$/gal (hydrogen included)
Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 12:33 pm Post subject: Re: Hydrogen from seawater & sunlight? (and TiO2)
if we get better and long lasting batteries, and we will get less costly SOFC fuel cells as APU, then there could be a future for biofuels because a normal car with a 10kwh-50kw battery and a 10kw SOFC APU gets 150mpg;
you see , at steady 5$/gallone we have a lot of options;
for the poor of the poorest maybe pedelecs ....
i don't think that after peakoil we have to put our arm in steaming poo-poo
Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 12:55 pm Post subject: Re: Hydrogen from seawater & sunlight? (and TiO2)
purcatty wrote:
Well,,,,,, yes,,,and no,,,,,
plenty hydrogen at double the cost TODAY
but when gasoline doubles so will hydrogen.
When gas goes to 5 $ a gallon hydrogen will double in cost so again it wont be avaialable
Since hydrogen is made from natural gas.
Hydrogen will always be not avaialbale as gas goes up same with ethanol always out of reach.
Hydrogen will never be an option for massive use.
hydrogen could be made at a cost of 10ct/kwh from renewable energy already today; (by electrolyzers from GE)
GE's electrolizyer will do it for 3$ a kgr, so lets say 5$ a kgr with tax and storage included;
(saltwater is a option with other electrolyzers)
a kgr of hydrogen is the same as 1 gallone of gasolline;
why isn't it done today?
because gasoline costs half and the simple biofuels are cheap;
but simple biofuels without BTL can maybe afford 30% of demand.
BTL will cost the same or even more then hydrogen and still needs a lot of land, so sooner or later we will move to hydrogen;
with hydrogen maybe the afford is higher but we won't loose the 50$ to russia or middle east and the other 50$ for refining to exxon,
we can buy cars with 60mpg
and so at the end we have to pay 1500$ more for the hydrogen tank and thats it, no other change in spending for the consumer in comparison to a 30mpg car of today.
if you want, YOU can use horses after peak oil,
but don't be afraid if i surpass you with my hydrogen BMW
Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 2:40 pm Post subject: Re: Hydrogen from seawater & sunlight? (and TiO2)
Nothing new here. Sounds like photoelectrochemical H2 production that many are working on. Hydrogen Solar is another company working in this field. _________________ For ionizing radiation “…the human epidemiological evidence establishes—by any reasonable standard of proof—that there is no safe dose or dose-rate…the safe-dose hypothesis is not merely implausible—it is disproven.” Dr. J.W. Gofman 4
Joined: Sep 29, 2004 Posts: 2330 Location: Pennsylvania, USA
Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 2:50 pm Post subject: Re: Hydrogen from seawater & sunlight? (and TiO2)
Hydrogen is abundant; in every drop of water, and its ridiculously easy to extract from that water. I can electrolysizes a whole child's balloon worth of H in only a day or so using the AC current from a solar panel.
"What's that? You'll need 1 trillion times that amount in a day? Wow."
The article talks about some magic process which is the answer to the world’s problems and it was even invented in Japan and shelved years ago, hmm...
Sometimes I feel for my fellow man who doesn't understand economies of scale. The devil is always in the numbers. _________________ "That's the problem with mercy, kid... It just ain't professional" - Fast Eddie, The Color of Money
Joined: Nov 08, 2005 Posts: 258 Location: The Maple State
Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 3:10 pm Post subject: Re: Hydrogen from seawater & sunlight? (and TiO2)
As long as we use natural gas (on the margin) to power our electrical grid Hydrogen will not be cost effective or useful for personal transport.
Energy is lost converting gas to electricity, then electricity to hydrogen, then compression for hydrogen storage, then hydrogen to electricity to power the car. More efficient (and needing a lot less infrastructure) is to use the natural gas to power the car.
Hydrogen impact will have to wait for a different world when natural gas is no longer used for the electrical grid.
Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 5:12 pm Post subject: Re: Hydrogen from seawater & sunlight? (and TiO2)
EliSorry if you were being facetious and I didn't get it...
Titanium dioxide is very common stuff. Titanium is approx 1% by mass of the earth's crust. Like aluminum (also very common in the crust), it takes a lot of energy to refine pure metal, but TiO2 is a naturally occurring form found in many common rocks, and used in many many products today. Besides, this is being used as a catalyst, so we aren't even consuming the Ti.
Not a limiting factor, at all.
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