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Advanced Manufacturing of Fuel Cells and Fuel-Cell Components

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "D2: Electrochem: Batteries, Fuel Cells, Capacitors".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2023) | Viewed by 9626

Special Issue Editors

Dipartimento di Scienze e Metodi dell'Ingegneria, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Via G. Amendola 2, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
Interests: atomization and sprays; spray cooling; fire suppression; fuel cells; additive layer manufacturing; laser-based techniques; infrared thermography; thermometry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Department of Engineering "Enzo Ferrari", University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
Interests: ceramic materials; rheology; material characterization; ceramic engineering; thin films and nanotechnology; nanomaterials; nanocomposites; nanostructured materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As the world is transitioning to more sustainable energy sources, hydrogen serves as one of the leading energy vectors. Its use in fuel cells to obtain heat and power is becoming increasingly popular, both for stationary and for mobile applications; quite remarkably, even fuel-cell types fed by other fuels (e.g., direct methanol fuel cells) are considered very promising and substantial research efforts have been spent on them. However, the growing demand from industry requires that fuel-cell manufacturing be upgraded from small-batch (sometimes lab-scale) to mass production, in parallel with increasing product quality and reducing the consumption of critical raw materials. Therefore, research on innovative and advanced fabrication and production strategies is of paramount importance; this Special Issue specifically aims to serve as a collection of the most recent contributions in the field.

The following topics are of significant interest, but manuscripts addressing other relevant topics are also welcome:

  • Additive manufacturing techniques applied to fuel cells;
  • Fabrication of the entire membrane electrode assembly;
  • Deposition of the catalyst layers and membrane manufacturing process;
  • Manufacturing of bipolar plates and gas diffusion layers;
  • Production of fuel-cell gaskets;
  • Fuel-cell stack assembly lines;
  • Techno-economic assessment of the whole industrial process or part(s) of it;
  • Automation.

Prof. Dr. Paolo E. Santangelo
Prof. Dr. Marcello Romagnoli
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

 

Keywords

  • fabrication process
  • coating
  • printing
  • electrochemical performance
  • advanced methods
  • techno-economic analysis

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 3215 KiB  
Article
A Finite Element Analysis Model-Based Study on the Effect of the Frame on Membrane Stresses in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
by Zikuan Zhang, Yongle Tan, Daozeng Yang, Tiankuo Chu and Bing Li
Energies 2023, 16(20), 7044; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16207044 - 11 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 744
Abstract
The frame of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) has an important impact on durability and reliability of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). In this study, the finite element analysis method has been used to build a two-dimensional model that can quickly [...] Read more.
The frame of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) has an important impact on durability and reliability of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). In this study, the finite element analysis method has been used to build a two-dimensional model that can quickly screen and compare different frame structures and improve the design. Simulation results show that the membrane in the gap between the frame and the active area will generate a large amount of stress, close to the yield strength of the membrane under this condition, after application of the pressure difference. Further, an appropriate frame structure can improve the structural consistency between the frame and the area with moving materials, reduce membrane stress and improve reliability. The problem of stress concentration on the membrane at the joint area is solved by introducing a double-layer frame structure to limit membrane deformation. Hence, this can effectively alleviate the impact of the gap at the joint area and improve the durability of MEA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Manufacturing of Fuel Cells and Fuel-Cell Components)
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20 pages, 6453 KiB  
Article
Effects of Catalyst Ink Storage on Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells
by Mario Kircher, Michaela Roschger, Wai Yee Koo, Fabio Blaschke, Maximilian Grandi, Merit Bodner and Viktor Hacker
Energies 2023, 16(19), 7011; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16197011 - 09 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1215
Abstract
The shelf-life of catalyst ink for fabricating polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) is relevant for large-scale manufacturing with unforeseen production stops. In this study, the storage effects on the physicochemical characteristics of catalyst ink (Pt/C, Nafion, 2-propanol, water) and subsequently manufactured catalyst layers [...] Read more.
The shelf-life of catalyst ink for fabricating polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) is relevant for large-scale manufacturing with unforeseen production stops. In this study, the storage effects on the physicochemical characteristics of catalyst ink (Pt/C, Nafion, 2-propanol, water) and subsequently manufactured catalyst layers are investigated. Sedimentation analysis showed that catalyst particles are not fully stabilized by charge interaction induced by Nafion. Acetone was found to be an oxidation product, even in freshly prepared ink with platinum catalyzing the reaction. Rotating disk electrode analysis revealed that the electrochemically active surface area is, overall, minimally increased by storage, and the selectivity towards water formation (4-electron pathway) is unharmed within the first 48 h of storage. MEAs prepared from stored ink reach almost the same current density level after conditioning via potential cycling. The open-circuit voltage (OCV) increases due to increased catalyst availability. Scanning electron microscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry showed that with increasing acetone content, the pore structure becomes finer, with a higher specific surface area. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed that this results in a more hindered mass transfer but lowered charge transfer resistance. The MEA with the highest OCV and power output and the lowest overall cell resistance was fabricated from catalyst ink stored for a duration of four weeks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Manufacturing of Fuel Cells and Fuel-Cell Components)
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13 pages, 2022 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Salty Environments on the Degradation Behavior and Mechanical Properties of Nafion Membranes
by Dharmjeet Madhav, Changyuan Shao, Jorben Mus, Frank Buysschaert and Veerle Vandeginste
Energies 2023, 16(5), 2256; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16052256 - 26 Feb 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1870
Abstract
The application of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) in maritime transportation is currently in the spotlight due to stringent emissions regulations and the establishment of a carbon trading system. However, salt in the marine environment can accelerate the degradation of proton-exchange membranes (PEM), [...] Read more.
The application of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) in maritime transportation is currently in the spotlight due to stringent emissions regulations and the establishment of a carbon trading system. However, salt in the marine environment can accelerate the degradation of proton-exchange membranes (PEM), which are the core component of PEMFCs. In this study, the effect of the NaCl concentration and temperature on the degradation of Nafion, the benchmark PEMFC membrane, was analyzed ex situ by accelerated degradation using Fenton’s test. The membrane properties were studied by mass change, fluoride ion emission, FTIR spectroscopy, and tensile test. The results showed that the degradation of Nafion membranes increased with the increase in temperature and NaCl concentration. Further studies revealed that Nafion produces C=O bonds during the degradation process. Additionally, it was found that sodium ions replace hydrogen ions in degraded Nafion fragments based on analysis of the weight change, and the rate of substitution increases with increasing temperature. A better understanding of the degradation behavior of Nafion in salty environments will lead to the advanced manufacturing of PEM for applications of PEMFCs in maritime transportation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Manufacturing of Fuel Cells and Fuel-Cell Components)
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28 pages, 5586 KiB  
Article
Numerical Simulation on Effect of Separator Thickness on Coupling Phenomena in Single Cell of PEFC under Higher Temperature Operation Condition at 363 K and 373 K
by Akira Nishimura, Daiki Mishima, Kyohei Toyoda, Syogo Ito and Mohan Lal Kolhe
Energies 2023, 16(2), 606; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16020606 - 04 Jan 2023
Viewed by 953
Abstract
In hydrogen energy systems, the polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) is an important component. The purpose of this study is to clarify the effect of separator thickness (s.t.) in PEFC on the distributions of mass such as H2, O2, [...] Read more.
In hydrogen energy systems, the polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) is an important component. The purpose of this study is to clarify the effect of separator thickness (s.t.) in PEFC on the distributions of mass such as H2, O2, H2O and current density when PEFC is operated at 363 K and 373 K. The relative humidity (RH) of supply gases also impacts the operation. The numerical simulation (using a 3D model) with COMSOL Multiphysics has been conducted to analyze the characteristics of PEFC. It has been observed that the molar concentration of H2 using s.t. of 2.0 mm is smaller compared with the thinner s.t. cases at the initial operation temperature of a cell (Tini) = 363 K and 373 K. The molar concentration of O2 using s.t. of 2.0 mm is smaller compared with the thinner s.t. cases at Tini = 373 K, as well as the case for the RH of supply gases at the anode of 40%RH and cathode of 40%RH (A40%RH/C40%RH) irrespective of Tini. Additionally, it has been clarified that the molar concentration of H2O maintains a low value along with the gas channel at Tini = 373 K using s.t. of 1.5 mm and 1.0 mm. Moreover, it has been clarified that the current density using s.t. of 2.0 mm is the highest among the different s.t. irrespective of Tini, which is the most remarkable in the case of A40%RH&C40%RH. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Manufacturing of Fuel Cells and Fuel-Cell Components)
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Review

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28 pages, 3186 KiB  
Review
A Critical Review of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell Systems for Automotive Applications: Components, Materials, and Comparative Assessment
by Rolando Pedicini, Marcello Romagnoli and Paolo E. Santangelo
Energies 2023, 16(7), 3111; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16073111 - 29 Mar 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2449
Abstract
The development of innovative technologies based on employing green energy carriers, such as hydrogen, is becoming high in demand, especially in the automotive sector, as a result of the challenges associated with sustainable mobility. In the present review, a detailed overview of the [...] Read more.
The development of innovative technologies based on employing green energy carriers, such as hydrogen, is becoming high in demand, especially in the automotive sector, as a result of the challenges associated with sustainable mobility. In the present review, a detailed overview of the entire hydrogen supply chain is proposed, spanning from its production to storage and final use in cars. Notably, the main focus is on Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) as the fuel-cell type most typically used in fuel cell electric vehicles. The analysis also includes a cost assessment of the various systems involved; specifically, the materials commonly employed to manufacture fuel cells, stacks, and hydrogen storage systems are considered, emphasizing the strengths and weaknesses of the selected strategies, together with assessing the solutions to current problems. Moreover, as a sought-after parallelism, a comparison is also proposed and discussed between traditional diesel or gasoline cars, battery-powered electric cars, and fuel cell electric cars, thus highlighting the advantages and main drawbacks of the propulsion systems currently available on the market. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Manufacturing of Fuel Cells and Fuel-Cell Components)
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25 pages, 3807 KiB  
Review
Recent Progress in Metal-Organic Framework-Derived Chalcogenides (MX; X = S, Se) as Electrode Materials for Supercapacitors and Catalysts in Fuel Cells
by Halima Alnaqbi, Oussama El-Kadri, Mohammad Ali Abdelkareem and Sameer Al-Asheh
Energies 2022, 15(21), 8229; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15218229 - 04 Nov 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1778
Abstract
Supercapacitors (SCs) are recognized by high power densities and significantly higher cyclic stability compared to batteries. However, the energy density in SCs should be improved for better applications and commercialization. This could be achieved by developing materials characterized by such porous structures as [...] Read more.
Supercapacitors (SCs) are recognized by high power densities and significantly higher cyclic stability compared to batteries. However, the energy density in SCs should be improved for better applications and commercialization. This could be achieved by developing materials characterized by such porous structures as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and metal chalcogenides in the electrodes’ materials. Herein, the recent advances in MOF derived from metal sulfides and selenides as electrode materials for SCs are reviewed and discussed. Strategies such as adopting core-shell structures, carbon-coating, and doping, which are used to promote the electrochemical performances of these MOF-based materials, are presented. Additionally, the progress in developing S-doped MOF-derived catalysts for the oxidation-reduction reaction (ORR) in the cathode of fuel cells is also reviewed. In addition, the challenges and future research trends are summarized in this minireview. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Manufacturing of Fuel Cells and Fuel-Cell Components)
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