CO2‐neutrale Mobilität als Herausforderung und Chance

CO₂‐neutral Mobility as a Challenge and an Opportunity – From the powertrain to the electrolyzer: Plasma surface technology along the energy chain Three concepts are suitable for CO₂‐neutral and sustainable mobility: First, the direct use of electrical energy for battery electric vehicles (BEV). Secondly, the conversion of regeneratively generated electricity into green hydrogen as an energy carrier for fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) and thirdly, the generation of synthetic fuels from green hydrogen. The technologies will complement each other in terms of vehicle weight, distance and required propulsion power. Regardless of the powertrain concept, plasma surface technology offers outstanding opportunities for the optimization of highly stressed tribological systems. For example, Triondur PVD and PACVD coating systems in the automotive industry, where they were initially used to prevent wear, have become an extremely valuable design element for increasing energy efficiency and CO₂ savings through friction reduction. As a result, more than 150 million components coated with Triondur were delivered worldwide in 2018. Defossilization of the energy chain requires increased industrialization of components for electrolyzers and fuel cells, such as the metallic bipolar plates of galvanic cells. Here, as well, plasma surface technology will play a key role in meeting the high demands for the required electrochemical properties and quality standards. For CO₂‐neutral and sustainable mobility, plasma surface technology will always be and remain an important key technology, regardless of the powertrain concept.     

CO2-neutrale Mobilität als Herausforderung und Chance

CO₂-neutral Mobility as a Challenge and an Opportunity – From the powertrain to the electrolyzer: Plasma surface technology along the energy chain Three concepts are suitable for CO₂-neutral and sustainable mobility: First, the direct use of electrical energy for battery electric vehicles (BEV). Secondly, the conversion of regeneratively generated electricity into green hydrogen as an energy carrier for fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) and thirdly, the generation of synthetic fuels from green hydrogen. The technologies will complement each other in terms of vehicle weight, distance and required propulsion power. Regardless of the powertrain concept, plasma surface technology offers outstanding opportunities for the optimization of highly stressed tribological systems. For example, Triondur PVD and PACVD coating systems in the automotive industry, where they were initially used to prevent wear, have become an extremely valuable design element for increasing energy efficiency and CO₂ savings through friction reduction. As a result, more than 150 million components coated with Triondur were delivered worldwide in 2018. Defossilization of the energy chain requires increased industrialization of components for electrolyzers and fuel cells, such as the metallic bipolar plates of galvanic cells. Here, as well, plasma surface technology will play a key role in meeting the high demands for the required electrochemical properties and quality standards. For CO₂-neutral and sustainable mobility, plasma surface technology will always be and remain an important key technology, regardless of the powertrain concept.     

Materials for lower temperature solid oxide fuel cells

The solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) continues to show great promise for the generation of electricity for an increasing range of applications. The present SOFC technology is based on an all-ceramic design, which eliminates the corrosion problems associated with fuel cells containing liquid electrolytes. To obtain good electrochemical performance with the currently used materials, this all-ceramic fuel cell operates at 1000°C. Despite a significant amount of research and several successful demonstrations at the 100 kW level, commercialisation of the technology is not as rapid as anticipated. This is, in part, due to the high operating temperatures required, necessitating the use of expensive materials. As a result of these problems, there has been an effort over the past few years to lower the SOFC operating temperature. This paper will address the issues concerning the development of new materials that can operate at lower temperatures. Many of these issues have been or are being addressed in the research performed at Argonne National Laboratory, and some recent results will be discussed.     

Anodes for Direct Oxidation of Dry Hydrocarbons in a Solid‐Oxide Fuel Cell

The manufacture of fuel cells that can operate directly on various hydrocarbon fuels, without the need for reforming, has the potential of greatly speeding the application of fuel cells for transportation and distributed‐power applications. This paper will briefly review the literature in this area and describe recent developments in solid‐oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) that demonstrate that direct‐oxidation fuel cells are possible with Cu‐based anodes. A new method for synthesizing thin‐electrolyte, anode‐supported cells is described that is based on tape casting with graphite pore formers (see Figure), followed by impregnation with aqueous solutions of Cu(NO₃)₂ and Ce(NO₃)₃. The performance of model SOFCs for direct conversion of n‐butane and methane is shown. Finally, future developments that are needed for this technology to be commercialized are discussed.     

An overview of power generation in New Zealand

Abstract

Two distinct risks cast a shadow over the sustainability of the existing energy mix. One is security of supply. The diversification of energy sources – both geographical and technological – could mitigate those risks. The second is environmental. Climate change in particular has raised questions about the sustainability of the current fossil fuel emission-intensive mix.

The government is currently investigating whether current R&D priorities and programmes are adequately focused and resourced to bring on-stream the energy technologies of the future. The future energy scenarios explored in the National Energy Strategy will help deliver a view of where some of the potentials and roadblocks currently lie in respect of new energy technologies. This in turn will guide the development of a roadmap of energy research priorities.

Equally important is gaining a better understanding about the actual distribution of research effort on the energy-related technologies and market deployment of different technologies.

While science, research and innovation in a global and highly competitive marketplace coupled with consumer preferences will be a decisive influence, timely access to new technologies and energy resources is of significant national interest.     

A Systemic Approach to Exploring an Essential Patent Linking Standard and Patent Maps: Application of Generative Topographic Mapping (GTM)

Abstract:

As the intense competition for the international standardization of technology has increased, many companies are concentrating their capabilities on securing essential patents that claim one or more inventions required to practice a given industry standard; however, despite the importance of developing essential patents, the approaches to exploring promising essential patent: have some limitations in terms of methodology and data. As a remedy, this article proposes a method that derives an essential patent through Generative Topographic Mapping (GTM)-based standard and patent maps. The suggested approach involves a systematic process that identifies vacuums on a standard map in a specific technology field and enables analysts to find candidate for promising essential patents instead of relying on the experts. By applying the proposed methodology, this research discovered the vacuums in an industrial standard document about fuel cell technology as well as the candidates of essential patents in this technology field.     

The promise of fuel cell-based automobiles

Fuel cell-based automobiles have gained attention in the last few years due to growing public concern about urban air pollution and consequent environmental problems. From an analysis of the power and energy requirements of a modern car, it is estimated that a base sustainable power ofca. 50 kW supplemented with short bursts up to 80 kW will suffice in most driving requirements. The energy demand depends greatly on driving characteristics but under normal usage is expected to be 200 Wh/km. The advantages and disadvantages of candidate fuel-cell systems and various fuels are considered together with the issue of whether the fuel should be converted directly in the fuel cell or should be reformed to hydrogen onboard the vehicle. For fuel cell vehicles to compete successfully with conventional internal-combustion engine vehicles, it appears that direct conversion fuel cells using probably hydrogen, but possibly methanol, are the only realistic contenders for road transportation applications. Among the available fuel cell technologies, polymer-electrolyte fuel cells directly fueled with hydrogen appear to be the best option for powering fuel cell vehicles as there is every prospect that these will exceed the performance of the internal-combustion engine vehicles but for their first cost. A target cost of $ 50/kW would be mandatory to make polymer-electrolyte fuel cells competitive with the internal combustion engines and can only be achieved with design changes that would substantially reduce the quantity of materials used. At present, prominent car manufacturers are deploying important research and development efforts to develop fuel cell vehicles and are projecting to start production by 2005.     

Understanding chemically processed solar cells based on quantum dots

Abstract

Photovoltaic energy conversion is one of the best alternatives to fossil fuel combustion. Petroleum resources are now close to depletion and their combustion is known to be responsible for the release of a considerable amount of greenhouse gases and carcinogenic airborne particles. Novel third-generation solar cells include a vast range of device designs and materials aiming to overcome the factors limiting the current technologies. Among them, quantum dot-based devices showed promising potential both as sensitizers and as colloidal nanoparticle films. A good example is the p-type PbS colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) forming a heterojunction with a n-type wide-band-gap semiconductor such as TiO₂ or ZnO. The confinement in these nanostructures is also expected to result in marginal mechanisms, such as the collection of hot carriers and generation of multiple excitons, which would increase the theoretical conversion efficiency limit. Ultimately, this technology could also lead to the assembly of a tandem-type cell with CQD films absorbing in different regions of the solar spectrum.     

Guest Editorial The Materials Science of Fuel Cells

It is my pleasure to introduce this special section of the Journal of Materials Science entitled The Materials Science of Fuel Cells. Whilst fuel cells are not necessarily new technology – the concept was identified in the mid 19th century – there has been a phenomenal growth in the development of this technology over the past 30–40 years as the need to provide alternative power sources was identified. It is the commercial interest in fuel cell technology that has promoted the intense activity in this field and it is only now that this research effort is being translated in to commercially viable fuel cell devices.     

Fabrication–microstructure–performance relationships of reversible solid oxide fuel cell electrodes–review

Abstract

A reversible solid oxide fuel cell system can act as an energy storage device by storing energy in the form of hydrogen and heat, buffering intermittent supplies of renewable electricity such as tidal and wave generation. The most widely used electrodes for the cell are lanthanum strontium manganate–yttria stabilised zirconia and Ni–yttria stabilised zirconia. Their microstructure depends on the fabrication techniques, and determines their performance. The concept and efficiency of reversible solid oxide fuel cells are explained, along with cell geometry and microstructure. Electrode fabrication techniques such as screen printing, dip coating and extrusion are compared according to their advantages and disadvantages, and fuel cell system commercialisation is discussed. Modern techniques used to evaluate microstructure such as three-dimensional computer reconstruction from dual beam focused ion beam–scanning electron microscopy or X-ray computed tomography, and computer modelling are compared. Reversible cell electrode performance is measured using alternating current impedance on symmetrical and three electrode cells, and current/voltage curves on whole cells. Fuel cells and electrolysis cells have been studied extensively, but more work needs to be done to achieve a high performance, durable reversible cell and commercialise a system.     

New approaches to tumor therapy with siRNA-decorated and chitosan-modified PLGA nanoparticles

Abstract

Objective: In this study, we aimed to develop a candidate modifited polymeric nanoparticle (NP) system that will kill cancer cells by facilitated to apoptosis and also reduce pain.

Significance: The primary goal of treatment, especially for metastatic cancers, is to control the growth of the cancer and to alleviate the symptoms. Pain is one of the commonest symptoms of cancer. In cancer treatment, directing cancer cells to death while simultaneously relieving pain will be a new approach.

Methods: Chitosan-modified PLGA NPs were prepared using an nanoprecipitation technique. The NPs were loaded with flurbiprofen and decorated with folic acid. STAT3-siRNA was adsorbed to these polymeric NPs using antisense technology.

Results: The NPs were small in size (176.9–220.3?nm) with positive zeta potential (+14.1?mV to +27.2?mV). They had high loading capacity and prolonged release properties over 144 hours. Cytotoxicity studies performed with siRNA showed effective electrostatic interaction due to the positively charged NPs. Folic acid facilitated entry into cancer cells and helped to kill them.

Conclusion: The formulation we developed is a potential carrier system for both treatment of cancer and prevention of pain, especially for metastatic cancers.     

The open innovation research landscape: established perspectives and emerging themes across different levels of analysis

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of the main perspectives and themes emerging in research on open innovation (OI). The paper is the result of a collaborative process among several OI scholars – having a common basis in the recurrent Professional Development Workshop on ‘Researching Open Innovation’ at the Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management. In this paper, we present opportunities for future research on OI, organised at different levels of analysis. We discuss some of the contingencies at these different levels, and argue that future research needs to study OI – originally an organisational-level phenomenon – across multiple levels of analysis. While our integrative framework allows comparing, contrasting and integrating various perspectives at different levels of analysis, further theorising will be needed to advance OI research. On this basis, we propose some new research categories as well as questions for future research – particularly those that span across research domains that have so far developed in isolation.     

Quantum mechanics as quantum information,mostly

Abstract

In this paper, I try to cause some good-natured trouble. The issue is, when will we ever stop burdening the taxpayer with conferences devoted to the quantum foundations? The suspicion is expressed that no end will be in sight until a means is found to reduce quantum theory to two or three statements of crisp physical (rather than abstract, axiomatic) significance. In this regard, no tool appears better calibrated for a direct assault than quantum information theory. Far from a strained application of the latest fad to a time-honoured problem, this method holds promise precisely because a large part—but not all—of the structure of quantum theory has always concerned information. It is just that the physics community needs reminding.     

Ceramic/metal joining for structural applications

Abstract

Technological advances are extending the applications for bonded ceramic-metal components and demanding more rigorous performance characteristics. The techniques available for fabricating high–integrity joints for structural applications have been reviewed and attention is drawn to the factors that effect both direct and indirect bonding using liquid– and solid–phase materials. Two processes still largely in the developmental stage – fusion welding and diffusion bonding – have been considered, as well as the more established processes such as brazing. It is suggested that active metal brazing and indirect diffusion bonding will be among the techniques to be further developed and used more extensively in future.

MST/205     

Electrode materials: a challenge for the exploitation of protonic solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract

High temperature proton conductor (HTPC) oxides are attracting extensive attention as electrolyte materials alternative to oxygen-ion conductors for use in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) operating at intermediate temperatures (400–700 °C). The need to lower the operating temperature is dictated by cost reduction for SOFC pervasive use. The major stake for the deployment of this technology is the availability of electrodes able to limit polarization losses at the reduced operation temperature. This review aims to comprehensively describe the state-of-the-art anode and cathode materials that have so far been tested with HTPC oxide electrolytes, offering guidelines and possible strategies to speed up the development of protonic SOFCs.     

The future of neuroergonomics

This paper addresses the theoretical, the philosophical, and the ethical considerations associated with the advent and future of neuroergonomics. These issues will demand increasing attention as knowledge of the linkage of brain function to technology-based action improves from its current coarse-grained level to a more fine-grained understanding. These developments promise to open extraordinary opportunities for improved human-machine and human-human interaction, and represent the next major step in human-machine evolution. The social and psychological implications of these changes, however, must be considered if abuse of this conception is to be circumvented.     

Extremely thin absorber solar cells based on nanostructured semiconductors

Abstract

Extremely thin absorber (eta) solar cells aim to combine the advantages of using very thin, easily and cheaply produced absorber layers on nanostructured substrates with the stability of all-solid-state solar cells using inorganic absorber layers. The concept of using nanostructured substrates originated from the dye-sensitised solar cell, where having a very high surface area allows the use of very thin layers of dye while still absorbing sufficient sunlight. However, both the dye and liquid electrolyte used in these devices demonstrated poor stability, and efforts were made to replace them with very thin inorganic absorber layers and solid state hole collectors respectively. The combination of these concepts – a nanostructured substrate coated with a very thin inorganic absorber and completed with a solid state hole collector – is known as an eta solar cell. This review summarises the development of both the inorganic absorbers and solid state hole collectors in porous TiO₂ and ZnO nanorod based cells, focusing on the material properties and growth/deposition methods. Future possibilities for eta solar cells are discussed, including utilisation of a wider range of materials, synthesis methods and novel materials such as quantum dots to produce tuned band gap and multijunction solar cells.     

Celanese venture to commercialize fuel cell technology

German-based Celanese AG has formed PEMEAS Fuel Cell Technologies – with a consortium of investors led by UK-based Conduit Ventures Ltd – to promote the commercialization of its fuel cell technology.     

Review of fuel processing catalysts for hydrogen production in PEM fuel cell systems

The rapid development in recent years of the proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology has stimulated research in all areas of fuel processor catalysts for hydrogen generation. The principal aim is to develop more active catalytic systems that allow for the reduction in size and increase the efficiency of fuel processors. The overall selectivity in generating a low CO content hydrogen stream as needed by the PEM fuel cell catalyst is dependent on the efficiency of the catalysts in each segment of the fuel processor. This article reviews the advances achieved during the past few years in the development of catalytic materials for hydrogen generation through fuel reforming,¹ water-gas shift and carbon monoxide preferential oxidation, as used or aimed to be of use in fuel processing for PEM fuel cell systems.     

Stability test of novel combined formulated dry powder inhalation system containing antibiotic: physical characterization and in vitro–in silico lung deposition results

Objective: The aim was to study the stability of dry powder inhaler (DPI) formulations containing antibiotic with different preparation ways – carrier-based, carrier-free, and novel combined formulation – and thereby to compare their physicochemical and in vitro–in silico aerodynamical properties before and after storage. Presenting a novel combined technology in the field of DPI formulation including the carrier-based and carrier-free methods, it is the most important reason to introduce this stable formulation for the further development of DPIs.

Methods: The structure, the residual solvent content, the interparticle interactions, the particle size distribution and the morphology of the samples were studied. The aerodynamic values were determined based on the cascade impactor in vitro lung model. We tested the in silico behavior of the novel combined formulated samples before and during storage.

Results: The physical measurements showed that the novel combined formulated sample was the most favorable. It was found that thanks to the formulation technique and the use of magnesium stearate (MgSt) has a beneficial effect on the stability compared with the carrier-based formulation without MgSt and carrier-free formulations. The results of in vitro and in silico lung models were consistent with the physical results, so the highest deposition was found for the novel combined formulated sample during the storage.

Conclusions: It can be established that after the storage a novel combined formulated DPI contained amorphous drug to have around 2.5?μm mass median aerodynamic diameter and nearly 50% fine particle fraction predicted high lung deposition in silico also.