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Ab Initio Study of the Combined Effects of Alloying Elements and H on Grain Boundary Cohesion in Ferritic Steels
Mar 2019
Publication
Hydrogen enhanced decohesion is expected to play a major role in ferritic steels especially at grain boundaries. Here we address the effects of some common alloying elements C V Cr and Mn on the H segregation behaviour and the decohesion mechanism at a Σ5(310)[001] 36.9∘ grain boundary in bcc Fe using spin polarized density functional theory calculations. We find that V Cr and Mn enhance grain boundary cohesion. Furthermore all elements have an influence on the segregation energies of the interstitial elements as well as on these elements’ impact on grain boundary cohesion. V slightly promotes segregation of the cohesion enhancing element C. However none of the elements increase the cohesion enhancing effect of C and reduce the detrimental effect of H on interfacial cohesion at the same time. At an interface which is co-segregated with C H and a substitutional element C and H show only weak interaction and the highest work of separation is obtained when the substitute is Mn.
Expert Opinion Analysis on Renewable Hydrogen Storage Systems Potential in Europe
Nov 2016
Publication
Among the several typologies of storage technologies mainly on different physical principles (mechanical electrical and chemical) hydrogen produced by power to gas (P2G) from renewable energy sources complies with chemical storage principle and is based on the conversion of electrical energy into chemical energy by means of the electrolysis of water which does not produce any toxic or climate-relevant emission. This paper aims to pinpoint the potential uses of renewable hydrogen storage systems in Europe analysing current and potential locations regulatory framework governments’ outlooks economic issues and available renewable energy amounts. The expert opinion survey already used in many research articles on different topics including energy has been selected as an effective method to produce realistic results. The obtained results highlight strategies and actions to optimize the storage of hydrogen produced by renewables to face varying electricity demand and generation-driven fluctuations reducing the negative effects of the increasing share of renewables in the energy mix of European Countries.
Techno-Economic Analysis of Hydrogen and Electricity Production by Biomass Calcium Looping Gasification
Feb 2022
Publication
Combined cycle biomass calcium looping gasification is proposed for a hydrogen and electricity production (CLGCC–H) system. The process simulation Aspen Plus is used to conduct techno-economic analysis of the CLGCC–H system. The appropriate detailed models are set up for the proposed system. Furthermore a dual fluidized bed is optimized for hydrogen production at 700 °C and 12 bar. For comparison calcium looping gasification with the combined cycle for electricity (CLGCC) is selected with the same parameters. The system exergy and energy efficiency of CLGCC–H reached as high as 60.79% and 64.75% while the CLGCC system had 51.22% and 54.19%. The IRR and payback period of the CLGCC–H system based on economic data are calculated as 17.43% and 7.35 years respectively. However the CLGCC system has an IRR of 11.45% and a payback period of 9.99 years respectively. The results show that the calcium looping gasification-based hydrogen and electricity coproduction system has a promising market prospect in the near future.
In Situ Formed Ultrafine Metallic Ni from Nickel (II) Acetylacetonate Precursor to Realize an Exceptional Hydrogen Storage Performance of MgH2–Ni-EG Nanocomposite
Dec 2021
Publication
It has been well known that doping nano-scale catalysts can significantly improve both the kinetics and reversible hydrogen storage capacity of MgH2. However so far it is still a challenge to directly synthesize ultrafine catalysts (e.g. < 5 nm) mainly because of the complicated chemical reaction processes. Here a facile one-step high-energy ball milling process is developed to in situ form ultrafine Ni nanoparticles from the nickel acetylacetonate precursor in the MgH2 matrix. With the combined action of ultrafine metallic Ni and expanded graphite (EG) the formed MgH2–Ni-EG nanocomposite with the optimized doping amounts of Ni and EG can still release 7.03 wt.% H2 within 8.5 min at 300 °C after 10 cycles. At a temperature close to room temperature (50 °C) it can also absorb 2.42 wt.% H2 within 1 h It can be confirmed from the microstructural characterization analysis that the in situ formed ultrafine metallic Ni is transformed into Mg2Ni/Mg2NiH4 in the subsequent hydrogen absorption and desorption cycles. It is calculated that the dehydrogenation activation energy of the MgH2–Ni-EG nanocomposite is also reduced obviously in comparison with the pure MgH2. Our work provides a methodology to significantly improve the hydrogen storage performance of MgH2 by combining the in situ formed and uniformly dispersed ultrafine metallic catalyst from the precursor and EG.
Fabrication of CdS/β-SiC/TiO2 Tri-composites That Exploit Hole- and Electron-transfer Processes for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production Under Visible Light
Dec 2017
Publication
In this work CdS/SiC/TiO2 tri-composite photocatalysts that exploit electron- and hole-transfer processes were fabricated using an easy two-step method in the liquid phase. The photocatalyst with a 1:1:1 M ratio of CdS/SiC/TiO2 exhibited a rate of hydrogen evolution from an aqueous solution of sodium sulfite and sodium sulfide under visible light of 137 μmol h−1 g−1 which is 9.5 times that of pure CdS. β-SiC can act as a sink for the photogenerated holes because the valence band level of β-SiC is higher than the corresponding bands in CdS and TiO2. In addition the level of the conduction band of TiO2 is lower than those of CdS and β-SiC so TiO2 can act as the acceptor of the photogenerated electrons. Our results demonstrate that hole transfer and absorption in the visible light region lead to an effective hydrogen-production scheme.
Methane Pyrolysis in a Molten Gallium Bubble Column Reactor for Sustainable Hydrogen Production: Proof of Concept & Techno-economic Assessment
Dec 2020
Publication
Nowadays nearly 50% of the hydrogen produced worldwide comes from Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) at an environmental burden of 10.5 tCO2 eq/tH2 accelerating the consequences of global warming. One way to produce clean hydrogen is via methane pyrolysis using melts of metals and salts. Compared to SMR significant less CO2 is produced due to conversion of methane into hydrogen and carbon making this route more sustainable to generate hydrogen. Hydrogen is produced with high purity and solid carbon is segregated and deposited on the molten bath. Carbon may be sold as valuable co-product making industrial scale promising. In this work methane pyrolysis was performed in a quartz bubble column using molten gallium as heat transfer agent and catalyst. A maximum conversion of 91% was achieved at 1119 °C and ambient pressure with a residence time of the bubbles in the liquid of 0.5 s. Based on in-depth analysis of the carbon it can be characterized as carbon black. Techno-economic and sensitivity analyses of the industrial concept were done for different scenarios. The results showed that if co-product carbon is saleable and a CO2 tax of 50 euro per tonne is imposed to the processes the molten metal technology can be competitive with SMR.
MELCOR Analysis of a SPARC Experiment for Spray-PAR Interaction During a Hydrogen Release
Oct 2020
Publication
A series of experiments were performed in the SPARC (spray-aerosol-recombiner-combustion) test facility to simulate a hydrogen mitigation system with the actuation of a PAR (passive auto-catalytic re-combiner) and spray system. In this study the SPARC-SPRAY-PAR (SSP1) experiment is chosen to benchmark the MELCOR (a lumped-parameter code for severe accident analysis) predictions against test data. For this purpose firstly we prepared the base input model of the SPARC test vessel and tested it by a simple verification problem with well-defined boundary conditions. The implementation of a currently used PAR correlation in MELCOR is shown to be appropriate for the simulation of a PAR actuation experiment. In an SSP1 experiment the PAR is reacting with hydrogen and the spray actuation starts as soon as hydrogen injection is complete. The MELCOR simulation well predicts the pressure behavior and the gas flow affected by operating both a PAR and spray system. However the local hydrogen concentration measurement near the inlet nozzle is much higher than the volume average-value by MELCOR since high jet flow from the nozzle is dispersed in the corresponding cell volume. The experimental reproduction of the phenomena we expect or conversely the identification of phenomena we do not understand will continue to support the verification of analytical models using experimental data and to analyze the impact of spray on PAR operations in severe accident conditions.
Hydrogen Permeation Studies of Composite Supported Alumina-carbon Molecular Sieves Membranes: Separation of Diluted Hydrogen from Mixtures with Methane
Jun 2020
Publication
One alternative for the storage and transport of hydrogen is blending a low amount of hydrogen (up to 15 or 20%) into existing natural gas grids. When demanded hydrogen can be then separated close to the end users using membranes. In this work composite alumina carbon molecular sieves membranes (Al-CMSM) supported on tubular porous alumina have been prepared and characterized. Single gas permeation studies showed that the H2/CH4 separation properties at 30 °C are well above the Robeson limit of polymeric membranes. H2 permeation studies of the H2–CH4 mixture gases containing 5–20% of H2 show that the H2 purity depends on the H2 content in the feed and the operating temperature. In the best scenario investigated in this work for samples containing 10% of H2 with an inlet pressure of 7.5 bar and permeated pressure of 0.01 bar at 30 °C the H2 purity obtained was 99.4%.
Hydrogen Implications for Gas Network Operators
Jan 2021
Publication
Europe has built up one of the best gas distribution infrastructures in the world. There’s one problem though. It distributes natural gas a fuel that we will hardly be able to use if we’re to reach our net zero targets. Can we use the infrastructure instead for clean hydrogen – either blended with natural gas as a stepping stone or with pure hydrogen in the future? In this episode we put aside discussion on the extent to which we should do this – and focus on whether or not we can do this and what’s involved in doing so.
Jon Slowe is joined by Eva Hennig Head of Department for EU Energy Policy at Thüga an alliance of German municipal energy companies (as well as chair of Eurogas’s distribution committee); Keith Owen Head of Systems Development and Energy Strategy at Northern Gas Networks in the UK; and Delta-EE expert Rob Castek.
Jon Slowe is joined by Eva Hennig Head of Department for EU Energy Policy at Thüga an alliance of German municipal energy companies (as well as chair of Eurogas’s distribution committee); Keith Owen Head of Systems Development and Energy Strategy at Northern Gas Networks in the UK; and Delta-EE expert Rob Castek.
Fatigue Crack Growth in Operated Gas Pipeline Steels
Jun 2020
Publication
Regularities of fatigue crack growth for pipeline steels of different strength are presented and the changes in fatigue behavior of these steels after long term operation are analyzed. Threshold values of stress intensity factor range are lower for operated steels comparing to the corresponding values for as received ones. During the testing in the simulated soil solution NS4 a barely noticeable tendency to increase the threshold values of SIF was traced. It was explained by the appearance of intergranular fracture elements on the backgrownd of the typical flat fatigue relief already in the near-threshold region of fatigue crack growth curves in the soil solution. A higher relief of intergranular facets provided favorable conditions for occurrence of crack closure effect.<br/>Fatigue testing was performed using steel specimens after in-laboratory and in-service degradation and it was shown that results for both degraded steels are very close to each other proving the validity of the method of in-laboratory degradation. A new methodic approach to fatigue testing of pipe steels is presented which allows simulating working conditions of gas pipelines namely the hydrogen diffusion through the pipe wall to its external surface and estimating its possible effect on SCC. It consists in evaluation of the influence of hydrogen reached the crack tip only due to its diffusion on the crack growth. It is found that hydrogen absorbed by metal during the test providing such conditions causes a leap of crack growth rate in the Paris region of the fatigue crack growth curve of the tested 17H1S steel. Intergranular mechanism of fracture detected on the specimen fracture surface is suggested as a clear evidence of embrittlement of grain boundaries as a result of its hydrogenation.
A New Model For Hydrogen-Induced Crack (HIC) Growth in Metal Alloy Pipelines Under Extreme Pressure
Dec 2020
Publication
Pipeline failure caused by Hydrogen-Induced Cracking (HIC) also known as Hydrogen Embrittlement (HE) is a pressing issue for the oil and natural gas industry. Bursts in pipelines are devastating and extremely costly. The explosive force of a bursting pipe can inflict fatal injuries to workers while the combined loss of product and effort to repair are highly costly to producers. Further pipeline failures due to HIC have a long lasting impact on the surrounding environment. Safe use and operation of such pipelines depend on a good understanding of the underlying forces that cause HIC. Specifically a reliable way to predict the growth rate of hydrogen-induced cracks is needed to establish a safe duration of service for each length of pipeline. Pipes that have exceeded or are near the end of their service life can then be retired before the risk of HIC-related failures becomes too high. However little is known about the mechanisms that drive HIC. To date no model has been put forth that accurately predicts the growth rate of fractures due to HIC under extreme pressures such as in the context of natural gas and petroleum pipelines. Herein a mathematical model for the growth of fractures by HIC under extreme pressures is presented. This model is derived from first principles and the results are compared with other models. The implications of these findings are discussed and a description of future work based on these findings is presented.
Evaluation of Safety Measures of a Hydrogen Fueling Station Using Physical Modeling
Oct 2018
Publication
Hydrogen fueling stations are essential for operating fuel cell vehicles. If multiple safety measures in a hydrogen fueling station fail simultaneously it could lead to severe consequences. To analyze the risk of such a situation we developed a physical model of a hydrogen fueling station which when using the temperature pressure and flow rate of hydrogen could be simulated under normal and abnormal operating states. The physical model was validated by comparing the analytical results with the experimental results of an actual hydrogen fueling station. By combining the physical model with a statistical method we evaluated the significance of the safety measures in the event wherein multiple safety measures fail simultaneously. We determined the combinations of failures of safety measures that could lead to accidents and suggested a measure for preventing and mitigating the accident scenario.
Hydrogen Technologies Safety Guide
Jan 2015
Publication
The purpose of this guide is to provide basic background information on hydrogen technologies. It is not intended to be a comprehensive collection of hydrogen technologies safety information. It is intended to provide project developers code officials and other interested parties the background information to be able to put hydrogen safety in context. For example code officials reviewing permit applications for hydrogen projects will get an understanding of the industrial history of hydrogen basic safety concerns and safety requirements.
Comparative Study of Battery Storage and Hydrogen Storage to Increase Photovoltaic Self-sufficiency in a Residential Building of Sweden
Dec 2016
Publication
Photovoltaic (PV) is promising to supply power for residential buildings. Battery is the most widely employed storage method to mitigate the intermittence of PV and to overcome the mismatch between production and load. Hydrogen storage is another promising method that it is suitable for long-term storage. This study focuses on the comparison of self-sufficiency ratio and cost performance between battery storage and hydrogen storage for a residential building in Sweden. The results show that battery storage is superior to the hydrogen storage in the studied case. Sensitivity study of the component cost within the hydrogen storage system is also carried out. Electrolyzer cost is the most sensitive factor for improving system performance. A hybrid battery and hydrogen storage system which can harness the advantages of both battery and hydrogen storages is proposed in the last place.
The ‘Green’ Ni-UGSO Catalyst for Hydrogen Production under Various Reforming Regimes
Jun 2021
Publication
A new spinelized Ni catalyst (Ni-UGSO) using Ni(NO3)2·6H2O as the Ni precursor was prepared according to a less material intensive protocol. The support of this catalyst is a negative-value mining residue UpGraded Slag Oxide (UGSO) produced from a TiO2 slag production unit. Applied to dry reforming of methane (DRM) at atmospheric pressure T = 810 °C space velocity of 3400 mL/(h·g) and molar CO2/CH4 = 1.2 Ni-UGSO gives a stable over 168 h time-on-stream methane conversion of 92%. In this DRM reaction optimization study: (1) the best performance is obtained with the 10–13 wt% Ni load; (2) the Ni-UGSO catalysts obtained from two different batches of UGSO demonstrated equivalent performances despite their slight differences in composition; (3) the sulfur-poisoning resistance study shows that at up to 5.5 ppm no Ni-UGSO deactivation is observed. In steam reforming of methane (SRM) Ni-UGSO was tested at 900 °C and a molar ratio of H2O/CH4 = 1.7. In this experimental range CH4 conversion rapidly reached 98% and remained stable over 168 h time-on-stream (TOS). The same stability is observed for H2 and CO yields at around 92% and 91% respectively while H2/CO was close to 3. In mixed (dry and steam) methane reforming using a ratio of H2O/CH4 = 0.15 and CO2/CH4 = 0.97 for 74 h and three reaction temperature levels (828 °C 847 °C and 896 °C) CH4 conversion remains stable; 80% at 828 °C (26 h) 85% at 847 °C (24 h) and 95% at 896 °C (24 h). All gaseous streams have been analyzed by gas chromatography. Both fresh and used catalysts are analyzed by scanning electron microscopy-electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDXS) X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) coupled with mass spectroscopy (MS) and BET Specific surface. In the reducing environment of reforming such catalytic activity is mainly attributed to (a) alloys such as FeNi FeNi3 and Fe3Ni2 (reduction of NiFe2O4 FeNiAlO4) and (b) to the solid solution NiO-MgO. The latter is characterized by a molecular distribution of the catalytically active Ni phase while offering an environment that prevents C deposition due to its alkalinity.
Recent Research Progress in Hybrid Photovoltaic–Regenerative Hydrogen Fuel Cell Microgrid Systems
May 2022
Publication
Hybrid photovoltaic–regenerative hydrogen fuel cell (PV-RHFC) microgrid systems are considered to have a high future potential in the effort to increase the renewable energy share in the form of solar PV technology with hydrogen generation storage and reutilization. The current study provides a comprehensive review of the recent research progress of hybrid PV-RHFC microgrid systems to extract conclusions on their characteristics and future prospects. The different components that can be integrated (PV modules electrolyzer and fuel cell stacks energy storage units power electronics and controllers) are analyzed in terms of available technology options. The main modeling and optimization methods and control strategies are discussed. Additionally various application options are provided which differentiate in terms of scale purpose and further integration with other power generating and energy storage technologies. Finally critical analysis and discussion of hybrid PV-RHFC microgrid systems were conducted based on their current status. Overall the commercialization of hybrid PV-RHFC microgrid systems requires a significant drop in the RHFC subsystem capital cost. In addition it will be necessary to produce complete hybrid PV-RHFC microgrid systems with integrated energy management control capabilities to avoid operational issues and ensure flexibility and reliability of the energy flow in relation to supply storage and demand.
How Hydrogen Can Help Decarbonise the Maritime Sector
Jun 2021
Publication
Hydrogen Europe is the organisation representing the interests of the European hydrogen industry. It fully adheres to the European Union’s target of climate neutrality by 2050 and supports the European Commission’s objectives to develop and integrate more renewable energy sources into the European energy mix.<br/><br/>In December 2015 in Paris a global climate agreement was reached at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 21). The Paris Agreement is seen as a historic and landmark instrument in climate action. However the agreement is lacking emphasis on international maritime transport and the role that this sector will need to play in contributing to the decarbonisation of the global economy and in striving for a clean planet for all.<br/><br/>Hydrogen hydrogen-based fuels (such as ammonia) and hydrogen technologies offer tremendous potential for the maritime sector<br/>and if properly harnessed can significantly contribute to the decarbonisation and also mitigate the air pollution of the worldwide fleet. Hydrogen Europe will be the catalyst in this process the decarbonisation and also mitigate the air pollution of the worldwide fleet. Hydrogen Europe will be the catalyst in this process.<br/><br/>The pathway towards hydrogen and hydrogenbased fuels for the maritime sector does not come without technological and commercial challenges let alone regulatory barriers.
Hydrogen Economy Outlook
Mar 2020
Publication
The falling cost of making hydrogen from wind and solar power offers a promising route to cutting emissions in some of the most fossil fuel dependent sectors of the economy such as steel heavy-duty vehicles shipping and cement.
Hydrogen Economy Outlook a new and independent global study from research firm BloombergNEF (BNEF) finds that clean hydrogen could be deployed in the decades to come to cut up to 34% of global greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels and industry – at a manageable cost. However this will only be possible if policies are put in place to help scale up technology and drive down costs.
The report’s findings suggest that renewable hydrogen could be produced for $0.8 to $1.6/kg in most parts of the world before 2050. This is equivalent to gas priced at $6-12/MMBtu making it competitive with current natural gas prices in Brazil China India Germany and Scandinavia on an energy-equivalent basis. When including the cost of storage and pipeline infrastructure the delivered cost of renewable hydrogen in China India and Western Europe could fall to around $2/kg ($15/MMBtu) in 2030 and $1/kg ($7.4/MMBtu) in 2050.
Kobad Bhavnagri head of industrial decarbonization for BNEF and lead author of the report said: “Hydrogen has potential to become the fuel that powers a clean economy. In the years ahead it will be possible to produce it at low cost using wind and solar power to store it underground for months and then to pipe it on-demand to power everything from ships to steel mills.”
Hydrogen is a clean-burning molecule that can be used as a substitute for coal oil and gas in a large variety of applications. But for its use to have net environmental benefits it must be produced from clean sources rather than from unabated fossil fuel processes – the usual method at present.
Renewable hydrogen can be made by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity generated by cheap wind or solar power. The cost of the electrolyzer technology to do this has fallen by 40% in the last five years and can continue to slide if deployment increases. Clean hydrogen can also be made using fossil fuels if the carbon is captured and stored but this is likely to be more expensive the report finds.
Read the full report on the BloombergNEF website here
Hydrogen Economy Outlook a new and independent global study from research firm BloombergNEF (BNEF) finds that clean hydrogen could be deployed in the decades to come to cut up to 34% of global greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels and industry – at a manageable cost. However this will only be possible if policies are put in place to help scale up technology and drive down costs.
The report’s findings suggest that renewable hydrogen could be produced for $0.8 to $1.6/kg in most parts of the world before 2050. This is equivalent to gas priced at $6-12/MMBtu making it competitive with current natural gas prices in Brazil China India Germany and Scandinavia on an energy-equivalent basis. When including the cost of storage and pipeline infrastructure the delivered cost of renewable hydrogen in China India and Western Europe could fall to around $2/kg ($15/MMBtu) in 2030 and $1/kg ($7.4/MMBtu) in 2050.
Kobad Bhavnagri head of industrial decarbonization for BNEF and lead author of the report said: “Hydrogen has potential to become the fuel that powers a clean economy. In the years ahead it will be possible to produce it at low cost using wind and solar power to store it underground for months and then to pipe it on-demand to power everything from ships to steel mills.”
Hydrogen is a clean-burning molecule that can be used as a substitute for coal oil and gas in a large variety of applications. But for its use to have net environmental benefits it must be produced from clean sources rather than from unabated fossil fuel processes – the usual method at present.
Renewable hydrogen can be made by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity generated by cheap wind or solar power. The cost of the electrolyzer technology to do this has fallen by 40% in the last five years and can continue to slide if deployment increases. Clean hydrogen can also be made using fossil fuels if the carbon is captured and stored but this is likely to be more expensive the report finds.
Read the full report on the BloombergNEF website here
The Heralds of Hydrogen: The Economic Sectors that are Driving the Hydrogen Economy in Europe
Jan 2021
Publication
This paper looked at 39 hydrogen associations across Europe to understand which economic sectors support the hydrogen transition in Europe and why they do so. Several broad conclusions can be drawn from this paper. It is clear that the support for hydrogen is broad and from a very wide spectrum of economic actors that have clear interests in the success of the hydrogen transition. Motivations for support differ. Sales and market growth are important for companies pursuing professional scientific and technical activities as well as manufacturers of chemicals machinery electronic or electrical equipment and fabricated metals. The increasing cost of CO2 combines with regulatory and societal pressure to decarbonize and concerns from investors about the long-term profitability of sectors with high emissions. This makes hydrogen especially interesting for companies working in the energy transport steel and chemical industries. Another motivation is the ability to keep using existing fixed assets relevant for ports oil and gas companies and natural gas companies. More sector-specific concerns are a technological belief held by some motor vehicle manufacturers in the advantages of FCVs over BEVs for private mobility which is held more widely regarding heavy road transport. Security of supply and diversifying the current business portfolio come up specifically for natural gas companies. Broader concerns about having to shift into other energy technologies as a core business are reasons for interest from the oil and gas sector and ports.
Perhaps the most important lesson is that the hydrogen transition has already begun – but it needs continued policy support and political commitment. Carbon-intensive industries such as steel and chemicals are clearly interested and willing to invest billions but need policy support to avoid carbon leakage to high-carbon competitors before they commit. The gas grid is ready and many operators and utility companies are eager but they need clearance to experiment with blending in hydrogen. Hydrogen road vehicles still face many regulatory hurdles. There are several clusters that can serve as models and nuclei for the future European hydrogen economy in different parts of Europe. However these nuclei will need more public funding and regulatory support for them to grow.
Link to document on Oxford Institute for Energy Studies website
Perhaps the most important lesson is that the hydrogen transition has already begun – but it needs continued policy support and political commitment. Carbon-intensive industries such as steel and chemicals are clearly interested and willing to invest billions but need policy support to avoid carbon leakage to high-carbon competitors before they commit. The gas grid is ready and many operators and utility companies are eager but they need clearance to experiment with blending in hydrogen. Hydrogen road vehicles still face many regulatory hurdles. There are several clusters that can serve as models and nuclei for the future European hydrogen economy in different parts of Europe. However these nuclei will need more public funding and regulatory support for them to grow.
Link to document on Oxford Institute for Energy Studies website
Continuous Synthesis of Few-layer MoS2 with Highly Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Apr 2020
Publication
As one of the most promising alternative fuels hydrogen is expected with high hopes. The electrolysis of water is regarded as the cleanest and most efficient method of hydrogen production. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is deemed as one of the most promising alternatives HER catalysts owing to its high catalytic activity and low cost. Its continuous production and efficient preparation become the key problems in future industrial production. In this work we first developed a continuous micro-reaction approach with high heat and mass transfer rates to synthesize few-layer MoS2 nanoplates with abundant active sites. The defective MoS2 ultrathin nanoplates exhibit excellent HER performance with an overpotential of 260 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm-2 small Tafel slope (53.6 mV dec-1) and prominent durability which are comparable to most reported MoS2 based catalysts. Considering the existence of continuous devices it’s suitable for the synthesis of MoS2 as high-performance electrocatalysts for the industrial water electrolysis. The novel preparation method may open up a new way to synthesize all two-dimension materials toward HER.
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