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Article
| Open AccessProduction of a monolithic fuel cell stack with high power density
The transportation sector is gradually evolving to become independent of fossil fuels. Here, the authors report a metal-based monolithic solid oxide fuel cell with a power density of 5.6 kW/L suitable for transport applications.
- Stéven Pirou
- , Belma Talic
- & Anke Hagen
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Article
| Open AccessHow palladium inhibits CO poisoning during electrocatalytic formic acid oxidation and carbon dioxide reduction
Understanding how palladium inhibits CO poisoning is important for rational design of enhanced catalysts. Here the authors show high formate coverage on the palladium-modified electrode inhibits poisoning during formic acid oxidation and the adsorption of CO precursor dictates the delayed poisoning during CO2 reduction.
- Xiaoting Chen
- , Laura P. Granda-Marulanda
- & Marc T. M. Koper
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Article
| Open AccessIdentifying the impact of the covalent-bonded carbon matrix to FeN4 sites for acidic oxygen reduction
Unveiling the effect of carbon matrix adjacent to Fe-N towards oxygen reduction reaction is important yet challenging. Here the authors investigate the carbon environment covalent-connected to FeN4 sites on their catalytic activity using models prepared by pyrolysis-free approach.
- Xueli Li
- & Zhonghua Xiang
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Article
| Open AccessUnveiling the key factor for the phase reconstruction and exsolved metallic particle distribution in perovskites
The complete phase reconstruction to Ruddlesden-Popper perovskite is greatly desirable to increase the exsolved particle distribution. Here, the authors report a key factor for the complete phase reconstruction in perovskites, leading to good catalytic activity in fuel cell and syngas production.
- Hyunmin Kim
- , Chaesung Lim
- & Guntae Kim
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Article
| Open AccessSubstrate strain tunes operando geometric distortion and oxygen reduction activity of CuN2C2 single-atom sites
The rational design of single-atom catalysts is challenging. This work reveals a substrate-strain tuned geometry distortion of CuN2C2 single-atom site, which greatly boosts oxygen reduction activity by facilitating electron transfer to adsorbed O.
- Guokang Han
- , Xue Zhang
- & Geping Yin
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Review Article
| Open AccessAdvancements in cathode catalyst and cathode layer design for proton exchange membrane fuel cells
The high platinum loadings at the cathodes of proton exchange membrane fuel cells significantly contribute to the cost of these clean energy conversion devices. Here, the authors critically review and discuss recent developments on low- and non-platinum-based cathode catalysts and catalyst layers.
- Yanyan Sun
- , Shlomi Polani
- & Fabio Dionigi
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Article
| Open AccessPromoting exsolution of RuFe alloy nanoparticles on Sr2Fe1.4Ru0.1Mo0.5O6−δ via repeated redox manipulations for CO2 electrolysis
Metal nanoparticles anchored on perovskite provide catalytically active interfaces for CO2 electrolysis. The authors promote exsolution of RuFe alloy nanoparticles on Sr2Fe1.4Ru0.1Mo0.5 O6−δ perovskite by enriching the active Ru underneath the perovskite surface via repeated redox manipulations.
- Houfu Lv
- , Le Lin
- & Xinhe Bao
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Article
| Open AccessSingle-atom catalyst for high-performance methanol oxidation
It is still challenging to engineer single-atom catalysts for electrocatalytic methanol oxidation. Here, the authors design Pt single atom supported on RuO2 for highly active methanol oxidation in contrast to the inert Pt single atom supported on carbon.
- Zhiqi Zhang
- , Jiapeng Liu
- & Francesco Ciucci
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Article
| Open AccessThe role of oxygen-permeable ionomer for polymer electrolyte fuel cells
Polymer electrolyte fuel cells are promising but suffer from low performance. Here, the authors use a combination of electrochemical measurements and molecular dynamics simulations to reveal the role of the highly oxygen permeable ionomer in polymer electrolyte fuel cells that enhances the oxygen transport and catalytic activity.
- Ryosuke Jinnouchi
- , Kenji Kudo
- & Akihiro Shinohara
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Article
| Open AccessHigh crystallinity design of Ir-based catalysts drives catalytic reversibility for water electrolysis and fuel cells
Reversible multifunctionality in electrocatalysts can allow voltage reversal during device operation. Here, authors design a crystalline Ir-based electrocatalyst with a thin reversible metallic-Ir/IrOx layer that shows activity for O2 evolution, H2 evolution, and H2 oxidation.
- Woong Hee Lee
- , Young-Jin Ko
- & Hyung-Suk Oh
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Article
| Open AccessNanoengineering of cathode layers for solid oxide fuel cells to achieve superior power densities
High-performance cathode materials are crucial for the development of solid oxide fuel cells. Here, the authors present a nanoengineering approach to boost cathode performance in conventional anode-supported cells, demonstrating a viable route to attaining higher power output.
- Katherine Develos-Bagarinao
- , Tomohiro Ishiyama
- & Katsuhiko Yamaji
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Article
| Open AccessBoosting oxygen reduction activity and enhancing stability through structural transformation of layered lithium manganese oxide
Structural degradation in manganese oxides leads to unstable activity during long-term cycles. Herein, authors demonstrated that reduced unstable O 2p holes and the short interlayer distance of layered lithium manganese oxide are favorable for excellent electrocatalytic stability and activity.
- Xuepeng Zhong
- , M’hamed Oubla
- & Jiwei Ma
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Article
| Open AccessA high-entropy manganite in an ordered nanocomposite for long-term application in solid oxide cells
Electrode functional layers for solid oxide cells require a combination of high reactivity and thermal stability. Here, the authors present a self-assembled vertically aligned nanocomposites of lanthanum strontium manganite and doped ceria as functional layers for high temperature applications.
- F. Baiutti
- , F. Chiabrera
- & A. Tarancon
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Article
| Open AccessTernary nickel–tungsten–copper alloy rivals platinum for catalyzing alkaline hydrogen oxidation
The lack of efficient and cost-effective catalysts for H2 oxidation reaction (HOR) hinders the application of anion exchange membrane fuel cells. Here, authors report a ternary nickel-tungsten-copper nanoalloy with marked HOR activity and stability that rivals the benchmark platinum catalyst.
- Shuai Qin
- , Yu Duan
- & Min-Rui Gao
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Article
| Open AccessPoly(fluorenyl aryl piperidinium) membranes and ionomers for anion exchange membrane fuel cells
Developing high-performance anion exchange membranes and ionomers is crucial for low-cost alkaline fuel cells. Here, the authors explore rigid and high ion conductive poly(fluorenyl aryl piperidinium) copolymers, extending their applications to anion exchange membrane fuel cells.
- Nanjun Chen
- , Ho Hyun Wang
- & Young Moo Lee
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Article
| Open AccessGreen synthesis of olefin-linked covalent organic frameworks for hydrogen fuel cell applications
Developing eco-friendly synthetic routes for fabricating robust covalent organic frameworks (COFs) remains a challenge. Herein, the authors created a green strategy to fabricate a highly crystalline olefin-linked COF which exhibited great promise application in proton exchange membrane fuel cell.
- Zhifang Wang
- , Yi Yang
- & Zhenjie Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessLong-distance electron transfer in a filamentous Gram-positive bacterium
Long-distance extracellular electron transfer has been observed in Gram-negative bacteria. Here, Yang et al. show that a filamentous, unicellular Gram-positive bacterium is capable of bidirectional extracellular electron transfer, and forms centimetre-range conductive networks consisting of 1mm-long cells and conductive appendages.
- Yonggang Yang
- , Zegao Wang
- & Mingdong Dong
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Article
| Open AccessAlloying–realloying enabled high durability for Pt–Pd-3d-transition metal nanoparticle fuel cell catalysts
Durability of catalysts under fuel cell reaction conditions is challenging for active nanoalloy electrocatalysts derived from platinum group metals and other transition metals. Here, the authors show that realloying in certain multimetallic nanoalloys plays a major role in enabling the high durability.
- Zhi-Peng Wu
- , Dominic T. Caracciolo
- & Chuan-Jian Zhong
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Article
| Open AccessTuning the electronic structure of Ag-Pd alloys to enhance performance for alkaline oxygen reduction
Electrocatalyst development is key to improving the performance and viability of many electrochemical energy technologies. Here, the authors design Ag-Pd alloys with specifically tuned electronic structures to have enhanced oxygen reduction electrocatalysis and decreased precious metal content.
- José A. Zamora Zeledón
- , Michaela Burke Stevens
- & Thomas F. Jaramillo
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Article
| Open AccessHigh oxide-ion conductivity through the interstitial oxygen site in Ba7Nb4MoO20-based hexagonal perovskite related oxides
Oxide-ion conductors are important in various applications for clean energy. Here, authors report high oxide-ion conductivity of hexagonal perovskite-related oxide Ba7Nb3.9Mo1.1O20.05, which is ascribed to the interstitialcy diffusion and low activation energy for oxide-ion conductivity.
- Masatomo Yashima
- , Takafumi Tsujiguchi
- & Stephen J. Skinner
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Article
| Open AccessA highly-active, stable and low-cost platinum-free anode catalyst based on RuNi for hydroxide exchange membrane fuel cells
Development of hydroxide exchange membrane fuel cells (HEMFCs) requires high-performance and low-cost catalysts for hydrogen oxidation reaction at the anode. Here the authors report Ru7Ni3/C as anode catalysts, delivering high power density and good durability in alkaline media for HEMFCs.
- Yanrong Xue
- , Lin Shi
- & Zhongbin Zhuang
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Article
| Open AccessBimetallic nickel-molybdenum/tungsten nanoalloys for high-efficiency hydrogen oxidation catalysis in alkaline electrolytes
The lack of efficient and cost-effective catalysts for hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) hampers the application of hydroxide exchange membrane fuel cells. Here, authors reported bimetallic MoNi4 and WNi4 nanoalloys with marked HOR activity in alkali, among which MoNi4 outperforms the Pt/C catalyst.
- Yu Duan
- , Zi-You Yu
- & Shu-Hong Yu
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Article
| Open AccessMaterializing efficient methanol oxidation via electron delocalization in nickel hydroxide nanoribbon
Development of suitable methanol oxidation reaction catalysts for direct methanol fuel cells is challenging due to sluggish kinetics. Herein, authors show that four-coordinate nickel atoms form charge-transfer orbitals near the Fermi energy level, leading to remarkable methanol oxidation activity.
- Xiaopeng Wang
- , Shibo Xi
- & Junmin Xue
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Article
| Open AccessProbing the active site in single-atom oxygen reduction catalysts via operando X-ray and electrochemical spectroscopy
Understanding active-site geometry and structural evolution during electrocatalysis is important for further development. Here the authors use operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy combined with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to investigate single atom catalysts derived from Vitamin B12.
- Hsiang-Ting Lien
- , Sun-Tang Chang
- & Li-Chyong Chen
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Article
| Open AccessUsing operando techniques to understand and design high performance and stable alkaline membrane fuel cells
Modern alkaline membrane fuel cells have generally shown very poor operational stability. Here, the authors combine operando neutron imaging and X-ray computed tomography to understand the root cause for this and then design new electrodes to enable high performance and operational stability.
- Xiong Peng
- , Devashish Kulkarni
- & William E. Mustain
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Article
| Open AccessSelf-sustainable protonic ceramic electrochemical cells using a triple conducting electrode for hydrogen and power production
While producing renewable fuel is crucial for a sustainable energy economy, there is still a need for active and durable materials capable of efficient fuel generation and utilization. Here, authors demonstrate a triple-conductive oxide as an oxygen electrode for H2 or electricity production.
- Hanping Ding
- , Wei Wu
- & Dong Ding
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Matters Arising
| Open AccessElectronic metal-support interactions in vacuum vs. electrolyte
- Colleen Jackson
- , Graham Smith
- & Denis Kramer
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Article
| Open AccessOxide-ion conduction in the Dion–Jacobson phase CsBi2Ti2NbO10−δ
Oxide ion conductors are an exciting class of materials with applications in various domains. Here, the authors show that Dion–Jacobson Phases are a structure supporting high O2− mobility. The bulk conductivity of CsBi2Ti2NbO10−δ even exceeds that of YSZ, offering new possibilities in electrolyte discovery.
- Wenrui Zhang
- , Kotaro Fujii
- & Masatomo Yashima
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Article
| Open AccessMulti-functional anodes boost the transient power and durability of proton exchange membrane fuel cells
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells often suffer from low lifetimes and high cost. Here, the authors enhance the transient power performance and durability of these fuel cells by integrating a thin layer of tungsten oxide within the anode, which acts as a hydrogen reservoir, oxygen scavenger, and a regulator for the hydrogen-disassociation reaction.
- Gurong Shen
- , Jing Liu
- & Yunfeng Lu
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Article
| Open AccessNanocomposite electrodes for high current density over 3 A cm−2 in solid oxide electrolysis cells
High-temperature solid oxide electrolysis cells are a promising technology for energy conversion, but higher current density is needed to increase efficiency. Here the authors design nanocomposite electrodes to improve electronic and ionic conductivity to achieve a high current density.
- Hiroyuki Shimada
- , Toshiaki Yamaguchi
- & Yoshinobu Fujishiro
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Article
| Open AccessAtomically ordered non-precious Co3Ta intermetallic nanoparticles as high-performance catalysts for hydrazine electrooxidation
Intermetallic nanoparticles comprised of early transition metals are attractive for fuel cell applications, but are generally limited to noble metal-based systems. Here, authors report non-precious early transition metal intermetallic nanoparticles with promising electrocatalytic performance for the hydrazine oxidation reaction.
- Guang Feng
- , Li An
- & Dingguo Xia
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Article
| Open AccessMicroscopic ion migration in solid electrolytes revealed by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy
Here the authors expand the application scope of terahertz spectroscopy to the characterization of electrolyte materials. Based on the measurement of the conductivity of yttria-stabilized zirconia in the terahertz frequency range, unprecedented insight into the microscopic motion of the ion is revealed.
- Tomohide Morimoto
- , Masaya Nagai
- & Yukimune Kani
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Article
| Open AccessPoly(bis-arylimidazoliums) possessing high hydroxide ion exchange capacity and high alkaline stability
The hydroxide anion exchange polymers are key materials of solid polymer electrolyte devices that operate under alkaline conditions. Here the authors show the rational design of such polymers that exhibit high ion exchange capacity and exceptional stability under highly caustic conditions.
- Jiantao Fan
- , Sapir Willdorf-Cohen
- & Steven Holdcroft
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Article
| Open AccessShaping triple-conducting semiconductor BaCo0.4Fe0.4Zr0.1Y0.1O3-δ into an electrolyte for low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells
Solid oxide fuel cells enable efficient electricity generation at high temperatures. Here the authors incorporate a mixed ion-electron semiconductor into another semiconductor to form a p-n junction to suppress electron conduction and enhance ion conduction, leading to a low-temperature electrolyte.
- Chen Xia
- , Youquan Mi
- & Bin Zhu
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Article
| Open AccessSynergistic Mn-Co catalyst outperforms Pt on high-rate oxygen reduction for alkaline polymer electrolyte fuel cells
Alkaline polymer electrolyte fuel cells are promising power sources, but performance is limited by catalytic activity. Here the authors report a non-precious metal-based catalyst for electrocatalytic oxygen reduction that imparts outstanding fuel cell performance.
- Ying Wang
- , Yao Yang
- & Lin Zhuang
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Article
| Open AccessDesign of next-generation ceramic fuel cells and real-time characterization with synchrotron X-ray diffraction computed tomography
Miniaturized ceramic fuel cells are attractive for portable devices, but performance should be optimized. Here the authors report a micro-monolithic ceramic cell design for a tubular solid oxide fuel cell containing a multi-channel anode support with enhanced power density and stable operation.
- Tao Li
- , Thomas M. M. Heenan
- & Kang Li
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Article
| Open AccessFactors controlling surface oxygen exchange in oxides
The performance of solid oxide fuel cells relies on oxygen exchange kinetics, which can limit oxygen reduction at the cathode. Here the authors use ab initio methods to model oxygen exchange in a representative cathode material to better understand the active molecular mechanism toward optimized design.
- Yipeng Cao
- , Milind J. Gadre
- & Dane D. Morgan
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Article
| Open AccessAqueous proton-selective conduction across two-dimensional graphyne
Aqueous proton-selective membranes are vital for methanol fuel cells and flow batteries, but suffer from crossover issues. Here the authors use ab initio molecular dynamics simulations to show that graphyne is an ideal candidate for a proton-selective membrane that can be tailored for methanol impermeability
- Le Shi
- , Ao Xu
- & Tianshou Zhao
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Article
| Open AccessMagnetic field alignment of stable proton-conducting channels in an electrolyte membrane
Proton exchange membranes with short-pathway through-plane proton conductivity are attractive for proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Here the authors align proton conducting channels orthogonal to the plane of composite proton exchange membranes using a magnetic field for improved fuel cell performance.
- Xin Liu
- , Yi Li
- & Michael D. Guiver
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Article
| Open AccessCation-swapped homogeneous nanoparticles in perovskite oxides for high power density
Exsolution is attractive for the preparation of catalytically active metal nanoparticles, but versatility is limited. Here the authors report a technique for selective exsolution through topotactic ion exchange, leading to an electrocatalyst for a solid oxide fuel cell with enhanced performance.
- Sangwook Joo
- , Ohhun Kwon
- & Guntae Kim
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Article
| Open AccessPlatinum-trimer decorated cobalt-palladium core-shell nanocatalyst with promising performance for oxygen reduction reaction
Fuel cells are promising for converting fuel into electricity, but rely on development of high-performance catalysts for oxygen reduction. Here the authors report a highly durable platinum-trimer decorated cobalt-palladium catalyst with low platinum loading for electrocatalysis of oxygen reduction.
- Sheng Dai
- , Jyh-Pin Chou
- & Tsan-Yao Chen
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Article
| Open AccessEnhanced oxygen reduction with single-atomic-site iron catalysts for a zinc-air battery and hydrogen-air fuel cell
Development of fuel cells and metal-air batteries is hindered by electrocatalyst performance, which can be enhanced with uniform and atomically dispersed active sites. Here the authors report an iron-based electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction in cathodes for a zinc-air battery and a hydrogen-air fuel cell.
- Yuanjun Chen
- , Shufang Ji
- & Yadong Li
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Article
| Open AccessTuning anhydrous proton conduction in single-ion polymers by crystalline ion channels
High-conductivity solid-state electrolyte materials with minimal polarization loss are difficult to synthesize. Here the authors show single-ion block copolymers with crystalline protogenic channels having a promising potential to be used as efficient proton conductors.
- Onnuri Kim
- , Kyoungwook Kim
- & Moon Jeong Park
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Article
| Open AccessA robust zirconium amino acid metal-organic framework for proton conduction
Metal-organic frameworks are promising materials for proton exchange membrane fuel cells, but cumbersome ligand preparation and use of toxic metals or solvents hinders their application. Here, the authors report the green synthesis of a zirconium, amino acid-based MOF that displays high proton conductivity and excellent stability.
- Sujing Wang
- , Mohammad Wahiduzzaman
- & Christian Serre
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Article
| Open AccessSpontaneous formation of nanoparticles on electrospun nanofibres
Uniformly distributing nanoparticles on nanofibres can benefit electrocatalysis by increasing surface area, but it is complex. Here the authors use facile, inexpensive, nozzle-free electrospinning to produce dispersed nanoparticles on nanofibres, attaining increased voltage in a commercial-scale fuel cell.
- Norbert Radacsi
- , Fernando Diaz Campos
- & Konstantinos P. Giapis
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Article
| Open AccessA gas breathing hydrogen/air biofuel cell comprising a redox polymer/hydrogenase-based bioanode
Hydrogen is an attractive alternative fuel, but many hydrogen-conversion electrocatalysts contain expensive materials. Here the authors report a dual-gas breathing hydrogen/air biofuel cell comprised of a modified polymer/hydrogenase bioanode and a bilirubin oxidase biocathode, delivering improved output.
- Julian Szczesny
- , Nikola Marković
- & Adrian Ruff
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Article
| Open AccessEffect of hydrophobic cations on the oxygen reduction reaction on single‒crystal platinum electrodes
Highly active catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction are valuable for fuel cells. Here the authors evaluate catalytic activity of single-crystal platinum electrodes in acidic solutions that contain hydrophobic cations, which prevent the adsorption of poisoning species and form an efficient interface.
- Tomoaki Kumeda
- , Hiroo Tajiri
- & Masashi Nakamura
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Article
| Open AccessHigh-power hybrid biofuel cells using layer-by-layer assembled glucose oxidase-coated metallic cotton fibers
Biofuel cells offer biocompatibility and operation at mild conditions, but application is limited by relatively low output power. Here the authors use layer-by-layer assembly for glucose oxidase-coated metallic cotton fibers for use as electrodes in a hybrid biofuel cell to achieve high output power.
- Cheong Hoon Kwon
- , Yongmin Ko
- & Jinhan Cho
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Article
| Open AccessSelf-powered H2 production with bifunctional hydrazine as sole consumable
While water electrolysis provides an attractive means to produce high-energy hydrogen (H2), the process imposes significant material overpotential barriers. Here, authors employ the more-facile hydrazine splitting reaction, coupled to a hydrazine fuel cell, to perform self-powered H2 evolution.
- Xijun Liu
- , Jia He
- & Yi Ding