H. Jadhav; S. Sinha
Abstract
Thin film with immobilized particulates of Cobalt oxide (Co3O4) has been synthesized by Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) technique followed by thermal treatment in air. Surface morphology of the Co3O4 films was examined using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). Crystalline structure of ...
Read More
Thin film with immobilized particulates of Cobalt oxide (Co3O4) has been synthesized by Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) technique followed by thermal treatment in air. Surface morphology of the Co3O4 films was examined using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). Crystalline structure of Co3O4 films was investigated by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy was used to confirm the presence of Co3O4 phase on the surface. Efficient catalytic performance was obtained with these films for hydrolysis in Sodium Borohydride (NaBH4). A maximum hydrogen generation rate of ~5100 mL min -1 g -1 of catalyst was recorded at a temperature of 305 K with calculated activation energy of 62.96 kJ/mol. Good catalytic activity could be attributed to nanostructures of the films formed following heat treatment consisting of densely packed nanoparticles (NPs) which act as active catalytic centers, and the immobilized nature of the particles on the surface of the films. These catalyst films showed no major loss of activity even after five cycles of use allowing at the same time an advantage of easy separation from the solution. Our results thus demonstrate good catalytic performance and reusability of such PLD deposited Co3O4 nanostructured films towards hydrogen production by hydrolysis of NaBH4.
Laura Langenbucher; Lukasz Brodecki; Michael Wiesmeth; Ines Klugius; Heiner Hüppelshäuser; Markus Blesl; Ralf Wörner
Abstract
This study focuses on an overall energy consumption prediction for the area of Stuttgart city in Germany and a specific analysis of a solar-fed power-to-gas plant in an industrial area close to Stuttgart. In order to achieve decarbonisation targets, a sustainable concept of hydrogen production and mobility ...
Read More
This study focuses on an overall energy consumption prediction for the area of Stuttgart city in Germany and a specific analysis of a solar-fed power-to-gas plant in an industrial area close to Stuttgart. In order to achieve decarbonisation targets, a sustainable concept of hydrogen production and mobility based on renewable energy and a zero-emissions scenario was defined. First, an energy system analysis was conducted to assess the viability of hydrogen as fuel in the system context. Scenario results indicate the increased penetration rate of electric mobility with systematic repercussions on other traffic, power generation and consumption as well as the achievement of the local targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, this allows us to make an assessment regarding the relative advantages of hydrogen over alternative propulsion technologies. In a second step, the minimum purchase costs of hydrogen are determined, based on a total-cost-of-ownership calculation for an individual energy plant application. In a last chapter of this work, a study was conducted on a zero-emission bus fleet using the total costs of mobility method. The results of this study serve a pioneering role model in urban areas and shall be transferable to projects throughout Europe. Copyright © VBRI Press.
