Hydrogen-Based Energy Conversion

Abstract

Hydrogen-based energy conversion from chemical to electrical energy, and vice versa, is one of the promising energy paradigms. Two technologies, fuel cells and electrolysis, play a crucial role in solving the emission of greenhouse gas and other pollutants from the combustion of hydrocarbon fuels. Hydrogen is an ultimate fuel as a carbon-free fuel. It can be produced by water electrolysis powered by renewable energy such as wind, solar, ocean, and so on; can be stored by compression, liquefaction, adsorption, or chemical conversion of hydrogen; can be distributed by pipelines, tank trailers, and so on; and finally, can be utilized by fuel cells. Both of the hydrogen-based technologies seek to decrease internal resistance in order to obtain a performance as high as possible. Ion conducting polymers are a great material that can be used make thinner and more durable electrolytes so as to produce efficient stacks and systems with good specific and volumetric power density. There are two different types of ion conducting polymers, that is, cation (mainly proton) and anion exchangeable polymers. The former leads to anodic and cathodic reactions in acidic conditions, but the latter is in basic condition. The difference decides the type of electrocatalysts. In an acidic condition, platinum is mainly used as anodic and cathodic electrocatalysts. Some non-platinum electrocatalysts could be used in a basic condition. Furthermore, the difference also causes different types of electrodes and a different environment to affect the degradation of the materials. Thus, numerical simulation and precise characterization techniques are of significant importance for predicting and analyzing the difference.

Prof. Dr. Jin-Soo Park Guest Editor