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Ding, Yong

Publications and source records attributed to Ding, Yong.

At least 37 records · Page 2

Activating nano-bulk interplays for sustainable ammonia electrosynthesis

Small changes in a catalyst’s composition, modification, and/or integration into a reactor can have significant yet often poorly understood effects on (electro)catalysis. Here we demonstrate the careful tailoring of Ru/La 0.25 Ce 0.75 O 2-x catalysts through the post-synthesized hydrothermal treatment together with control over the Ru loadings to create hydroxyl groups and electronic restructuring for ammonia electrosynthesis. When integrated into a protonic ceramic electrolyzer, the in situ formed Ce 3+ -OH/Ru sites facilitate both the N≡N decoupling and N—H formation at 400 °C and 1 bar of N 2 , boosting the ammonia production rate (2.92 mol h -1 m -2 ) up to 100-fold higher than the current state-of-the-art electrolyzers. Moreover, such catalysts and electrolyzer design concepts can be readily tuned to more complex applications such as coproducing ammonia and other chemicals with hydrocarbons as direct hydrogen sources. Here, the creation of coordinated saturated support –OH/metal sites in the advanced electrolyzer offers an attractive approach for future clean-energy and green-chemical industries.

03 NATURAL GAS↗

Pilot Test of a Nanoporous, Super-hydrophobic Membrane Contactor Process for Post-combustion CO 2 Capture

GTI Energy and Air Liquide Advanced Separations (ALaS) have been developing a novel hollow fiber membrane contactor (HFMC) technology for post-combustion CO 2 capture. The process combines advantageous features of both absorption and membrane-based separation processes to separate CO 2 from flue gas cost-effectively. The key component of the HFMC technology is the super-hydrophobic, porous hollow fiber, which is made from polyether ether ketone (PEEK). Compared to conventional absorption/desorption technologies, the critical advantage of the HFMC process is the high contact surface area provided by the hollow fibers enabling an increased volumetric mass-transfer rate. In the PEEK HFMC process, the specific surface area has been increased by an order of magnitude over structurally packed or trayed columns, resulting in compact systems with small footprints.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗

Critical role of acceptor dopants in designing highly stable and compatible proton-conducting electrolytes for reversible solid oxide cells

Proton-conducting electrolytes are receiving increasing attention due to their high ionic conductivity at intermediate temperatures, enabling the operation of solid oxide cells with high energy efficiency at low cost. However, the effect of B-site dopants on the properties of doped barium hafnate-cerate electrolyte materials, especially in single cells under operating conditions, has not been systematically studied. Here we report our findings in the development of a series of proton-conducting electrolytes with a general formula of BaHf 0.1 Ce 0.7 R 0.2 O 3–δ (BHCR172, R = Yb, Er, Y, Gd, Sm). Here, the results reveal that electrical conductivity, ionic transference number, chemical stability against steam and CO 2 , and compatibility with NiO during sintering are all closely correlated with the dopant size. In particular, the reaction with NiO is found to strongly affect the properties of the electrolytes and hence cell performance. Among all tested compositions, BaHf 0.1 Ce 0.7 Yb 0.2 O 3–δ (BHCYb172) shows excellent chemical stability and minimal reactivity towards NiO, as predicted from density functional theory (DFT)-based calculations and confirmed by experimental results. In addition, proton-conducting reversible solid oxide cells (P-ReSOCs) based on the optimized electrolyte composition, BHCYb172, demonstrate exceptional performance and stability, achieving a remarkable peak power density of 1.74 W cm –2 (O 2 as the oxidant) at 600 °C in the fuel cell mode and a high current density of 2.0 A cm –2 at 1.3 V and 600 °C in the steam electrolysis mode while maintaining excellent durability for over 1000 h.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

OsHUB2 inhibits function of OsTrx1 in heading date in rice

SUMMARY Heading date is one of the most pivotal agronomic traits for rice ( Oryza sativa ) yield and adaptation. Little is known about the crosstalk between histone ubiquitination and histone methylation in rice heading date regulation. Here, we reported HISTONE MONOUBIQUITINATION 1 ( OsHUB1 ) and OsHUB2 are involved in heading date regulation via the Hd1 and Ehd1 pathway. Loss of OsHUB1 and OsHUB2 function resulted in early heading under long‐day and short‐day photoperiods. The expression of Hd3a , RFT1 , and Ehd1 was induced and the transcript levels of Hd1 , Ghd7 , OsCCA1 , OsGI , OsFKF1 , and OsTOC1 were reduced under long‐day conditions, whereas RFT1 and Ehd1 expression was induced in oshub2 mutants under short‐day conditions. OsHUB2 interacted with OsTrx1 and repressed the gene expression of OsTrx1 . OsHUB2 directly bound to Ehd1 to ubiquitinate H2B at Ehd1 , and H2B ubiquitination levels were reduced in oshub2‐2 and oshub2‐3 mutants. OsTrx1 were highly enriched at Ehd1 , and H3K4me3 levels of Ehd1 were upregulated in oshub2‐2 . Mutations of OsTrx1 in the oshub2‐2 background rescued the early‐heading phenotype of oshub2‐2 . The increases in Ehd1 H3K4me3 levels and transcript levels in oshub2‐2 mutants were attenuated in oshub2‐2 ostrx1‐2 double mutants. Together, our results (i) reveal that OsHUB2 represses the function of OsTrx1 and H3K4me3 levels at Ehd1 and (ii) suggest that OsHUB2‐mediated H2B ubiquitination plays critical roles together with H3K4me3 in rice heading date regulation.

Xu, Zuntao↗

Surface restructuring of a perovskite-type air electrode for reversible protonic ceramic electrochemical cells

Reversible protonic ceramic electrochemical cells (R-PCECs) are ideally suited for efficient energy storage and conversion; however, one of the limiting factors to high performance is the poor stability and insufficient electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction and evolution of the air electrode exposed to the high concentration of steam. Here we report our findings in enhancing the electrochemical activity and durability of a perovskite-type air electrode, Ba 0.9 Co 0.7 Fe 0.2 Nb 0.1 O 3-δ (BCFN), via a water-promoted surface restructuring process. Under properly-controlled operating conditions, the BCFN electrode is naturally restructured to an Nb-rich BCFN electrode covered with Nb-deficient BCFN nanoparticles. When used as the air electrode for a fuel-electrode-supported R-PCEC, good performances are demonstrated at 650 °C, achieving a peak power density of 1.70 W cm –2 in the fuel cell mode and a current density of 2.8 A cm –2 at 1.3 V in the electrolysis mode while maintaining reasonable Faradaic efficiencies and promising durability.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗

Precision surface modification of solid oxide fuel cells via layer-by-layer surface sol–gel deposition

While solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are a promising technology for a clean and sustainable future, their commercialization is hindered by limited durability and performance. Here, we report our findings on the application of a layer-by-layer surface sol–gel (SSG) coating of catalysts to dramatically enhance the electro-catalytic activity and durability of SOFC cathodes. The SSG process is capable of penetrating and preserving complex backbone microstructures of porous electrodes, creating highly conformal coatings of controlled morphology, while tailoring the composition of the surface to improve catalytic properties and durability. For example, the application of an SSG coating of PrO x to a La 0.6 Sr 0.4 Co 0.2 Fe 0.8 O 3–δ (LSCF) cathode has reduced the polarization resistance from 1.136 to 0.117 Ω cm 2 at 600 °C and the degradation rate from 1.13 × 10 –3 to 2.67 × 10 –4 Ω cm 2 h –1 at 650 °C. In addition, a continuous improvement in electrode performance is demonstrated as the thickness of the coating is increased, corresponding to the linear addition of catalyst. Furthermore, this first application of the SSG technique to SOFC systems opens the door for the controlled surface modification of porous components in electrochemical systems.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Highly Active and Durable Air Electrodes for Reversible Protonic Ceramic Electrochemical Cells Enabled by an Efficient Bifunctional Catalyst

The commercialization of reversible protonic ceramic electrochemical cells is hindered by the lack of highly active and durable air electrodes exposed to high concentration of steam under operating conditions. We report findings that dramatically enhance the electrocatalytic activity and stability of a conventional (La 0.6 Sr 0.4 ) 0.95 Co 0.2 Fe 0.8 O 3-δ (LSCF) air electrode by a multiphase catalyst coating composed of a conformal Pr 1-x Ba x CoO 3-δ thin film and exsolved BaCoO 3-δ nanoparticles, are reported. At 600 °C, the catalyst coating decreases the polarization resistance of the LSCF air electrode by a factor of 25 (from 1.09 to 0.043 Ω cm 2 ) in air and the degradation rate by two orders of magnitude (from 1.0 × 10 -2 to 1.8 × 10 -4 Ω cm2 h -1 in humidified air with 30 vol% H2O). Further, a single cell with the catalyst-coated LSCF air electrode at 600 °C demonstrates a high peak power density of 1.04 W cm -2 in the fuel cell mode and a high current density of 1.82 A cm -2 at 1.3 V in the electrolysis mode. The significantly enhanced performance of the LSCF air electrode is attributed mainly to the high rate of surface oxygen exchange, fast surface proton diffusion, and the rapid H 2 O and O 2 dissociation on the catalysts.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Investigating the influence of environmental information on perceived indoor environmental quality: An exploratory study

Under the assumption that information can impact perception, most research on human sensation and satisfaction with indoor environmental quality (IEQ) parameters has been conducted with respondents uninformed about the test conditions. Therefore, researchers know little about the impact of information on perception. These potential effects are increasingly relevant as quantitative information about indoor environments becomes accessible via low-cost, wirelessly connected sensors. In this experimental study, 48 subjects were exposed to varied indoor environmental conditions and provided with different types of environmental information. The subjects' sensation and satisfaction were compared when they were blinded or provided with quantitative information about and/or qualitative ratings of specific parameters. The results indicate that accurate information on parameter values influenced how the subjects perceived the indoor air quality (IAQ) but not how they perceived the thermal, acoustic, or visual quality. The subjects rated the IAQ more positively when they were informed that there were nonzero ventilation rates. The qualitative ratings influenced the subjects' perceptions of all four environmental factors, but in different directions. The subjects generally had more positive sensation and higher satisfaction when they were told that the parameter values and qualitative ratings were more favorable than the test conditions. However, the improved sensation and satisfaction were often not as good as when the environmental conditions were actually improved and the subjects were provided with accurate information. Here, these findings affirm the critical need for more research on the impacts of information on perceptions of the indoor environment.

42 ENGINEERING↗

An efficient and durable anode for ammonia protonic ceramic fuel cells

Ammonia protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs) have the potential to be a highly efficient power source with high energy density. However, the inadequate catalytic activity of the existing anodes for utilization of ammonia greatly limits the performance of PCFCs. In this study, we report an Fe-modified state-of-the-art Ni cermet anode with greatly enhanced activity and durability toward utilization of ammonia. Cells with an Fe-decorated Ni-BaZr 0.1 Ce 0.7 Y 0.1 Yb 0.1 O 3 (Ni–BZCYYb) anode demonstrate an excellent performance, achieving peak power densities of 0.360, 0.723, 1.257, and 1.609 W cm –2 at 550, 600, 650, and 700 °C, respectively, which reveal the highest performance of solid oxide fuel cells fueled on ammonia. In addition, the cells show an excellent durability when operated at a constant current density of 0.5 A cm –2 (or a power density of ~0.435 W cm –2 ) at 650 °C. The superior activity and durability of the Fe-modified Ni/BZCYYb anode are attributed to the alternation of NH 3 adsorption strength and N 2 desorption barrier heights, as confirmed by first-principles based mechanistic and microkinetic modeling. Our research provides a valuable guidance for the development of efficient electro-catalysts for ammonia PCFCs.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

An improved oxygen reduction reaction activity and CO 2 -tolerance of La 0.6 Sr 0.4 Co 0.2 Fe 0.8 O 3-δ achieved by a surface modification with barium cobaltite coatings

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) cathode often suffers from the poisoning effect of the contaminants commonly encountered in air such as CO 2 . Here we report an effective approach to enhancing the activity and CO 2 tolerance of the state-of-the-art La 0.6 Sr 0.4 Co 0.2 Fe 0.8 O 3-δ (LSCF) cathode enabled by a coating of BaCoO 3-δ (BCO), as verified by the electrochemical testings, Raman analyses, and density functional theory calculations. When surface modified with a thin-film BCO coating, LSCF displays a much enhanced ORR activity and an improved durability against CO 2 . For example, anode supported SOFCs with the LSCF cathode coated with BCO coatings show a remarkable peak power density (Pmax) of 0.41 Wcm -2 and a significantly reduced degradation rate in current density of ~0.08% h -1 at 0.8 V and 700 °C for a period of 300 hs when humidified H2 (with 3 vol%H2O) was used as fuel and air with 8 vol% CO 2 as oxidant. The demonstrated performance is improved when compared with those of the cells with a blank LSCF electrode (a Pmax of ~0.36 Wcm -2 and a degradation rate of ~0.15% h -1 ) under the same conditions. Furthermore, the adsorption energy calculations suggests that BCO coating makes CO 2 adsorption much weaker than LSCF (-0.54 eV versus -1.07 eV).

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

A highly efficient and durable air electrode for intermediate-temperature reversible solid oxide cells

Solid oxide cells (SOCs) are considered the most efficient system for reversible conversion between chemical and electrical energy, thus having potential to be an attractive technology for a sustainable energy future. To achieve high round-trip efficiency, highly efficient and durable air electrode materials are needed to minimize energy loss associated with oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Here we report a bi-functional air electrode material, PrBa 0.9 Co 1.96 Nb 0.04 O 5+δ , demonstrating outstanding electrochemical performance (e.g., achieving peak power densities of over 1.5 and 1 W cm –2 , respectively, for Gd 0.1 Ce 0.9 O 1.95 and BaZr 0.1 Ce 0.7 Y 0.1 Yb 0.1 O 3-δ based fuel cells at 600 °C) while maintaining excellent stability (e.g., having a degradation rate of 40 mV per 1,000 h for H 2 O electrolysis cells). Finally, the excellent property of the new electrode is attributed to the improved stability from Nb doping and the enhanced electrocatalytic activity from tuning Ba deficiency, as confirmed by experimental results and computational analysis.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

An Active and Robust Air Electrode for Reversible Protonic Ceramic Electrochemical Cells

Reversible protonic ceramic electrochemical cells (RPCECs) are a promising option for efficient and low-cost generation of electricity and hydrogen. Commercialization of R-PCECs, however, hinges on the development of highly active and robust air electrodes. Here, we report an air electrode consisting of PrBa 0.8 Ca 0.2 Co 2 O 5+δ and in situ exsolved BaCoO 3–δ nanoparticles (PBCC–BCO) that shows minimal polarization resistance (~0.24 Ω cm 2 at 600 °C) and high stability when exposed to humidified air with 3–50% H 2 O. An R-PCEC utilizing PBCC-BCO demonstrates remarkable performances at 600 °C: achieving a peak power density of 1.06 W cm –2 in the fuel cell mode and a current density of 1.51 A cm –2 at 1.3 V in an electrolysis mode. More importantly, the RPCECs demonstrate an exceptionally high durability over 1833 h of continuous operation in the electrolysis mode. Furthermore, this work offers an efficient approach to design of high-performance and durable electrodes for R-PCECs.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Enhancing Oxygen Reduction Activity and Cr Tolerance of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Cathodes by a Multiphase Catalyst Coating

Intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs) are cost-effective and efficient energy conversion systems. Here, the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the degradation of cathodes are critical challenges to the commercialization of IT-SOFCs. Here, a highly efficient multiphase (MP) catalyst coating, consisting of Ba 1–x Co 0.7 Fe 0.2 Nb 0.1 O 3–δ (BCFN) and BaCO 3 , to enhance the ORR activity and durability of the state-of-the-art lanthanum strontium cobalt ferrite (La 0.6 Sr 0.4 Co 0.2 Fe 0.8 O 3–δ , LSCF) cathode is reported. The conformal MP catalyst-coated LSCF cathode shows a polarization resistance (R p ) of 0.048 Ω cm 2 at 650 °C, about one order of magnitude smaller than that of the bare LSCF. In an accelerated Cr-poisoning test, the degradation rate of the catalyst-coated LSCF electrode is 10 –3 Ω cm 2 h –1 (0.59% h –1 ) over 200 h, only one fifth of the degradation rate of the bare LSCF electrode at 750 °C. In addition, anode-supported single cells with the MP catalyst-coated LSCF cathode show a dramatically enhanced peak power density (1.4 W cm –2 vs 0.67 W cm –2 at 750 °C) and increased durability against Cr and H 2 O. Both experimental results and density functional theory-based calculations indicate that the BCFN phase improves the ORR activity while the BaCO 3 phase enhances the stability of the LSCF cathode.

solid oxide fuel cells↗

Promotion of oxygen reduction reaction on a double perovskite electrode by a water-induced surface modification

Highly efficient air electrodes are a key component of reversible fuel cells for energy storage and conversion; however, the development of efficient electrodes that are stable against water vapor remains a grand challenge. Here we report an air–electrode, composed of double perovskite material PrBa 0.8 Ca 0.2 Co 2 O 5+δ (PBCC) backbone coated with nanoparticles (NPs) of BaCoO 3-δ (BCO), that exhibits remarkable electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) while maintaining excellent tolerance to water vapor. When tested in a symmetrical cell exposed to wet air with 3 vol% H 2 O at 750 °C, the electrode shows an area specific resistance of ~0.03 Ω cm 2 in an extended period of time. The performance enhancement is attributed mainly to the electrocatalytic activity of the BCO NPs dispersed on the surface of the porous PBCC electrode. Moreover, in situ Raman spectroscopy is used to probe reaction intermediates (e.g., oxygen species) on electrode surfaces, as the electrochemical properties of the electrodes are characterized under the same conditions. The direct correlation between surface chemistry and electrochemical behavior of an electrode is vital to gaining insight into the mechanisms of the electrocatalytic processes in fuel cells and electrolysers.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Quantitative nanoscale tracking of oxygen vacancy diffusion inside single ceria grains by in situ transmission electron microscopy

Oxygen vacancy formation and migration in ceria is critical to its electrochemical and catalytic properties in systems for chemical and energy transformation, but its quantification is rather challenging especially at atomic-scale because of disordered distribution. Here we report a rational approach to track oxygen vacancy diffusion in single grains of pure and Sm-doped ceria at -20 °C to 160 °C using in situ (scanning) transmission electron microscopy ((S)TEM). To create a gradient in oxygen vacancy concentration, a small region (~30 nm in diameter) inside a ceria grain is reduced to the C-type CeO 1.68 phase by the ionization or radiolysis effect of a high-energy electron beam. The evolution in oxygen vacancy concentration is then mapped through lattice expansion measurement using scanning nano-beam diffraction or 4D STEM at a spatial resolution better than 2 nm; this allows direct determination of local oxygen vacancy diffusion coefficients in a very small domain inside pure and Sm-doped ceria at different temperatures. Further, the activation energies for oxygen transport are determined to be 0.59, 0.66, 1.12, and 1.27 eV for pure CeO 2 , Ce 0.94 Sm 0.06 O 1.97 , Ce 0.89 Sm 0.11 O 1.945 , and Ce 0.8 Sm 0.2 O 1.9 , respectively, implying that activation energy increases due to impurity scattering. The results are qualitatively supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In addition, our in situ TEM investigation reveals that dislocations impede oxygen vacancy diffusion by absorbing oxygen vacancies from the surrounding areas and pinning them locally. With more oxygen vacancies absorbed, dislocations show extended strain fields with local tensile zone sandwiched between the compressed ones. Therefore, dislocation density should be reduced in order to minimize the resistance to oxygen vacancy diffusion at low temperatures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Post-occupancy evaluation of indoor environmental quality in ten nonresidential buildings in Chongqing, China

Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) is an essential element of sustainable building performance. To advance knowledge of indoor environmental quality in Chinese nonresidential buildings, this study conducted post-occupancy evaluation (POE) in varied use areas within schools, hospitals, offices, hotels and shopping malls through environmental measurements and occupant surveys in 10 buildings over four seasons in Chongqing, China. Measured thermal conditions were more frequently within comfort standards in winter than in summer according to the predicted mean vote – predicted percentage dissatisfied model; but the model did not reliably predict thermal satisfaction. There was insufficient illuminance in 28% of studied areas and high illuminance in shopping malls led to complaints about glare. Sound pressure exceeded the Chinese guideline in all buildings with shopping malls having significantly higher levels than other buildings. CO 2 was generally below the Chinese national guideline of 1000 ppm; the two percent of measurements that exceeded the guideline occurred in classrooms, hospital wards and underground supermarkets. Formaldehyde did not exceed the limit level of 0.1 mg/m3 in any space. Most of the buildings did not provide effective protection from outdoor fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and infiltration from outdoors was the main factor for exceeding health-based guidelines indoors. Shopping malls had lower IEQ satisfaction than offices, schools and hospitals. Sound was the factor with the lowest satisfaction level among the four principal environmental factors. Overall, this study demonstrates value of POE on identifying deficiencies in indoor environment and provides a reference for assessment of IEQ in nonresidential buildings.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Self-sustainable protonic ceramic electrochemical cells using a triple conducting electrode for hydrogen and power production

The protonic ceramic electrochemical cell (PCEC) is an emerging and attractive technology that converts energy between power and hydrogen using solid oxide proton conductors at intermediate temperatures. To achieve efficient electrochemical hydrogen and power production with stable operation, highly robust and durable electrodes are urgently desired to facilitate water oxidation and oxygen reduction reactions, which are the critical steps for both electrolysis and fuel cell operation, especially at reduced temperatures. In this study, a triple conducting oxide of PrNi 0.5 Co 0.5 O 3-δ perovskite is developed as an oxygen electrode, presenting superior electrochemical performance at 400-600°C. More importantly, the self-sustainable and reversible operation is successfully demonstrated by converting the generated hydrogen in electrolysis mode to electricity without any hydrogen addition. The excellent electrocatalytic activity is attributed to the considerable proton conduction, as confirmed by hydrogen permeation experiment, remarkable hydration behavior and computations.

08 HYDROGEN↗

CHRNA5 rs16969968 polymorphism is associated with lung cancer risk: A meta‐analysis

Abstract Objective To evaluate the genetic association between rs16969968 and lung cancer risk by meta‐analysis. Data source We searched eligible studies from MEDLINE, Web of Science and EMBASE up to Dec, 2017. Study selection Association studies concerning rs16969968 and lung cancer risk were included. We assessed the association strength between this polymorphism and risk of lung cancer by calculating odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Results A total of 26 data sets comprising 30 772 lung cancers and 90 954 controls were included. rs16969968 was found to be associated with lung cancer risk in population of European ancestry in all models (A vs. G: OR = 1.30, 95%CI 1.27‐1.33, P < 0.001; AA + GA vs. GG: OR = 1.38, 95%CI 1.33‐1.43, P < 0.001; AA vs. GG + GA: OR = 1.45, 95%CI 1.38‐1.53, P < 0.001), consistent with previous genome‐wide association study (GWAS). However, no association was observed in Asians (A vs. G: OR = 1.19. 95%CI 0.95‐1.49, P = 0.131). The minor allele A may increase the risk of lung cancer in both smokers (OR = 1.33, 95%CI 1.29‐1.39, P < 0.001) and nonsmokers (OR = 1.25, 95%CI 1.12‐1.39, P < 0.001). There was no obvious publication bias in all analyses. Conclusions Our analysis provided more evidence that rs16969968 is a susceptibility locus of lung cancer in the Caucasians and that it may be not associated with the risk in the Asians.

Zhou, Wei↗