Adib Caidi spricht beim Hydrogen Energy Symposium 2024

Open-access Paper: Water Sonolysis During Ultrasonic Dispersion Affects Catalysts

Catalysts for PEM fuel cells can be negatively affected by water sonolysis during ultrasonic dispersion. Tailor-made dispersion protocols are therefore crucial for the subsequent performance of the fuel cell.

Catalysts in fuel cells are fragile structures, and harmful influences should be avoided as far as possible during their manufacture in order to maintain optimum performance. For example, water sonolysis during ultrasonic dispersion can lead to oxidation of the carbon carrier, as radical species such as hydroxyl (OH) are formed in the process. This impairs the performance of the PEM fuel cell.

Adib Caidi (pictured), a doctoral student at ZBT, took a close look at the sonochemical processes during dispersion. Through the targeted use of ultrasound, he was able to modify the structure and chemistry of carbon carriers and then examine them.

Results published in Particle & Particle Systems Characterization

With this study, exciting first steps in the field of applied sonochemistry have been taken at ZBT. This has enabled valuable experience to be gained in this area. The results have now been published in Particle & Particle Systems Characterization.

High-surface-area carbons are more stable

In his investigations, Adib found that carbon carriers with a very large surface area are more resistant to the effects of water sonolysis. High-surface-area carbons remain stable, while carbon black particles with medium and low surface areas can oxidise and lose platinum.

Customised dispersion protocols

The present study provides important insights into the effects of ultrasonic dispersion on the physicochemical properties of carbon blacks (CB), Pt/C catalysts and their subsequent performance in PEMFCs. The investigations suggest that customised dispersion protocols for different types of carbon black are crucial for the optimal performance of PEM fuel cells.

The results form the basis for the development of advanced dispersion strategies that enable precise control over CL morphology and subsequently help to minimise performance losses.

graphical abstract from a study on the effects of water sonolysis during ultrasonic dispersion of catalysts

The Paper

Impact of Sonication Treatment on Physicochemical Properties of Carbon Blacks and Pt/C Catalysts in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

in Particle & Particle Systems Characterization

  • Author: Adib Caidi (ZBT)
  • Co-authors: Thomas Lange (ZBT), Fatih Özcan (University of Duisburg-Essen), Volker Peinecke (ZBT), Ivan Radev (ZBT), Doris Segets (University of Duisburg-Essen)

This research was funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research as part of the project ‘Standardisation and normalisation of the characterisation of carbon blacks for fuel cells and batteries (NoRu)’ (project no. 03TN0013B).

The authors would like to thank MAT4HY.NRW for their cooperative support.

Open access funding enabled and organised by the DEAL Konsortium.

Sonochemistry

Sonochemistry is an exciting and innovative field of research with great potential for the future. It deals with the effects of (ultra)sound waves on chemical systems.

“In chemistry, the study of sonochemistry is concerned with understanding the effect of ultrasound in forming acoustic cavitation in liquids, resulting in the initiation or enhancement of the chemical activity in the solution. Therefore, the chemical effects of ultrasound do not come from a direct interaction of the ultrasonic sound wave with the molecules in the solution.
[…] Bubble collapse in liquids produces enormous amounts of energy from the conversion of kinetic energy of the liquid motion into heating the contents of the bubble. […] Experimental results have shown that these bubbles have temperatures around 5000 K, pressures of roughly 1000 atm, and heating and cooling rates above 1010 K/s.” (Wikipedia)

Contact

Head of Department Electrochemical Components

Dr. Volker Peinecke
+49 203 7598-3120

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