Materiais para a Energia - ME
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Browsing Materiais para a Energia - ME by Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) "12:Produção e Consumo Sustentáveis"
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- Comparison of the corrosion of ferritic and austenitic stainless steel (AISI 430 and AISI 316L) with LiNaK carbonate salts for thermal energy storage in CSP/CST applicationsPublication . Gil, Mafalda; Pedrosa, Fátima; Paiva Luís, Teresa; Figueira Vasques, Isabel; Oliveira, Fernando; Cunha Diamantino, TeresaABSTRACT: This study focuses on the corrosion rates and mechanisms of two stainless steels, austenitic AISI 316L and ferritic AISI 430, in contact with a eutectic mixture of LiNaK carbonates in long-term tests at 650 degrees C. The selection of these two stainless steels was based on their differences, both in their intrinsic characteristics and in the cost associated with each one. The research also underscores the importance of optimizing the descaling methods used to evaluate the corrosion rate. Corrosion rates were measured gravimetrically according to ISO 17245:2015, revealing an asymptotic behavior for both steels, with AISI 430 with a corrosion rate of 237 f 21 mu m and AISI 316L of 151 f 13 mu m after 2000 h of testing. Corrosion mechanisms were analyzed using SEM/EDS, GDOES, and XRD techniques, which identified well-defined oxide layers with varying compositions. Given the observed corrosion mechanisms and its lower cost, AISI 430 steel seems to have great applicability in CSP/CST plants, provided it is paired with an appropriate protective coating.
- Enhancing Corrosion Resistance of Al-Mg Alloys through Biomineralization [Resumo]Publication . Marques, Maria João; Fori, Benoit; Mercier, Dimitri; Seyeux, Antoine; Zanna, Sandrine; Marcus, Philippe; BASSEGUY, RegineABSTRACT: In recent decades, new emerging microbiological technologies have been studied, based on the recognition that microorganisms can inhibit corrosion by different mechanisms, the so-called MICI (microbiologically influenced corrosion inhibition), opening up different lines of research. In this context, biomineralization has been attracting the attention of researchers, with an increasing number of studies showing that different types of mineralized layers formed on metal surfaces can reduce the risk of corrosion.
- Evolution of atomically dispersed co-catalysts during solar or UV photocatalysis for efficient and sustained H2 productionPublication . Capelo, Anabela; Fattoruso, Domenico; Valencia-Valero, Laura; Esteves, M. Alexandra; Rangel, Carmen M.; Puga, AlbertoABSTRACT: The evolution of metal/titania photocatalysts during photocatalytic H-2 evolution is herein studied. Samples containing atomically dispersed Pt co-catalysts (single atoms, clusters and sub-nanoparticles) formed after calcination were compared to pre-reduced analogues mostly having metallic nanoparticles (diameters >1 nm) during ethanol photoreforming under either UV-rich irradiation or natural sunlight. Aggregation of ultra-dispersed oxidised platinum entities (Pt delta+) with concomitant reduction into Pt-0 nanoparticles (1-2 nm) was observed after UV irradiation by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and diffuse reflectance UV-visible (DRUV-vis) and X-ray photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopies. A parallel, albeit slower, evolution trend was evidenced during solar photocatalysis. Conversely, atomically dispersed Cu co-catalyst species did not grow and became in-situ reduced into sub-nanometric Cu-0 under irradiation. Hydrogen production rates were remarkably high during initial stages of UV irradiation, and then declined to a sustained regime (approximate to 50 and 8 mmol g(-1) h(-1) for Pt/TiO2 or Cu/TiO2, respectively, for up to 24 h of irradiation). Steadier solar photoreforming was observed in experiments performed in a compound parabolic collector tubular reactor (approximate to 7.6 and 1.7 mmol g(-1) h(-1) for Pt/TiO2 or Cu/TiO2, respectively). Despite the non-negligible effect of co-catalyst rearrangement on activity rationalised herein, attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy measurements pre- and post-photocatalysis suggest that accumulation of strongly adsorbed degradation intermediates, chiefly acetate, is a major cause for rate decreases. Notwithstanding, this phenomenon did not result in total deactivation, so that sustained hydrogen production upon long-term irradiation was not compromised.
- Exploring Marine Biomineralization on the Al-Mg Alloy as a Natural Process for In Situ LDH Growth to Improve Corrosion ResistancePublication . Marques, Maria João; Mercier, Dimitri; Seyeux, Antoine; Zanna, Sandrine; Tenailleau, Christophe; Duployer, Benjamin; Jeannin, Marc; Marcus, Philippe; Basséguy; BASSEGUY, RegineABSTRACT: This study provides a detailed characterization of the AA5083 aluminum alloy, surface, and interface over 6 months of immersion in seawater, employing techniques such as SEM/EDX, GIXRD, mu-Raman and XPS. The purpose was to evaluate the evolution of the biomineralization process that occurs on the Al-Mg alloy. By investigating the specific conditions that favor the in situ growth of layered double hydroxide (LDH) during seawater immersion as a result of biomineralization, this research provides insights into marine biomineralization, highlighting its potential as an innovative and sustainable strategy for corrosion protection.
- The H2Excellence Project-Fuel Cells and Green Hydrogen Centers of Vocational Excellence Towards Achieving Affordable, Secure, and Sustainable Energy for EuropePublication . Gano, António; Ribeiro Pinto, Paulo Jorge; Esteves, M. Alexandra; Rangel, Carmen M.ABSTRACT: The demand for green hydrogen (H2) and related technologies is expected to increase in the coming years, driven by climate changes and energy security of supply issues, amid the European and global energy crises. The European Green Deal and REpowerEU Plan have identified H2 as a key pillar for reaching climate neutrality by 2050 and for the intensification of hydrogen delivery targets, bringing the large-scale adoption of hydrogen production and applications, and stressing the need for a skilled workforce in emergent H2 markets. To that end, the H2Excellence project will establish a Platform of Vocational Excellence in the field of fuel cells and green hydrogen technologies, with an educational and training scheme to tackle identified skill gaps and to implement life-long learning opportunities. This project aims to become a European benchmark in training and knowledge transfer, incorporating the entire hydrogen value chain. The work is supported by the Knowledge Triangle Model, integrating education, research, and innovation efforts to build a dynamic ecosystem in the green hydrogen sector. In this work, activities conducted so far by LNEG as a project partner and expected impacts are highlighted. Those activities are based on a stakeholder needs assessment conducted by project partners and on the knowledge and experience accumulated in research activities developed in the Materials for Energy research area.
- Influence of Cr on the quaternary FeTaTiW medium entropy alloyPublication . Martins, Ricardo; Monteiro, Bernardo; Pereira Gonçalves, Antonio; Correia, Jose B.; Galatanu, Andrei; Alves, Eduardo; Tejado, Elena; Pastor, Jose Ygnacio; Dias, MartaABSTRACT: The search for advanced materials has been growing, and high entropy alloys (HEAs) are emerging as promising candidates for application in the fusion domain. This work investigates the effect of Cr on the FeTaTiW medium entropy alloy to form (CrFeTaTi)70W30 high entropy alloy, comparing the experimental production and characterization with the simulation (molecular dynamics and hybrid molecular dynamics-Monte Carlo) of the phases formed. The alloys were produced by mechanical alloying and sintered by spark plasma sintering. Both simulations have shown that a body-centered cubic structure is formed for both compositions. Monte Carlo simulation provides a more precise prediction of microstructural formation and element segregation. Microstructural examination of the consolidated material revealed the presence of a W-rich phase and a Ti-rich phase, consistent with the phase separation observed in the MC simulations. Moreover, X-ray diffraction analysis of the milled powder for FeTaTiW and (CrFeTaTi)70W30 confirmed the formation of a bcc (body-centered cubic)-type structure with a low fraction of intermetallic phases. Mechanical testing showed ductile behavior at 1000 degrees C where (CrFeTaTi)70W30 showed a stress magnitude almost double that of FeTaTiW. Additionally, the thermal diffusivity between 20 and 1000 degrees C of both alloys increases as the temperature rises. (CrFeTaTi)70W30 exhibits an increase from 3 to 5 mm2/s, while FeTaTiW increases from 4 to 9 mm2/s. Still, both system's thermal diffusivity values are lower than those of CuCrZr and pure tungsten. Despite this, the study underscores the promising attributes of HEAs and highlights areas for further optimization to enhance its suitability for extreme conditions.
- Mechanical Performance of Ceria-Coated 3D-Printed Black Zirconia Cellular Structures After Solar Thermochemical CO/H2 Fuel Production CyclesPublication . Oliveira, Fernando; Sardinha, Manuel; Justino Netto, Joaquim Manoel; Leite, Marco; Farinha, Miguel; Barreiros, Maria Alexandra; Abanades, Stéphane; Fernandes, JorgeABSTRACT: Solar fuels production requires developing redox active materials with porous structures able to withstand thermochemical cycles with enhanced thermal stability under concentrated solar irradiation conditions. The mechanical performance of 3D-printed, macroporous black zirconia gyroid structures, coated with redox-active ceria, was assessed for their suitability in solar thermochemical cycles for CO2 and H2O splitting. Experiments were conducted using a 1.5 kW solar furnace to supply the high-temperature concentrated heat to a windowed reaction chamber to carry out thermal redox cycling under realistic on-sun conditions. The ceria coating on ceramic structures improved the thermal stability and redox efficiency while minimizing the quantity of the redox material involved. Crushing strength measurements showed that samples not directly exposed to the concentrated solar flux retained their mechanical performance after thermal cycling (similar to 10 MPa), while those near the concentrated solar beam focus exhibited significant degradation due to thermal stresses and the formation of CexZr1-xO2 solid solutions (similar to 1.5 MPa). A Weibull modulus of 8.5 was estimated, marking the first report of such a parameter for fused filament fabrication (FFF)-manufactured black zirconia with gyroid architecture. Failure occurred via a damage accumulation mechanism at both micro- and macro-scales. These findings support the viability of ceria-coated cellular ceramics for scalable solar fuel production and highlight the need for optimized reactor designs.
- New membranes for CO2 electrochemical reduction {Resumo]Publication . Teixeira, Fatima; Teixeira, António Paulo Silva; Messias, Sofia; Martins, Rodrigo; Mendes, Manuel Joao; Machado, Ana; Rangel, Carmen M.
- New Modified SPEEK-Based Proton Exchange MembranesPublication . Teixeira, Fatima; Teixeira, António Paulo Silva; Rangel, Carmen M.ABSTRACT: A decarbonized society demands cleaner and sustainable energy sources based on well-established or emerging technologies with the potential to make a significant contribution to energy storage and conversion, such as batteries, fuel cells and water and/or CO2 electrolyzers. The performance of these electrochemical devices relies on key components such as their separators/ion-exchange membranes. The most common commercial membrane, Nafion (R), has several technological limitations. In this study, it is proposed the incorporation of bisphosphonic acid (BP) dopants into membrane matrices to improve their properties. Following this strategy, we prepared new membranes based on sulfonated poly(etheretherketone) (SPEEK) polymer, a reliable and effective alternative membrane polymer, through the incorporation of the BP dopants, to obtain low-cost membranes with improved properties. These membranes were structural, thermal and morphological, characterized by AT-FTIR, TGA and SEM. Their proton conductivity was evaluated over a temperature range between 30 degrees C and 60 degrees C, using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy, and their stability during this process was also observed. The best proton conductivity was observed for the SPEEK membrane doped with BP1 at 2.0 wt% load at 60 degrees C, with a proton conduction of 226 mS cm-1.
- New proton exchange membranes based on ionic liquid doped chitosanPublication . Naffati, Naima; Teixeira, Fatima; Teixeira, António Paulo Silva; Rangel, Carmen M.ABSTRACT: The development of new proton exchange membranes (PEM) for electrochemical devices have attracted researcher's attention in the pursuit for more sustainable and cost-effective technologies for clean energy production and conversion. In this work, new doped chitosan (CS) membranes were prepared by the casting method. Chitosan is an abundant, biodegradable and non-toxic material, and as a membrane, a sustainable and cheaper alternative to those perfluorinated and commonly used, such as Nafion. Three different ionic liquids were employed as dopants, ([EMIM][OTf], [EMIM][FSI] and [MIMH][HSO4]), in various concentrations and up to 50 wt% load. The new membranes were characterized by ATR-FTIR, thermogravimetry, using TGA and DSC techniques to assess their thermal properties, and by SEM, to analyse their surface morphology. Proton conduction properties of the new membranes were assessed by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). The new doped membranes showed an increase in the proton conduction compared with pristine chitosan membranes. The incorporation of ionic liquids into chitosan membranes improved their proton conductivity and thermal properties, with [EMIM][OTf] and [MIMH][HSO4] showing the most promising results. A 2-fold increment in the proton conduction was generally observed with the increase of the temperature from 30 to 60 degrees C. The best proton conductivity was found at 60 degrees C for the membrane doped with [EMIM][OTf], with a value of 47 mS.cm(-1).