Thesis
Elucidating caffeine's role in modulating alkaline hydrogen evolution and oxidation reaction kinetics on Pt (111) surfaces
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Jun 2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00010560
Abstract
Fuel cells have emerged as a promising alternative energy technology, offering high efficiency and low emissions in energy conversion. Among these, alkaline fuel cells (AFCs) stand out for their impressive specific power and energy density, making them suitable for diverse applications. However, sluggish kinetics of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) in alkaline electrolytes, presenting a significant challenge. Recent studies explore the use of additives such as caffeine and N-methylimidazoles to enhance such kinetics by stabilizing interfacial water structures and facilitating proton-coupled electron transfer processes. Understanding the interplay between molecular engineering, interfacial dynamics, and catalyst design is crucial for optimizing fuel cell performance. Investigations into the electrical double layer effects further enrich understanding of electrochemical processes, paving the way for the development of efficient and sustainable energy conversion technology. This research investigates the enhancement of HER and HOR kinetics in alkaline electrolytes through interfacial additives. This work mainly delves into the mechanisms underlying the improvement of HER and HOR kinetics and expands the scope to include additional additives. The study demonstrates that molecular additives significantly influence hydrogen electrocatalysis at the catalyst's surface, indicating a surface mediated mechanism distinct from bulk interactions. This effect likely arises from the interaction of molecular additives with catalyst surface sites. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of interfacial additive effects in hydrogen electrochemistry, with implications for the development of efficient and sustainable energy conversion technologies, particularly in the context of alkaline fuel cells.
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Details
- Title
- Elucidating caffeine's role in modulating alkaline hydrogen evolution and oxidation reaction kinetics on Pt (111) surfaces
- Creators
- Feben Wolde-Semayat
- Contributors
- Maureen Han-Mei Tang (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- 77 unnumbered pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Materials (Science and) Engineering (Metallurgical Engineering) (1970-2026); College of Engineering (1970-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991021890211104721