Search
Department of Energy Conversion and Storage
Publications
Filters
total: 347
Catalog Publications
Year 2021
-
Development of Microstructured Carbon Coatings by Substrate-Catalytic CVD
PublicationCarbon nanostructured films were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on H18 stainless steel (AISI 440C) sheets with an H2/CH4/N2 gas mixture at various substrate temperatures. During the synthesis, the iron and chromium oxide layer was formed between the steel and carbonaceous layer. The carbon films exhibited wall-like and spherical morphologies and structures, as characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Raman...
-
Efficacious Alkaline Copper Corrosion Inhibition by a Mixed Ligand Copper(II) Complex of 2,2′-Bipyridine and Glycine: Electrochemical and Theoretical Studies
PublicationA mixed ligand copper(II) complex, namely, [Cu(BPy)(Gly)Cl]⋅2H2O (CuC) (BPy=2,2′-bipyridine and Gly=glycine), was synthesized and characterized. The synthesized CuC complex was tested as inhibitor to effectively mitigate the corrosion of copper in alkaline solutions using the linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and linear polarization resistance (LPR) techniques. For the sake of comparison, such two D.C. electrochemical techniques were...
-
Enhanced electrochemical kinetics of highly-oriented (111)-textured boron-doped diamond electrodes induced by deuterium plasma chemistry
PublicationNovel highly-oriented (111)-textured boron-doped diamond electrodes (BDDD) featuring high electrochemical activity and electrode stability toward electrochemical analytics were fabricated by deuterium-rich microwave plasma CVD. The high flux deuterium plasma-induced preferential formation of (111)-faceted diamond as revealed by XRD. The highly-oriented diamond surface exhibited improved boron dopant incorporation and activation,...
-
Evaluating the influence of radiative heat flux on convective heat transfer from a vertical plate in air using an improved heating plate
PublicationThis article examines the influence of radiative heat flux on the accuracy of the results of free convective heat transfer in air. In order to carry out these tests, based on the experience gained during the operation of a plate heated on one side, compensated by a reverse heat loss flux counter-heater, a unique double-sided heating sandwich plate was designed and built, consisting of three thin epoxy resin plates reinforced with...
-
Experimental investigation of performance and emission characteristics of a miniature gas turbine supplied by blends of kerosene and waste tyre pyrolysis oil
PublicationFossil fuels are non-renewable sources of energy that could be depleted in the near future, giving rise to amajor energy crisis. Scientists from all over the world are working on new technologies to produce fuelnot only from renewable sources but also from waste. This article is concerned with: (i) waste tyremanagement by means of the pyrolysis process, (ii) investigation of physico-chemical parameters ofwaste tyre pyrolysis oil...
-
Highly Oriented Zirconium Nitride and Oxynitride Coatings Deposited via High‐Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering: Crystal‐Facet‐Driven Corrosion Behavior in Domestic Wastewater
PublicationHerein, highly crystalline ZrxNy and ZrxNyOz coatings are achieved by the deposition via high‐power impulse magnetron sputtering. Various N2 and N2/O2 gas mixtures with argon are investigated. The chemical composition and, as a result, mechanical properties of the deposited layer can be tailored along with morphological and crystallographic structural changes. The corrosion resistance behavior is studied by potentiodynamic measurements...
-
Highly selective impedimetric determination of Haemophilus influenzae protein D using maze-like boron-doped carbon nanowall electrodes
PublicationThis study reports a novel impedimetric immunosensor for protein D detection in purified and bacterial (Haemophilus influenzae, Hi) samples. The detection was based on antigen recognition by anti-protein D antibodies (apD) immobilised at the maze-like boron-doped carbon nanowall electrodes (B:CNW). The B:CNW electrodes were synthesised, and their surface was characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron...
-
Influence of the fragment size on the recycling process of thin-film modules based on CdTe
PublicationFor several years, the production of second generation cells (the so-called thin film), produced from amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride (CdTe) or copper indium (gallium) diselenide (CI(G)S), has been increasing. The total number of end-of-life panels by 2050 is expected to reach 9.57 million tonnes. They contain heavy metals that can be leached into the environment at the land field. The EU directive on waste electrical and...
-
Low-power microwave-induced fabrication of functionalised few-layer black phosphorus electrodes: A novel route towards Haemophilus Influenzae pathogen biosensing devices
PublicationIn this paper, various passivation schemes were applied at few-layer black phosphorus (FLBP) to achieve covalent functionalisation with 4-azidobenzoic acid, improving its electrochemical response intended for analytical and biosensing applications. The thermal and microwave assisted modification procedures in toluene and dime-thylformamide resulted in high reversibility of reactions on functionalised FLBP using a ferricyanide/ferrocya-nide...
-
New insights on lithium storage in silicon oxycarbide/carbon composites: Impact of microstructure on electrochemical properties
PublicationIn this work, we study the impact of the preceramic precursor vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES) on the electrochemical performance of silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) glass/graphite composites. We apply an innovative approach based on high-power ultrasounds in order to obtain highly homogenous composites with a uniform distribution of small graphitic flakes. This procedure enhances gelation and drying of VTES-based preceramic polymer/graphite...
-
Pyrolysis of Pruning Residues from Various Types of Orchards and Pretreatment for Energetic Use of Biochar
PublicationThe routine pruning and cutting of fruit trees provides a considerable amount of biowaste each year. This lignocellulosic biomass, mainly in the form of branches, trunks, rootstocks, and leaves, is a potential high-quality fuel, yet often is treated as waste. The results of a feasibility study on biochar production by pyrolysis of residues from orchard pruning were presented. Three types of biomass waste were selected as raw materials...
-
Recovery of Valuable Materials and Methods for Their Management When Recycling Thin-Film CdTe Photovoltaic Modules
PublicationDue to the development of new photovoltaic technologies, there is a need to research new recycling methods for these new materials. The recovery of metals from photovoltaic (PV) modules would reduce the consumption of raw materials. Therefore, the development of recycling technologies for used and damaged modules of newer generations is important for environmental reasons. The aim of the research is to shed light on the nature...
-
Simultaneous opto-electrochemical monitoring of carbamazepine and its electro-oxidation by-products in wastewater
PublicationThe growing human impact on aquatic environments, due to the extensive use of pharmaceuticals and the release of persistent pollutants, makes it necessary to implement new widespread methods for the characterisation and quantification of such contaminants and relative degradation products. Carbamazepine, 5H-dibenzo[b,f]azepine-5-carboxamide, (CBZ) is a widely used anti-epileptic drug, characterised by its limited removal by conventional...
-
Soiling Effect Mitigation Obtained by Applying Transparent Thin-Films on Solar Panels: Comparison of Different Types of Coatings
PublicationDust accumulation on the front cover of solar panels is closely linked to location and orientation of photovoltaic (PV) installation. Its build-up depends on the module tilt angle, frequency of precipitation, humidity, wind strength and velocity, as well as grain size. Additionally, soil composition is determined by solar farm surroundings such as local factories, agricultural crops, and traffic. Over time, molecules of atmospheric...
-
The Issue of Shading Photovoltaic Installation Caused by Dust Accumulation on the Glass Surface
PublicationThe issue of accumulation of dust and other pollutants on the surface of photovoltaic modules was thoroughly analysed over the years. One of the first surveys in this field of knowledge linked pollutant accumulation on the module surface with transmittance loss of its glass covering, which leads to lessened amount of solar radiation reaching solar cells. First stage of this accumulation process is linear transparency loss, and second...
-
The use of thermal imaging camera to estimate velocity profiles based on temperature distribution in a free convection boundary layer
PublicationThis work describes an attempt to assess whether the temperature field from a thermal imaging camera can be converted into a velocity field with an accuracy sufficient for qualitative conducting or describing the phenomenon, i.e. when the Navier-Stokes, Fourier-Kirchhoff and continuity equations are mutually coupled. The consequence of this link between temperature fields and velocity is the possibility to formulate the hypothesis...
-
Understanding the capacitance of thin composite films based on conducting polymer and carbon nanostructures in aqueous electrolytes
PublicationIn this work electrochemical performance of thin composite films consisted of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), graphene oxide (GOx) and oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (oxMWCNTs) is investigated in various sulphates (Li2SO4, Na2SO4, K2SO4, MgSO4) and acidic (H2SO4) electrolytes. Capacitance values, rate capability and cycling stability achieved for the composite layers are correlated with the electrolytes’ properties...
Year 2020
-
Activated Carbon Produced by Pyrolysis of Waste Wood and Straw for PotentialWastewater Adsorption
PublicationPyrolysis of straw pellets and wood strips was performed in a fixed bed reactor. The chars, solid products of thermal degradation, were used as potential materials for activated carbon production. Chemical and physical activation processes were used to compare properties of the products. The chemical activation agent KOH was chosen and the physical activation was conducted with steam and carbon dioxide as oxidising gases. The eect...
-
Capacitance Enhancement by Incorporation of Functionalised Carbon Nanotubes into Poly(3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene)/Graphene Oxide Composites
PublicationThis paper reports on the role of oxidised carbon nanotubes (oxMWCNTs) present in poly-3,4-ethylenedioxytiophene (PEDOT)/graphene oxide (GOx) composite. The final ternary composites (pEDOT/GOx/oxMWCNTs) are synthesised by an electrodeposition process from the suspension-containing monomer, oxidised carbon nanotubes and graphene oxide. Dissociated functional groups on the surface of graphene oxide play a role of counter-ions for the...
-
Chestnut-Derived Activated Carbon as a Prospective Material for Energy Storage
PublicationIn this work, we present the preparation and characterization of biomass-derived activatedcarbon (AC) in view of its application as electrode material for electrochemical capacitors. Porouscarbons are prepared by pyrolysis of chestnut seeds and subsequent activation of the obtainedbiochar. We investigate here two activation methods, namely, physical by CO2and chemical usingKOH. Morphology, structure and specific surface area (SSA)...
-
Decrease in Photovoltaic Module Efficiency Due to Deposition of Pollutants
PublicationThe deposition of pollutants on the surface of photovoltaic (PV) modules reduce the efficiency that can be achieved in given climatic conditions. This results in the loss of energy yield obtained from the solar installation. A number of factors determine the scale of this problem. The first of these is the amount of impurities deposited, the associated amount of precipitation, and the speed and direction of the wind. A second aspect...
-
Diatoms Biomass as a Joint Source of Biosilica and Carbon for Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes
PublicationThe biomass of one type cultivated diatoms (Pseudostaurosira trainorii), being a source of 3D-stuctured biosilica and organic matter—the source of carbon, was thermally processed to become an electroactive material in a potential range adequate to become an anode in lithium ion batteries. Carbonized material was characterized by means of selected solid-state physics techniques (XRD, Raman, TGA). It was shown that the pyrolysis...
-
Electrochemical determination of nitroaromatic explosives at boron-doped diamond/graphene nanowall electrodes: 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene and 2,4,6-trinitroanisole in liquid effluents
PublicationThe study is devoted to the electrochemical detection of trace explosives on boron-doped diamond/graphene nanowall electrodes (B:DGNW). The electrodes were fabricated in a one-step growth process using chemical vapour deposition without any additional modifications. The electrochemical investigations were focused on the determination of the important nitroaromatic explosive compounds, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and 2,4,6-trinitroanisole...
-
Energy Yield Generated by a Small Building Integrated Photovoltaic Installation
PublicationIn the recent years photovoltaic (PV) industry has experienced a major growth, caused by the ever present annual decrease in module production prices and the expanding awareness of the general public in terms of renewable energy. There are numerous ways to implement PV modules as an additional energy source for a building, be it mounted on the rooftop, or building integrated (BIPV). An analysis of BIPV consisting of 8 modules with...
-
Enhanced Charge Storage Mechanism And Long-Term Cycling Stability In Diamondized Titania Nanocomposite Supercapacitors Operating In Aqueous Electrolytes
PublicationThe long cycle life stability jointly with high energy density are limiting broader feasible applications of supercapacitors. The novel diamondized titania nanocomposite supercapacitors deliver high power and energy densities along with high capacitance retention rates. Supercapacitor electrodes were fabricated utilizing a combination of Ti anodization followed by chemical vapor deposition resulting in simultaneous growth of complex...
-
Fast-response optoelectronic detection of explosives’ residues from the nitroaromatic compounds detonation: field studies approach
PublicationWe are presenting an application of optoelectronic nitrogen dioxide (NO2) analyzer based on cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy in the detection of traces of explosives after detonation. It has been shown that the analyzer using blue-violet laser is able to detect explosive residues after the detonation of various amounts of nitroaromatic compounds (75g-1kg) with higher efficiency than the HPLC soil sample testing equipment,...
-
Post-Pyrolytic Carbon as a Phase Change Materials (PCMs) Carrier for Application in Building Materials
PublicationThis article covers new application for char as a carrier of phase-change materials (PCM) that could be used as an additive to building materials. Being composed of bio-char and PCM, the granulate successfully competes with more expensive commercial materials of this type, such as Micronal® PCM. As a PCM carrier, char that was obtained from the pyrolysis of chestnut fruit (Aesculus hippocastanum) with different absorbances of the...
-
Pre-Treatment of Furniture Waste for Smokeless Charcoal Production
PublicationThe aim of this study was to assess the possibility of using furniture waste for smokeless fuel production using the pyrolysis process. Four types of wood-based wastes were used in the pyrolysis process: pine sawdust (PS), chipboard (CB), medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and oriented strand board (OSB). Additionally, the slow and fast types of pyrolysis were compared, where the heating rates were 15 C/min and 100 C/min, respectively....
-
Shading, Dusting and Incorrect Positioning of Photovoltaic Modules as Important Factors in Performance Reduction
PublicationThe amount of solar radiation reaching the front cover of a photovoltaic module is crucial for its performance. A number of factors must be taken into account at the design stage of the solar installation, which will ensure maximum utilization of the potential arising from the location. During the operation of a photovoltaic installation, it is necessary to limit the shading of the modules caused by both dust and shadowing by trees...
-
Silicon Oxycarbide-Graphite Electrodes for High-Power Energy Storage Devices
PublicationHerein we present a study on polymer-derived silicon oxycarbide (SiOC)/graphite composites for a potential application as an electrode in high power energy storage devices, such as Lithium-Ion Capacitor (LIC). The composites were processed using high power ultrasound-assisted sol-gel synthesis followed by pyrolysis. The intensive sonication enhances gelation and drying process, improving the homogenous distribution of the graphitic...
-
Substrate Dependence in the Formation of Au Nanoislands for Plasmonic Platform Application
PublicationIn this work, the influence of the various substrates on Au nanoisland formation has been studied. Nanostructures were obtained via annealing of thin Au films. In order to determine nanoisland formation mechanisms, correlation between an initial film thickness and temperature of formation, shapes, and dimensions of nanostructures was examined. For the surface morphology studies, nanograin structure, and chemical composition analysis,...
-
The Analysis of Working Parameters Decrease in Photovoltaic Modules as a Result of Dust Deposition
PublicationThe aspect of dust accumulation on the surface of photovoltaic (PV) modules should be thoroughly understood in order to minimize possible obstacles affecting energy generation. Several elements affect the amount of pollutant gathered on the surface of a solar device, mainly its localization, which is irreversibly linked to factors such as annual rainfall, occasional snow coverage, or, in a dry climate, increased blow of dust during...
-
Thermal Biomass Conversion: A Review
PublicationIn this paper, the most important methods of thermal conversion of biomass, such as: hydrothermal carbonization (180–250 °C), torrefaction (200–300 °C), slow pyrolysis (carbonization) (300–450 °C), fast pyrolysis (500–800 °C), gasification (800–1000 °C), supercritical steam gasification, high temperature steam gasification (>1000 °C) and combustion, were gathered, compared and ranked according to increasing temperature. A comprehensive...
-
Ultrastructural analysis of the submandibular sialoliths: Raman spectroscopy and electron back-scatter studies
PublicationThe aim of work was the epidemiological analysis of the occurrence of sialolithiasis of the submandibular gland in adults and the evaluation of the ultrastructure of salivary stones. The study sample consisted of 44 sialoliths. Analysis of the structure and chemical composition of sialoliths was performed using a Scanning Electron Microscope and Raman Spectroscopy. Comparing our results with the literature we can say that the epidemiology...
-
Waste Rubber Pyrolysis: Product Yields and Limonene Concentration
PublicationTires, conveyor belts, floor mats, and shoe soles form a main-stream of rubber waste. The amount of these used materials continuously increases due to development of the rubber market. Therefore, pro-ecological utilization (i.e., energy recycling instead of burning) and recovering valuable and recyclable materials becomes an urgent necessity. In this regard, this work was devoted to the chemical recycling of selected used rubber...
-
Waste Tyres Pyrolysis for Obtaining Limonene
PublicationThis review deals with the technologies of limonene production from waste tyre pyrolysis. Thermal decomposition is attractive for tackling the waste tyre disposal problem, as it enables both: energy to be recovered and limonene to be obtained. This material management recycling of tyres is environmentally more beneficial than the burning of all valuable products, including limonene. Given this recoverability of materials from waste...
Year 2019
-
Corrosion Inhibition Mechanism and Efficiency Differentiation of Dihydroxybenzene Isomers Towards Aluminum Alloy 5754 in Alkaline Media
PublicationThe selection of efficient corrosion inhibitors requires detailed knowledge regarding the interaction mechanism, which depends on the type and amount of functional groups within the inhibitor molecule. The position of functional groups between different isomers is often overlooked, but is no less important, since factors like steric hinderance may significantly affect the adsorption mechanism. In this study, we have presented how...
-
Efficiency and proportions of waste tyre pyrolysis products depending on the reactor type—A review
PublicationThis article discusses the current use of different pyrolytic reactors, their constructions and operating principles regarding the yields of main products of waste tyre pyrolytic recycling. Whether one makes a larger or smaller profit, or even a loss due to a surcharge being levied on waste tyre recycling, depends on the sale of the pyrolysis products (gas, char, oil), the proportions and market prices of which differ. The cheapest...
-
Elektrolity stosowane w kondensatorach elektrochemicznych
PublicationPrzedstawiono trzy główne grupy elektrolitów ciekłych stosowanych w kondensatorach elektrochemicznych: elektrolity wodne, organiczne oraz ciecze jonowe. Przedstawiono ich właściwości, skład, problemy związane z użytkowaniem, a także najnowsze osiągnięcia w rozwoju poszczególnych grup elektrolitów ciekłych. Omówiono także dodatki do elektrolitów, ich rodzaje oraz wpływ na właściwości elektrolitu i pracę urządzenia.
-
Galvanostatic impedance measurements for the efficient adsorption isotherm construction in corrosion inhibitor studies
PublicationWe present an approach towards an accurate and time-efficient adsorption isotherm determination to evaluate the corrosion inhibitor interaction in electrolytic environments. The approach is based on dynamic impedance spectroscopy measurements in galvanostatic mode (g-DEIS). The studied corrosion inhibitor is continuously injected between the secondary cell and the corrosion cell. The efficiency corresponding to instantaneous inhibitor...
-
Influence of Fragment Size on the Time and Temperature of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Lamination Decomposition in the Photovoltaic Module Recycling Process
PublicationPhotovoltaics is a commercially available and reliable technology with significant potential for long-term growth in nearly all global regions. Several research institutes and companies are working on recycling concepts for thin film modules and modules with crystalline cells. The establishment of recycling and reuse technologies appropriate and applicable to all photovoltaics (PV) modules is a key issue to be addressed as part...
-
Influence of High Temperature Oxidation on Hydrogen Absorption and Degradation of Zircaloy-2 and Zr 700 Alloys
PublicationThe present research was aimed at determining the effects of the oxide layers on hydrogen absorption, microstructure and mechanical properties of the Zircaloy- 2 and Zr 702 alloys. The oxidation was made at 350 °C, 700 °C and 900 °C for 10 to 30 min in laboratory air, followed by hydrogen cathodic charging for 72 h and annealing at 400 °C for 4 h. The slow strain rate tests were carried out on oxidized, charged and annealed specimens. The...
-
Possibilities and benefits of a new method of modifying conventional building materials with phase-change materials (PCMs)
PublicationThe paper presents a current study devoted to the optimization of the amount of PCM present within traditional building materials, utilized in this case in hollow-brick walls. Authors focus on proposing an alternative to typical direct addition of PCM to existing building materials: introducing two- and three-component mixtures, based on a porous PCM carrier, which in this case was construction aggregate. Preliminary studies of...
-
Recykling metali z zużytych modułów fotowoltaicznych
PublicationZaprezentowano stan wiedzy na temat dotychczas opracowanych metod odzysku metali z roztworów. Przeanalizowano je pod kątem wykorzystania w procesach recyklingu modu- łów wykonanych z krystalicznego krzemu oraz w technologii cienkowarstwowej.
Year 2018
-
Analiza możliwości zastosowania materiałów PCM do magazynowania ciepła w budynkach w celu zapewnienia komfortu cieplnego pomieszczeń
PublicationCelem pracy było przeprowadzenie analizy porównawczej, mającej wskazać potencjalne możliwości poprawy ogólnej efektywności energetycznej budynków, poprzez zastosowanie materiałów zmiennofazowych (PCM).
-
Electrode materials for electrochemical capacitors based on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes characterized in aqueous and aprotic electrolytes
PublicationWithin this work, we report a facile one-stage synthesis of nanocomposites based on functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and electroactive polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene). Three different composites are investigated as potential electrode materials for the electrochemical capacitors. Two of the composites contain carbon nanotubes (ox-CNTs), functionalized by acid oxidation process (65% HNO3, 120 °C). The third composite...
-
End-Of-Life Management of Photovoltaic Solar Modules
PublicationThe PV industry continues to push its credentials as a technology that addresses one of the fundamental challenges of our times – climate change. There are however two major concerns about this technology: first, the potential negative environmental impacts of energy used in the production stage and second, the possible shortage of the valuable materials in the future. The currently dominant semiconductor used in photovoltaic modules...
-
Gospodarka zużytymi modułami fotowoltaicznymi
PublicationFotowoltaika rozwija się na całym świecie niezwykle intensywnie od wielu lat, oferując energię elektryczną wytworzoną w technologii, pozbawionej wszelkich emisji. Wraz z rosnącym wykorzystaniem instalacji fotowoltaicznych do konwersji energii promieniowania słonecznego na energię elektryczną coraz większego znaczenia nabiera problem zagospodarowania odpadów, powstałych podczas produkcji, eksploatacji i po zakończeniu użytkowania...
-
Kluczowe zagadnienia procesu recyklingu zużytych modułów fotowoltaicznych I i II generacji
PublicationW ramach technologii fotowoltaicznych wyróżniamy obecnie trzy generacje ogniw fotowoltaicznych. Pierwsza z nich to ogniwa z mono- i polikrystalicznego krzemu (c-Si), druga obejmuje ogniwa wykonane na bazie technologii cienkowarstwowej, zarówno z krzemu amorficznego (a-Si) jak i diseleneku indowo-miedziowo-galowego (CIGS), tellurku kadmu (CdTe) oraz arsenku galu (GaAs). Trzecia generacja to najnowsze technologie, takie jak: organiczne...
-
Natural convection in symmetrically heated vertical channels
PublicationThe study describes natural convection through a vertical channel, open on four sides and bound by two isothermal walls. Both balancing and infrared experimental investigations were performed in air (Pr = 0.71) to estimate the impact of channel width s and wall-to-ambient temperature difference (tw - t∞) on natural convective heat transfer, the formation of air flow patterns and the rate of flow pattern formation. The study was...