Electrodes/electrolyte interfaces in the presence of a surface-modified photopolymer electrolyte: application in dye-sensitized solar cells.

Since hundreds of studies on photoanodes and cathodes show that the electrode/electrolyte interfaces represent a key aspect at the base of dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) performances, it is reported here that these interfaces can be managed by a smart design of the spatial composition of quasi-solid electrolytes. By means of a cheap, rapid, and green process of photoinduced polymerization, composition-tailored polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) with siloxane-enriched surfaces are prepared, and their properties are thoroughly described. When assembled in DSSCs, the interfacial action promoted by the composition-tailored PEMs enhances the photocurrent and fill factor values, thus increasing the global photovoltaic conversion efficiency with respect to the non-modified PEMs. Moreover, the presence of the siloxane-chain-enriched surface increases the hydrophobicity and reduces the water vapor permeation into the device, thus enhancing the cell's durability.

Modelling, additive layer manufacturing and testing of interlocking structures for joined components.

In this study, authors explore the application of modelling and additive layer manufacturing (ALM) for creating and testing materials with interlocking structures aimed to reduce the stress concentration along the edges of a typical lap joint. The effectiveness of this approach is discussed by means of modelling and experimental validation of joints with interlocking structures obtained by ALM. Considering the achieved results, ALM of interlocking structures constitutes an interesting alternative or complement to traditional joining processes, as it may help to minimize stress mismatches in the joining region. It may also prevent the use of adhesive or joining post processes, because the joint is created together with the joined components.

Development of a Membrane Module Prototype for Oxygen Separation in Industrial Applications.

The integration of oxygen transport membranes in industrial processes can lead to energy and economic advantages, but proof of concept membrane modules are highly necessary to demonstrate the feasibility of this technology. In this work, we describe the development of a lab-scale module through a comprehensive study that takes into consideration all the relevant technological aspects to achieve a prototype ready to be operated in industrial environment. We employed scalable techniques to manufacture planar La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ membrane components suitable for the application in both 3- and 4-end mode, designed with a geometry that guarantees a failure probability under real operating conditions as low as 2.2 × 10-6. The asymmetric membranes that act as separation layers showed a permeation of approx. 3 NmL/min/cm2 at 900 °C in air/He gradient, with a remarkable stability up to 720 h, and we used permeation results to develop a CFD model that describes the influence of the working conditions on the module performance. The housing of the membrane component is an Inconel 625 case joined to the membrane component by means of a custom-developed glass-ceramic sealant that exhibited a remarkable thermo-chemical compatibility both with metal and ceramic, despite the appearance of chemical strain in LSCF at high temperature. The multi-disciplinary approach followed in this work is suitable to be adapted to other module concepts based on membrane components with different dimensions, layouts or materials.