ARTICLE CRITIQUE

Article Critique



Article Critique

The innovation on the low dimensional nanomaterials brings the rapid growth of nano community. Developing the controllable production and commercial applications of nanomaterials for sustainable society is highly concerned. Herein, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with sp(2) carbon bonding, excellent mechanical, electrical, thermal, as well as transport properties are selected as model nanomaterials to demonstrate the road of nanomaterials towards industry. The engineering principles of the mass production and recent progress in the area of CNT purification and dispersion are described, as well as its bulk application for nanocomposites and energy storage (Yaozu, Xia, et al. 2012, Pp.148-157).

Sigmoid-shaped isotherms for water vapor sorption in fuel cell membranes were analyzed with Feng's new dual-mode model for two series of ionomer systems, Nafion® 117 membranes with different counter-ions and protonated Nafion® membranes aged under different degrees of humidity. Feng's model appeared to be an excellent sorption model for these sigmoid isotherms and the values of its parameters were used for an analysis of the membrane structure/property relationships. The first model parameter, Cp, corresponds to the number of water molecules strongly sorbed in the first hydration shell of the membrane sulfonic sites. The upward curvature in the isotherms at high water activities, reflected by the A' parameter, appeared to be mainly due to the clustering of new water molecules on those of the first hydration shell. The number of water molecules per ionic site hydration depends on several structural parameters. The counter-ion of high electrostatic power attracts more water molecules per ion site, both in the first hydration shell and in subsequent sorption layers. The qualitative relationships between the membrane structure and its sorption properties obtained by analyzing the New Dual Mode Sorption (NDMS) model parameters make possible different interpretations of several data sets reported in the literature, such as the data on the sorption of different alcohols and the water sorption in Nafion® membranes during ageing.

Fuel cells

Dr Chen's research focuses on the nano-electro-catalyst preparation and nanocomposite membrane fabrication for fuel cell, metal-air battery, supercapacitor and water treatment. Dr Chen's work includes understanding Proton-Exchange Membrane (PEM) and electrode catalyst in fuel cells to improving efficiency and reducing cost of fuel cells. Hydrogen and methanol fueled PEM fuel cells have been identified as being promising for powering vehicles, homes, and portable electronics such as laptop computers (Yaozu, Xia, et al. 2012, Pp.148-157). Cost and durability are widely considered as key technical barriers for commercialization of PEM fuel cells. The group is working on the two key components of a fuel cell; the electrocatalysts and the PEM. The focus of the catalyst work has been for improved utilization, durability and activity.

Nanostructured materials

Dr Chen's research is directed towards the synthesis, functionalization and fabrication of nanostructured materials of carbon, metal and metal oxides. Current research thrusts include nitrogen and boron doped multi-walled carbon nanotubes, graphene and graphene nanoplates, core-shell nanoparticles and nanocomposites, ordered microporous and mesoporous materials. Nanostructured materials have numerous existing and potential applications in catalysis, fuel cell, battery and ...