Monday, June 3, 2019

Can Nanotechnology Transform Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars?

Can Nanotechnology Transform Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars?Juan Manuel Var accelerator Ferreira Can Nanotechnology convert heat content fire carrel cars into mainstream vehicles? Section 1 Abstract The aim of this report is to determine whether Nanotechnology apprize transmogrify atomic number 1 fuel kiosk cars into mainstream vehicles through emendments in the apostrophize of catalysts (Section 4A) plus hydrogen production (Section 4B) battery behavior (Section 4C) and the safety of hydrogen stock (Section 4D). The word mainstream for this report fashion that there impart be at least 1.15 million hydrogen fuel cell cars on the worlds roads the number of galvanic cars in the the satellite (Carbon brief, 2016)Section 2 Introduction Nanotechnology is about observing and manipulating matter occupying the nanoscale, which is ranges from 1 nanometre to 100 nanometres (Nanodic.com, nd). A nanometre is one billionth of a m or 100 000 times smaller than the width of human hair (Di gPhilosophy, 2013). Nanotechnology is a principle factor in improving hydrogen fuel cells, which be devices that harness the energy of hydrogen to shake electricity via a chemical reaction without combustion (CHFCA, nd). These devices allow be crucial as they are utilise to make zero carbon copy footprint cars. Reducing the carbon footprint of humanity will reduce the far reaching effects of global warning, which insure ecosystems and agriculture among separate variables (Barret, nd). Therefore, the development and implementation of hydrogen fuel cell cars will devour a great influence in safe guarding life in our planet.DS1Section 3 MethodologyFinancial Sources for Research For any project to go forward to the physical enquiry stage there mustiness be internal and/or external sources of finance. Some examples include government grants, companies and non profit companies (Understanding Science, nd). For my own research, the most appropriate source of finance would be fam ilys income. This is because I will solely be buy ining out secondary research.Creating a budget for ResearchDS2The budget contendd for my research entails the consideration of the following comprise of broadband (SKY, 2016)Cost of electricity (sust-it, 2015)Cost of leasing of a computer (HARDSOFT, 2016)Cost Specification Monitory Cost (pounds)Broadband16Electricity0.34Leasing a computer65 intact appeal81.34Research influences and techniques In order to carry out the necessary research I utilize the Internets extensive database. The techniques involved in this kind of research are web browsing, which involves writing the pull inic or question you wish to explore in a search engine and extracting revelation information from the sources that appear. The other technique involved is referencing with the world renowned Harvard referencing model.Ethical Issues NanotechnologyDS3Although Nanotechnology has an array of very useful applications some ethical concerns were raised against its implementation. much(prenominal) concerns revolve mainly virtually the fact that it is not yet clear whether nanoparticles can, in fact, interact negatively with our cells. There are already examples of other types of particles of similar dimensions causing harm to our bodies. Such an example would be car fume particles being deposited in our lungs (techNyouvids, 2013) and possibly causing cancer, cardiovascular diseases and asthma attacks (Nairaland Forum, 2013). It is therefore only logical to question whether nanomaterials will have the same or worse effects on our health. As a result, more research would have to be carried out if Nanotechnology is to be an establish discipline with common practice within society.Section 4 Results and Discussion A Reducing the cost of the catalystsNanotechnology can reduce the cost of the catalyst (normally Platinum) used in a hydrogen fuel cells as less of the catalyst would be used (Soutter, 2016). In order to scale down traditional cata lysts, the top down manufacturing process can be used, which involves breaking down material of larger dimension into the desired nanomaterial (GrennFacts, 2016). Notable disadvantages of this process include the fact that a lot of material is wasted (2 Nano.gov, nd). and that approximately 250 complex steps are required to have the finished product (NanoScale Systems, 2015). An alternative technique is the bottom up manufacturing process, which entails building nanomaterials by constructing single atoms and molecules (GrennFacts, 2016).Additionally, since the catalyst is at nanoscale it will have a greater surface area increasing the reactivity of the catalyst and so the speed of the fuel cells chemical reaction (Nano.gov, nd). The benefits can be further developed by the introduction of porous nano support structures such as nanotubes, which would make the platinum nanoparticles even more accessible for reacting (Soutter, 2016). This would mean that electricity would me delivere d to the motor more quickly and so increase the acceleration of the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Such an improvement would definitely make it more competitive in the commercialize and aid fuel cell cars to enter into mainstream industry waters.Furthermore, the development of normality doped nanotubes can replace platinum catalyst. Hence reducing the cost of hydrogen fuel cells since the cost of the catalyst amounted for 25% of the overall fuel cell cost (Soutter, 2016). The cheaper cost of nanotube catalysts is not the only advantage they offer they will also provide the fuel cell with the same or greater power output compared to the standard platinum catalyst. It is also important to consider the fact that nanotube structures are also stronger than conventional catalysts meaning they are not compromised by carbon monoxide when reacting chemically to create electricity. Such improvements would mean that fuel cell cars are even cheaper more powerful and have a thirster running life . As a result, Nanotechnology is certainly aiding this emerging car technology to enter the main road of the 21st-century commercial vehicle industry.B Reducing the cost of hydrogen production Around 75% of everything in our universe is in fact hydrogen (D spick-and-spans, 2015). As result utilizing this abundant element to fuel our cars seems the likes of a well-funded idea. Its production is also not in its infancy of development as the U.S creates 9 million metric tones of hydrogen annually (Dnews, 2015). However, current methods of hydrogen production are not ideal. An example would be that the method of obtaining hydrogen by breaking natural gas with high temperatures and pressures produces carbon dioxide. Another procedure involves splitting oxygen and hydrogen atoms in water with electricity, formally known as electrolysis (Dnews, 2015). Unfortunately, electricity for electrolysis is mainly obtained through the combustion of coal that is another carbon dioxide emitting proces s. The process of hydrogen production is also a notoriously expensive procedure, which is part of the reason for the lack of implementation of hydrogen fuel cell cars.Interestingly, however, creating new catalysts can also reduce the manufacturing of hydrogen. Since hydrogen can be produced by decomposing natural gas, which requires being passed over silicon or aluminum catalyst (BBC Bitesize, nd), a decrease in the price of the catalyst would directly reduce the cost of manufacturing hydrogen.C Extending fuel cells life once fully chargedThere have been numerous collaborations in order to improve the durability of batteries. One exciting development are nanowire batteries, which are now said to be able to have 200, 000 rounds of charging due to work at the University of California Irvine. Nanowires are made from gold and future developments could potentially provide the world with the first battery that does not require recharging. Another type of battery using nanotechnology has been developed by the MIT that last three times as long as current options on the market and it can be fully charged in just 6 minutes they have named it nano yolk (Pocket lit, 2016). Such developments would not only mean hydrogen fuel cell cars become mainstream vehicles but the main way of transport for our ever growing population (Pocket lit, 2016).D Increasing the safety of hydrogen storage A recent paper (ACS Nano) has suggested Sodium borohydride (NaBH4) as an absorptive storage compound for hydrogen. The paper by leading author Dr. Kondo Francois Aguey Zinsou also stated that NaBH4 can absorb hydrogen so that it gives hydrogen fuel the same energy potential as that of petrol in a similar fuel tank. This would improve the safety of hydrogen storage since the compound NaBaH4 doesnt release hydrogen significantly at cabin temperatures, ranging from 57.3 degrees Celsius to 60.5 degrees Celsius (Manning, R., Ewing, J., 2009) DS4However, the compound does have to be engineered in the nanoscale and it has to be engulfed in a nickel shell. Moreover, the sponge-like compound (NaBH4) only releases hydrogen predominantly at 350 degrees Celsius (The A Register, nd).Section 5 ConclusionsDS5In order to determine whether Nanotechnology can transform hydrogen fuel cell cars into mainstream vehicles, the possibility of 1.15 million hydrogen fuel cell cars being part of the worlds roads must be analyzed. A supposititious perspective on the matter is provided by the US setting the target of having at least 15% of all of Californias cars to be zero emission vehicles be 2025 (Dnews, nd), that translates to 4.2 million cars In 2012 there were 27.7 million registered cars in California (Reference, nd). That most certainly exceeds my target of 1.5 million, which suggest Nanotechnology is on its way to make fuel cell cars mainstream vehicles in America at least. Therefore, I can conclude that Nanotechnology will turn hydrogen fuel cell cars into mainstream vehicles. It is just a matter of time and whether it will be sooner rather than later.Section 6 EvaluationDS6Overall the micro research project was carried well. I managed to acquire information from the Internet related to my chosen topic. Although a modification I would make for future report-writing would be to explore my general and then specific subject area before writing my report. I would do this because it will provide me with greater focus from the preliminary stages.In order to further the research work in this report, I would like to carry out primary research on the topic of producing hydrogen with no greenhouse emissions and on whether water vapor is a worse greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.Section 7 ReferencesDS7Barett, J.T. (nd) How Does the Release of Car Exhaust Fumes Cause Global Warming ready(prenominal) athttp//education.seattlepi.com/release-car-exhaust-fumes-cause-global-warming-3682.html (Accessed 30 dreadful 2016).BBC Bitesize (nd) fragmental distillation acquirable at http//www.bbc.co.uk/education/guides/zm2v4wx/revision/2 (Accessed 2 September 2016)CarbonBrief (2016) IEA There are now more than 1 million electric cars on the worlds road Available at https//www.carbonbrief.org/iea-there-are-now-more-than-one-million-electric-cars-on-the-worlds-roads (Accessed 30 August 2016).CHFCA (nd) What is a fuel cell Available athttp//www.chfca.ca/education-centre/what-is-a-fuel-cell/ (Accessed 30 August 2016).DigPhilosophy (2013) What is Nanotechnology? What applications can it be used for? Available at https//youtu.be/WOqEk440JZ8 (Accessed 29 August 2016).Dnews (2015) How Hydrogen Fuel Is Made Available at https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5b6SthDbsE (Accessed 2September 2016)GreenFacts (2016) Bottom-up vs Top-down (in the context of use of nanoparticle formation) Available at http//www.greenfacts.org/glossary/abc/bottom-up-top-down.htm (Accessed 31 August 2016)HARDSOFT (2016) Lease and Hire the iMac 27 Retina 5k Available at https//www.hardsoftcomputer s.co.uk/apple-macs/apple-desktops/imac-27-retina-5k (Accessed 31 August 2016)Manning, R., Ewing, J. (2009) Temperature in Cars stare Available at https//www.racq.com.au//cars%20and%20driving//0814_temperature_in_cars_su.. (Accessed 3 September 2016)Nairaland Forum (2013) Do You Know How Dangerous The Car Exhaust Is To Your Health Car berate Nairaland Available at http//www.nairaland.com/1461704/know-how-dangerous-car-exhaust(Accessed 30 August 2016).Nanodic.com (nd) Nanoscale Available at http//www.nanodic.com/general/Nanoscale.htm (Accessed 1 September 2016)Nano.gov (nd) Whats So Special about the Nanoscale Available at http//www.nano.gov/nanotech-101/special (Accessed 30 August 2016).2 Nano.gov (nd) Manufacturing at the Nanoscale Available at http//www.nano.gov/nanotech-101/what/manufacturing (Accessed 31 August 2016)NanoScale Systems (2015) Top Down vs Bottom Up 3D -Printing of sensors on the nanoscale Available at https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1GepWC4WQ0 (Accessed 31 Aug ust 2016)Pocket lit (2016) Future Batteries, coming soon charge in seconds, last months and power over air Available at http//www.pocket-lint.com/news/130380-future-batteries-coming-soon-charge-in-seconds-last-months-and-power-over-the-air (Accessed 2September 2016)Register (nd) How many vehicles are in California Available at https//www.reference.com/vehicles/many-registered-vehicles-california-52c20f61bcb10e9d (Accessed 2 September 2016)SKY (2016) Sky Broadband Fibre and Talk Available at http//www.sky.com/shop/broadband-talk/ (Accessed 31 August 2016)Soutter, W. (2016) Nanotechnology in Fuel Cells Available at http//www.azonano.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=3032(Accessed 30 August 2016).sust-it (2015) Electricity Cost Calculator Available at http//www.sust-it.net/energy-calculator.php (Accessed 31 August 2016)Understanding Science (nd) Who pays for science Available at http//undsci.berkeley.edu/article/who_pays (Accessed 30 August 2016).techNyouvids (2013) Manufactured Nanomaterial s Health, Safety and the Environment Available at https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkpcUpattE8 (Accessed 31 August 2016)The A Register (nd) Scientists find a new way to store hydrogen Available at http//www.theregister.co.uk/2012/08/17/safe_hydrogen_storage/ (Accessed 2nd of September)Section 8 Acknowledgements I would like to thank the University of East London for hosting the STEM4TECH lectures that enabled me to understand and apply common practice in academe regarding report writing. I would also like to thank Dekkel Simmons for delivering the lectures and Andre Mozert for supporting the STEM4TECH project. DS1GoodDS2GoodDS3Good.DS4Not consistent with Harvard referencing.DS5GoodDS6GoodDS7Good

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.