Investigation of Emission Reduction and Power Generation on Electrochemical Catalytic Membranes With the Addition of Perovskite Nanocrystals

Abstract

With the depletion of fossil fuel resources, as well as increasing global temperatures, the interest in sustainable energy is on the rise. Currently, cars are a significant source of harmful emissions due to the use of internal combustion engines. Incomplete combustion byproducts are extremely harmful to the environment and the population, with links to acid rain, smog, and respiratory issues. While green energy solutions, such as electric vehicles, are being developed, the treatment of exhaust can also be an effective way to reduce the release of emissions into the atmosphere. It has been shown that a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is able to break down emissions, even exceeding the capability of typical exhaust treatment methods. An investigation into the usage of an SOFC as an exhaust treatment material has found that the amplification of a signal generated across the cell has an even greater effect on emission reduction. Here, the addition of cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr3) nanocrystals to the fuel cell is being investigated. The SOFC is tested as an exhaust treatment solution and as a power generation device in comparison to a typical SOFC without added CsPbBr3 nanocrystals. CsPbBr3 is a perovskite semiconductor, so it is expected to have an effect on the reactivity of the fuel cell. Investigating the effects of adding nanocrystals into a SOFC will lead to advancements in exhaust treatment systems as well as power generation systems. The work here will show a direct relationship between the quantity of nanocrystals contained in the SOFC to the emission reduction and power generation abilities of the SOFC.