We review the current state of knowledge quantified impacts invasive alien plants on water quality, with a focus South Africa. In Africa, over 200 introduced plant species are regarded as invasive. Many these particularly prominent in riparian ecosystems and their spread results native loss, increased biomass fire intensityand consequent erosion, well decreased river flows. Research impact resources has historically focused quantity. However, although also affect quality water, this aspect...

In the present study, three mass-produced commercial IrOx samples from different suppliers were studied to establish correlations between various properties and their OER activities. The structures of electrocatalysts at scales explored through laboratory instrumentation, powder X-ray diffraction, synchrotron-based total scattering experiments combined with pair distribution function analysis. photoelectron spectroscopy energy-dispersive using a transmission electron microscope used...

A water-assisted control of Pt nanoparticle size during a surfactant-free, microwave-assisted polyol synthesis the carbon-supported platinum nanoparticles (Pt/C) in mixture ethylene glycol and water using (NH4)2PtCl6 as precursor is demonstrated. The particle was tuned between ∼2 ∼6 nm by varying either H2O volume percent or concentration synthesis. electrochemical surface area (ECSA) oxygen-reduction reaction activity obtained for Pt/C electrocatalyst show catalytic performance competitive...

Ammonium hexachloroplatinate (NH4)2PtCl6, owing to its low solubility in NH4Cl-containing aqueous solutions, is an intermediate compound during the hydrometallurgical extraction of platinum. As a rare example water-soluble and air-stable platinum(IV) salt that not hygroscopic, (NH4)2PtCl6 may be convenient economic platinum precursor for large-scale catalyst production. This report investigates feasibility as Pt synthesis electrocatalysts polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs),...

Abstract Durability enhancement of Pt supported on carbon (Pt/C) electrocatalysts through a simple microwave (MW) pretreatment the support has been studied. Vulcan XC 72 (either in suspension or dry state) was subjected to MW irritation for short period time (∼5 min) prior synthesis Pt/C (20 wt.% Pt) polyol route. Platinum deposited onto MW‐pretreated and unmodified carbons demonstrated similar initial particle size distributions (average ∼3.3 nm) electrochemical surface area (ECSA)....

Abstract A facile chemical solution deposition via two‐step spin coating technique was used to fabricate nano‐particulate novel Sn doped Co 3 O 4 thin film for glucose sensor and fuel cell applications. Substitution of into host lattice lead a remarkable increase in the electrocatalytic activity electrode material. Film thickness played significant role enhancing charge transferability as observed from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The best exhibited two wide linear response...

Large-scale commercialization and sustainable growth of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) technology depends largely on availability the raw materials. Here, technical details a closed loop recycling spent electrocatalyst from PEMFC electrode is demonstrated. The process includes electrochemical dissolution Pt nanoparticles in dilute acidic bath, precipitation dissolved form Pt-salt synthesis carbon supported (Pt/C) through reduction Pt-salt. Spent electrocatalysts electrodes,...

The Mpumalanga Lakes District consists of approximately 320 pans, which less than 3% are classified as reed pans. There is limited information available on pans and a result they at risk various anthropogenic activities, for example mining agriculture. Four were selected assessed to determine seasonal trends variety water sediment quality parameters. study took place over one cycle from 2008–2009; samples collected seasonally account hydrological extremes. Water their nutrient chlorophyll...

Given the increasing pressure of man-made activities on riparian zones, capacity vegetation along Upper Olifants River, South Africa, to phytoextract and phytostabilize aluminium (Al), manganese (Mn) iron (Fe) from soil was investigated. The aim study gain better understanding indigenous in zones immobilize metals soil, thereby improving river water quality ecosystem services. Seven commonly-occurring pollution-tolerant plant species were evaluated establish their potential as...

In this study, the performance of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells was investigated. Two important operating conditions, namely anode stoichiometry ratio and cell's back pressure were considered, whereby their effect on cell analyzed in isolation relative to each other. Polarization curves showed that when at low pressure, an increase resulted due enhanced thermodynamics. However, upon increasing anodic a poorer performing hydrogen crossover rate resistance. From work it became...

To decrease the cost of fuel cell manufacturing, amount platinum (Pt) in catalyst layer needs to be reduced. In this study, ionomer gradient membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) were designed reduce Pt loading without sacrificing performance and lifetime. A two-layer stratification cathode was achieved with varying ratios 28 wt. % inner layer, on membrane, 24 outer coated onto layer. study MEA performance, electrochemical surface area (ECSA), polarization curves, impedance spectroscopy (EIS)...

In this paper, membrane electrode assemblies were constructed using catalyst-coated membranes to investigate the performance of polymer electrolyte (PEM) fuel cells. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and electrical circuit model analysis was used analyze impact two major cell operating conditions, namely relative humidity back pressure. These explored study their effects on water management within by extension, overall for various conditions at both anode cathode electrodes. By...