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Advances in direct cooling battery thermal management technology for electric vehicles Xijiao ZHU Huaxia YAN The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering    2025, 25 (6): 533-543.   DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.224250 Abstract （321）   HTML （40）    PDF （802KB）（153）       Knowledge map    Save With the intensification of the global energy crisis and environmental pollution issues, electric vehicles have become the future trend in automotive power due to their high energy efficiency and low emissions. The heat generated by batteries imposes limitations on their performance. Consequently, it is essential to gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to this heat generation and to devise and implement effective countermeasures. Addressing these issues is critical for optimizing battery performance and ensuring its safety. This review starts with a brief overview of the factors contributing to battery heat generation. It then delves into direct cooling battery thermal management technology, which utilizes the principle of refrigerant evaporation to absorb and dissipate heat effectively. This approach delivers superior cooling efficiency compared to traditional liquid and air cooling systems. Direct cooling systems are distinguished by their more compact design and faster response times, contributing to more effective thermal management and improved performance. By examining recent literature, this work provides a comprehensive review of the research developments concerning direct cooling systems. It includes an in-depth analysis of the structure design, cold plate design, and optimization strategies for various system parameters. It also highlights how the careful selection of refrigerant properties, along with precise adjustments to system parameters and cold plate configurations, can lead to significant enhancements in temperature uniformity under high-rate charge and discharge conditions. These improvements are crucial for extending the battery's operational lifespan and ensuring its safe and reliable performance. Future research efforts on direct cooling battery thermal management systems should prioritize two key areas: the optimization of the direct cooling plate system's design and parameters, and the development of new, highly efficient, and environmentally friendly refrigerants. Focusing on refining the structural design and operational parameters of direct cooling plates will help improve their performance and adaptability. Related Articles | Metrics

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Current situation and application prospect of tritiated water purification technology in nuclear energy field Yan XU Menghan WU Baihua JIANG Yuyong WU Tiantian YU The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering    2025, 25 (7): 645-657.   DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225158 Abstract （398）   HTML （21）    PDF （3093KB）（130）       Knowledge map    Save In the global context of nuclear energy renaissance and green development, the issue of tritium emissions has garnered significant attention. Reducing tritium emissions is a crucial measure for enhancing the environmental and public acceptance of nuclear energy. However, there is currently a lack of comprehensive and objective analysis of tritiated water purification technologies from the perspective of nuclear energy applications, and the overall technical routes and processes remain unclear. Moreover, given the rapid advancements in this field, existing literature reviews are in urgent need of updates. This review begins by outlining the generation scenarios, characteristics, and regulations of tritiated water in the nuclear energy field, highlighting the pressing demand for tritiated water purification technologies in nuclear power plant, spent fuel reprocessing plant, and future nuclear fusion facilities, in particular, inland nuclear facilities have higher requirements for tritium purification, with typical concentration of tritiated water to be purified ranging from 107 to 1012 Bq/L. Subsequently, the work reviews latest research progress in three mainstream tritiated water purification technologies—water distillation (WD), combined electrolysis and catalytic exchange (CECE), and liquid phase catalytic exchange (LPCE). It identifies the exploration and establishment of tritiated water purification mechanism and key physicochemical parameters, the industrial-scale preparation of efficient hydrogen-water isotope exchange catalysts, and the adaptive modification of electrolytic systems as the current research priorities and challenges. Building on this foundation, this work concludes four feasible tritium purification routes from the perspective of application: WD+storage/electrolysis+cryogenic distillation (CD) route, the CECE+storage/CD route, WD+CECE+storage/CD route, and the LPCE+CD route. It provides a comprehensive analysis of their treatment capabilities, applicable conditions, advantages, and disadvantages, aiming to offer references for tritiated water purification technology and engineering construction. Related Articles | Metrics

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Numerical simulation of self-baked electrodes in a Titanium slag three-phase arc furnace Quan LIU Xiaoping GUAN Ning YANG Jun XIAO The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering    2025, 25 (4): 323-331.   DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.224185 Abstract （526）   HTML （23）    PDF （3911KB）（123）       Knowledge map    Save During the smelting process, the sintering quality of self-baked electrodes determines whether the arc furnace can operate normally. Taking the Panzhihua Steel Titanium Slag Three-Phase Arc Furnace as a prototype, this paper establishes a multi-physics field model of the coupled electromagnetic field and temperature field, and develops a quick calculation method for electromagnetic field and temperature field to accelerate computation. A comparative analysis of current density, Joule heat, and temperature distributions during the baking process of solid/hollow self-baked electrodes is conducted. The results show that both solid and hollow electrodes exhibit a "low at the center, high at the edge" current density distribution, namely the skin effect, with the skin effect of hollow electrodes weaker than that of solid electrodes, resulting in a more uniform current distribution. Besides, the baking regions of solid and hollow electrodes are located within the contact area of the conductive components, indicating that the self-baked electrodes have enough strength to meet the baking requirements. Meanwhile, the time to reach baking equilibrium for solid and hollow electrodes is about 13.4 hours and 12.8 hours, respectively, with the baking time of hollow electrodes being 4.3% shorter. Related Articles | Metrics

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Experimental study on bubble characteristics and boiling heat transfer in parallel microfluidic heat exchanger Junfei YUAN Guyu XING Zicheng FENG Shuoshuo SONG Yu WANG The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering    2025, 25 (8): 834-844.   DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225032 Abstract （240）   HTML （11）    PDF （39521KB）（117）       Knowledge map    Save To further expand the application range of microchannel boiling heat transfer in the field of high heat flux electronic equipment cooling, an experimental study is conducted on the dynamic characteristics of boiling generation and development, as well as the overall heat transfer characteristics of microchannel heat exchangers with parallel multiple channels. The results indicate that in microchannel heat exchangers with parallel multiple channels, there are significant differences in the initiation positions of boiling bubbles among the parallel microchannels. The deviation in the non-uniformity of the boiling inception position is relatively small under the influence of mass flow rate and decreases initially and then increases with the increase of heat flux density. Both subcooled boiling and saturated boiling heat transfer mechanisms occur simultaneously within the microchannels. Bubbly flow can happen in both boiling mechanisms, while slug flow and annular flow regimes only occur in the saturated boiling region. The heat flux density has a significant impact on the heat transfer mechanism within the channel, the wall temperature along the flow path, and its variation pattern. Within the heat flux density range of 63~80 kW/m2, the sudden expansion effect at the outlet plenum chamber cause the wall temperature at the heat exchanger's outlet reduce first, then increase, and then reduce again. As the heat flux density increases to 104~252 kW/m2, the wall temperature fluctuations in the microchannels are smaller, and temperature uniformity is enhanced. The overall boiling heat transfer characteristics of the heat exchanger show a turning point when the outlet refrigerant dryness at the microchannel exit is 0.02. The overall heat transfer coefficient of the heat exchanger increases with the increase of both mass flow rate and heat flux density, with the mass flow rate having a higher sensitivity to the average heat transfer coefficient. Related Articles | Metrics

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Numerical simulation of dynamics characteristic of gas-liquid two-phase fluid intensified by jet Xin DONG Can XUE Yongrui SHAN Ying FENG Jianwei ZHANG The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering    2025, 25 (8): 820-833.   DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.224337 Abstract （173）   HTML （15）    PDF （9056KB）（108）       Knowledge map    Save The fluid dynamics characteristics of bubbly jet in gas-liquid two-phase flow affect the mass transfer, heat transfer, and momentum exchange between gas-liquid phases, which is crucial for enhancing the mixing between gas-liquid phases. In order to explore the flow characteristics of gas-liquid two-phase flow in power-law fluids, the hydrodynamic characteristics of bubbly jet was studied by the numerical simulation method. The effects of different flow rate ratios and liquid rheological properties on gas phase velocity, bubble size, gas holdup distribution, and gas-liquid two-phase flow patterns were analyzed in water and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) aqueous solutions with different concentrations. The results showed that due to the diffusion movement of the gas phase and the disturbance to the liquid phase environment, the vortex structure existed in the flow field, and the interaction between the gas and liquid phases was enhanced. With the increase of the flow rate ratio, the turbulence in the flow field was strong, the gas-liquid two-phase mixing was promoted, the streamline was diffused, and the distribution was scattered. The diameter of the bubble increased, and the size distribution of the bubble gradually changed from single peak to double peak with the increase of the flow rate ratio, and the distribution range of bubble diameter increased with the increase of the liquid phase concentration. Compared to tap water, the gas holdup of the bubbly jet in CMC aqueous solution was small, the bubble dispersion width increased, and the flow behavior of the bubbly jet changed. With the increase of the flow rate ratio, the turbulence in the flow field was enhanced, the volume fraction of the gas phase at the core of the bubble jet increased, the local mixing was strengthened by the vortex structure. The width of dispersion from the gas phase to the liquid phase increased, the effective contact area of the gas-liquid interface increased, and the mass transfer efficiency between the gas-liquid phases increased. The dispersion effect was obvious with the increase of the liquid phase concentration. Related Articles | Metrics

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Recent advances in transition metal based catalysts for seawater electrolysis Qian YAN Bingxu CHEN Zhonghui HU Sida LI Jia YU Yuanqing WANG The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering    2025, 25 (11): 1113-1129.   DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225067 Abstract （206）   HTML （7）    PDF （4515KB）（102）       Knowledge map    Save In the field of sustainable energy technology, water electrolysis for hydrogen production plays a crucial role in electrochemical energy conversion, with its technological advancements holding significant importance for achieving the carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals. The water electrolysis process comprises two half-reactions: the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at the cathode and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the anode. Compared to HER, OER involves a four-electron transfer process (4OH-→O2+2H2O+4e-), characterized by a higher reaction energy barrier. Its sluggish kinetic substantially reduces the overall efficiency of water electrolysis, making OER the primary research focus. Given the scarcity of freshwater resources, seawater, an abundant alternative, offers promising prospects for large-scale hydrogen production. However, direct seawater electrolysis faces multiple technical challenges: (1) high chloride ion concentrations trigger competing chloride oxidation reactions (ClOR), which not only reduce current efficiency but also corrode electrodes and catalysts; (2) gas bubbles generated on electrode surfaces cover active sites and increase interfacial impedance; (3) precipitation of Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions from seawater blocks active sites and degrades catalytic performance. These issues collectively constrain the activity, selectivity, and stability of catalysts in seawater electrolysis systems. This review explores the key challenges of anode catalysts for seawater electrolysis and highlights various catalyst design strategies, such as composition modulation, geometric structure optimization, selective permeation layer design and composite material engineering, with a focus on transition metal oxide catalysts explored in recent years. Future research directions emphasize the integration of theoretical calculations with experimental validation, combined with in-situ characterization and artificial intelligence techniques to identify active sites. Such fundamental insights will provide a robust theoretical foundation for designing high-performance catalysts with superior activity, selectivity, and long-term stability under practical seawater electrolysis conditions. Related Articles | Metrics

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Research progress of moving bed gas-solid separation technology Han LÜ Chunxi LU Yiping FAN Ying CHEN Kang QIN Hao WU The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering    2025, 25 (8): 761-774.   DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225011 Abstract （148）   HTML （17）    PDF （4569KB）（101）       Knowledge map    Save High-efficiency gas purification technology offers dual environmental benefits. It effectively improves air quality, contributes to energy conservation and carbon reduction goals, and protects downstream processing units. As enterprises increasingly prioritize energy efficiency, wet flue gas purification methods are facing growing challenges. These methods are marked by high energy consumption and potential secondary pollution risks. In contrast, dry gas purification technologies are emerging as critical areas for development. They are more energy-saving and environmentally friendly. Moving bed filters are recognized as key technologies in dry flue gas purification. They are valued for their high efficiency and low energy consumption in high-temperature gas purification. This review focuses on the application of moving bed filtration technology in high-temperature gas purification. It systematically summarizes the technology's recent research progress and engineering practices. First, the basic structures of moving bed filters are classified. Their applicable scenarios are also introduced. Next, an in-depth analysis is conducted on the filtration mechanisms and characteristics of various types. These include co-current, counter-current, cross flow, and hybrid systems. Additionally, the practical value of moving bed filters in industrial applications is discussed. The economic and environmental benefits which they bring in real industrial scenarios are elaborated. Finally, emerging application potentials and recommended research priorities are outlined. It provides insights and directions for the technology's further development. Related Articles | Metrics

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Multi-physical field coupling simulation study in cement rotary kiln Jing GUAN Yujie TIAN Yinjie LIU Fei LI Jiayuan YE Chengwen XU Chunxi LU Wei WANG Xianfeng HE The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering    2025, 25 (5): 445-458.   DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.224299 Abstract （449）   HTML （22）    PDF （4063KB）（94）       Knowledge map    Save As a key equipment in the cement production process, the combustion of gas-phase pulverized coal particles and the sintering reaction of solid-phase cement are carried out at the same time, which has a decisive impact on the generation of cement clinker products and the quality of products. However, due to the large difference in reaction rate and flow rate between the two processes, most of the existing simulations are limited to the study of a single solid-phase sintering or gas-phase pulverized coal combustion reaction process, and the interaction between the two processes is rarely discussed. In view of this shortcoming, an innovative gas-solid phase coupling simulation method was proposed, which divided the kiln area into three-dimensional gas-phase pulverized coal combustion zone and one-dimensional solid-phase cement sintering zone, which were simulated independently, and the close coupling between the two processes was realized through iterative calculation. The coupled simulation method effectively overcame the simulation challenges caused by the significant difference in flow velocity between the gas phase and the solid phase, and can more comprehensively reveal the interaction mechanism of fluid flow, heat transfer and chemical reaction in the kiln, providing a multi-scale coupled simulation method for the complex system of rotary kiln. The coupled simulation results showed that compared with the traditional single one-dimensional or three-dimensional simulation, this method can significantly improve the simulation accuracy, and the simulation results were highly consistent with the actual clinker output data of the plant. It can effectively guide the optimal design and operation process of rotary kiln, so as to improve the quality of clinker products, and provide an accurate and efficient simulation method for the simulation of cement rotary kiln. Related Articles | Metrics

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Simulation of flow and mixing characteristics of binary particles in gas-solid fluidized bed (I): axial/radial flow field distribution characteristics Guifang WANG Shuangzhu KONG Jian LI Xiuying YAO Yiping FAN Chunxi LU The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering    2025, 25 (4): 354-363.   DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.224286 Abstract （309）   HTML （11）    PDF （4002KB）（93）       Knowledge map    Save In the fields of petrochemical and chemical engineering, some new processes involving the reactions of gas and catalysts with distinct functions and physical properties have been proposed. Since considerable physical properties difference in density, size and shape between two types of particles,the hydrodynamic behaviors of the binary mixture in the gas-solid fluidized bed are undoubtedly complex. This work presents a numerical investigation on the mixing and flow characteristics of binary particles (Geldart A particles and Geldart D particles) and gas in the bottom region of the gas-solid fluidized bed-riser coupling reactor. Considering the non-uniform structures in intermediate scale, the Eulerian-Eulerian multi-fluid model as well as the drag force model based on the energy minimization multi-scale (EMMS) are used. The axial distributions of bed density and pressure in the binary particle fluidized bed are investigated. By analyzing the turning points of these two parameters, the location of interface between the dense phase zone and the dilute phase zone is determined. The cross-sectional average solid holdup of Geldart A particles and Geldart D particles in the axial direction is also discussed. By comparing the parameter, the relative cross-sectional average solid holdup rates of the two types of catalysts, it is found that most Geldart D particles accumulate at the bottom of the bed in the axial direction. Furthermore, when the binary particle system is composed of coarse particles with low density and fine particles with high density, the distribution of the bed density in the bottom region of the bed layer is steady. In the radial direction, by analyzing the radial distributions of the local solid holdups of the two-solid phase, it is seen that both the Geldart A particles and the Geldart D particles tend to travel towards wall area. By introducing the new parameter, the local relative solid holdup, it is revealed that the Geldart D particle has a stronger tendency towards the wall compared to Geldart A particles. Related Articles | Metrics

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Influence and mechanism analysis of sleeve angle on cavitation characteristics of window-type sleeve control valves Kan SHENG Shenzhe ZHANG Zhijiang JIN Jinyuan QIAN The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering    2025, 25 (5): 425-434.   DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.224267 Abstract （445）   HTML （26）    PDF （3732KB）（90）       Knowledge map    Save As common regulators, window-type sleeve control valves are critical components in process industry systems and the core structures of the control system flow. However, the occurrence of cavitation within these valves can lead to issues such as the failure of control capabilities and the wear of the structural surfaces, which can significantly affect the normal flow regulation of the system. In the design process of window-type sleeve control valves, there are two symmetrical installation angles of the sleeve based on engineering practice. This work aims to elucidate the impact of sleeve angles on the cavitation characteristics of window-type sleeve control valves. Numerical simulation methods are employed to investigate the cavitation characteristics and the cavitation mechanisms under different sleeve angles and various operating conditions. The results indicate that changes in the sleeve angle can effectively suppress cavitation within the valve without compromising its flow capacity. Two different sleeve angles are investigated in this research. Under high-pressure drops, the maximum growth rate of the steam phase volume reached 40.29%, while the growth rate of the valve's resistance coefficient is below 5%. This finding means that adjustments to the sleeve angle can be made to minimize cavitation while maintaining the valve's flow capability. Furthermore, the research identifies two distinct mechanisms of cavitation generation within the valve: one resulting from high-speed jets due to abrupt area contractions and the Coanda effect, and the other caused by local pressure drops associated with strong vortex structures at the bottom of the throttling window. Interestingly, a direct correlation is found between the presence of these strong vortex structures and the locations where cavitation occurs. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for setting the sleeve installation angles and optimizing the design of cavitation suppression structures in window-type sleeve control valves, enhancing their performance and reliability in engineering applications. Related Articles | Metrics

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Flow and mixing characteristics of a vortex static mixer Yifan ZHOU Guangyuan JIN Song WU Yuhao JING Zhengshan ZHU Wenkai FENG Chunfang SONG Zhenfeng LI Feihu SONG Jing LI The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering    2025, 25 (5): 471-482.   DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.224298 Abstract （502）   HTML （17）    PDF （7013KB）（89）       Knowledge map    Save Static mixers, which do not require external energy sources, are characterized by their compact design and ease of integration into systems, making them highly valued in the food processing industry. The introduction of vortices can significantly enhance the mixing efficiency of mixers, leading to improved reaction rates and overall effectiveness. Currently, most vortex static mixers achieve high-efficiency mixing by generating vortices through their internal structures, which must withstand the impact of flow and thus carry a risk of damage. Vortex tubes, characterized by their simple structure and strong vortex properties, have yet to be studied for their effectiveness in mixing. Based on this, this work investigates a vortex static mixer, employs numerical simulation methods to study its flow and mixing characteristics, focusing on the effects of inlet velocity and structural parameters such as the chamber aspect ratio (D/H) and the axial diameter ratio (D/Da). The results show that the internal flow is primarily dominated by vortices, accompanied by significant secondary flows, including secondary vortex circulation flow zone, shortcut flow zone, and eccentric vortex zone. Increasing the inlet velocity enhances the internal vortex flow and weakens the secondary flow, significantly reduces the intensity of separation at the outlet. When the inlet velocity reaches 0.223 m/s, complete mixing can be achieved at the chamber outlet. Reducing D/H or increasing D/Da can enhance the internal vortex. The mixing performance improves as the D/H decreases. Specifically, when the D/H is reduced from 6 to 4, the intensity of separation at vortex chamber outlet decreases from 4.03×10-3 to 5.23×10-4. Related Articles | Metrics

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Progress in roasting-priority lithium extraction of spent transition metal lithium-ion batteries Juan HAO Zhuyan GE Haifeng WANG Ruoxi ZHAO Jiawei WANG Xiaoxue MA Hao ZHANG Weining XIE Yaqun HE The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering    2025, 25 (8): 804-819.   DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.224345 Abstract （167）   HTML （13）    PDF （10919KB）（88）       Knowledge map    Save With the rapid development of electric vehicles, energy storage and other industries, the demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has maintained rapid growth. At the same time, the production of spent LIBs has increased sharply, and its clean and efficient recycling has become a major problem that needs to be solved urgently at home and abroad. LIBs cathode materials are mainly LiCoO2 (LCO), Li(NiCoMn)O2 (NCM), LiMn2O4 (LMO), Li(NiCoAl)O2 (NCA), LiFePO4 (LFP), and lithium-rich manganese based oxides (LLO). For the spent transition metal LIBs, roasting-priority lithium extraction process has become the key technology of spent transition metal LIBs recovery because it can preferentially recover lithium in the leaching stage, avoid the loss of lithium caused by multi-step separation, reduce the use of acid base and other reagents in the leaching stage, and the transition metal is reduced for its acid leaching. In order to improve the roasting effect and increase the leaching rate of water extraction of lithium and transition metal elements, scholars at home and abroad have tried to use a variety of materials for roasting, and developed their own unique roasting processes. This review summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of the existing treatment technology, and looks forward to the development direction of spent LIBs recycling technology, which provides a certain reference for the green and low-carbon recycling of spent LIBs. Related Articles | Metrics

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Molten salt electrodeposition of Mg-Ni alloy on nickel foam and its electrocatalytic properties for hydrogen evolution Zhongsheng HUA Zhiwen ZHAO Xiaobin WU Junjie YU Zheng ZENG Jing WANG Huan LIU The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering    2025, 25 (8): 872-880.   DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225027 Abstract （197）   HTML （8）    PDF （4628KB）（85）       Knowledge map    Save Water electrolysis in alkaline media for hydrogen production is regarded as one of the most effective approaches to address the energy crisis and environmental pollution associated with fossil fuels, and the development of non-noble metal catalysts with low cost and high activity is one of the key factors for realizing its industrial large-scale application. Ni is a promising candidate for the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction, due to its high intrinsic catalytic activity and stability, and good corrosion resistance. However, the overall hydrogen evolution rate on pure Ni is limited by the hydrogen desorption step. Alloying Ni with another metal to transform the electronic structure, is an effective strategy to enhance its electrocatalytic activity. Herein, Mg is proposed as the alloy element for Ni to form Mg-Ni catalyst. In this work, using nickel foam (NF) as the substrate material, Mg-Ni alloy films were in?situ grown on NF via potentiostatic electrolysis in molten NaCl-KCl-MgCl2, and self-supporting Mg-Ni/NF electrodes were successfully fabricated, which can be directly used for catalytic hydrogen evolution. The phase structure, surface morphology, element distribution, and chemical state of the alloy on NF were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The electrocatalytic activity and stability of the as-fabricated electrode were then examined in 1.0 mol/L KOH solution. The Mg-Ni/NF-8 h electrode was highly effective for hydrogen evolution reaction with a low overpotential of only 49.5 mV to deliver a current density of 10 mA/cm2 and a small Tafel slope of 36.0 mV/dec, exceeding the noble Pt catalyst. The electrode maintained a long-term stable electrolysis of 106 h at a high current density of 100 mA/cm2. The phase composition, microstructure, and surface characteristics of the electrode were unchanged after long-term electrolysis, indicating superior electrochemical stability with no obvious activity decay. The Mg2Ni/MgNi2 heterostructure, huge specific surface area originating from nanosheets, and stable self-supported structure were the main reasons for the electrode to achieve excellent electrochemical activity and stability. This work offers new insights into the designing of efficient and stable non-precious metal hydrogen evolution materials, expanding the application of magnesium in the field of catalysis. Related Articles | Metrics

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Simulation of shape of liquid bridge and gas-liquid interface energy between two ellipsoidal wet particles Wenzhe WANG Guihuan YAO The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering    2025, 25 (4): 332-340.   DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.224247 Abstract （455）   HTML （18）    PDF （5086KB）（83）       Knowledge map    Save Wet particulate matter widely exists in nature, production and daily life. Surface Evolver was used to investigate the shape of liquid bridge between two ellipsoidal wet particles placed vertically and parallel to each other during the relative rotation and the effects of contact angle, rotation angle, gravity and other parameters were analyzed. Under several different contact angles, the changes in the relative angle between the two particles from 0° to 90° were observed to analyze the changes in the gas-liquid surface area, solid-liquid contact area, and the shape of the contour line obtained by intersecting the plane passing through the center line of the two particles with the surface of the liquid bridge. The differences in the contour line shape of the liquid bridge under the same relative angle with and without gravity were compared. The results showed that the shape of the liquid bridge was a rotationally symmetric body. This body did not satisfy the arc assumption. The variation of the contact angle changed the shape of the liquid bridge. The changes in rotation angle and gravity caused the profile of the liquid bridge to change. Specifically, it changed from an elliptic curve to a hyperbola. The gravity caused the contact line on the upper and lower particles to shift. The rotation of the particles resulted in the reduction of the solid-liquid interface. The gas-liquid interface area of the liquid bridge was sinusoidally related to the relative angle of the particles. The minimum volume required to maintain the liquid bridge under gravity was investigated by gradually reducing the volume of the liquid bridge, and it was shown to be quadratically related to the contact angle and to increase with the increase in liquid density, with the minimum volume required to maintain the liquid bridge when the contact angle was about 90°. Related Articles | Metrics

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Leaching behavior of valuable metals from paleo-terrestrial sedimentary rare earth ore leaching residue in sulfuric acid solution Xingyu MAO Xianquan AO Yang CAO Yu GUO The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering    2025, 25 (4): 399-407.   DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.224199 Abstract （385）   HTML （10）    PDF （6313KB）（82）       Knowledge map    Save Paleo-terrestrial sedimentary rare earth ore is a new type of rare earth ore, the process produces a large amount of rare earth residue after acid leaching separation of rare earth elements. Al, Fe, and Ti present in the rare earth residue are important metals, and the separation and extraction of metal elements from the rare earth residue can improve the utilization value of rare earth ores and solve the solid waste disposal problems. Sulfuric acid solution was used to leach the residue from rare earth ore processing to investigate the effect and reaction mechanism of sulfuric acid solution on the leaching behavior of Al, Fe, and Ti. The results showed that the sulfuric acid solution could effectively dissolve silica-aluminate and hematite in the rare earth ores, selectively leach Al and Fe. In contrast, anatase did not easily react with the sulfuric acid solution, and the leaching rate of Ti was low, which stayed in the leaching residue together with Si. The optimal reaction conditions were optimized using one-way and orthogonal experiments, and the leaching rates of Al, Fe and Ti reached 86.44%, 94.00%, and 7.14%, respectively, under the optimal reaction conditions of reaction temperature of 115℃, reaction time of 6 h, acid residue mass ratio of 2.1 g/g and liquid-solid ratio of 4 g/g. It was found that the reaction temperature significantly affected the leaching rates of Al and Fe. Then (NH4)2SO4 was added to the leaching solution, and Al could be converted to NH4Al(SO4)2 crystals and precipitated, and Al2O3 was produced by roasting to realize the separation of Al and Fe. This study realized the selective recovery of Al and Fe elements in rare earth residue, and enriched Si and Ti elements in the leaching residue, which was conducive to the recovery of Ti elements in the next step. Related Articles | Metrics

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Research progress on the preparation and application of sulfonated carbon Zhengfeng JIANG Ruoxin WANG Fei GAO Zhimao ZHOU Quan SHI Haimeng YU Yingwen LI Huaqun ZHOU Chen HE The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering    2025, 25 (8): 775-791.   DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225036 Abstract （220）   HTML （12）    PDF （2362KB）（80）       Knowledge map    Save Biomass waste is a plentiful and sustainable resource, and the transformation of this waste into porous carbon materials through uncomplicated and energy-efficient processes has become a significant focus of current research. Acidic carbon materials rich in sulfonic acid (-SO3H), carboxylic acid (-COOH), and hydroxyl (-OH) groups are obtained by in-situ sulfonation or post-grafting sulfonation of biomass or amorphous carbon materials. All of the functional carbon materials incorporating -SO3H groups are referred to as sulfonated carbon. The unique surface structure of sulfonated carbon makes it have great application prospects in the areas of catalysis, energy storage, and environment. This review summarizes the research on the production of raw materials, preparation processes, reaction mechanisms and physicochemical characteristics of sulfonated carbon, describes the current applications of sulfonated carbon in various fields including solid acid catalysts, energy storage materials, adsorbents, soil improvement and carbon-based fertilizers, and points out the problems and challenges facing the application of sulfonated carbon. As the preparation technology for sulfonated carbon continues to improve, further exploration of its stability, selectivity, and wide applicability is necessary. As a highly promising new type of carbon material, sulfonated carbon is expected to have a wide range of applications in various fields. Related Articles | Metrics

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Migration behaviors and deformation characteristics of discrete bubbles in a variable diameter circular tube Feng LI Liang MING Lei XING Minghu JIANG Lixin ZHAO Shuai GUAN The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering    2025, 25 (4): 341-353.   DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.224229 Abstract （431）   HTML （12）    PDF （9843KB）（77）       Knowledge map    Save The morphological evolution and migration dynamics of discrete bubbles in variable diameter pipelines have not been clearly analyzed. The deformation dynamics behavior of discrete bubbles in a variable diameter circular tube is an important theory to guide the transport and separation of gas-liquid two-phase mixture. Therefore, high-speed camera technology, combined with numerical simulation, is used to explore the migration and fragmentation mechanism of discrete bubbles in variable diameter pipes. For the structure of a variable diameter circular pipe, a study on the migration behaviors of discrete bubbles in the variable diameter field is conducted under different Reynolds numbers and bubble sizes. The flow pattern, velocity field and bubble deformation characteristics within the variable diameter circular pipe at various inlet Reynolds numbers are analyzed. The aim is to explore the interaction patterns between the flow field characteristics and discrete bubbles and provide theoretical support for revealing the motion and deformation mechanism of discrete bubbles in variable cross-section field. The results indicate that the surrounding fluid velocity is altered by bubbles. The velocity gradients are increased, and the turbulence kinetic energy in the surrounding flow field is elevated. At the same time, the dramatic change of turbulent kinetic energy in the sudden expansion section leads to the rapid deformation or even fragmentation of discrete bubbles in the variable diameter circular tube field. Additionally, as the inlet Reynolds number increases, the fragmentation position of bubbles in the flow field tends to approach the sudden expansion section. When Re=5.16×103, the shortest bubble fragmentation distance is 16.09 mm. When the Reynolds number is constant, as the bubble radius increases from 2.5 mm to 4.5 mm, the dimensionless maximum deformation of the bubble is increased from 0.26 to 0.67. The numerical simulation results demonstrate good agreement with experimental findings. Related Articles | Metrics

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Anion doping induced multi-defect engineering in high-entropy oxides: enhanced structural stability and lithium storage performance Mengfan BAO Zhengbing WEI Shibiao XU Yi CHENG Shijie CHEN Jie TAN Cuihong ZHENG Na LIN Aiqin MAO The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering    2025, 25 (12): 1334-1348.   DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225175 Abstract （181）   HTML （2）    PDF （11413KB）（76）       Knowledge map    Save To enhance the structural stability and electron/ion transport kinetics of high-entropy oxide (HEO) anode materials, a spinel-type (Cr0.2Fe0.2Mn0.2Ni0.2Zn0.2)3O4 HEO is employed as the representative model system. The anionic S-doping strategy is carefully implemented to precisely modulate intrinsic defects and microstructures. A series of mesoporous spinel-type (Cr0.2Fe0.2Mn0.2Ni0.2Zn0.2)3O4-xSx (x=0, 0.15, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9) HEOs with controllable oxygen vacancies, lattice distortion, and interconnected mesoporous frameworks are successfully synthesized via a solution-combustion route using metal nitrates, thiourea, and glycine as metal precursors, sulfur precursor, and fuel, respectively. The optimized (Cr0.2Fe0.2Mn0.2Ni0.2Zn0.2)3O3.7S0.3 (S0.3) electrode delivers a high reversible discharge capacity of 1513 mAh/g after 150 cycles at 200 mA/g, and retains 310 mAh/g after 350 cycles at 1000 mA/g, surpassing most of the previously reported HEO anodes. The superior cycling stability and rate capability arise from two key factors: on the one hand, moderate S2- incorporation increases configurational entropy, mitigates lattice distortion and regulates oxygen vacancy content, collectively ensuring structural integrity during prolonged cycling. The introduction of high configurational entropy combined with defect engineering stabilizes the crystal framework under prolonged cycling while activating redox centers more efficiently, this cooperative effect also minimizes irreversible structural degradation, thereby extending the operational lifespan of the electrode under practical high-rate conditions. On the other hand, synergistic optimization of lattice distortion, oxygen vacancies, and grain size markedly promotes electron/ion transport (S0.3 exhibits the highest electrical conductivity of 22.4 S/m and a relatively large Li+ diffusion coefficient), thereby effectively enhancing the pseudocapacitive contribution. This work demonstrates an effective anion-doping strategy for concurrently optimizing structural stability, electronic conductivity, and ionic mobility in HEOs, while providing an innovative and practical design concept along with a solid experimental foundation for lithium-ion battery anodes with high energy density and long cycling life. Related Articles | Metrics

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Research progress in recycling of end-of-life crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules Yueyue GUO Yulong HU Yi'an LIU Lei ZHAO Songlin RAN Xing JIN The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering    2026, 26 (2): 109-124.   DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225170 Abstract （188）   HTML （3）    PDF （6946KB）（75）       Knowledge map    Save The accelerated global transition toward renewable energy structures has precipitated a surge in photovoltaic module installations, intensifying environmental governance pressures associated with decommissioned crystalline silicon modules. This review systematically examines resource recovery technology systems and policy pathways for end-of-life crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules, with a focused emphasis on the efficient reclamation of valuable metals and the construction of circular economy models. By analyzing the energy efficiency of three main recycling technologies—mechanical, thermal, and chemical treatment, this work reveals their economic and technical limits. Mechanical processes, like high-voltage pulse crushing, can concentrate metals, but their efficiency is constrained by material separation rates. Thermal treatment (400~600℃) can recover high-purity materials (glass purity>98.5%), but it faces challenges of high energy consumption and the treatment of fluorine-containing exhaust gases. Chemical treatment (e.g., using a toluene solvent system) offers significant advantages in achieving high purity (>99%) in silicon wafer recycling, but it poses risks of secondary pollution and cost concerns. This work also explores the recovery of valuable metals from end-of-life crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules, outlining the challenges and prospects in this area. Related Articles | Metrics

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Research on the interaction mechanism between the two zone of composite tridimensional rotational flow sieve tray Ping HUO Tianyu LI Hongkai WANG Meng TANG The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering    2025, 25 (5): 435-444.   DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.224259 Abstract （411）   HTML （16）    PDF （4351KB）（75）       Knowledge map    Save Aiming to clarify the interaction mechanism of gas-liquid cross-zone rotating flow in the rotational flow zones and packing zones of composite tridimensional rotational flow sieve tray (CTRST), the CTRST was investigated based on a dual Eulerian two-phase flow simulation method. The flow interaction between the two zones was described by the volume flow ratio of the gas and liquid phases, and the interaction mechanism of liquid phase distribution, pressure and velocity fields under the interaction between the two zones was analyzed, and compared with that of a single rotational flow configuration tray. The results indicated that the mass flow rate ratio of gas-liquid phase in the rotational flow zone always accounted for over 60%, the axial cross-section where the maximum value of the gas-liquid volume flow ratio was located transforms with the change in gas-liquid volume. The cross-section of the maximum gas-liquid phase volume flow ratio rose from Z=25 mm to Z=10 mm as Lw increased, and decreased from Z=25 mm to Z=40 mm as Fs increased. The packing zone had a strong buffering effect on the rotating flow. It significantly slowed down the trend of pressure reduction in the rotational flow zone, and the addition of packing did not affect the balance of pressure drop between the two zones. The structures of the packing zone and the rotational flow zone had a relatively uniform blocking effect on gas-liquid two-phase flow, and the pressure drop distribution was relatively uniform. There was a transition point in the rotational flow zone that changed the direction of the rotating flow, and the position of the transition point moved inward axially towards the inner cylinder. Compared to a single rotational flow configuration tray, the inward shift of the CTRST transition point improved the liquid holding capacity of the rotational flow zone and promoted gas-liquid interaction flow between the two zones. Related Articles | Metrics

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Heat transfer characteristics of micro-encapsulated phase change material slurry in metal foam filled microchannels Yongtong LI Jing SUN Weibo WANG Boyu YANG Yunxi YANG The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering    2025, 25 (3): 233-240.   DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.224227 Abstract （299）   HTML （17）    PDF （4566KB）（74）       Knowledge map    Save Micro-encapsulated phase change material slurry (MEPCMs) is a novel kind of functional thermal fluid, which has great potential in the field of electronic thermal management, thermal storage, etc. To improve the thermal management performance of high-power density electronic devices, a dual-enhanced heat transfer method with the combination of MEPCMs and metal foam was employed to improve the cooling performance of mini-channel heat sink in the present study. Numerical methods were utilized to investigate the heat transfer capability, flow resistance, and overall performance evaluation criteria (PEC) by considering the effects of MEPCMs mass fractions (5wt%, 10wt%, and 20wt%), inlet velocities, and metal foam filling ratios. The results indicated that the maximum temperature of metal foam mini-channel decreased and pressure drop increased with increasing the mass fraction of MEPCMs. At an inlet velocity of 0.06 m/s, increasing the mass fraction from 5wt% to 20wt%, the pressure drop increased by 2.09 times. 5wt% MEPCMs presented the best comprehensive heat transfer performance, and the PEC value was improved by 8.15%~12.18% compared with pure water. The filling ratio of the metal foam also significantly affected the heat transfer performance of the microchannel, and the cooling performance was best when the mini-channel was fully filled with metal foam. For the entire range of flow velocities, using 5wt% MEPCMs as the coolant, average Nuave of mini-channel heat sink fully filled with metal foam was 9.06 times of the empty mini-channel heat sink, and the pressure drop came to 56.91 times. With the comprehensive consideration of heat transfer enhancement and flow resistance, the PEC value could reach up to 2.61. The present findings could provide theoretical guidelines for developing more coefficient and compact liquid-cooled electronic devices. Related Articles | Metrics

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Design and performance study on a novel gravity heat pipe based energy storage unit for new energy consumption Shu ZHANG Yuanlin CHENG Hu YU Yi ZHANG Jinlin XIE Xingwei LIAO Ren ZHANG Changhui LIU Yanlong GU The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering    2025, 25 (4): 373-381.   DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.224288 Abstract （462）   HTML （12）    PDF （2378KB）（73）       Knowledge map    Save As the global climate change issue has been escalating in severity, promoting the transformation of the energy structure has emerged as an irresistible trend. This involves reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing the capacity for new energy consumption, particularly in the field of building heating, which contributes significantly to overall energy consumption. In this work, a solid-liquid phase change/vapor-liquid phase change coupling-based thermal storage heating device is designed, which is essentially a combination of a new type of gravity heat pipe and the phase change material paraffin wax, supplemented by the internal and external heat dissipation fins of the heat dissipation cylinder of the heat dissipation cylinder, enabling the completion of heating through natural convection. The wall temperature characteristics, start-up characteristics, heat transfer performance, and uniform temperature performance of the designed new gravity heat pipe with square liquid cavity are investigated experimentally. Subsequently, the heat storage and release characteristics of the heating unit are studied, and it is concluded that the new gravity heat pipe has good start-up characteristics, heat transfer characteristics, and uniform temperature performance, and its minimum heat transfer thermal resistance can be as low as 0.018℃/W, and the maximum equivalent thermal conductivity is 239.15 kW/(m?℃). The minimum starting temperature is 56.9℃, and the minimum homogeneous temperature coefficient is 0.009. The heating unit has a better heating capacity, with a maximum heating coefficient of 3.83. The design and research results of this new energy storage unit have important reference value for the comprehensive utilization of mobile heating units and distributed energy. Related Articles | Metrics

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Influence of particle electrostatic effect on flow parameters in gas-solid fluidized beds Hualong YU Jianlong SUN Xia HU Yuhang DING The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering    2025, 25 (5): 459-470.   DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.224305 Abstract （427）   HTML （13）    PDF （4241KB）（71）       Knowledge map    Save The actual value of the transport disengaging height (TDH) in a gas-solid fluidized bed is drastically different from the value that is anticipated. One of the primary reasons for this difference is that the electrostatic impact is ignored. Because it is impossible to quantitatively regulate the charge that is carried by the particles using the experimental procedures that are now in use, it is also difficult to analyze the impact that electrostatic effects have on TDH using experimental methodological approaches. In this work, the CFD-DEM numerical simulation method is used to study the particle entrainment and TDH problems in a three-dimensional fluidized bed. They combine the average height of particles in the free space, the average solid phase concentration, and the longitudinal particle velocity. This is done while taking into consideration the electrostatic effects that occur between particles. The influence and mechanism of the electrostatic force on the entrainment rate and TDH are derived, which provides a theoretical basis for the establishment of a method that is more accurate in forecasting TDH. Specifically, the findings indicate that the electrostatic impact between particles has the potential to impede the entrainment of particles and to decrease the entrainment rate. It is possible for the electrostatic force between particles to increase the average particle height and the longitudinal velocity of particles in free space, which ultimately results in an increase in the TDH when the charge that the particles carry is relatively low. Nevertheless, when the charge that the particles carry is substantial, the electrostatic attraction between the particles is likely to produce particle agglomeration. This, in turn, will reduce the concentration of the solid phase in the free space and hinder the entrainment of the particles, which will result in a decrease in the TDH. Related Articles | Metrics

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Surface structure modulation of CeO2/N-doped carbon composites and the dye removal properties Yaohua HUANG Hao ZHANG Yanqi LIU Binghui WANG Richuan RAO The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering    2025, 25 (4): 389-398.   DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.224210 Abstract （444）   HTML （11）    PDF （4849KB）（71）       Knowledge map    Save In this work, the surface structure of CeO2/nitrogen-doped carbon composites was tuned by controlling the feeding order of cerium nitrate and melamine in their synthesis process. Upon the characterization by TEM, XRD, TG, Zeta potential, and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, the synthesized CeO2/N-doped carbon composites were confirmed to be mainly composed of CeO2 and a large amount of N-doped carbon with different structures. Interestingly, it was found that the feeding order had a great influence on the nitrogen content, CeO2 dispersion, surface charge distribution, pore structure as well as specific surface area of CeO2/N-doped carbon composites. Compared to the CeO2/N-doped carbon composites prepared first by adding melamine (MCe), the CeO2/N-doped carbon composites prepared first by adding cerium nitrate (CeM) in their synthesis process had a much higher nitrogen content, which promoted the CeO2 dispersion on N-doped carbon surface and led to the formation of a predominantly positively charged surface in this sample, despite their lower specific surface area and unfavorable pore structure. The removal of Congo red by adsorption was employed to investigate the correlation between the surface structure of adsorbents and their adsorption capacities. It was discovered that the pore structure and specific surface area of CeO2/N-doped carbon composites were not the predominant factors for the adsorption removal of Congo red. Since Congo red presented an anionic state in aqueous solution, the formed Congo red anions could adsorb onto the positively charged surface of the sample via an electrostatic adsorption interaction, achieving high efficient removal of Congo red from the dye waste solution. Therefore, CeM exhibited a higher removal efficiency of Congo red. The adsorption capacities of the CeO2/N-doped carbon composites were further investigated to reveal the effect of different adsorption conditions such as inorganic salt, Congo red concentration, pH value, adsorbent dosage, and adsorption temperature. Related Articles | Metrics

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Electrospun carbon nanofiber membranes for gas diffusion layers in proton exchange membrane fuel cell Ze YAO Chuang CHEN Feng DUAN Yuping LI Tong QIN Zhengzheng LI Hongbin CAO Dezhi SUN The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering    2025, 25 (6): 621-634.   DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.224328 Abstract （187）   HTML （15）    PDF （6146KB）（70）       Knowledge map    Save In the context of the global energy transition and the increasingly severe environmental issues, proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) has attracted widespread attention due to its high efficiency and low emission characteristics. The gas diffusion layer (GDL) plays a vital role in PEMFCs by enhancing gas dispersion, facilitating water and thermal management, and providing mechanical support. However, traditional GDLs suffer from issues such as high brittleness, weak water management capability, and high resistance, all of which can lead to reduced cell performance. This study first prepared multilayer composite polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based fiber membranes by altering the concentration of the spinning solution and employing sequential electrospinning technology. These fiber membranes were then treated by pre-oxidation and carbonization to obtain PAN-based carbon fiber membranes (CFM). Hydrophobic treatments were performed using two different methods: immersion in 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyltrichlorosilane (PFTs) solution or treatment by steam. Comprehensive physicochemical properties of the CFMs were tested, and polarization curves and power density curves of fuel cells were measured. The study results indicated that the proe sizes of CFM fibers in single-layer, double-layer, and triple-layer structures decreased from 0.592 μm to 0.395 μm and 0.317 μm, showing a decreasing trend. Tensile strength peaked at 9.39 MPa in double-layer configurations and dropped to 5.26 MPa in triple-layer configurations. For CFMs with the same number of layers, those prepared with increasing spinning solution concentrations exhibited superior mechanical and electrical performance compared to those prepared with decreasing concentrations. Hydrophobic treatment by immersing in 0.5 g PFTs for 1 hour can significantly enhance the water management capability of the gas diffusion layer (GDL). Compared to single-layer and triple-layer GDLs, the double-layer structured GDL exhibited the highest power density of 0.520 W/cm2. This study provides new methods for the preparation of gas diffusion layers in proton exchange membrane fuel cell. Related Articles | Metrics

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Numerical simulation of flow field and power consumption characteristics of double-layer combined impeller in a gas-liquid stirred tank Mengyao ZHANG Yafeng XIAO Zhongtian DONG Shaoping MA Shuang WU Mingzhou YU Qinghua ZHANG Chao YANG The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering    2025, 25 (7): 695-705.   DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.224353 Abstract （207）   HTML （10）    PDF （4980KB）（68）       Knowledge map    Save In the realm of chemical synthesis, the aminolytic synthesis of glycine from chloroacetic acid holds significant industrial importance. To surmount the challenges and optimize this process, with a particular emphasis on enhancing gas dispersion performance, elaborate investigation was carried out. Three innovative impeller combinations, namely the double narrow blade propeller (ZCX-ZCX), the narrow blade propeller-parabolic disc turbine (ZCX-PDT), and the narrow blade propeller-staggered fan-shaped parabolic disc turbine (ZCX-SFPDT), were integrated into the gas-liquid mixing operations within stirred tanks. Employing advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques, comprehensive comparative analysis was executed. The complex gas dispersion phenomena within the liquid phase were modeled using the Eulerian-Eulerian approach combined with the dispersed k-ε turbulent model to capture the intricate fluid dynamics. It was found that at the same speed, the ZCX-ZCX configuration manifested the lowest values in velocity distribution, turbulent kinetic energy, gas holdup, and power consumption metrics, but the largest average bubble size. Additionally, its distribution uniformity lagged behind that of ZCX-PDT and ZCX-SFPDT, resulting in suboptimal gas-liquid mixing. In contrast to ZCX-PDT and ZCX-SFPDT, the ZCX-SFPDT stirred tank boasted smaller gas cavities and more uniformity of flow field. Notably, under the same Reynolds number regime, ZCX-SFPDT not only curtailed power number by 6.1% compared to the ZCX-PDT tank, but also augmented mass transfer efficiency by 10.9%. It indicated that the arc-shaped structure decreased the form drag on the blade surface and the length of the resistance arm, which was conducive to reducing the stirring power consumption. Generally, these results unequivocally established that ZCX-SFPDT exhibited superior gas-liquid dispersion and mass transfer capabilities, rendering it the prime candidate for gas-liquid stirred tank applications. Related Articles | Metrics

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Research progress of phase change thermal storage materials in the field of photothermal conversion Beihang XI Hao HU Haohan ZHANG Mengxuan YANG Yu ZHOU Hongyu WANG Haiyun YU The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering    2025, 25 (8): 792-803.   DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.224344 Abstract （167）   HTML （12）    PDF （4295KB）（68）       Knowledge map    Save Photothermal conversion entails the conversion of solar radiation into thermal energy via processes such as reflection and absorption, thus making it available for human use. This methodology is among the primary approaches currently used for harnessing solar energy. Phase change thermal storage materials, through phase transitions, store and release thermal, providing advantages like high thermal storage density and a consistent temperature during the storage and release processes. The integration of these materials with photothermal conversion technology not only improves the efficient storage of thermal energy obtained from photothermal conversion but also allows for temperature control during the storage and release processes. This integration facilitates a more precise and efficient use of thermal energy in subsequent applications, thus making phase change thermal storage materials an ideal complement to photothermal conversion technology. In this review, based on their distinct chemical compositions, the phase change thermal storage materials currently used in photothermal conversion applications are categorized and elaborated on. Their application mechanisms and the fields are explored. Furthermore, the existing challenges with current photothermal conversion phase change materials are summarized, and future research directions for the development of novel materials in this area are prospected. Related Articles | Metrics

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CFD simulation of NbCl5-Ar gas-carrying evaporation in a evaporator tank Kai WANG Liang ZHANG Zongbei HE Jiancai PENG Qiushi XU Ning YANG The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering    2025, 25 (7): 658-668.   DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225107 Abstract （201）   HTML （12）    PDF （6224KB）（68）       Knowledge map    Save In the chemical vapor deposition process of niobium (Nb) coating on fuel particles, the flow rate of the precursor NbCl5 vapor significantly influences the growth and properties of the thin films. However, measuring the vapor flow rate poses challenges due to the strong acidity of NbCl5, rendering the evaporation process a "black box" operation. In this study, a Volume of Fluid (VOF) method is developed to simulate the gas-liquid interface evaporation and wall boiling of NbCl5 in tank evaporator using argon (Ar) as carrier gas. The impact of various operating conditions, including liquid level height, flow rate of Ar carrier gas, and heating temperature, on the two-phase flow and the heat and mass transfer characteristics within the tank evaporator are investigated. Simulation results reveal that liquid level height primarily affects the evaporation area. When the liquid level resides in the near-bottom region of the tank, lowering the liquid level height significantly reduces the evaporation area, resulting in a decreased NbCl5 vapor flow rate at the evaporator outlet. When Ar gas is introduced into the evaporator, two distinct vortex structures are formed: a NbCl5 vapor vortex and an Ar gas vortex. Increasing the Ar gas velocity enables rapid sweeping of NbCl5 vapor from the liquid surface and lowers the saturation vapor temperature at the interface, thereby enhancing the evaporation rate. As the Ar gas velocity increases from 0 m/s to 2.1 m/s, the mass flow rate of NbCl5 vapor rises from 0.047 g/s to 1.095 g/s. Raising the heating temperature increases the liquid temperature at the evaporation interface, accelerating liquid evaporation. As the heating temperature increases from 533 K to 543 K, the NbCl5 vapor mass flow rate increases from 0.280 g/s to 0.359 g/s. These simulation results offer practical guidance for optimizing the operating conditions of the gas-carrying evaporation process and the evaporator structure. Related Articles | Metrics

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Study on flow and heat transfer characteristics in indirect electric heating furnace for molten salt Yongcang REN Nan LIU Fengzhi SUN Chunhua JIA Xinyong GUO Chunjian HUANG Weidong ZHAO Guanda WANG Rui ZHANG Juan WANG The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering    2025, 25 (12): 1227-1237.   DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225066 Abstract （179）   HTML （10）    PDF （6105KB）（67）       Knowledge map    Save In order to meet the needs of green environmental protection for energy conservation and emission reduction, and make full use of the advantages of good heat resistance and stability of molten salt, an electric heating furnace with indirect heating of molten salt was developed. Based on the natural convection model and Boussinesq hypothesis, the flow and heat transfer characteristics of molten salt and heat transfer oil in the enclosed space of the indirect heating furnace were studied by numerical simulation method, and the effects of different surface thermal strengths on the flow and heat transfer characteristics of the indirect electric heating furnace were compared. The results show that the density difference and temperature difference caused by the expansion of molten salt in the furnace after heating form a natural convection heat transfer in a confined space, and the average flow velocity of molten salt is 0.00613m/s when the surface thermal strength is 100%. The average temperature is 409.3°C, and a symmetrical annular circulation flow is formed on the cross-section of the electric heating tube from the bottom of the high-temperature heating tube to the upper heat transfer oil pipe, which strengthens the natural convection and heat transfer effect in the furnace, and the overall flow field and temperature distribution in the furnace are stable and uniform, and the heat released by the electric heating tube increases the inlet and outlet temperature of the heat transfer oil by 13.1°C through the indirect heating of molten salt of the intermediate medium, which can meet the process requirements. When the thermal intensity exceeds 100%, the natural convection circulation of molten salt in the furnace is significantly enhanced, the turbulence degree increases, and there is an obvious velocity boundary between the molten salt above the electric heating tube and the surrounding area, which positively affects the flow and heat transfer characteristics in the furnace. Related Articles | Metrics

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Optimization of impeller for gelation process of FCC catalyst Xin FENG Guoqing ZENG Jie CHEN Xiaoxia DUAN Hui XIAO Ronghua FU Chengqiang WANG Enhui XING The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering    2026, 26 (1): 1-10.   DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225081 Abstract （87）   HTML （8）    PDF （12019KB）（67）       Knowledge map    Save The rheological properties of the material during the gelation process of fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalyst are complex, exhibiting pseudoplastic fluid characteristics with shear-thinning behavior. In order to enhance the mixing efficiency in the FCC catalyst gelation agitated tank, the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulation method was used in conjunction with rheological characterization obtained by a rotational rheometer. This method was employed to investigate the influence of different impeller configurations on the mixing effect of high-viscosity, variable-viscosity systems. Due to the difference of rheological properties in different steps of gel process, it needed to be discussed separately and strengthened. By comparing and contrasting the flow field distribution, shear rate distribution and viscosity distribution inside the kettle for different gelation processes, the most appropriate stirring device for each stage can be determined. Based on the design of a new type of folded blade propeller, the multi-layer combination propeller was used in order to achieve the uniform distribution of the flow field and shear rate within the gelation agitated tank. This reduced the high viscosity weak mixing zone in the tank and improved mixing efficiency. The marked grid method was employed to compare the mixing time under different combination structures. The results showed that the optimized multi-layer impeller combination can realize the mixing strengthening of the gelation process. In the mixing process of kaolin, the combined impeller of lower SBT+upper FBT was adopted. In the mixing process of FCC catalyst colloid, the combined impeller of lower SBT+middle FBT+upper PBT was used. Considering the requirements of industrial design, the combined impeller of lower SBT+middle PBT+upper PBT was adopted in industry. This ultimately resulted in a significant reduction in the mixing time required for gelation, which strongly supported energy saving and consumption reduction in factories. Related Articles | Metrics