A porous tubular ceramic membrane coated with palladium‐cupper (Pd‐Cu) catalyst on its surface was prepared and evaluated for catalytic reduction of nitrate from groundwater. Nitrate reduction activity and selectivity with the catalytic membrane were compared with Pd‐Cu/A1₂O₃ catalyst particles. The catalytic membrane reactor exhibited a better selectivity by enabling an effective control of hydrogen gas, thus minimizing ammonium production. No leaching of palladium and copper into aqueous phase was observed, thereby indicating a high chemical stability of the metallic ions on the carrier support. This was also evidenced by the X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) profiles of fresh and used catalysts, which showed no significant difference in surface compositions. Due to its higher selectivity in nitrate reduction and better flexibility in terms of operating conditions, the tubular catalytic ceramic membrane could be useful in removing nitrate from groundwater.

This paper presented a control design methodology for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) generation system for residential applications. The dynamic behavior of the generation system is complex in such applications. A comprehensive control design is very important for achieving a steady system operation and efficiency. The control strategy for a 60 kW generation system was proposed and tested based on the system dynamic model. A two-variable single neuron proportional-integral (PI) decoupling controller was developed for anode pressure and humidity by adjusting the hydrogen flow and water injection. A similar controller was developed for cathode pressure and humidity by adjusting the exhaust flow and water injection. The desired oxygen excess ratio was kept by a feedback controller based on the load current. An optimal seeking controller was used to trace the unique optimal power point. Two negative feedback controllers were used to provide AC power and a suitable voltage for residential loads by a power conditioning unit. Control simulation tests showed that 60 kW PEMFC generation system responded well for computer-simulated step changes in the load power demand. This control methodology for a 60 kW PEMFC generation system would be a competitive solution for system level designs such as parameter design, performance analysis, and online optimization.

To address trade-off and membrane-fouling challenges during the development of nanofiltration membranes, a thin-film composite membrane was prepared on the basis of interfacial polymerization regulated by adjusting the capsaicin-derived self-polymer poly N-(2-hydroxy-5-(methylthio) benzyl) acrylamide (PHMTBA) on the polysulfone substrate in this study. Through the self-polymerization of the monomer HMTBA with varied contents, microwave-assisted technology was employed to develop a variety of PHMTBAs. It was discovered that PHMTBA is involved in the interfacial polymerization process. Piperazine and PHMTBA competed for the reaction with trimesoyl chloride, resulting in a flatter and looser membrane surface. The PHMTBA-modified membrane presented a typical double-layer structure: a thicker support layer and a thinner active layer. The addition of PHMTBA to membranes improved their hydrophilicity and negative charge density. As a result, the PHMTBA-modified membrane showed dependable separation performance (water flux of 159.5 L m⁻² h⁻¹ and rejection of 99.02% for Na₂SO₄) as well as enhanced anti-fouling properties (flux recovery ratio of more than 100% with bovine serum albumin-fouling and antibacterial efficiency of 93.7% against Escherichia coli). The performance of the prepared membranes was superior to that of most other modified TFC NF membranes previously reported in the literature. This work presents the application potential of capsaicin derivatives in water treatment and desalination processes.