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Surfaces that exhibit a gradual change in their chemical and/or physical properties are termed as surface gradients. Based on the changes in properties they are classified either as physical or chemical gradients. Chemical gradients show variations in properties like polarity, charge, functionality concentration and have found potential applications in fields of biology, physics, biosensing, catalysis and separation science. In this dissertation, surface gradients have been prepared using controlled rate infusion (CRI). CRI is a simple method in which a surface gradient is formed by carrying out the infusion of organoalkoxysilane in a time-dependent fashion using a set infusion rate. Depending on concentration of silane, rate of infusion and time of infusion, the gradient profiles on surfaces can be varied and the surface chemistry of the substrate can be altered. Initial work in the dissertation focuses on demonstrating different gradient profiles and selectivity obtained using amine and/ or phenyl functionalized gradient stationary phases on thin layer chromatography (TLC) plates prepared by CRI. The presence of amine and phenyl on the surfaces were confirmed by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, respectively. The change in surface chemistry was demonstrated by changes in the selectivities of water and fat soluble vitamins. After successful preparation and characterization of single and multi-component stationary phase gradients for planar chromatography, single-component gradients were prepared for column chromatography (Silica monolithic columns). Similar to that observed for planar chromatography, the selectivity was evaluated from retention factors and was found to be different for a weak acid/weak base mixture. The results obtained showed the promising approach of using gradient stationary phases in column chromatography. This work was further extended to prepare amine and phenyl multi-component gradients on silica monolithic columns to investigate mixed-mode and synergistic effects. Finally, amine, phenyl and thiol gradients were also prepared on cellulose substrates, particularly water color paper, The goal was to study the formation of functionality gradients on cellulose substrates particularly the interaction between hydroxyl groups on cellulose and silanols and to study the stability of the silanes on the cellulose surface.

L’objectif de cette thèse est de développer une méthode expérimentale permettant de mesurer simultanément des coefficients de co-diffusion dans les zéolithes, pour des mélanges de paraffines en C6 mono et di-branchées, dont les cinétiques de diffusion sont très différentes. Les espèces sont le 2- et le 3-methyl-pentane (2MP et 3MP) et le 2-2- et le 2-3-dimethyl-butane (22DMB et 23DMB) et l'adsorbant est une silicalite. Cette méthode est basée sur la réponse en sortie d’un lit fixe d’adsorbant à une variation cyclique de la composition à son entrée. La conception d’un modèle faisant intervenir des paramètres cinétiques et thermodynamiques a également être effectuée afin de simuler les courbes de perçages des différents constituants en mélange et sur plusieurs cycles. Les conditions expérimentales sont proches des conditions industrielles, à savoir en phase liquide et à fort taux de remplissage de l’adsorbant (185°C et 35 bars) L’écriture d’un modèle de diffusion, basé sur l’équation de Maxwell-Stefan appliquée au "Dusty Gas Model", dans ces conditions de fonctionnement, implique d’introduire des grandeurs volumiques qui permettent de redéfinir les contraintes liées à la saturation de l'adsorbant. De plus, tout en conservant la simplicité du modèle "Single File Diffusion" (pas de contre-diffusion microporeuse), nous avons montré que la prise en compte d’un flux volumique relatif associé au solide permet de conserver l’indépendance des coefficients de diffusion dans le cristal. Les simulations des courbes de perçage – sur un seul cycle pour les molécules rapides et sur plusieurs cycles pour les molécules lentes – indiquent que les coefficients de diffusion des différents isomères suivent l'ordre suivant : D3MP ˜ D2MP > D23DMB > D22DMB, avec un écart de trois ordres de grandeurs entre le 3MP et le 22DMB, ce qui laisse supposer qu'un procédé de séparation basé sur une sélectivité diffusionnelle peut être envisagé. Cependant, les tests de perçage en condition cyclique permettant de caractériser de manière plus précise le système, il a été possible de mettre en évidence une très lente accumulation du 22DMB au cours des cycles sous certaines conditions opératoires, phénomène qui peut s'avérer indétectable sur un faible nombre de cycles et/ou sur le profils de concentration des autres espèces. Ce phénomène a pour conséquence de diminuer les performances de l'adsorbant, aussi bien d'un point de vue capacitif que d'un point de vue sélectif / The aim of this work is to develop a new experimental method in order to determine simultaneously co-diffusion coefficients in zeolites for mixtures of single- and di-branched C6 paraffins, with totally different diffusion kinetics. The species are 2- and 3-methyl-pentane (2MP and 3MP) and 2-2- and 2-3-dimethyl-butane (22DMB and 23DMB) and the adsorbent is a silicalite. This method is based on the output measurement of an adsorbent column subjected to cyclic variations of its input concentration. The analysis of the mixture experimental breakthrough curves, on several cycles, is carried out using a mathematical model, based on Maxwell-Stefan theory of multi-component diffusion, allowing an estimation of thermodynamic and kinetic parameters. The experimental conditions are close to industrial constraints, i.e. at very high adsorption loading, and in the liquid phase (185°C and 35 bars). This requires to develop a modified Maxwell-Stefan diffusion model, applied to the "Dusty Gas Model", including volume constraints in the crystal which implies to redefine the adsorbent saturation. Moreover, while preserving the simplicity of the "Single File Diffusion" model (no counter-diffusion), a relative volumetric flow of the solid is taken into account, allowing to ensure the independence of the diffusion coefficient of each component in the adsorbent. The Maxwell-Stefan diffusion coefficients for the different isomers, obtained from breakthrough curves simulations – on one cycle for fast diffusing species and several cycles for slow molecules – are in the sequence : D3MP ˜ D2MP, > D23DMB > D22DMB, with a difference of three orders of magnitude between 3MP and 22DMB. This implies that a separation process based on kinetic selectivity can be considered. The cyclic breakthrough experiments, allowing a better characterization of the system, highlight a very slow accumulation of the 22DMB isomer during cycles for specific operating conditions, which may be undetectable on a small number of cycles and on the profiles of the other components.. This phenomenon involves a decrease of the adsorbent performances, in terms of capacity as well as selectivity

Dans le cadre de cette thèse, une technique de diagnostic optique a été développée pour mesurer simultanément l’évaporation différentielle, la distribution de température, et la concentration massique de fuel dans un jet multi-composant. Cette technique a été examinée dans les conditions d’un moteurs essence. La technique de mesure est basée sur l’utilisation des deux traceurs excités par une seule longueur d’onde.Pour pouvoir examiner l’évaporation différentielle d’un carburant multi-composant, deux traceurs ont été sélectionnés : le p-difluorobenzène et le 1-methylnaphtalène. Ces traceurs reproduisent deux types de volatilité : faible et moyenne à élevée. Les traceurs choisis fluorescent dans deux régions spectrales distinctes ce qui rend l’application de cette technique possible. Une étude photophysique a été menée pour caractériser les deux traceurs, indépendamment puis en mélange, pour différentes conditions de pression, température, et composition du bain gazeux. L’étude photophysique est essentielle pour pouvoir mesurer quantitativement l’évaporation différentielle. Les résultats photophysiques montrent que le spectre du 1-methylnaphthalène est sensible à la température. Cette caractéristique permet de mesurer la distribution en température dans le jet.Les essais ont été réalisés dans une cellule haute pression / haute température, ca-pable de simuler les conditions d’un moteur thermique. Des sprays générés par un injecteur ECN Spray G et un piézo-électrique d’une ouverture annulaire ont été étudiés. Des mesures initiales ont été menées avec chaque traceur pour pouvoir fixer la proportion de mélange des traceurs. La précision de la méthode de mesure a été calculée suivant une configuration de filtres identiques. Ensuite, les champs de tempé-rature calculés par la LIF et ceux déterminés depuis les champs de concentration massique, ont été comparés. Les résultats démontrent que la température est homo-gène ce qui signifie que les mesures d’évaporation différentielle n’ont pas influencé par la distribution de température dans le jet.Les images obtenues en détectant les signaux depuis le mélange de traceurs ont permis de localiser l’évaporation différentielle. Une variation en distribution spatiale des composants est observée 550–600 K. Cet effet disparaît en augmentant la température, ce qui explique que l’évaporation est plus rapide à haute température. La localisation de l’évaporation différentielle varie avec le type d’injecteur. La géométrie du nez ainsi que la structure du jet a donc un impact sur la formation du mélange. / A non-intrusive quantitative laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) technique capable of simultaneously measuring preferential evaporation, temperature distribution, and fuel-mass concentration across a multi-component vaporized spray has been developed and investigated under engine-relevant conditions. The measurement technique is based on two-tracer LIF with single wavelength excitation.To assess preferential evaporation, a tracer pair with suitable co-evaporation and spectral properties was selected based on vapor-liquid equilibrium calculations repre-sentative for gasoline fuels. Evaporation studies have shown that one tracer (p-difluoro-benzene) co-evaporates with the high-to-medium-volatility end of the multi-component fuel while the other (1-methylnaphthalene) co-evaporates with the low-volatility end. For quantitative measurements the photophysical properties of both tracers (each tracer separately and the combined tracers) were determined under a wide range of pressure, temperature, and bath-gas composition conditions. 1-methylnaphthalene LIF shows a strong red-shift with temperature which enables measurements of the temperature distribution across the spray.Spray evaporation and vapor mixing experiments were performed in a high-pressure high-temperature vessel capable of simulating in-cylinder conditions. An ECN Spray-G and a piezo-electric outward opening injector were used in this study. Initial measure-ments were carried out with each tracer added separately to the fuel to assess signal cross-talk and to determine the best tracer concentrations. Once the proportions were determined, accuracy and precision of the method were determined from the LIF-signal ratio of spray images within identical spectral bands. Temperature fields, obtained by two-color 1-methylnaphthalene LIF and derived from fuel concentration maps based on the assumption of adiabatic evaporation, were examined for inhomogeneities in the area of interest since fluctuations potentially influence the two-color method. It was shown that the temperature is homogeneous in the measurement volume.To localize preferential evaporation, two-color two-tracer LIF images were evaluated. Taking into account the measurement accuracy and precision, variations in the spatial distribution of the fuel volatility classes were observed for 550–600 K. At higher tem-peratures, the effect is less pronounced, which is consistent with the fact that evapora-tion is faster. The localization of preferential evaporation varied with each injector used indicating the impact of injector nozzle geometry and jet structure on mixture formation. / Eine berührungsfreies quantitatives Verfahren auf Basis von laserinduzierter Fluoreszenz (LIF) wurde entwickelt, um simultan präferenzielle Verdampfung, Temperaturverteilung und Kraftstoffkonzentration im verdampften Bereich eines Mehrkomponenten-Kraftstoffsprays unter motorrelevanten Bedingungen zu messen. Verfahren beruht auf Zwei-tracer-LIF mit Anregungmit einem Laser.Es wurde ein Tracer-Paar mit geeigneten Verdampfungs- und spektralen Eigenschaften auf Basis von Dampf-Flüssigkeits-Gleichgewichtsrechnungen für Otto-Kraftstoffe ausgewählt. Verdampfungsmessungen haben gezeigt, dass ein Tracer (p-Difluorbenzol) gleichzeitig mit dem mittel- und höherflüchtigen Siedeklassen verdampft, während der andere (1-Methylnaphthalin) den schwerflüchtigen Komponentenfolgt. Für quantitative Messungen wurden die photophysikalischen Eigenschaften beider Tracer (einzeln und als Kombination) in einem weiten Bereich von Druck, Temperatur und Gaszusammensetzung bestimmt. 1-Methylnaphthalin-LIF zeigt eine starke Rotverschiebung mit der Temperatur, die Messungen der Temperaturverteilung ermöglicht. Es wurde ein Tracer-Paar mit geeigneten Verdampfungs- und spektralen Eigenschaften auf Basis von Dampf-Flüssigkeits-Gleichgewichtsrechnungen für Otto-Kraftstoffe ausgewählt. Verdampfungsmessungen haben gezeigt, dass ein Tracer (p-Difluorbenzol) gleichzeitig mit dem mittel- und höherflüchtigen Siedeklassen verdampft, während der andere (1-Methylnaphthalin) den schwerflüchtigen Komponentenfolgt. Für quantitative Messungen wurden die photophysikalischen Eigenschaften beider Tracer (einzeln und als Kombination) in einem weiten Bereich von Druck, Temperatur und Gaszusammensetzung bestimmt. 1-Methylnaphthalin-LIF zeigt eine starke Rotverschiebungmit der Temperatur, die Messungen der Temperaturverteilung ermöglicht.

De nombreux signaux physiques incluant des signaux audio (musique, parole), médicaux (ECG, PCG), de mammifères marins ou d'ondes gravitationnelles peuvent être modélisés comme une superposition d'ondes modulées en amplitude et en fréquence (modes AM-FM), appelés signaux multicomposantes (SMCs). L'analyse temps-fréquence (TF) joue un rôle central pour la caractérisation de tels signaux et, dans ce cadre, diverses méthodes ont été développées au cours de la dernière décennie. Néanmoins, ces méthodes souffrent d'une limitation intrinsèque appelée le principe d'incertitude. Dans ce contexte, la méthode de réallocation (MR) a été développée visant à améliorer les représentations TF (RTFs) données respectivement par la transformée de Fourier à court terme (TFCT) et la transformée en ondelette continue (TOC), en les concentrant autour des lignes de crête correspondant aux fréquences instantanées. Malheureusement, elle ne permet pas de reconstruction des modes, contrairement à sa variante récente connue sous le nom de transformée synchrosqueezée (TSS). Toutefois, de nombreux problèmes associés à cette dernière restent encore à traiter tels que le traitement des fortes modulations en fréquence, la reconstruction des modes d'un SMC à partir de sa TFCT sous-échantillonnée or l'estimation des signatures TF de modes irréguliers et discontinus. Cette thèse traite principalement de tels problèmes afin de construire des nouvelles méthodes TF inversibles plus puissantes et précises pour l'analyse des SMCs.Cette thèse offre six nouvelles contributions précieuses. La première contribution introduit une extension de TSS d'ordre deux appliqué à la TOC ainsi qu'une discussion sur son analyse théorique et sa mise en œuvre pratique. La seconde contribution propose une généralisation des techniques de synchrosqueezing construites sur la TFCT, connue sous le nom de transformée synchrosqueezée d'ordre supérieur (FTSSn), qui permet de mieux traiter une large gamme de SMCs. La troisième contribution propose une nouvelle technique utilisant sur la transformée synchrosqueezée appliquée à la TFCT de second ordre (FTSS2) et une procédure de démodulation, appelée DTSS2, conduisant à une meilleure performance de la reconstruction des modes. La quatrième contribution est celle d'une nouvelle approche permettant la récupération des modes d'un SMC à partir de sa TFCT sous-échantillonnée. La cinquième contribution présente une technique améliorée, appelée calcul de représentation des contours adaptatifs (CRCA), utilisée pour une estimation efficace des signatures TF d'une plus grande classe de SMCs. La dernière contribution est celle d'une analyse conjointe entre l'CRCA et la factorisation matricielle non-négative (FMN) pour un débruitage performant des signaux phonocardiogrammes (PCG). / Many physical signals including audio (music, speech), medical data (ECG, PCG), marine mammals or gravitational-waves can be accurately modeled as a superposition of amplitude and frequency-modulated waves (AM-FM modes), called multicomponent signals (MCSs). Time-frequency (TF) analysis plays a central role in characterizing such signals and in that framework, numerous methods have been proposed over the last decade. However, these methods suffer from an intrinsic limitation known as the uncertainty principle. In this regard, reassignment method (RM) was developed with the purpose of sharpening TF representations (TFRs) given respectively by the short-time Fourier transform (STFT) or the continuous wavelet transform (CWT). Unfortunately, it did not allow for mode reconstruction, in opposition to its recent variant known as synchrosqueezing transforms (SST). Nevertheless, many critical problems associated with the latter still remain to be addressed such as the weak frequency modulation condition, the mode retrieval of an MCS from its downsampled STFT or the TF signature estimation of irregular and discontinuous signals. This dissertation mainly deals with such problems in order to provide more powerful and accurate invertible TF methods for analyzing MCSs.This dissertation gives six valuable contributions. The first one introduces a second-order extension of wavelet-based SST along with a discussion on its theoretical analysis and practical implementation. The second one puts forward a generalization of existing STFT-based synchrosqueezing techniques known as the high-order STFT-based SST (FSSTn) that enables to better handle a wide range of MCSs. The third one proposes a new technique established on the second-order STFT-based SST (FSST2) and demodulation procedure, called demodulation-FSST2-based technique (DSST2), enabling a better performance of mode reconstruction. The fourth contribution is that of a novel approach allowing for the retrieval of modes of an MCS from its downsampled STFT. The fifth one presents an improved method developed in the reassignment framework, called adaptive contour representation computation (ACRC), for an efficient estimation of TF signatures of a larger class of MCSs. The last contribution is that of a joint analysis of ACRC with non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) to enable an effective denoising of phonocardiogram (PCG) signals.

L’objectif de ce travail a consisté en le développement de nouveaux processus multi-composant radicalaires et leur application en synthèse organique. Des carbo-alcénylation d'oléfines ont ainsi été réalisées avec de nouveaux précurseurs de radicaux, des oléfines diverses, en présence de Z-diphénylsulfonyléthylène comme accepteur terminal. Les conditions de la réaction ont été optimisées, en introduisant notamment la diphénylsulfonylhydrazine comme amorceur de radicaux sous irradiation UV, et substitut au couteux DTBHN. Des conditions sans étain ont également été étudiées avec l’objectif de remplacer le réactif (Bu3Sn)2 par des radicaux silylés. Le tris (triméthylsilyl)silylthiopropene a ainsi été testé avec succès en tant qu'agent de propagation des chaînes radicalaires. A l’issue de ce travail méthodologique, nous avons développé une stratégie de synthèse de l'Eucophylline, un alcaloïde isolé de Leuconotis griffithii, dont le squelette tétracyclique a été élaboré sur la base d’une réaction de carbo-oximation radicalaire d’oléfine. Ce processus multicomposant, suivi d’une réduction de la fonction oxime et d’une lactamisation offre une voie d’accès rapide au motif bicyclo[3.3.1]lactame, intermédiaire-clé de la synthèse. Une réaction de type Friedländer entre ce lactame et un ortho-aminobenzonitrile a permis d’accéder au squelette tetrahydrobenzo[1,8]naphthyridine de l'Eucophylline. La synthèse du composé modèle a enfin été complétée par l’introduction du substituant vinylique par un couplage de Heck. / The aim of this work was to develop new radical multi-component processes and their application in organic synthesis. Carbo-alkenylation processes were thus performed with new radical precursors, different olefins, in the presence of Z-diphenylsulfonylethylene as a terminal acceptor. Reaction conditions have also been optimized, including the diphenylsulfonylhydrazine as a radical initiator under U.V. irradiation, and substitute to the costly DTBHN. Tin-free conditions were also screened with the goal of replacing (Bu3Sn)2 with silyl radicals. Tris(trimethylsilyl)silylthiopropene was tested with success as a radical chain carrier. After this methodology studies, we developed a strategy toward the synthesis of Eucophylline, an alcaloid isolated from Leuconotis griffithii, which tetracyclic skeleton was elaborated based on a carbo-oximation of olefin. This multicomponent process, followed by a reduction of the oxime function and a lactamization offered a fast access to the bicyclo[3.3.1]lactam, a key-intermediate in the synthesis. A Friedländer-type reaction between this lactam and an ortho-aminobenzonitrile allowed an access to the Eucophylline tetrahydrobenzo[1,8]naphthyridine skeleton. The synthesis of the model compound was finally completed with the introduction of the vinylic substituent through a Heck coupling.

<p>In this study a process evaluation of the action planning process of the HealthKick programme in disadvantaged primary school settings in the Western Cape was conducted. A qualitative methodology was adopted to best determine the experiences of the participants and the underlying factors involved. Four schools were randomly selected to participate. Four focus group discussions were conducted with educators, and four in-depth interviews were conducted with principals and champions at schools, (champions are either an educator or school governing body member selected to be the driver of the project at each school, as well as the liaison person between the school and the HealthKick project team). Semi-structured interview guides were used to steer the discussions. Interviews and focus groups were audio taped and transcribed verbatim. The data was thematically analysed with the assistance of Atlas ti computer software. The results of this study indicated that the action planning process did not take place as designed by the project team. Several challenges were identified and experienced by participants. The results further indicated that the challenges of time, workload and competing priorities were intrinsically linked. Positive experiences were also reported and various enablers to the process were identified, such as the facilitation process, the receipt of the resource toolkit as well as the complementary nature of the HealthKick curriculum to the normal academic curriculum.</p>

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are solid-state ceramic cells, typically operating between 1073 K and 1273 K. Because of high operating temperature, SOFCs are mostly applicable in stationary power generation. Among various configurations in which SOFCs exist, the planar configuration of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) has the potential to offer high power density due to shorter current path. Moreover, the planar configuration of SOFC is simple to stack and closely resemble the stacking arrangement of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. However, due to high operating temperature, there are problems associated with the development and commercialization of planar SOFCs, such as requirement of high temperature gas seals, internal stresses in cell components, and high material and manufacturing costs. Mathematical modeling is an essential tool for the advancement of SOFC technology. Mathematical models can help in gaining insights on the processes occurring inside the fuel cell, and can also aid in the design and optimization of fuel cells by examining the effect of various operating and design conditions on performance. A multi-component and multi-dimensional mathematical model of SOFCs has been developed in this thesis research. One of the novelties of the present model is its treatment of electrodes. An electrode in the present model is treated as two distinct layers referred to as the backing layer and the reaction zone layer. Reaction zone layers are thin layers in the vicinity of the electrolyte layer where electrochemical reactions occur to produce oxide ions, electrons and water vapor. The other important feature of the present model is its flexibility in fuel choice, which implies not only pure hydrogen but also any reformate composition can be used as a fuel. The modified Stefan-Maxwell equations incorporating Knudsen diffusion are used to model multi-component diffusion in the porous backing and reaction zone layers. The coupled governing equations of species, charge and energy along with the constitutive equations in different layers of the cell are solved for numerical solution using the finite volume method and developed code written in the computer language of C++. In addition, the developed numerical model is validated with various experimental data sets published in the open literature. Moreover, it is verified that the electrode in an SOFC can be treated as two distinct layers referred to as the backing layer and the reaction zone layer. The numerical model not only predicts SOFC performance at different operating and design conditions but also provides insight on the phenomena occurring within the fuel cell. In an anode-supported SOFC, the ohmic overpotential is the single largest contributor to the cell potential loss. Also, the cathode and electrolyte overpotentials are not negligible even though their thicknesses are negligible relative to the anode thickness. Moreover, methane reforming and water-gas shift reactions aid in significantly reducing the anode concentration overpotential in the thick anode of an anode-supported SOFC. A worthwhile comparison of performance between anode-supported and self-supported SOFCs reveals that anode-supported design of SOFCs is the potential design for operating at reduced temperatures. A parametric study has also been carried out to investigate the effect of various key operating and design parameters on the performance of an anode-supported SOFC. Reducing the operating temperature below 1073 K results in a significant drop in the performance of an anode-supported SOFC; hence ionic conductivity of the ion-conducting particles in the reaction zone layers and electrolyte needs to be enhanced to operate anode-supported SOFCs below 1073 K. Further, increasing the anode reaction zone layer beyond certain thickness has no significant effect on the performance of an anode-supported SOFC. Moreover, there is a spatial limitation to the transport of oxide ions in the reaction zone layer, thereby reflecting the influence of reaction zone thickness on cell performance.

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are solid-state ceramic cells, typically operating between 1073 K and 1273 K. Because of high operating temperature, SOFCs are mostly applicable in stationary power generation. Among various configurations in which SOFCs exist, the planar configuration of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) has the potential to offer high power density due to shorter current path. Moreover, the planar configuration of SOFC is simple to stack and closely resemble the stacking arrangement of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. However, due to high operating temperature, there are problems associated with the development and commercialization of planar SOFCs, such as requirement of high temperature gas seals, internal stresses in cell components, and high material and manufacturing costs. Mathematical modeling is an essential tool for the advancement of SOFC technology. Mathematical models can help in gaining insights on the processes occurring inside the fuel cell, and can also aid in the design and optimization of fuel cells by examining the effect of various operating and design conditions on performance. A multi-component and multi-dimensional mathematical model of SOFCs has been developed in this thesis research. One of the novelties of the present model is its treatment of electrodes. An electrode in the present model is treated as two distinct layers referred to as the backing layer and the reaction zone layer. Reaction zone layers are thin layers in the vicinity of the electrolyte layer where electrochemical reactions occur to produce oxide ions, electrons and water vapor. The other important feature of the present model is its flexibility in fuel choice, which implies not only pure hydrogen but also any reformate composition can be used as a fuel. The modified Stefan-Maxwell equations incorporating Knudsen diffusion are used to model multi-component diffusion in the porous backing and reaction zone layers. The coupled governing equations of species, charge and energy along with the constitutive equations in different layers of the cell are solved for numerical solution using the finite volume method and developed code written in the computer language of C++. In addition, the developed numerical model is validated with various experimental data sets published in the open literature. Moreover, it is verified that the electrode in an SOFC can be treated as two distinct layers referred to as the backing layer and the reaction zone layer. The numerical model not only predicts SOFC performance at different operating and design conditions but also provides insight on the phenomena occurring within the fuel cell. In an anode-supported SOFC, the ohmic overpotential is the single largest contributor to the cell potential loss. Also, the cathode and electrolyte overpotentials are not negligible even though their thicknesses are negligible relative to the anode thickness. Moreover, methane reforming and water-gas shift reactions aid in significantly reducing the anode concentration overpotential in the thick anode of an anode-supported SOFC. A worthwhile comparison of performance between anode-supported and self-supported SOFCs reveals that anode-supported design of SOFCs is the potential design for operating at reduced temperatures. A parametric study has also been carried out to investigate the effect of various key operating and design parameters on the performance of an anode-supported SOFC. Reducing the operating temperature below 1073 K results in a significant drop in the performance of an anode-supported SOFC; hence ionic conductivity of the ion-conducting particles in the reaction zone layers and electrolyte needs to be enhanced to operate anode-supported SOFCs below 1073 K. Further, increasing the anode reaction zone layer beyond certain thickness has no significant effect on the performance of an anode-supported SOFC. Moreover, there is a spatial limitation to the transport of oxide ions in the reaction zone layer, thereby reflecting the influence of reaction zone thickness on cell performance.

For the first time it has been conducted an integrated research of possibilities to apply different kinds of fatty wastes for biodiesel fuel production. For this reason esterification process of oil an fat rich of free fatty acids by using acid catalysts and further transesterification of the obtained product until standard requirements for biodiesel fuel have been fulfilled. Intersolubility of different components of multi-component biofuel systems, and limits of stability were investigated. Emissions of the biodiesel fuel were analyzed and fuel biological decomposition in the environment was studied. Life cycle parameters of the suggested biodiesel fuel production process were determined.