Platinum is the most active anode and cathode catalyst in next-generation fuel cells using methanol as liquid source of hydrogen. Its catalytic activity can be significantly improved by alloying with 3d metals, although a precise tuning of its surface architecture is still required. Herein, we report the design of a highly active low temperature (below 0 • C) methanol dehydrogenation anode catalyst with reduced CO poisoning, based on ultra-low amount of precisely-defined PtxNi1-x (x = 0 to 1) bimetallic clusters (BCs) deposited on inert flat oxides by Cluster Beam Deposition (CBD). These BCs feature clear composition-dependent atomic arrangements and electronic structures stemming from their nucleation mechanism that are responsible for a volcano-type activity trend peaking at the Pt0.7Ni0.3 composition. Our calculations reveal that at this composition a cluster skin of Pt atoms with d-band centres downshifted by subsurface Ni atoms weakens the CO interaction that in turn triggers a significant increase in the methanol dehydrogenation activity.

Longitudinal seismic responses of CWR on bridges with high-piers and long-spans under uniform excitation and traveling wave effect were studied. Results are shown as follows: Under seismic action, rail longitudinal forces near beam joints increase greatly than rail expansion forces (due to beam expansion); Designing CWR on bridges with high-piers and long-spans needs to consider influences of traveling wave effect and wave spreading derection; With the increase of the apparent velocity of seismic waves, rail longitudinal force tends to decrease; We suggest that designing of CWR on bridges crossing high-intensity earthquake zone should consider impact of seismic action, and establish a reasonable check method.

Railway turnout, an integrated mechatronics equipment of track technology, is one of key equipments that control the running speed of high-speed railway. During the conversion of turnout, the friction, inclusion of foreign matter and deficient displacement of conversion caused by its own structural characteristics may lead to severe wheel/rail impact. In order to study the influence of conversion deviation on safety and comfort of a train during passing the turnout, train/turnout dynamic model was applied. Taking No.18 turnout on a Passenger Dedicated Line (PDL) with 350km/h as a case study, when the train passed it, the influences of its deficient displacement and inclusion of foreign matter on the following dynamic responses were studied, i.e. wheel load distribution, wheel flange force, dynamic stress of rail, wheel unloading rate, derailment coefficient, as well as the lateral displacements of switch rail and nose rail, etc. Result shows that: (1) the deficient displacement and the inclusion of foreign matter will severely influence the normal operation of the turnout, so the safety and comfort during the train passing through turnout may be affected; (2) During the conversion of turnout, its deficient displacement should be controlled properly, and the foreign matter should be removed during routine maintenance, moreover, a reliable detection system should be set.