Article
Chemistry, Physical
Li Han, Xinxin Yan, Lulu Guo, Yanan Duan, Zheng Wang, Tianliang Lu, Jun Xu, Yuzhong Zhan, Jianfeng Wang
Summary: A triclinic SAPO-34 molecular sieve was successfully synthesized and characterized using various analytical techniques. The study revealed that factors such as crystallization temperature, type of ionic liquid, and organic amines significantly affect the morphology of the molecular sieve.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shadrack K. Musyoka, Ahmed S. G. Khalil, Shinichi A. Ookawara, Ahmed E. Elwardany
Summary: Despite advances in other technologies, diesel engines fueled by liquid fuels will continue to dominate the transportation and heavy machinery application market. This study investigated the impact of carbon chain length, oxyfuel type, oxygen content, and blending ratio of esters and alcohols as additives in diesel fuel. The findings showed that the additives can reduce smoke emissions and provide a suitable trade-off between engine performance and emissions.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Li-Jen Lin, Mukesh Saini, Chung-Jen Chiang, Yun-Peng Chao
Summary: In this study, a whole cell biocatalysis system was used to produce short-chain alcohols from fatty acids. Escherichia coli strain was reprogrammed to improve biocatalytic activity, resulting in successful production of 1-propanol and n-pentanol.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mitha Al-Jabri, Thomas Rodgers
Summary: The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of surfactant chain length and hydrophobic to hydrophilic ratio on the dissolution process. The results show that increasing the length of the hydrophobic part slows down the dissolution process, while increasing the length of the hydrophilic part speeds it up. However, the effect of adding more hydrophobic beads is greater than that of adding more hydrophilic beads on the dissolution process.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yanfen Zuo, Yunpeng Zhang, Qiang Ren, Youhao Xu, Yibin Luo, Xingtian Shu
Summary: This study proposes the coupling conversion of C-6-C-8 olefins and methanol over SAPO-34 to enhance carbon resource utilization and light olefins production. The relationship between reactive coke and reaction pathway of methanol-to-olefin (MTO) is investigated through thermogravimetric analysis, dissolution-extraction experiment, and molecular dynamics simulations. Octene is found to be an effective coking source for promoting ethene production due to its remarkable product shape selectivity.
CATALYSIS COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Hua-Ming Xiao, Shuai Zhao, Ru-Ting Fan, Dilshad Hussain, Xian Wang
Summary: A novel analytical approach with high sensitivity and selectivity was developed for simultaneous identification and determination of short-chain fatty alcohols in seed oil and biodiesel samples. Stable isotope labeling assisted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (SIL-LC-MS) was successfully applied in the analysis. The results indicated that the composition of short-chain fatty alcohols changed during the simulated real-time aging process of different types of long-chain fatty acids and fatty acid methyl esters.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rajendran Muthuraj, Oscar Valerio, Tizazu H. Mekonnen
Summary: PHAs, a biobased and biodegradable thermoplastic polyester, have properties comparable to traditional synthetic polymers and are widely used in packaging, personal care, coatings, etc. However, they have certain performance limitations and are more expensive than many other polymers, requiring further research and development to enable extensive use.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Samaneh Heydarian, Mohammad Almasi
Summary: In this study, densities and viscosities of binary systems of cyclohexane and n-alkanols with different chain lengths were measured at various temperatures. Molecular interactions were investigated, showing that increasing the alkyl chain length strengthens the interactions among unlike molecules.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL THERMODYNAMICS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jing Chen, Kimitaka Kawamura, Wei Hu, Cong-Qiang Liu, Qiang Zhang, Pingqing Fu
Summary: The study investigated terrestrial lipid biomarkers in marine aerosols collected at Chichijima Island in the western North Pacific for two 4-year periods. The results showed an increase in atmospheric levels of these tracers from 1990-1993 to 2006-2009, with seasonal trends characterized by winter-spring maxima and summer-fall minima. The main source regions of HMW lipids were identified as the Asian continent, Southeast Asia, and the Central Pacific, with stronger positive correlations observed between HMW lipid compounds and levoglucosan during 2006-2009, suggesting a significant contribution from biomass-burning emissions in this century.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yutao Zhang, Yahui Li, Haijian Wen, Leitao Cao, Wenxin Xiao, Jintao Zhao, Zeyuan Nan, Suxia Zhang, Song Qiu, Qingwen Li
Summary: This study presents a novel method based on electrochemical shortening and selective adsorption to precisely control the length and distribution of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Experimental results reveal that SWCNTs with smaller diameters are more prone to truncation, resulting in shorter lengths. Remarkably, a length-dependent fluorescence enhancement was observed when the length of semiconducting-SWCNTs (s-SWCNTs) was reduced to below 120 nm. This research lays the foundation for further exploration of length-dependent properties and applications of s-SWCNTs.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
I. Dhiman, Marcella C. Berg, Loukas Petridis, Jeremy C. Smith, S. Gautam
Summary: The odd-even effect in various properties of n-alkanes is observed in a molecular dynamics simulation study on n-alkane systems ranging from propane to octane. The study shows an odd-even alternation in melting point, density, intramolecular conformational ordering, translational and rotational motion, with heptane exhibiting anomalous behavior for all except conformational ordering.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Haijian Wen, Jian Yao, Yijun Li, Yahui Li, Leitao Cao, Wanquan Chi, Yueyue Wang, Hehua Jin, Song Qiu, Jianshi Tang, Qingwen Li
Summary: This study developed a length-controlled approach to regulate the length and reduce the length distribution of carbon nanotubes. The results showed that short nanotubes with a narrow distribution had the best alignment uniformity during self-assembly. The optimized aligned array had a high density and outperformed arrays without length control in field-effect transistor performance.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nicole M. Stephens, Hayley P. Masching, Mohammad K. I. Walid, Jacob W. Petrich, Jared L. Anderson, Emily A. Smith
Summary: Alkylimidazolium chloride ionic liquids have various applications in micro-confined separation systems. Understanding the diffusion properties of analytes in these systems under different conditions is important for efficient design. Experimental results showed that the diffusion coefficients of a hydrophilic dye in alkylimidazolium chloride ionic liquids are influenced by factors such as alkyl chain length, thickness, and temperature.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Felix Ecker, Abith Vattekkatte, Wilhelm Boland, Michael Groll
Summary: In this study, a metal-dependent, bifunctional isoprenyl diphosphate synthase from the leaf beetle Phaedon cochleariae was characterized. The cooperative effects within the homodimer strongly depend on the provided metal ions and regulate the biosynthetic flux of terpene precursors. A unique chain length determination domain adapts to form geranyl or farnesyl pyrophosphate by altering enzyme symmetry and ligand affinity between both subunits. Additionally, an allosteric geranyl-pyrophosphate-specific binding site similar to end-product inhibition in human farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase was identified. The findings reveal a deeply intertwined reaction mechanism in the P. cochleariae isoprenyl diphosphate synthase.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zhiqiang Cao, Guorong Ma, Mingwan Leng, Song Zhang, Jihua Chen, Changwoo Do, Kunlun Hong, Lei Fang, Xiaodan Gu
Summary: In this study, the solution assembly of conjugated polymers with varying side-chain lengths was quantitatively analyzed using multiple methods. The results showed that the conformational and aggregation behaviors of the polymers are highly sensitive to temperature and side chain length. Longer side chains led to a decrease in aggregation temperature, degree of aggregation, and size of aggregates. At higher temperatures, the polymers dissolved completely and adopted a semiflexible coil conformation.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Amirreza Aghili Mehrizi, Shahram Tangestaninejad, Joeri F. M. Denayer, Keikhosro Karimi, Marzieh Shafiei
Summary: Morpholinium ionic liquids with different anions were used for the pretreatment of triticale straw. The addition of water or DMSO as cosolvent improved the ethanol production efficiency. The best solvent for pretreatment was a mixture of N-allyl-N-methylmorpholinium and acetate, with 20% water as cosolvent.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Madhuwanthi Buddhadasa, Brieuc Verougstraete, Yamid Gomez-Rueda, David Petitjean, Joeri F. M. Denayer, Francois Reniers
Summary: Ammonia plasma treatment can enhance the CO2 adsorption capacity of activated carbon by improving its surface chemistry, although it may also result in a decrease in microporosity due to pore blocking by the treated species.
JOURNAL OF CO2 UTILIZATION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ben Sutens, Yoran De Vos, Brieuc Verougstraete, Joeri F. M. Denayer, Marleen Rombouts
Summary: Activated carbon sorbents were 3D-printed into adaptable monolithic/multi-channel systems using potassium silicate as a binder. The sorbents were fully characterized and their CO2 capture performance was evaluated. By optimizing the desorption step, a significant increase in CO2 uptake was achieved.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Safoura Vaez, Keikhosro Karimi, Joeri F. M. Denayer, Rajeev Kumar
Summary: Waste apple pomace can be used to produce pectin and biofuels through sulfuric acid treatment. Optimal conditions were determined to maximize the yields of pectin and biofuels. The process has the potential to produce a large amount of bioethanol and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Shahida Anusha Siddiqui, Anjelina Sundarsingh, Nur Alim Bahmid, Nilesh Nirmal, Joeri F. M. Denayer, Keikhosro Karimi
Summary: This study critically evaluated the quality of biodegradable materials for meat packaging and the need for research in their improvement. Cellulose, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and polylactic acid showed potential for meat preservation, but their mechanical properties and gas and moisture exchange control need improvement. The use of these renewable materials in meat products is still limited.
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND FOOD SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Razieh Shafiei Alavijeh, Amin Shahvandi, Oseweuba Valentine Okoro, Joeri F. M. Denayer, Keikhosro Karimi
Summary: The present study investigated an integrated biorefinery that utilized corn stover as a feedstock for sustainable production of bioethanol, biodiesel, biogas, chitosan, glycerol, and animal feed. The study found that dilute acid pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis effectively released glucose and xylose, which were then converted into bioethanol, glycerol, and fungal biomass by a specific fungus. Additionally, the residue was converted into biogas, and the resulting products exhibited potential for carbon dioxide reduction and cost savings.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ravi Sharma, Zhuoheng Zhou, Thomas Themelis, Tom R. C. Van Assche, Sebastiaan Eeltink, Joeri F. M. Denayer
Summary: In this study, the low trace-level removal of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) from aqueous solutions using zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8)-coated copper sheet (ZIF-8@Cu) composite is reported for the first time. The composite showed the highest removal rate of 98% and remained consistent over a wide range of concentrations. The morphological and structural characterization revealed surface degradation of ZIF-8 crystals, but despite this, ZIF-8 effectively removes PFOS molecules from aqueous solutions.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mohsen Gholami, Tom R. O. Van Assche, Joeri F. M. Denayer
Summary: This review discusses the development of the adsorptive separation process and focuses on the hybrid temperature vacuum swing adsorption (TVSA) process. It highlights the current and potential applications of TVSA for carbon capture, as well as the cycle steps, heating methods, and bed configurations. The review clarifies the benefits and pitfalls of TVSA that are crucial for decision-making in technology development.
CURRENT OPINION IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Dagmara Szynkiewicz, Szymon Ulenberg, Pawel Georgiev, Aleksander Hejna, Barbara Mikolaszek, Tomasz Baczek, Gino V. V. Baron, Joeri F. M. Denayer, Gert Desmet, Mariusz Belka
Summary: This study successfully produced a silica/polymer composite with retained C18 silica sorptive properties that can be reliably printed using three-dimensional (3D) FDM printing. This composite material is a significant advancement in sample preparation, particularly for complex sample matrices and when mass spectrometry is favorable. An activated 3D-printed object was achieved, allowing access to silica particles while maintaining macroscopic size and shape.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Eduardo Perez-Botella, Dries Peumans, Gerd Vandersteen, Gino Baron, Jose M. Catala-Civera, Jose Gutierrez-Cano, Guy Van Assche, Aleix Costa Cornella, Joeri F. M. Denayer
Summary: This study presents a comprehensive investigation of microwave heating applied to large structured activated carbon adsorbents. By modifying the geometry and impedance of the cavity and optimizing the size of the adsorbent bed and heating time, heating homogeneity and energy efficiency can be achieved.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mathijs H. B. Born, Niels De Witte, Joeri F. M. Denayer, Tom R. C. Van Assche
Summary: This study used a laboratory-scale experiment to mimic large-scale non-isothermal behavior and found that the efficiency of a polyurethane insulating column was approximately 20% lower than a regular steel column due to adiabatic effects. The difference between isothermal, non-isothermal, and adiabatic limit behavior was demonstrated through experiments and simulations.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Emile Jules Beckwee, Geert Watson, Maarten Houlleberghs, Daniel Arenas Esteban, Sara Bals, Pascal Van Der Voort, Eric Breynaert, Johan Martens, Gino Baron, Joeri F. M. Denayer
Summary: This study reports a new type of periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) nanotubes, referred to as hollow ring PMO (HR-PMO), capable of promoting methane clathrate hydrate formation under mild working conditions and at high water loading. The HR-PMO nanotubes exhibit a steep single-stepped isotherm and a noticeably high methane storage capacity. Supported by ex situ cryo-electron tomography and x-ray diffraction, the findings suggest that HR-PMO nanotubes promote clathrate hydrate nucleation and growth by distributing and confining water in the mesopores of their outer wall, central channels, and external surface. These results highlight the potential application of organosilica materials for pressure-based storage of biomethane in confined clathrate hydrates.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Seyed Sajad Hashemi, Mehdi Abbasi-Riyakhuni, Joeri F. M. Denayer, Meisam Tabatabaei, Mortaza Aghbashlo, Keikhosro Karimi
Summary: This study addresses environmental issues related to dairy and ethanol plant wastewaters and generates valuable products through a novel three-phase fungi-based biorefinery. The biorefinery process optimizes cultivation conditions and maximizes mycoprotein production. The three-phase biorefinery significantly reduces chemical oxygen demand of the wastewater and produces promising amounts of mycoprotein and biomethane.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Tom R. C. Van Assche, Gille R. Wittevrongel, Valentina Lozano Betancur, Lala Muslumzada, Joeri F. M. Denayer
Summary: This paper proposes a graphical method to obtain adsorbed amounts from breakthrough curves, which can be used in isothermal, diluted adsorption breakthrough experiments. By using an integrated capacity curve, additional equilibrium points can be extracted beyond the final state without the need for a multicomponent model.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ravi Sharma, Ghadi Saab, Matthias Schoukens, Tom R. C. Van Assche, Joeri F. M. Denayer
Summary: This study presents a novel hybrid ferromagnetic MOF-alginate composite bead for atmospheric water harvesting. The composite exhibits high water capture capacity and quick water release capability, making it an attractive candidate for next-generation water harvesting devices. It also shows high stability in outdoor conditions, indicating its potential for practical applications.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2023)