Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
M. V. Bukhtiyarova, G. A. Bukhtiyarova
Summary: The article focuses on the screening of catalytic behavior of different heterogeneous catalysts in the reductive amination of levulinic acid and its derivatives, comparing pyrrolidone yields at similar reaction conditions and considering the reaction in both batch and continuous flow reactors.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yan Li, Hui Xu, Ganbing Zhang
Summary: In this study, a novel multi-crystalline nitrogen-doped porous carbon-encapsulated catalyst was synthesized and exhibited excellent catalytic activity and durability in a continuous flow reactor. The effects of N-coordination doping in MOF precursors on the morphology, size, and oxidation states of Cu species in the derived catalysts were investigated. The results showed that the introduction of coordination nitrogen-doped MOF precursor inhibited Cu2+ reduction and promoted the formation of a carbon-supported multi-crystalline CuxO/Cu structure.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zheng Ran, Lei Ni, Yong Pan, Yutong Chen, Jun Wang, Juncheng Jiang, Chi-Min Shu
Summary: This research aims to propose safety criteria for solid-liquid reactions in semibatch reactors. The study successfully established a new model for the energy and mass balance of solid-liquid reactions and improved the criteria for safety boundary and temperature diagrams.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nam Nghiep Tran, Marc Escriba Gelonch, Shu Liang, Zihao Xiao, Mohammad Mohsen Sarafraz, Marina Tisma, Hans-Jurgen Federsel, Steven V. Ley, Volker Hessel
Summary: This study investigated enzymatic pre-treatment of grease trap waste for biodiesel production, reducing FFA levels through an esterification reaction. Results showed that using commercial enzymes in continuous-flow experiments achieved better FFA reduction than batch processes. The continuous-flow reactors were also more time-efficient, completing experiments in less than 1.5 days compared to 6 days for batch processes.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xinjie Yan, Xunyu Shen, Jipeng Wang, Jinlong Zhuang, Yu Wang, Jinchi Yao, Hong Liu, Yongdi Liu, James P. Shapleigh, Wei Li
Summary: This study compared the performance characteristics and N2O production of sequencing batch reactors (SBR) and continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTR) during nitrite-based denitrification. The results showed that both reactors had high nitrite nitrogen removal efficiencies, but the N2O emissions were higher in the SBR. Cells in the SBR also showed a significant amount of intracellular granule accumulation during the feast period. Metagenomic analysis identified a dominant Thauera genus in both reactors.
FRONTIERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mahdi Abdi Khanghah, Arezou Jafari
Summary: This study modeled catalytic upgrading reactions in porous media using CFD technique coupled with reaction kinetics. The hydrodynamic characteristics of reactive flow in porous media were investigated, and it was found that they have a significant influence on the conversion of upgrading reactions. Additionally, the study revealed the effects of temperature and residence time on the product distribution of upgrading products.
JOURNAL OF THE TAIWAN INSTITUTE OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Francesco De Bon, Carlos M. R. Abreu, Armenio C. Serra, Armando Gennaro, Jorge F. J. Coelho, Abdirisak A. Isse
Summary: The synthesis of block copolymers using catalytic halogen exchange (cHE) with supplemental activator and reducing agent Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (SARA ATRP) is an efficient method to overcome the issue of inefficient initiation in block copolymerizations. This combined approach allows for the production of well-defined block copolymers with various compositions.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mei Zhi, Mengjiao Ou, Yucheng Chen, Yeyuan Xiao, Zhongbo Zhou
Summary: Nitrite accumulation in algal-bacterial consortia without aeration was evaluated in this study. Two different algal-bacterial systems (PSBR and PUSB) were operated and non-aerated partial nitrification was observed. Higher nitrite accumulation was achieved in PSBR due to enrichment of Phormidium and Leptolyngbya and inhibition of Nitrospira. PUSB showed more intensive interspecific interactions and potential contribution of partial denitrification to nitrite accumulation. This study advances our understanding of the partial nitrification process and nitrite accumulation by algal-bacterial consortia.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tianli Ma, Cheng Cheng, Lizhen Xing, Yuepeng Sun, Guangxue Wu
Summary: A better understanding of r-/K-strategists nitrifiers will help to balance the design and operation of bioprocesses for efficient pollution removal from wastewater. The study investigated the biokinetics, biofilm property, microbial community, and quorum sensing (QS) of nitrifying biofilm in a continuously flow reactor (CFR) and a sequencing batch reactor (SBR). Results showed that Nitrospira and Candidatus Nitrospira defluvii were the dominant nitrite-oxidizing taxa in both reactors. The biofilm in SBR had higher ratios of polysaccharide and protein in extracellular polymeric substances and higher thickness compared to CFR. AHLs-based QS might affect the formation of nitrifying biofilm and contribute to the different biokinetics of Nitrospira in CFR and SBR.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tianli Ma, Cheng Cheng, Lizhen Xing, Yuepeng Sun, Guangxue Wu
Summary: A better understanding of r-/K-strategists nitrifiers is crucial for optimizing the design and operation of bioprocesses for wastewater treatment. This study investigated the nitrite oxidation biokinetics, biofilm properties, microbial community, and quorum sensing (QS) in nitrifying biofilms from a continuously flow reactor (CFR) and a sequencing batch reactor (SBR). The results revealed different nitrite half saturation constants and dominant nitrite-oxidizing taxa in the CFR and SBR. Additionally, the biofilm properties and AHL signaling substances were significantly different between the two reactors. The insights gained from this study provide valuable information on the molecular mechanisms and adaptation of Nitrospira in different biokinetic environments.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Congkai Ma, Ting Han, Spyridon Efstathiou, Arkadios Marathianos, Hannes A. Houck, David M. Haddleton
Summary: A visible-light-regulated polymerization protocol was reported for the preparation of high-quality polymers with promising photopatterning capabilities. The method allows for the synthesis of complex copolymers and can be easily adapted for flow setups.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Hoang Phuc Trinh, Sang-Hoon Lee, Na-Kyung Kim, Hyeokjun Yoon, Garam Jeong, You-Jung Jung, Moonsuk Hur, Byoung-Hee Lee, Hee-Deung Park
Summary: In this study, two laboratory-scale reactors were used to investigate the application of anammox processes in the mainstream of domestic wastewater treatment plants. The results showed that Candidatus Jettenia was the dominant genus of anammox bacteria under low nitrogen loading rates with high total nitrogen concentrations.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
M. A. Hernandez-Shek, P. Peultier, A. Pauss, T. Ribeiro
Summary: Knowledge of the rheological evolution of biomass during dry anaerobic digestion is crucial for the engineering design, modeling, and operation of D-AD reactors. This study used slump test and shear-box methods to measure the changes in yield stress, cohesion, and friction angle of straw-cattle manure during the D-AD process. The results showed a reduction in yield stress and similar trends in cohesion and friction angle, indicating a close relationship between the degradation of biomass and its rheological properties.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ngoc Thuy Nguyen, Ki Hyuk Kang, Hai Hung Pham, Kang Seok Go, Duy Van Pham, Pill Won Seo, Nam Sun Nho, Chul Wee Lee, Sunyoung Park
Summary: This study investigated the effect of catalyst concentration on the reaction performance of slurry phase hydrocracking of vacuum residue. Results showed that high catalyst concentrations could suppress secondary cracking reactions and alter the conversion behavior of asphaltenes, leading to the proposal of equations for coke formation onset and a kinetic model. Overall, the transformation of residue to coke was dominant in non-catalytic hydrocracking and the coke formation rate decreased significantly with increasing catalyst concentration.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yessin Ammar, Patrick Cognet, Michel Cabassud
Summary: A novel modelling methodology using artificial neural networks is proposed to develop a global model for predicting the time evolution of concentrations of all species in the reaction medium. Different recurrent neural networks are utilized to estimate specific species as a function of operating parameters and concentrations, which are then assembled into a complex global model. This approach successfully represents the kinetic evolution of chemical species under varied operating conditions, and the neural network-based global model is integrated into a hybrid model for transposing reactions to a semi-batch chemical reactor.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Roberto Gonzalez-Blanco, Nelson Jimenez-Reyes, Michael F. Cunningham, Enrique Saldivar-Guerra
Summary: Stable polystyrene latexes with controlled molecular weight distribution are obtained by using efficient TEMPO oxidants in combination with nitroxides as initiators. Different concentrations of styrene lead to colloidal dispersions with adjustable particle size, conversion rates, and molecular weights.
MACROMOLECULAR REACTION ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Omar Garcia-Valdez, Pascale Champagne, Michael F. Cunningham
Summary: The development of reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) allows for the creation of unique macromolecular architectures with tailored properties, providing control over molecular weight distribution, morphology, composition, and functionality. Polymer grafting techniques on natural polymers such as chitosan and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) via RDRP have shown promise for various applications, despite their hydrophilic nature limiting potential in non-polar systems.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Vida A. Gabriel, Pascale Champagne, Michael F. Cunningham, Marc A. Dube
Summary: Nanocellulosic materials can be used as green materials for property modification in latex polymers, especially cellulose nanocrystals. It was found that the nanocrystals are sensitive to the ionic strength of the aqueous phase in latexes. By adjusting the surfactant-initiator systems, it is possible to successfully incorporate nanocrystals in-situ in emulsion polymerization for stable latex production.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Sarah N. Ellis, Michael F. Cunningham, Philip G. Jessop
Summary: The dual CO2- and thermo-responsive superabsorbent poly(N,N-dimethylallylamine) hydrogel (g-PDMAAm) can absorb and release water based on either CO2 or thermal stimuli, and achieves efficient water absorption and expulsion when both are combined.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Anna Riabtseva, Sarah N. Ellis, Pascale Champagne, Philip G. Jessop, Michael F. Cunningham
Summary: The study evaluated CO2-responsive branched poly(N,N-dimethylallylamine) (b-PDMAAm) as a potential draw solute for forward osmosis. Although it was expected that b-PDMAAm would have lower aqueous solution viscosity than linear PDMAAm, the results surprisingly showed similar viscosity. The branched CO2-responsive PDMAAm exhibited high osmotic pressures in the presence of CO2, but the osmotic pressures were lower than those for linear PDMAAm in both protonated and neutral states.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Alexander T. Fritz, Jaime C. Cazotti, Omar Garcia-Valdez, Niels M. B. Smeets, Marc A. Dube, Michael F. Cunningham
Summary: Starch biopolymers are made pH-responsive through grafting copolymers based on poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) and poly(2-(diethylaminoethyl) methacrylate) (PDEAEMA). These grafted materials exhibit pH-responsive behavior, switching from positive Zeta potential at low pH to negative Zeta potential at high pH, showing potential for various applications.
MACROMOLECULAR REACTION ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Joe Glasing, Jaime C. Cazotti, Alexander T. Fritz, Lilian S. Szych, Djalal Fakim, Niels M. B. Smeets, Michael F. Cunningham
Summary: In this study, Pickering miniemulsion polymerizations of styrene were conducted using starch nanoparticles modified with OSA and DSA. Low interfacial tension and a range of particle sizes were observed, with secondary nucleation observed when AIBN was used as an initiator. Modified SNP as PE resulted in relatively uniform latexes at low conversions.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Editorial Material
Engineering, Chemical
Michael F. Cunningham, Joao B. P. Soares
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Roberto Gonzalez-Blanco, Michael F. Cunningham, Enrique Saldivar-Guerra
Summary: The use of BlocBuilderMA as a macroinitiator enabled the stable and controlled latexes production of various polymers with high solids contents. The process, which does not require ionization of BB or alkaline conditions, allows for easy scale-up and potential industrial production. By adjusting the concentration of styrene in the nucleation step, colloidal dispersions with different particle sizes and conversion rates can be obtained.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Polymer Science
Amanda Rigg, Pascale Champagne, Michael F. Cunningham
Summary: Bio-based Pickering emulsifiers present a nontoxic alternative to surfactants in emulsion formulations and heterogeneous polymerizations, but the inherent hydrophilicity of polysaccharides and their nanoparticles limits efficiency and application range, necessitating surface modification for stability and functionality.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Olga Lidia Torres-Rocha, Sophie Campbell, Nicole Woodcock, Julien Pinaud, Patrick Lacroix-Desmazes, Pascale Champagne, Michael F. Cunningham
Summary: A simple method using block copolymers to functionalize the surface of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) has been reported, altering the hydrophilicity of CNC and increasing their dispersibility in organic solvents. This approach is simpler and less expensive than current routes based on covalent modification.
MACROMOLECULAR REACTION ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Vida A. Gabriel, Mathieu N. Tousignant, Sean M. W. Wilson, Marie D. M. Faure, Emily D. Cranston, Michael F. Cunningham, Benoit H. Lessard, Marc A. Dube
Summary: Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are a green alternative for producing polymer nanocomposites, providing significant matrix reinforcement. Films made with carboxylated CNCs (cCNCs) display higher peel strength, tack, and shear strength. Interestingly, omitting ultrasonication preserves cCNC-cCNC interactions, allowing them to behave like nanofibers and exhibit greater mechanical enhancements.
MACROMOLECULAR REACTION ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hares Wahdat, Cathy Zhang, Nicky Chan, Alfred J. Crosby
Summary: The pressurized interfacial failure (PIF) method allows for controlling the interfacial failure mechanism in soft materials, providing a new foundation for quantitatively decoupling the interfacial and bulk contributions to soft polymer adhesion. By analyzing the force-displacement relationships and critical energy release rate for interfacial separation, this method offers insights that traditional tack tests may not reveal.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hares Wahdat, Paul Elziere, Nicky Chan, Alfred J. Crosby
Summary: Closed annular adhesive interfaces are commonly found in nature and technologies, providing enhanced control over separation history. Experimental measurements and finite element analyses were used to develop semi-empirical analytical relationships for changes in contact compliance, material properties, and geometric constraints. A model was established to predict critical force changes for separating an annular contact interface based on internal pressure variations, providing a foundation for new experimental protocols and design guidelines for annular interfacial materials.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ross D. Jansen-van Vuuren, Guilherme Drechsler Vilela, Maedeh Ramezani, Peter H. Gilbert, Danika Watson, Nathan Mullins, Allen K. Lucas, Alan Jeffrey Giacomin, Michael F. Cunningham, Philip G. Jessop
Summary: A CO2-responsive SAP hydrogel capable of switching between hydrophobic and hydrophilic states in the presence of CO2 has been reported. These hydrogels can absorb and release water with the presence or absence of CO2, demonstrating their reusability and potential for various applications.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
