Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yu-Chen Liu, Yu-Hsuan Hung, Sutarsis, Chia-Chieh Hsu, Chung-Sheng Ni, Tzu-Yin Liu, Jeng-Kuei Chang, Han-Yi Chen
Summary: This paper evaluates the effects of surface modification of coal tar pitch-derived nanoporous carbons (NPCs) as anode materials on the performance of Escherichia coli (E. coli)-based microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for the first time. The study shows that nitrogen-doped NPCs (750N) have higher electrical conductivity and biocompatibility, resulting in a higher power output in MFCs.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Joanna C. Sadler, Stephen Wallace
Summary: This study reports a novel approach to directly upcycle post-consumer PET waste into valuable vanillin using engineered Escherichia coli. After process optimization, a conversion rate of 79% from terephthalic acid to vanillin was achieved, marking a significant improvement in yield. This work demonstrates the first biological upcycling of post-consumer plastic waste into vanillin, showcasing the potential for sustainable solutions in the plastic recycling industry.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Krassimira Ilieva-Makulec, Anna Augustyniuk-Kram, Izabella Olejniczak, Kamil Karaban, Marek Nowicki, Tomasz Runka, Andrzej Kulczycki, Jaroslaw Kaluzny
Summary: The study found that multiwalled carbon nanotubes had a potential impact on soil organisms, especially with higher sensitivity in nematodes. Contamination by CNTs significantly affected the dynamics and diversity of soil fauna and microbial communities, potentially leading to long-term consequences for soil functioning and nutrient cycling.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Asim Ali Yaqoob, Mohamad Nasir Mohamad Ibrahim, Claudia Guerrero-Barajas
Summary: This review discusses the different conventional and modern anode materials used in microbial fuel cells, emphasizing the advantages of natural biomass-derived materials in addressing challenges. It also introduces some limitations of natural-derived anodes that can be addressed through metal oxide composites.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Giulia Massaglia, Marzia Quaglio
Summary: This paper introduces a novel method to synthesize a 3D composite aerogel, which shows high performance as an anode electrode in single chamber microbial fuel cells (SCMFCs). The electrode exhibits a high surface area, biocompatibility for bacterial proliferations, and improved electron pathways.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marcos Valenzuela-Ortega, Jack T. Suitor, Mirren F. M. White, Trevor Hinchcliffe, Stephen Wallace
Summary: In this study, the researchers developed a new method to convert PET plastic waste into adipic acid using genetic engineering. By optimizing gene expression and enzyme activity, as well as immobilizing cells, they achieved efficient conversion. This research has the potential to reduce reliance on fossil resources and promote the reuse of waste materials.
ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Muruganantham Rethinasabapathy, A. T. Ezhil Vilian, Seung Kyu Hwang, Sung-Min Kang, Youngjin Cho, Young-Kyu Han, Jin-Kyu Rhee, Yun Suk Huh
Summary: In this study, spinel cobalt ferrite hierarchical flower-like microspheres were successfully fabricated and utilized as a biocompatible anode in microbial fuel cells, achieving high power output. The unique morphology and charge properties of CoFe2O4-MS promoted efficient interfacial interactions with Escherichia coli, resulting in more effective electron transfer and power generation.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Asim Ali Yaqoob, Albert Serra, Mohamad Nasir Mohamad Ibrahim, Amira Suriaty Yaakop
Summary: This study developed self-assembled modified graphene oxide (GO) anodes from oil palm biomass, which significantly improved energy output in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and successfully removed Cd (II) from synthetic wastewater. The results demonstrate the potential of using MFCs with waste-derived materials for industrial applications.
ARABIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yue Qin, Huiyu Li, Yaxin Sun, Shiquan Guo, Chunhong Shi, Yuanfeng Liu, Congju Li
Summary: A 3D cellular scaffolds structure with superior performance was fabricated by combining Ni/Co-catecholate bimetal metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes, achieving favorable electronic transport and fast charge transfer for improved microbial fuel cell (MFC) performance.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiawei Yang, Shaoan Cheng, Shenglong Zhang, Weiqiang Han, Beichen Jin
Summary: The utilization of a solution-phase flocculation method to prepare MXene nanosheets for anode modification in microbial fuel cells resulted in improved anode performance, with higher current density compared to traditional modification techniques. This method provides a simple and cost-effective approach for enhancing the efficiency of MFC anodes.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Mark T. Kozlowski, Bradley R. Silverman, Christopher P. Johnstone, David A. Tirrell
Summary: The study demonstrates the potential applications of engineered microbial communities in environmental remediation, microbiome engineering, and synthesis of fine chemicals through controlling the structures of bacterial aggregates. Additionally, methods such as activating quorum-sensing circuit and tuning aggregate size by regulating the amount of surface proteins on cells have been explored.
ACS SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Nirmala Rani, Neena Jaggi
Summary: In this study, nanostructured composites of FMWCNTs/SnO2 were prepared and characterized using various analytical methods. The electrical properties were investigated, and potential applications in gas sensing, supercapacitors, and hydrogen storage were discussed.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yancong Zhang, Amrisha Bhosle, Sena Bae, Lauren J. McIver, Gleb Pishchany, Emma K. Accorsi, Kelsey N. Thompson, Cesar Arze, Ya Wang, Ayshwarya Subramanian, Sean M. Kearney, April Pawluk, Damian R. Plichta, Ali Rahnavard, Afrah Shafquat, Ramnik J. Xavier, Hera Vlamakis, Wendy S. Garrett, Andy Krueger, Curtis Huttenhower, Eric A. Franzosa
Summary: This article investigates the role of microbial communities and their associated bioactive compounds in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). It systematically identifies potentially bioactive protein families involved in gut inflammation during IBD and validates their bioactivity using a combination of metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, and metaproteomics. The results provide candidate microbial proteins that interact with the host immune system in IBD, expanding our understanding of potentially bioactive gene products in chronic diseases.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhengcheng Wang, Shangyan Zhou, Wei Liao, Qingmei Wang
Summary: In this study, PtCo alloys catalysts supported on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared with improved methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) properties and anti-CO poisoning ability. The Pt1Co3@NC/MWCNTs sample with moderate Co2+ feeding content showed a 1.93-fold enhancement in MOR mass activity compared to commercial Pt/C catalyst. Additionally, it displayed a lower CO oxidation onset potential. The improvements in MOR activity, durability, and anti-CO poisoning ability were attributed to the moderate surface compositions, optimal electronic interaction, and the protection of N-doped carbon (NC) shells. This study provides a new direction for the design and fabrication of highly efficient electrocatalysts for DMFCs applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sierra M. Brooks, Celeste Marsan, Kevin B. Reed, Shuo-Fu Yuan, Dustin-Dat Nguyen, Adit Trivedi, Gokce Altin-Yavuzarslan, Nathan Ballinger, Alshakim Nelson, Hal S. Alper
Summary: Researchers have developed a tripartite microbial coculture system for the de novo production of plant-derived phenylpropanoids. The system has shown improved stability and flexibility, and has the potential to be used for the production of various industrial products.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Nujud M. M. Badawi, Mamta Bhatia, S. Ramesh, K. Ramesh, Mufsir Kuniyil, Mohammed Rafi Shaik, Mujeeb Khan, Baji Shaik, Syed E. F. Adil
Summary: A smart self-healing hydrogel electrolyte based on alginate/PEDOT:PSS(A/P:P) with H2SO4 as a polymeric initiator and a source of ions was prepared, which exhibited high ionic conductivity and self-healing ability. The composite hydrogel showed a significant improvement in ionic conductivity and could repair itself within 10 minutes of cutting.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Jian Wang, Yachuan Shao, Fei Yuan, Huilan Sun, Di Zhang, Zhaojin Li, S. Ramesh, H. J. Woo, Bo Wang
Summary: In this study, a Mo-W-MOF with core-shell structure was formed and transformed into a multileveled MoWSe2/WO3/C anode with a unique petal-like curled nanosheet structure. The electrode demonstrated excellent metallic properties and exhibited high capacity and energy density in sodium-ion batteries/capacitors, providing a reference for the development of transition metal chalcogenides anodes.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Norshahirah M. Saidi, Shahid Bashir, Fatin Saiha Omar, N. K. Farhana, V. Sundararajan, S. Ramesh, K. Ramesh
Summary: Blending two different polymers through physical blending creates a new polymer with desired properties and shows a synergistic effect. This study blended polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and poly (1-vinylpyrrolidone-co-vinyl acetate) P(VP-co-VAc) in a binary organic solvent. The resulting polymer electrolytes, in gel and solid form, were incorporated with iodide/triiodide redox mediators for DSSC application. The 50:50PP polymer electrolyte achieved the highest ionic conductivity, short-circuit current, and power conversion efficiency.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
K. Rajammal, K. Ramesh, S. Ramesh, D. Sivakumar
Summary: Olivine LiMPO4 (M = Mn, Ni) cathode materials have attracted wide attention as potential cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries due to their good structural properties, high potential, and specific capacity of up to 170 mAh g(-1). However, poor electronic and ionic conductivity hinders their application in electrochemical devices. This mini review focuses on the doping technique in LiMPO4 (M = Mn, Ni) cathode materials and discusses the enhanced performances based on physical and electrochemical characteristics, as well as a scalable application route.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ong Gerard, Arshid Numan, Mohammad Khalid, S. Ramesh, K. Ramesh
Summary: A high-performing binder-free nickel-manganese phosphate (NMP) battery-type electrode was fabricated using the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The electrode showed a high specific capacity and improved performance compared to single metal phosphate electrodes. The synthesized NMP electrode exhibited good morphology, elemental composition, chemical state, chemical bonding, and crystallinity.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sachin Sharma Ashok Kumar, Shahid Bashir, M. Pershaanaa, F. Kamarulazam, Norshahirah M. Saidi, Zhi Ling Goh, I. A. Wonnie Ma, Vogisha Kunjunee, Anif Jamaluddin, K. Ramesh, S. Ramesh, S. Ramesh, Rishya Manikam
Summary: Globally, there has been a shift towards affordable, clean, and renewable energy sources due to environmental concerns and energy security uncertainties related to fossil fuels. Energy storage systems are highly favored as they can address the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources. Researchers have focused on developing energy storage devices using low-cost carbon electrode materials. However, most of these materials are derived from non-renewable and non-sustainable sources, and their fabrication approaches are often contaminative and hazardous. To overcome these challenges, sustainable approaches like green technology have been employed to produce activated carbon from renewable biomass materials. This review article discusses recent approaches and techniques for obtaining porous carbon from biomass, and explores their applications in energy storage.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Sachin Sharma Ashok Kumar, I. A. Wonnie Ma, Gerard Ong, K. Ramesh, S. Ramesh
Summary: Researchers developed a series of coatings containing acrylic and epoxy resins to investigate their corrosion protection performance on mild steel substrates. 1 wt% polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) solution was added as a modifier to enhance the corrosion protection and hydrophobicity of the coatings. The chemical structures and thermal stability of the coatings were evaluated using FTIR and TGA analysis, while their transparency and surface wettability were investigated using UV-Vis spectroscopy and water contact angle instrument. The corrosion protection performance was evaluated using EIS, and the T5 coating sample exhibited the best results.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Ong Gerard, Arshid Numan, Mohammad Khalid, S. Ramesh, K. Ramesh
Summary: A binder-free nickel-copper phosphate battery-type electrode was successfully fabricated using a microwave-assisted hydrothermal technique. The electrode showed high specific capacity and excellent electrochemical properties, making it a promising choice for battery-type electrodes in electrochemical energy storage applications.
JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ong Gerarda, Arshid Numan, Muhammad Amirul Aizat Mohd Abdaha, Mohammad Khalid, S. Ramesh, K. Ramesh
Summary: This study presents the fabrication of binder-free nickel-copper phosphate (NCP) battery-type electrode using microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The NCP electrode with Ni:Cu ratio of 3:1 exhibited excellent electrochemical performance, achieving the highest specific capacity, lowest resistance, and outstanding stability. The fabricated Ni3-Cu-P//AC supercapattery showed a higher energy density and maintained 91.3% capacity after 3000 cycles.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
M. Nujud Badawi, Khalid Mujasam Batoo, Mamta Bhatia, Ramesh T. Subramaniam, Ramesh Kasi, Ritesh Verma
Summary: This study discusses the physical and chemical interactions between electrolyte/electrode interfaces and cotton fibers. It provides comprehensive insights into the construction of solid-state electrolyte/electrode interfaces and can be useful for future research on cotton-based batteries.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
M. Pershaanaa, Fathiah Kamarulazam, Ong Gerard, Z. L. Goh, Shahid Bashir, Kashmiri Baruah, Pritam Deb, S. Ramesh, K. Ramesh
Summary: In this review, the different fabrication methods of MXene and its performance enhancement techniques are discussed. The potential applications of MXenes in electrochemical energy storage devices, sensors, water splitting, environmental remediation, flame retardant, direct fuel cells, etc., are thoroughly discussed. The challenges and prospects faced by MXenes and its composites are also explored.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
S. Sreehari, Nithya S. George, Lolly Maria Jose, Ramesh T. Subramaniam, Arun Aravind
Summary: Transition Metal Nitrides (TMNs) are emerging materials with potential applications in energy generation, storage, and conversion. 2D nanomaterials have attracted significant attention due to their advantages in terms of high surface area, mechanical strength, conductivity, and versatility. However, research on 2D TMNs has been limited due to synthesis difficulties. This review comprehensively examines the structure, morphology, and optical properties of various 2D TMNs, discusses synthesis challenges and attempts to overcome them, and explores the electrochemical and photocatalytic capabilities of TMNs and their dependency on structure and morphology.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sachin Sharma Ashok Kumar, I. A. Wonnie Ma, K. Ramesh, S. Ramesh
Summary: Corrosion-induced damages have caused malfunctions and failures in metallic structures, resulting in economic loss. Graphene, as a wonder material, is widely used in corrosion protection coatings due to its excellent chemical stability, superior mechanical properties, and high corrosion resistance. This study demonstrates the remarkable features of graphene-based nanofillers in improving the barrier performance of acrylic-epoxy based polymer coatings.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Fathiah Kamarulazam, Pershaanaa Manogran, Zhi Ling Goh, Ong Gerard, Zulnasri Said, Alya Sabrina Zabidi, Shahid Bashir, Muzakkir Zulkarnain, Ramesh Subramaniam, Ramesh Kasi
Summary: Amid the search for alternatives to petrochemical-based polymers, natural polymers, particularly natural rubber (NR), have gained significant attention due to their sustainability, affordability, elastomeric properties, and low glass transition temperature. This comprehensive exploration of NR characteristics delves into its potential as a hydrogel electrolyte and showcases its ability to mitigate potential long-term consequences of synthetic materials. The study also reviews past research, growth and development, and prospects of NR and its derivatives in various applications, highlighting its importance while acknowledging its limitations.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Fathiah Kamarulazam, Shahid Bashir, M. Pershaanaa, Zhi Ling Goh, G. Surender, Prince Nishchal Narayanaswamy Elumalai, N. K. Farhana, S. Ramesh, K. Ramesh
Summary: This research presents a novel approach to develop flexible hydrogel electrolytes with impressive ionic conductivity, stretchability, and self-healing capabilities. By utilizing hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions, the hydrogel exhibited a significantly improved mechanical strength after the self-healing process. The immersion time was found to play a crucial role in enhancing the ionic conductivity and functionality of the hydrogel electrolytes.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
