Review
Agricultural Engineering
Jikai Zhao, Mark R. Wilkins, Donghai Wang
Summary: This review summarizes the latest advances in reducing production costs for ionic liquids-based biorefineries. It discusses the use of protic ionic liquids with lower synthesis costs, but highlights the challenges of excessive solvents washing and the degradation of ionic liquids during recycling. It also suggests the potential of enzyme and strain screening for one-pot saccharification and fermentation, but emphasizes the need for efficient ionic liquid recovery methods.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Eleazer P. Resurreccion, Javad Roostaei, Mason J. Martin, Randy L. Maglinao, Yongli Zhang, Sandeep Kumar
Summary: This study conducted a comprehensive evaluation of a novel cracking alternative for producing aviation biofuel from plant oil using lipids from Camelina sativa L. A high-resolution spatially explicit life cycle assessment and technoeconomic analysis were used to demonstrate the sustainability of camelina. Results indicated the potential for significant biofuel production from growing camelina on wheat-producing lands in several states, with promising reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and profitability prospects.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Tyler Huntington, Nawa Raj Baral, Minliang Yang, Eric Sundstrom, Corinne D. Scown
Summary: Technoeconomic analysis and life-cycle assessment are important for evaluating biofuel or biochemical production processes. Traditional process simulation models can be expensive and computationally intensive. This study explores an automated machine learning approach to develop surrogate models that can accurately approximate complex process simulations at a lower computational cost.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Wenlu Song, Yu He, Rui Huang, Jianfeng Li, Yujie Yu, Peng Xia
Summary: A life-cycle assessment was conducted to evaluate the industrial feasibility of deep eutectic solvents (DES) for microalgae pretreatment. The study assessed the impact of DES on the hydrothermal disintegration (HTD) of microalgae for biodiesel and biogas co-production, focusing on net energy ratio (NER) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Although the addition of DES during HTD increased energy output by 36.33%, the larger increase in energy input resulted in an increase in NER from 0.65 to 0.83. Moreover, the synthesis of DES consumed a significant amount of energy, accounting for 45.93% of the total energy input. The addition of DES also led to an increase in net GHG emissions, from -25.53 g CO2-eq MJ-1 to 26.04 g CO2-eq MJ-1. To facilitate commercial applications, reducing GHG emissions and energy consumption through DES recovery is crucial. By using a combined method of membrane filtration and recrystallization for DES recovery, a low NER of 0.58 and negative net GHG emissions were achieved for microalgal biofuel production via DES-HTD.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Caleb M. Woodall, Zhiyuan Fan, Yushan Lou, Amar Bhardwaj, Amit Khatri, Mahak Agrawal, Colin F. McCormick, S. Julio Friedmann
Summary: This paper reviews technology options to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the production of ammonia, methanol, and ethylene. It emphasizes the importance of carbon capture and storage (CCS) and highlights the potential of low-carbon hydrogen and electrification. Other options, such as bio-based inputs and demand-side measures, also offer emission reductions, but face challenges. Targeted policies are suggested to promote the use of low-cost technologies and address barriers for other technologies.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Vishal V. Khanpit, Sonali P. Tajane, Sachin A. Mandavgane
Summary: This research focuses on optimizing the process of producing soluble dietary fiber concentrate from waste citrus peel using various physical methods. It evaluates the environmental impact and economic feasibility of the processes through life cycle assessment and technoeconomic analysis. The study shows that the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind electricity, reduces CO2 emissions and overall utility costs.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Pooja Yadav, Dimitris Athanassiadis, Io Antonopoulou, Ulrika Rova, Paul Christakopoulos, Mats Tysklind, Leonidas Matsakas
Summary: The study focuses on life cycle and cost assessment of novel organosolv lignin production process from spruce bark, comparing different scenarios to identify the most environmentally and economically suitable option. Results show that the baseline scenario has higher global warming potential and total cost compared to other scenarios, with scenario S2 being the most optimal choice.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xin Zhou, Hao Yan, Xiang Feng, Hui Zhao, Yibin Liu, Xiaobo Chen, De Chen, Chaohe Yang
Summary: By optimizing the novel VDG process, glycerol can be efficiently oxidized to glyceric acid, achieving high purity product separation at low temperatures, which reduces production costs and energy consumption.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Venkatesh Balan, James Pierson, Hasan Husain, Sandeep Kumar, Christopher Saffron, Vinod Kumar
Summary: Algae are microorganisms that can grow in water using sunlight and are capable of sequestering CO2. Research has shown that algae have promising applications in producing renewable food, feed, fuels, and chemicals, and can be used as carbon sinks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Manish Kumar, Shiv Bolan, Lokesh P. Padhye, Muxina Konarova, Shin Ying Foong, Su Shiung Lam, Stuart Wagland, Runzi Cao, Yang Li, Nuno Batalha, Mohamed Ahmed, Ashok Pandey, Kadambot H. M. Siddique, Hailong Wang, Joerg Rinklebe, Nanthi Bolan
Summary: Plastic production and mismanagement leads to pollution in various environments. Plastic waste can be converted into valuable petrochemicals, and this review discusses the technologies, opportunities, challenges, and outlooks related to this process.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ahmed Osman, Neha Mehta, Ahmed M. Elgarahy, Amer Al-Hinai, Ala'a H. Al-Muhtaseb, David W. Rooney
Summary: The global energy demand is projected to increase by nearly 28% by 2040, leading to a growing interest in utilizing biomass as a renewable energy source for producing biofuels. Life cycle assessment plays a crucial role in providing insights into the environmental impacts associated with biofuel production chains. The integration of thermochemical and biochemical conversion routes shows promise for enhancing process efficiency in biomass-to-biofuel conversion, with ongoing research and publication efforts focusing on addressing knowledge gaps in the field.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mudila Dhanunjaya Rao, Rohit B. Meshram, Kamalesh K. Singh, Carole A. Morrison, Jason B. Love
Summary: Informal recycling activities of waste printed circuit boards cause severe environmental harm. This study assessed the environmental impacts of recovering copper and gold through sequential processes and confirmed the industrial viability of recycling valuable metals to minimize environmental impacts.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mateus Guimaraes da Silva, Antonio Carlos Luz Lisboa, Ronaldo Hoffmann, Pedro Daniel da Cunha Kemerich, Willian Fernando de Borba, Gabriel D'avila Fernandes, Ericklis Edson Boito de Souza
Summary: This study presents the first environmental impact assessment of rice straw methanol life cycle in Brazil, with focus on emissions from different stages of production process. Results show that removing rice straw from the field can reduce methane emissions but increase nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide emissions. The carbon footprint of rice straw methanol production is 8.09 x 10(-01) kg CO2eq per kg methanol, with biomethanol having the potential to reduce GHG emissions by 67-74% compared to fossil methanol.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Praveen Kuppan, Abinandan Sudharsanam, Kadiyala Venkateswarlu, Mallavarapu Megharaj
Summary: The circular bioeconomy framework is a solution to the global transition towards resource-efficient and low-carbon economies. However, the use of microalgae in this sustainable circular bioeconomy faces challenges such as energy consumption and underutilization of residual biomass, resulting in greenhouse gas emissions. This analysis demonstrates that closed loop microalgal wastewater systems can reduce GHG emissions by over 50% and increase the valorization of residual biomass for value-added products compared to open loop systems. Integrating solar technologies in closed loop systems further reduces GHG emissions by 99%, aligns with 11 UN sustainable development goals, and presents a suitable model for a zero-waste and low-carbon circular bioeconomy.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Christian Moretti, Ivan Vera, Martin Junginger, Ana Lopez-Contreras, Li Shen
Summary: Bio-jet fuels from bio-based by-products are viewed as a promising alternative to mitigate the climate change impact of aviation. This study utilized both attributional and consequential life cycle assessment (LCA) models to evaluate an innovative bio-jet fuel produced from potato by-products in the Netherlands, which led to contrasting conclusions on the overall environmental performance. While consequential LCA had higher uncertainties, it provided insights into the consequences of additional animal feed production, which was not considered in the system boundaries of attributional LCA.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lee R. Lynd, Gregg T. Beckham, Adam M. Guss, Lahiru N. Jayakody, Eric M. Karp, Costas Maranas, Robert L. McCormick, Daniel Amador-Noguez, Yannick J. Bomble, Brian H. Davison, Charles Foster, Michael E. Himmel, Evert K. Holwerda, Mark S. Laser, Chiam Yu Ng, Daniel G. Olson, Yuriy Roman-Leshkov, Cong T. Trinh, Gerald A. Tuskan, Vikas Upadhayay, Derek R. Vardon, Lin Wang, Charles E. Wyman
Summary: This article identifies the technology challenges and opportunities for developing economically viable, scalable, and sustainable technologies for converting lignocellulosic polysaccharides to liquid fuels. The overview of feedstocks, processes, and products highlights the potential of anaerobic processing for fuel production and the distinctive challenges associated with microbial processing of cellulosic biomass. The article also discusses opportunities to increase product tolerance and decrease the cost of product recovery, as well as pathways for converting anaerobic fermentation products to larger fuel molecules using chemo-catalysis.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Vanessa Lebarbier Dagle, Martin Affandy, Johnny Saavedra Lopez, Lelia Cosimbescu, Daniel J. Gaspar, S. Scott Goldsborough, Toby Rockstroh, Song Cheng, Taehoon Han, Christopher P. Kolodziej, Alexander Hoth, Sreshtha Sinha Majumdar, Josh A. Pihl, Teresa L. Alleman, Cameron Hays, Charles S. McEnally, Junqing Zhu, Lisa D. Pfefferle
Summary: The research identified a dimethyl-hexenes rich olefins mixture (DMHROM) as a preferred bioblendstock for SI/ACI combustion engines, with potential for improving gasoline fuel performance. The production, testing, and measurements conducted validated the suitability of DMHROM for enhancing engine efficiency and fuel economy while meeting emissions regulations and ASTM specifications.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jacob H. Miller, Glenn R. Hafenstine, Hannah H. Nguyen, Derek R. Vardon
Summary: This study presents a kinetic study of ketonization of carboxylic acids (VFAs) and validates the derived kinetic parameters in a reactor simulation. The results indicate that the ketonization rate is positively correlated with acid pressure at low pressures, transitioning to zero order at higher pressures. Additionally, the presence of ketonization coproduct water inhibits the reaction rate, but ketones or CO2 do not.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Physical
Derek R. Vardon, Bryan J. Sherbacow, Kaiyu Guan, Joshua S. Heyne, Zia Abdullah
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hannah Nguyen, Nabila A. Huq, Daniela Stuck, Stephen M. Tifft, Davis R. Conklin, Andrew J. Koehler, William Wilson McNeary, Gina M. Fioroni, Cameron Hays, Earl D. Christensen, Ian McNamara, Andrew Bartling, Ryan Davis, Kinga A. Unocic, Derek R. Vardon
Summary: This study examines the role of CuMAlOx catalysts in upgrading woody biomass via SCM-DHDO. The results show that CuCeAlOx exhibits the highest activity and is correlated with its high reducibility and acidity. Additionally, Cu sintering and biogenic impurity poisoning are identified as possible deactivation mechanisms. Overall, SCM-DHDO processing can produce suitable light oxygenates for gasoline bioblendstock applications.
ADVANCED SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Eric C. D. Tan, Kylee Harris, Stephen M. Tifft, Darlene Steward, Christopher Kinchin, Thomas N. Thompson
Summary: This study evaluates the potential capacity and price of biofuel production in the United States, focusing on its adoption for marine propulsion. The findings suggest that the US has the resources and technology to produce substantial amounts of biofuels, which can serve as alternative marine fuels. However, there is a need to improve the price of biofuels for wider adoption in the maritime industry.
BIOFUELS BIOPRODUCTS & BIOREFINING-BIOFPR
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Matthew J. Montgomery, Hyunguk Kwon, Alan L. Kastengren, Lisa D. Pfefferle, Travis Sikes, Robert S. Tranter, Yuan Xuan, Charles S. McEnally
Summary: Synchrotron x-ray fluorescence is a useful tool for measuring temperatures in optically dense gases, especially in complex systems where physical and chemical processes are closely connected. The experiments provide benchmark data for evaluating computational fluid dynamics models and also identify potential sources of uncertainties in the measurements, allowing for future improvements.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rachel E. Mow, Lucy J. T. Metzroth, Michael J. Dzara, Glory A. Russell-Parks, Justin C. Johnson, Derek R. Vardon, Svitlana Pylypenko, Shubham Vyas, Thomas Gennett, Wade A. Braunecker
Summary: This study reports the synthesis of a Cu(I)-loaded COF material with subnanometer pores and a three-dimensional network morphology, and investigates the sorption mechanisms of hydrogen, ethylene, and carbon monoxide with this material. The results show that all three gases desorb near or above room temperature, and can be desorbed on-demand by irradiation with ultraviolet light. This work represents a step towards developing more practical ambient temperature gas storage and efficient regeneration of sorbents.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Junqing Zhu, Juan V. Alegre-Requena, Patrick Cherry, Dominic Curtis, Mohammed A. Jabed, Seonah Kim, Charles S. McEnally, Lisa D. Pfefferle, Josanne-Dee Woodroffe
Summary: This study measured the sooting tendencies of terpenes and their derivatives and found that the hydrogenated compounds have lower sooting tendencies, offering benefits in reducing soot.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMBUSTION INSTITUTE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jacob H. Miller, Stephen M. Tifft, Matthew R. Wiatrowski, Pahola Thathiana Benavides, Nabila A. Huq, Earl D. Christensen, Teresa Alleman, Cameron Hays, Jon Luecke, Colin M. Kneucker, Stefan J. Haugen, Violeta Sanchez i Nogue, Eric M. Karp, Troy R. Hawkins, Avantika Singh, Derek R. Vardon
Summary: Biomass conversion to fuels and chemicals is crucial to decarbonization, but choosing an advantageous upgrading pathway out of many options is challenging. Researchers present a method enabling high-throughput screening by approximating upgrading unit operations and drop-in compatibility of products, and apply it to VFA conversion to liquid transportation fuels.
Article
Thermodynamics
Colin Banyon, Matthew J. Montgomery, Hyunguk Kwon, Alan L. Kastengren, Lisa D. Pfefferle, Travis Sikes, Yuan Xuan, Charles S. McEnally, Robert S. Tranter
Summary: This study presents high-fidelity temperature field measurements of heavily-sooting ethylene/air flames using x-ray fluorescence (XRF) measurements. The challenges faced by conventional optical diagnostics have been overcome by implementing the XRF method with a fluorescent agent. The results demonstrate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of this method in accurately interpreting the experimental signals.
COMBUSTION AND FLAME
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Eric Monroe, Joseph S. Carlson, Rakia Dhaoui, Mysha Sarwar, Pahola Thathiana Benavides, Junqing Zhu, Charles S. McEnally, Lisa Pfefferle, Anthe George, Nicholas Sizemore, Ryan W. Davis
Summary: In order to reduce carbon emissions, the production of new renewable ground transportation fuels is needed, utilizing abundant sources of biomass and carbon-efficient bioprocessing. These fuels are especially suitable for medium- to heavy-duty engine architectures supporting long-range transportation. By chemically upgrading central metabolism-derived intermediates such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, and 4-hydroxybutyrate with various fermentation-derived alcohols, compounds with performance similar to petroleum diesel can be obtained.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yensil Park, Melanie Moses-DeBusk, Tommy Powell, James Szybist, Zhanhong Xiang, Junqing Zhu, Charles S. McEnally, Lisa D. Pfefferle
Summary: The U.S. Department of Energy's Co-Optima initiative focuses on improving fuel economy, vehicle performance, and reducing emissions through the development of sustainable fuels and advanced combustion strategies. This study investigates the impact of different fuel properties on emissions from advanced compression ignition (ACI) and spark-ignited (SI) combustion strategies operating on the same fuels. The results show that fuel properties have a greater impact on soot PM and particle number emissions, while phasing has a greater impact on NOx emissions.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jaeyoung Cho, Yeonjoon Kim, Brian D. Etz, Gina M. Fioroni, Nimal Naser, Junqing Zhu, Zhanhong Xiang, Cameron Hays, Juan V. Alegre-Requena, Peter C. St John, Bradley T. Zigler, Charles S. McEnally, Lisa D. Pfefferle, Robert L. McCormick, Seonah Kim
Summary: This study investigates the effects of structural factors on the emission and reactivity of ether compounds and develops a multivariate regression model for the design of low-emission and high-reactivity ether fuels. Experimental measurements confirm the potential of ethers with high cetane number and low sooting index as biodiesel candidates.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY & FUELS
(2022)