Article
Energy & Fuels
Zhe Liu, Yiming Huang, Gang Xiao, Peifeng Li, Haijia Su, Sarina Sarina, Huaiyong Zhu
Summary: The use of titanium nitride nanoparticles in the visible-light-driven photocatalytic process to cleave the C-O bond in phenethyl phenyl ether (PPE) has shown to be an effective and eco-friendly method, with advantages over traditional thermolysis. This novel procedure has great potential for producing valuable aromatic compounds from lignin.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Tang Son Nguyen, Manh Tu Le, Van Hieu Nguyen
Summary: In this work, the hydrogenolysis of benzyl phenyl ether (BPE) and real organosolv lignin feedstock using NixFey/TiN bimetallic catalysts was investigated. The bimetallic catalysts showed higher activity and selectivity compared to single-component materials, with Ni5Fe2/TiN exhibiting the best performance. XANES analysis confirmed electron transfer from Ni to Fe in Ni5Fe2/TiN, explaining its superior activity.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Wei Jiang, Jing-Pei Cao, Chen Zhu, Tao Xie, Xiao-Yan Zhao, Ming Zhao, Yun-Peng Zhao, Hong-Cun Bai
Summary: Selective cleavage of stable ether C-O bonds for lignin valorization and designing high activity and cheap catalysts have attracted researchers' attention. Niobium species with Brønsted and Lewis acid sites can be used in the hydrodeoxygenation of diphenyl ether. Ni/Nb2O5 catalyst with weak acidity can efficiently cleave C-O bonds of DPE without hydrodeoxygenation, achieving a high yield of target products in the presence of H2 and isopropanol.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jia-Pei Guo, Fang-Jing Liu, Lei-Lei Bie, Xing-Gang Si, Yan-Hong Li, Ping Song, Nian Liu, Yun-Peng Zhao, Zai-Xing Huang, Jing-Pei Cao, Xian-Yong Wei
Summary: This study successfully catalyzes the selective hydrogenolysis of dealkaline lignin using Ni nanoparticles supported on iron/nitrogen co-doped carbon, providing high value-added chemicals such as phenols.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rita Raachini, Ferdaous Ben Romdhane, Capucine Sassoye, Maya Boutros, Franck Launay
Summary: This paper investigates the hydrogenolysis of 2-phenoxy-1-phenylethanone using different catalysts. The study reveals that although the bimetallic catalysts exhibit high metal dispersion, there is no synergy between the two metals. It is also found that the Ni-based catalyst shows better phenol productivity under reduction conditions at 650℃.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Mohammad Shahinur Rahaman, Sarttrawut Tulaphol, Ashten Molley, Kyle Mills, Md Anwar Hossain, Daniel Yelle, Thana Maihom, Noppadon Sathitsuksanoh
Summary: A catalytic upgrading strategy using metal triflates can efficiently transform benzyl phenyl ether into large phenolic compounds, with potential applications in various fields such as phenol-formaldehyde polymers, diesel/jet fuels, and liquid organic hydrogen carriers.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2021)
Review
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Xiongjian Du, Shubin Wu, Penghui Li
Summary: This paper focuses on the hydrolysis reaction of three major ether bonds (α-O-4, 6-O-4, 4-O-5) in lignin and lignin model compounds based on different catalysts for hydrogenative degradation. The methods and strategies to inhibit condensation reactions are summarized. The hydrogenation degradation mechanism of biomass is analyzed using isotopically labeled reaction pathways and density functional theory calculation to improve the yield of monophenols.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hongfei Xiao, Jianghao Zhang, Chuo Du, Yanxia Zheng, Jinhou Fang, Shuang Li, Changbin Zhang
Summary: Selective hydrogenolysis of diphenyl ether (DPE) was achieved by tailoring the electronic Ru-Al2O3 interaction through controlling the size of supported Ru nanoparticles. The tailored electronic structure dramatically increased the barrier of an undesired secondary reaction, leading to improved selectivity towards aromatics. The catalyst with the smallest Ru particle displayed the highest activity and selectivity. This work provides an approach to control selectivity in hydrotreatment by regulating energy barriers along the reaction pathway.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Jin-Xuan Xie, Jing-Pei Cao, Wei Jiang, Xiao-Yan Zhao, Liang Zhao, Chuang Zhang, Hong-Cun Bai
Summary: This study investigated the effect of biochar prepared from different carbon sources on the catalytic hydrogenolysis of lignin model compounds over Ni/AC catalyst. The results showed that Ni/ACP prepared from cellulose powder exhibited the best catalytic activity under mild conditions, converting lignin-derived compounds into value-added compounds. The uniform pore structure of ACP facilitated better dispersion of metallic Ni, while the high purity sulfur-free ACP allowed for more Ni0 adsorption. Compared to other Ni/AC catalysts, Ni/ACP demonstrated optimal catalytic performance.
FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fang Lin, Ho-Yin Tse, Hanno C. Erythropel, Predrag Petrovic, Mahlet Garedew, Jinshan Chen, Jason Chun-Ho Lam, Paul T. Anastas
Summary: This study reports a highly selective electrochemical method for the cleavage of benzylic C-O bond in lignin model compounds at room temperature and ambient pressure. Using nickel ions as catalysts in the presence of water molecules, benzyl phenyl ether (BPE) can be converted to toluene and phenol in methanol with high yields.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Zhi-Jun Diao, Liang-Qiu Huang, Bo Chen, Ting Gao, Zhi-Ze Cao, Xiang-Dong Ren, Si-Jia Zhao, Shuang Li
Summary: Gas-phase SiO2-supported amorphous Ni-Ru bimetallic phosphide composite catalysts (NiRuP/SiO2) were prepared and investigated for the catalytic hydrogenolysis of a lignin-related model compound. The Ni5RuP2/SiO2 catalyst showed high catalytic activity for the hydrogenolysis reaction without excessive hydrogenation, providing an alternative method for lignin depolymerization.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Haichuan Zhang, Zede Yi, Shiyu Fu, Changzhi Li, Lucian A. Lucia, Qiying Liu
Summary: A top-down synthesis method was used to fabricate a bifunctional metallic catalyst with specific lattice planes. The catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic activity, recycling durability, and size selectivity towards lignin substrates.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Fa-Peng Wu, Yun-Peng Zhao, Zong-Pin Fu, Le -Le Qiu, Jian Xiao, Jian Li, Fang-Jing Liu, Jing-Pei Cao
Summary: Efficient transfer hydrogenolysis of benzyl phenyl ether was achieved using Ni1.5Cu1.5/Al2O3 catalyst with isopropanol as hydrogen source. The formation of NiCu alloy and electron transfer between Ni and Cu were found to be responsible for the excellent catalytic performance. Isopropanol demonstrated better hydrogen-donating ability than other low-carbon alcohols due to its unique dehydrogenation pathway and small steric hindrance. The active hydrogen species for the C-O bond cleavage originated from isopropanol, while both isopropanol and H2 were involved in the hydrogenation of phenol to cyclohexanol.
FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Weixiang Guan, Xiao Chen, Chi Wing Tsang, Haoquan Hu, Changhai Liang
Summary: This study investigates the catalytic performance of Rh/Nb2O5 catalysts in the hydrodeoxygenation of lignin monophenol compound, achieving high efficiency in converting lignocellulosic biomass into valuable aromatic compounds under low hydrogen pressure. Particularly, the Rh/Nb2O5-400 catalyst shows exceptional selectivity and yield in producing aromatics from lignin oil as the substrate.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dennis Panke, German Bechthold, Thomas E. Mueller
Summary: This paper discusses the solvent effect in the catalytic depolymerization of lignin, as well as presents the results of an experimental study on the depolymerization of kraft lignin. The study finds that ruthenium and platinum catalysts, particularly Pt/C, show resilience to sulfur in kraft lignin, and methanol is a suitable solvent. The reaction conditions strongly affect the conversion of kraft lignin to lignin oil, with different catalysts showing different optimal conditions. The formation of specific products is attributed to the solubility of oligomeric lignin fragments in the solvent and the adsorption of specific groups on the catalyst surface.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Beilei Wei, Yunchang Peng, Paramsothy Jeyakumar, Longxin Lin, Dongliang Zhang, Meiyan Yang, Jinning Zhu, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Hailong Wang, Ziting Wang, Chong Li
Summary: Soil acidification is the main cause of soil cadmium pollution exacerbation. Biochar treatment can increase soil pH and decrease the availability of cadmium. This study evaluated the response of cadmium fractions to biochar application in soils with different pH and assessed the effect of biochar's physicochemical properties on cadmium. The results showed that biochar treatment increased soil pH and decreased available cadmium. The effectiveness of biochar varied depending on the soil pH, with different fractions of cadmium being affected differently. The findings provide key information for the remediation of cadmium pollution in soils with different pH using biochar.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kwan-Shing Chan, Shu-Kei Leung, Sammie Sum-Yi Wong, Shui-Shing Chan, Dawson Wai-Shun Suen, Chi-Wing Tsang, Cho-Yin Chan
Summary: Due to the non-renewable nature of fossil fuels, the development of alternative renewable energy sources such as microalgae-derived biofuel is crucial for sustainable growth and carbon neutrality. This study investigated an energy-efficient method for harvesting microalgal biomass using the marine green microalgae Tetraselmis sp. Among different methods tested, magnetic separation proved to be the most efficient due to its simplicity, fast processing steps, and low energy consumption. However, further research on different microalgal species and cultivation conditions is needed for large-scale biofuel production.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shauhrat Singh Chopra, Liang Dong, Guneet Kaur, Christophe Len, Carol Sze Ki Lin
Summary: Textile waste is a global concern and valorising it into value-added products is crucial to divert it from landfills. Rapid innovation in valorisation technologies for different textiles and blends is promising. However, benchmarking and comparing these technologies is essential before scaling up to fit the local circular economy. This article emphasizes the use of life cycle assessment to evaluate the environmental, social, and economic implications for selecting appropriate textile waste valorisation pathways based on waste stream and local demand.
CURRENT OPINION IN GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiang Wang, Zhong-Hong Zhang, Kuan-Kuan Yuan, Hui-Ying Xu, Guo-Hui He, Libin Yang, Joseph Buhagiar, Wei-Dong Yang, Yalei Zhang, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Hong -Ye Li
Summary: Microalgae-based antibiotic removal treatment has gained attention due to its low carbon and sustainable advantages. By using a suitable carbon source, microalgae can enhance the removal of pollutants through co-metabolism. However, there is limited knowledge about the removal of fluoroquinolone using a microalgae-mediated co-metabolism system. This study investigated the biotic processes of Haematococcus lacustris in a co-metabolism system with glycerol, which achieved significant removal efficiencies of 79.73% for ofloxacin (OFL) and 54.10% for enrofloxacin (ENR), respectively. The study also identified the metabolites and pathways involved in the biodegradation of fluoroquinolone by H. lacustris, and demonstrated the involvement of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes in this process. Molecular dynamic simulation further confirmed the binding conformation of fluoroquinolones with CYP450. These findings provide a microalgae-based approach for sustainable biodegradation of antibiotics using a co-metabolism strategy with glycerol, leading to the accumulation of valuable products.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yunzi Hu, Anshu Priya, Chao Chen, Cuiyi Liang, Wen Wang, Qiong Wang, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Wei Qi
Summary: Lignocellulosic biorefinery, as a potential strategy for sustainable production, faces challenges of low degradation efficiency and high enzyme dosage. This article provides a comprehensive review on this subject by discussing recent advances in substrate modification techniques, enzyme synergism mechanisms, and structure-activity interaction. Newly developed modeling and multi-omic analysis techniques for commercial enzyme preparations are introduced, offering possible avenues for achieving economic viability of lignocellulose bioconversion.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zi-Hao Qin, Xiaomeng Hu, Jin-Hua Mou, Guo-Hui He, Guang-Bin Ye, Hong-Ye Li, Shauhrat Singh Chopra, Liang Dong, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Xiang Wang
Summary: This study conducted Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) to evaluate the environmental impact of laboratory-scale EPA production by Phaeodactylum tricornutum. The results showed that technical advancements, particularly metabolic engineering, significantly reduced the global warming potential and cumulative energy demand associated with EPA production. Electricity consumption and extraction solvents were identified as the main contributors to the environmental impact. The study suggests future directions should focus on increasing EPA productivity, adopting alternative cultivation approaches with less energy input, and implementing environmentally friendly methods for EPA recovery.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sunita Varjani, Wei Yan, Anshu Priya, Fengxue Xin, Carol Sze Ki Lin
Summary: Food waste produces greenhouse gases when disposed of improperly, so it is important to find ways to manage and convert it into valuable products. This paper explores various bioprocesses for transforming food waste and discusses the production of value-added products like polyurethane foam and protective equipment. It also addresses the use of multiomics strategies for food waste management and identifies potential challenges in pollution control and the development of a circular bioeconomy.
CURRENT OPINION IN GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Ming Ho To, Huaimin Wang, Yahui Miao, Guneet Kaur, Sophie L. K. W. Roelants, Carol Sze Ki Lin
Summary: Large scale food waste was analyzed to determine the concentration of potential inhibitors, and lactic acid, acetic acid, and ethanol were identified as inhibitors of the growth of S. bombicola and its SLs production. Various methods were evaluated to remove these inhibitors, and a simple and effective strategy for removing inhibitors from food waste was developed, complying with the 12 principles of green chemistry and suitable for industrial high SLs production.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jin-Hua Mou, Zi-Hao Qin, Yu-Feng Yang, Si-Fen Liu, Wei Yan, Lan Zheng, Ya-Hui Miao, Hong-Ye Li, Patrick Fickers, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Xiang Wang
Summary: This study investigated the characteristics of four types of food waste and their hydrolysates, and explored their potential application in biorefineries. The results showed that the characteristics of food waste and their hydrolysates varied based on their origins, and the origin and storage conditions of food waste affected microalgal growth and paramylon production.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Xiangzhou Yuan, Yafei Shen, Piumi Amasha Withana, Ondrej Masek, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Siming You, Filip M. G. Tack, Yong Sik Ok
Summary: Environmental issues caused by food waste are significant for human well-being and ecosystem health. This study provides a review of recent advancements in converting food waste into engineered biochar through thermochemical conversion. The synthesis routes and practical applications of food waste-derived biochar are also discussed. Engineered biochar shows promise in mitigating environmental pollution and addressing energy crisis. However, further research is needed to understand the relationship between biochar properties and specific applications, and assessments of environmental benefits and economic feasibility are necessary before industrial implementation.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhenyao Wang, Xuan Li, Muhammad Ahmar Siddiqui, Huan Liu, Ting Zhou, Lei Zheng, Siyu Huang, Li Gao, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Qilin Wang
Summary: Anaerobic digestion is a promising technology for energy recovery from secondary sludge, but the presence of humic substances in wastewater limits its efficiency. Strategies such as removing humic substances, pretreatment of sludge, and adding metal salts, enzymes, and microorganisms can counteract these negative effects and improve anaerobic digestion.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Shazia Rehman, Yvette Shihui Yang, Raffel Dharma Patria, Talha Zulfiqar, Noman Khalid Khanzada, Rabia Jalil Khan, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Duu-Jong Lee, Shao-Yuan Leu
Summary: Food waste biorefinery is a sustainable method for producing green chemicals, but the factors hindering enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency have not been clear. This study investigated the effects of different cooking and storing methods on food waste and determined the optimal dosages and reaction coefficients. Drying and frying decreased the hydrolysis rate, while hydrothermal pretreatment increased it.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Zhenyao Wang, Xuan Li, Huan Liu, Ting Zhou, Jibin Li, Muhammad Ahmar Siddiqui, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Mohammad Rafe Hatshan, Siyu Huang, Julie M. Cairney, Qilin Wang
Summary: This study investigates the use of lignosulfonate to enhance sludge anaerobic digestion, revealing that it can increase methane production and degradation extent. The findings suggest that lignosulfonate offers a sustainable approach to sludge treatment.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xiang Wang, Guo-Hui He, Zhen-Yao Wang, Hui-Ying Xu, Jin-Hua Mou, Zi-Hao Qin, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Wei-Dong Yang, Yalei Zhang, Hong-Ye Li
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential of using genetically engineered strains of P. tricornutum to remove organophosphate pesticides while simultaneously producing biomass and biofuels. The study also reveals the mechanisms of organic phosphate degradation and regulation of related genes in this strain.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Cuiyi Liang, Qiong Wang, Wen Wang, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Yunzi Hu, Wei Qi
Summary: This study reports an efficient cellulase cocktail produced by co-cultivation of several Penicillium strains with lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) producing strains. When blending the consortium-derived enzyme cocktail with commercial cellulase preparation, the highest hydrolysis yield reached 88.7%, indicating its potential for enhancing lignocellulose biodegradation.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Correction
Chemistry, Applied
Jia Liu, Juntong Dong, Xiaodan Li, Teng Xu, Zhenguo Li, Jeffrey Dankwa Ampah, Mubasher Ikram, Shihai Zhang, Chao Jin, Zhenlong Geng, Tianyun Sun, Haifeng Liu
FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Seba Alareeqi, Daniel Bahamon, Kyriaki Polychronopoulou, Lourdes F. Vega
Summary: This study explores the potential application of single-atom-alloy (SAA) catalysts in bio-oils hydrodeoxygenation refining using density functional theory (DFT) and microkinetic modeling. It establishes the relationships between stability, adsorptive properties, and activity structures for bio-oil derivatives, providing guidance for the synthesis of cost-effective SAA combinations.
FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Bin Hu, Wen -Ming Zhang, Xue-Wen Guo, Ji Liu, Xiao Yang, Qiang Lu
Summary: This study explored the pyrolysis behaviors and mechanisms of different monosaccharides, including arabinose, galactose, galacturonic acid, and glucuronic acid. The roles of structural differences in these monosaccharides were analyzed, and it was found that glucuronic acid undergoes a special C-C bond breaking reaction during pyrolysis. The findings provide a deep understanding of the pyrolysis chemistry of hemicellulose and the role of different branches.
FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Youwei Zhi, Donghai Xu, Guanyu Jiang, Wanpeng Yang, Zhilin Chen, Peigao Duan, Jie Zhang
Summary: Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is an effective method for the harmless disposal of municipal sludge (MS) and offers potential applications for the obtained products. Optimizing reaction conditions, coupling with other waste materials, and combining different processes can improve the performance of HTC. Furthermore, HTC contributes to energy recovery and enhances the quality of life cycle assessment.
FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Jia Wang, Jianchun Jiang, Dongxian Li, Xianzhi Meng, Arthur J. Ragauskas
Summary: This study presents a scalable process for converting holocellulose and cellulosic wastes into advanced oxygen-containing biofuels with high furan, cyclic ketone, and ethanol content. By combining hydropyrolysis and vapor-phase hydrodeoxygenation using Pd/Al2O3 as a catalyst, the researchers achieved high yields and conversions. The integrated process holds great promise for biomass waste conversion into advanced biofuels.
FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Florian Held, Jannis Reusch, Steffen Salenbauch, Christian Hasse
Summary: The accurate prediction and assessment of soot emissions in internal combustion engines are crucial for the development of sustainable powertrains. This study presents a detailed quadrature-based method of moments (QMOM) soot model coupled with a state-of-the-art flow solver for the simulation of gasoline engines. The model accurately describes the entire cause-and-effect chain of soot formation, growth and oxidation. Experimental validation and engine cycle simulations are used to identify the root cause of observed soot formation hotspots.
FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
(2024)