Article
Chemistry, Physical
S. Mashruk, M. O. Vigueras-Zuniga, M. E. Tejeda-del-Cueto, H. Xiao, C. Yu, U. Maas, A. Valera-Medina
Summary: The use of green hydrogen for decarbonization has attracted attention, and ammonia can be used as a chemical to transport and distribute green hydrogen while improving the operability of power systems. However, pure ammonia shows slow reaction kinetics and requires doping with more reactive molecules. Ammonia is expected to replace natural gas in power and heat production, and hydrogen can be obtained from the pre-cracking of ammonia. Therefore, the analysis of combustion properties of ammonia/methane/hydrogen blends is important for the transition to renewable energy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ebenezer O. Fanijo, Emad Kassem, Ahmed Ibrahim
Summary: The study demonstrated that the use of SCMs along with glass powder can significantly reduce ASR expansion, with binary or ternary blends of 20% replacement being effective for ASR mitigation, and the combination of glass powder with conventional SCMs performed better in reducing cracks due to ASR expansion.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Brent B. Skabelund, Ellen B. Stechel, Ryan J. Milcarek
Summary: Ammonia and hydrogen as fuels can achieve lower carbon emissions in power generation without any retrofitting. This study explores the performance and emissions of ternary fuel blends of methane, hydrogen, and ammonia in gas turbines, and identifies the optimal fuel composition.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Oliver Fernie, Thanos Megaritis, Lionel Christopher Ganippa, Efstathios-Al. Tingas
Summary: The addition of hydrogen peroxide and steam as ignition promoters in a hydrogen-fuelled HCCI engine improves engine performance and reduces NOx emissions. The optimal balance between performance and emissions is achieved with 5%-10% hydrogen peroxide and 10%-15% steam addition. Additionally, it was found that high efficiency can be achieved with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide at higher compression ratios.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Nada Hadi Jumaa, Isam Mohamad Ali, Mohammed Salah Nasr, Mayadah W. Falah
Summary: The addition of nanomaterials in geopolymer concrete significantly improved the density of the microstructure, reduced pore formation, and increased compressive strength.
CASE STUDIES IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Gang Liu, Runxia Zhang, Zhaolin Gu, Jianyun Wang
Summary: Coal slime, a by-product of coal washing, generates serious environmental problems and high costs due to its inefficient utilization. This study explored the potential of using calcined coal slime in cement binder systems and found that 600°C calcined coal slime effectively improved the performance of cement.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Anuj Parashar, Satya Medepalli, Shashank Bishnoi
Summary: The suitability of R-3 tests for measuring the reactivity of various SCMs and their blends with CH was investigated. The correlation between heat of hydration and bound water tests and the strength activity index was examined. The formation of hydration products and microstructure analysis were conducted. The applicability and limitations of the test method were discussed.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Maria Gioti, Despoina Tselekidou, Vasileios Foris, Vasileios Kyriazopoulos, Kyparisis Papadopoulos, Spyros Kassavetis, Stergios Logothetidis
Summary: This study investigates the white light emission characteristics of organic LEDs composed of blue, green, and red materials. Different ratios of films were prepared and their optical and photophysical properties were analyzed. OLED devices were fabricated for evaluation, resulting in successful white light emission.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Weigang Zhu, Guoping Li, Subhrangsu Mukherjee, Natalia E. E. Powers-Riggs, Leighton O. O. Jones, Eliot Gann, R. Joseph Kline, Andrew Herzing, Jenna L. L. Logsdon, Lucas Flagg, Charlotte L. L. Stern, Ryan M. M. Young, Kevin L. L. Kohlstedt, George C. C. Schatz, Dean M. M. DeLongchamp, Michael R. R. Wasielewski, Ferdinand S. S. Melkonyan, Antonio Facchetti, Tobin J. J. Marks
Summary: Recent studies have shown that nonfullerene acceptors (NFAs) can achieve higher power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) compared to traditional fullerenes in polymer solar cells (PSCs). Understanding the relationship between film morphology, charge carrier dynamics, and photovoltaic performance is crucial for improving materials design and device engineering. Optimization of the incorporation of a fullerene, PC71BM, in a binary blend system can enhance PCE by increasing the charge carrier mobilities and reducing recombination. However, excessive PC71BM can lead to undesirable morphology changes and decreased performance.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Hedayatollah Sadegh Ghari, Hossein Nazockdast
Summary: The toughening efficiency of differently plasticized thermoplastic starches in PLA/TPS blend was studied. The addition of citric acid as a co-agent significantly reduced the viscosity and melt elasticity of TPS, leading to smaller particle size and enhanced toughness. The addition of dynamically cross-linked EVA in PLA/TPS ternary blends resulted in a special matrix-disperse morphology, enabling the blends to exhibit remarkably higher toughness.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
N. Ferreira, L. Coronel, M. S. Moreno, L. M. Cornaglia, J. F. Munera
Summary: Co catalysts supported on La2O3-SiO2 binary systems were active and stable for the production of hydrogen in steam ethanol reforming reaction. The presence of higher content of Co-0 species increased the hydrogen yield, suggesting the importance of metallic cobalt as the active species in the reaction. Higher cobalt content in the catalyst led to amorphous type of carbonaceous deposits and constant hydrogen yield over time on stream. The most active and stable catalyst with 15 wt% of Co achieved high H-2 recovery in a membrane reactor under moderate reaction conditions.
FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Filipe Hobi Bordon Sosa, Flavio Andrade Temoteo, Rafael Macedo Dias, Debora Costa do Nascimento, Antonio Marinho Barbosa Neto, Mariana Conceicao da Costa
Summary: The flashpoint plays a significant role in fire risk mitigation and prevention strategies for biojet fuel blends. It is important to employ a precise model to estimate the flashpoint in newly developed biojet blends to ensure compliance with safety standards. The presence of compounds like ethanol in fuel mixtures can change their flashpoint. This study highlights the sensitivity of flashpoint to ethanol concentration and the effectiveness of activity coefficient models in predicting flashpoints.
FLUID PHASE EQUILIBRIA
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Tomasz Halon, Bartosz Gil, Bartosz Zajaczkowski
Summary: This paper summarizes the search for suitable alternatives to commonly used refrigerants in vapor compression air conditioning systems for a moderate climate. Through simulations and screening, it was found that R152a/R1234ze(E) [0.7/0.3 mass ratio] is the best refrigerant blend.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Merve Sahin Yon, Furkan Arslan, Mehmet Karatas, Ahmet Benli
Summary: Researchers worldwide have shown interest in utilizing waste materials in the concrete industry. This study evaluates the abrasion and high-temperature resistance of self-compacting mortars manufactured using silica fume (SF) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (S). The results suggest that a ternary combination of S with SF content above 10% can be used to produce self-compacting mortar with good mechanical characteristics and abrasion resistance, and a smaller carbon footprint.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Raasti Naseem, Giorgia Montalbano, Matthew J. German, Ana M. Ferreira, Piergiorgio Gentile, Kenneth Dalgarno
Summary: This paper explores the thermal, mechanical, and processing properties of ternary blends of PCL, PHBV, and PLLA for orthopaedic applications. The study demonstrates that blending PCL and PHBV with PLLA can improve the modulus, strength, and elongation at break of the materials, with PHBV having the greatest impact on the modulus and strength, and PCL affecting creep behavior and viscosity.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
A. Alcazar-Ruiz, R. Garcia-Carpintero, F. Dorado, L. Sanchez-Silva
Summary: Fast pyrolysis of organic waste like olive pomace shows potential in reducing pollutants and increasing the yields of valuable compounds like phenolic compounds. The presence of inorganic metals in the ashes from the drying process can influence the distribution of products, with the potential to act as catalysts for improving bio-oil quality.
FOOD AND BIOPRODUCTS PROCESSING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maria Puig-Gamero, Maria Magdalena Parascanu, Paula Sanchez, Luz Sanchez-Silva
Summary: The production of methanol from olive pomace has a greater environmental impact compared to conventional methanol production from natural gas, largely due to the technical performance of the processes.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
M. Pinzon, A. Romero, A. de Lucas-Consuegra, A. R. de la Osa, P. Sanchez
Summary: Cobalt catalysts supported using β-SiC are efficient for low-temperature hydrogen production from ammonia decomposition. The addition of small amounts of potassium metal significantly enhances catalytic activity, while excess potassium leads to blockage of active sites and decreased hydrogen production.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
A. Alcazar-Ruiz, M. L. Ortiz, F. Dorado, L. Sanchez-Silva
Summary: This study compares the sustainability of gasification and fast pyrolysis processes for producing bio-oil using agricultural wastes through a life cycle assessment. The findings indicate that gasification has a greater environmental impact than fast pyrolysis for all studied agricultural biomasses. The study also reveals that fast pyrolysis is the most environmentally friendly option for producing 1 MJ bio-oil.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Alberto Rodriguez-Gomez, Enrico Lepre, Luz Sanchez-Silva, Nieves Lopez-Salas, Ana Raquel de la Osa
Summary: In this study, three nitrogen-doped carbonaceous materials with different atomic C/N ratios and porous networks were synthesized as supports for PtRu electrocatalysts for ethanol oxidation reaction. PtRu/CNZ showed the best electrochemical performance due to a suitable compromise between particle sizes, degree of alloy, textural properties, and elemental composition. The findings suggest that PtRu/NCs can outperform commercial catalysts and provide stable electrocatalytic activity for clean hydrogen production.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
A. Alcazar-Ruiz, L. Sanchez-Silva, F. Dorado
Summary: This study focuses on the enhanced production of benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX) through catalytic fast co-pyrolysis of agroindustrial biomass blended with PVC, using prepared NaZSM-5 and HZSM-5 catalysts. The results show that the presence of mineral content alters the formation of co-pyrolysis intermediates, leading to increased BTX yields. The addition of PVC enhances the thermal decomposition of agricultural waste biomass, resulting in significantly higher BTX yields.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Angel Alcazar-Ruiz, Fernando Dorado, Luz Sanchez-Silva
Summary: This study proposes a combined treatment method of torrefaction and fast pyrolysis to convert agricultural waste biomass into value-added chemicals. The study found that olive pomace was more thermally unstable compared to almond shell. The highest yield of carboxylic acids was obtained at 280°C for 20 s for olive pomace, with higher torrefaction temperature and residence time promoting the production of phenolic compounds.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
A. Alcazar-Ruiz, F. Dorado, L. Sanchez-Silva
Summary: An original pathway for renewable production of phenol-rich bio-oil from pretreated olive pomace was studied. Different de-mineralisation processes were employed to alter the catalytic activity in fast pyrolysis. Water treatment removed potassium and enhanced the selective production of guaiacol and syringol. HCl, HNO3, and NaOH treatments showed important differences in carboxylic acid and phenolic distribution.
FOOD AND BIOPRODUCTS PROCESSING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ignacio Garrido-Ceca, Maria Puig-Gamero, Alvaro Ramirez-Gomez
Summary: This study analyzed the influence of bends on the functionality of explosion isolation flap valves through experiments. The results showed that the effect of bends depended on the explosive characteristics of the dust, and for certain dusts, bends increased both pressure and flame velocity. These research findings provide important reference for valve design and the development of standards for assessing their functionality.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
F. Dorado, L. Toledo, A. R. de la Osa, A. Esteban-Arranz, J. Sacristan, B. Pellegrin, J. Steck, L. Sanchez-Silva
Summary: This study aims to enhance the performance of epoxy resin coatings for protecting concrete structures against chemical corrosion and surface abrasion. Fe2O3 nanoparticles were incorporated into a carbonaceous matrix in a two-part epoxy resin coating. Modified coatings exhibited significantly improved performance compared to unmodified ones after undergoing accelerated ageing under harsh conditions. The amount of composite added to the epoxy system was analyzed, indicating that adding 3 wt% of synthesized Fe2O3 nanoparticles into a graphite carbonaceous matrix offered the most promising adhesion values. Additionally, a compromise between adhesion improvement and limiting solubility was achieved by adding 3 wt% of the composite into epoxy resin. A decrease in the emitted number of nanoparticles after ageing was observed. Overall, the incorporation of Fe2O3 nanoparticles into epoxy resin coatings displays potential in enhancing their performance and durability.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dario Cantero, Esther Pinilla-Penalver, Amaya Romero, Luz Sanchez-Silva
Summary: Waterborne polyurethane (WBPUR) aerogels were successfully synthesized using acetone method and freeze-drying procedure. The properties of the aerogels, including morphology, chemical structure, thermal and mechanical properties, were analyzed. The solids content in the hydrogel was found to have a significant influence on the density, thermal conductivity, and elasticity of the aerogels. The drying methodology of freeze-drying was proven to be a cost-effective way to prepare aerogels-like materials.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
A. Alcazar-Ruiz, A. Villardon, F. Dorado, L. Sanchez-Silva
Summary: This study found that hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is an effective method for valorizing almond shell (AS). The severity of HTC treatment affected hydrochar yields, with higher severity promoting carbonization but reducing yields. HTC treatment effectively demineralized biomass samples, thereby removing inorganic material that catalyzes carbonization. Increased residence time or temperature led to increased carbon content and decreased oxygen content. HTC treatment also produced valuable chemicals like guaiacol and syringol, with residence time having a greater effect on syringol production and high HTC temperatures benefiting levoglucosan production. Overall, the results demonstrate the potential of HTC treatment for valorizing agricultural waste and producing valuable chemicals.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
A. Alcazar-Ruiz, L. Sanchez-Silva, F. Dorado
Summary: The aim of this study was to explore the synergistic optimization of bio-oil by catalytic co-pyrolysis of almond shell and plastic residues. Results showed a decrease in oxygen content and an increase in carbon yields and calorific value of the oil in the blends containing plastics. Blends of almond shell with polyethylene enhanced the production of hydrocarbon fractions, while blends with polystyrene enhanced the formation of aromatic compounds.
CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGIES IN AGRICULTURE
(2023)
