Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xiaopeng Shi, Biao Wang, Junhao Hu, Wei Chen, Chun Chang, Shusheng Pang, Pan Li
Summary: This study proposes a method for preparing value-added bio-products dominated by aromatic hydrocarbon bio-oil with high selectivity using microwave and char-based multi-catalysts (CMCs). Through experiments and comparisons of different catalysts' structural characteristics and pyrolysis properties, it was found that Zn-modified CMCs showed good selectivity for monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, while Zr-modified CMCs inhibited the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Badr A. Mohamed, Xiaotao Bi, Loretta Y. Li, Lijian Leng, El-Sayed Salama, Hui Zhou
Summary: The study demonstrates that the synergistic effects of BR can only be triggered when mixed with another efficient microwave-absorbing catalyst, such as K3PO4 or clinoptilolite. This mixture significantly increases the microwave heating rate, enhances the quality of biochar and bio-oil, and improves the overall efficiency of biomass microwave pyrolysis.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yanfang Zhu, Guiyang Xu, Wenqi Song, Yuzhen Zhao, Zongcheng Miao, Ruijuan Yao, Jianjing Gao
Summary: The study demonstrated that the use of microwave power and catalysts (ZSM-5, KOH, and ZSM-5-KOH mixture) in microwave-assisted catalytic pyrolysis of orange peel can improve the pyrolysis efficiency and bio-oil yield. Through techniques like GC-MS, FT-IR, H-1 NMR, and elemental analysis, the chemical components and functional groups in the pyrolytic bio-oils can be identified.
JOURNAL OF THE ENERGY INSTITUTE
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Young-Min Kim, Sumin Pyo, Hanie Hakimian, Kyung-Seun Yoo, Gwang-Hoon Rhee, Young-Kwon Park
Summary: This study conducted a kinetic analysis of non-catalytic and catalytic pyrolysis of polypropylene using different catalysts. The use of various catalysts significantly reduced the maximum decomposition temperature and apparent activation energy of PP, with Al-MCM-41 and bentonite having strong acidity and large pore size. Natural zeolite showed lower activation energy at lower conversion rates compared to other catalysts, and a faster increase in activation energy at higher conversion rates.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jie Liang, Guangcun Shan, Yifei Sun
Summary: Catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) is a promising technology for converting biomass into transportable fuels. This review discusses the key role of zeolites in lignocellulosic biomass CFP, highlighting challenges in designing effective zeolite catalysts and exploring future catalyst developments.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Anjani R. K. Gollakota, Chi-Min Shu, Prakash Kumar Sarangi, Krushna Prasad Shadangi, Sudip Rakshit, John F. Kennedy, Vijai Kumar Gupta, Minaxi Sharma
Summary: The quest for renewable and sustainable alternatives, especially biomass/bio waste, has been prompted by rising environmental concerns and the depletion of natural fossil fuels. Converting biomass residues into liquid fuels using thermochemical means seems promising, but the poor quality of bio-oil produced through pyrolysis poses challenges. Hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) offers a cutting-edge method for upgrading bio-oil into sustainable fuels that can compete with traditional fossil fuels. However, producing high-performance catalysts and understanding the physico-chemical aspects of bio-oil remain difficult. Research on upgrading pyrolysis bio-oil to gasoline is crucial for biorefineries, and this review provides detailed information on HDO mechanisms, biofuels, model compounds, and catalyst suitability for biofuels obtained from various feedstock.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Sunwen Xia, Haiping Yang, Wang Lu, Ning Cai, Haoyu Xiao, Xu Chen, Yingquan Chen, Xianhua Wang, Shurong Wang, Peng Wu, Hanping Chen
Summary: In this study, various monometallic and bimetallic catalysts were investigated for biomass graphitization to produce porous graphite and hydrogen sustainably. Among the catalysts, Fe exhibited high degree of char graphitization and largest surface area, while Co showed the highest hydrogen yield. The bimetallic Fe-Co catalyst outperformed the monometallic catalysts in terms of hydrogen yield, pore volume, and char graphitization, with an optimal pyrolytic temperature of 850 degrees C. The porous graphite obtained with Fe-Co catalyst showed excellent electrochemical performance for the ORR.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Dadi V. Suriapparao, Ribhu Gautam, Lakshmana Rao Jeeru
Summary: Catalytic and non-catalytic microwave-assisted co-pyrolysis of biomass with plastics was conducted to investigate their interactions. The results showed that co-pyrolysis increased gas yields but reduced oil yields. The oil fraction derived from plastic pyrolysis contained more hydrocarbons, while biomass pyrolysis resulted in the formation of oxygenated compounds in the oil. A new parameter, the pyrolysis index, was introduced to measure pyrolysis intensity, and it was found to be higher for plastic pyrolysis than biomass pyrolysis, further increased by co-pyrolysis due to synergistic interactions.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Pan Li, Xiaopeng Shi, Luyao Jiang, Xianhua Wang, Jiande Song, Shuqi Fang, Jing Bai, Chun Chang, Shusheng Pang
Summary: The study found that acid pretreatment and catalytic pyrolysis can improve the yield of aromatics in bio-oil, with the most significant effect observed at 600 degrees Celsius. Synergy effect facilitated the conversion of pyrolytic intermediates to gas and aromatics.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
V. Y. Fricler, G. S. Nyashina, K. Yu. Vershinina, K. V. Vinogrodskiy, A. S. Shvets, P. A. Strizhak
Summary: This paper presents the experimental results of microwave pyrolysis of biomass and analyzes the characteristics of microwave co-pyrolysis of agricultural waste. The experiments vary factors such as biomass type, particle size, absorber/catalyst type, and mixture composition to study the yield of the main pyrolysis products. The results show that microwave co-pyrolysis has great potential for the conversion of components that do not meet the gas characteristics during individual pyrolysis, and the pyrolysis of mixtures allows for the utilization of plant waste while maintaining product quality.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL AND APPLIED PYROLYSIS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tong Wu, Qi Dang, Yun Wu, Taoning Lei, Jingyi Yu
Summary: Catalytic hydropyrolysis is a novel technology for converting lignocellulosic biomass into alternative fuels and chemicals. This study designed and applied NiMo bimetallic carbon-based catalysts in the conversion of alkaline lignin. The process showed higher deoxygenation extent compared to pyrolysis and hydropyrolysis processes. The carbon-derived catalysts exhibited remarkable hydrodeoxygenation activity due to the synergistic effect of Ni0 and Mo2+/Moδ+.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Badr A. Mohamed, Naoko Ellis, Chang Soo Kim, Xiaotao Bi, Wei-Hsin Chen
Summary: This study focused on catalytic microwave pyrolysis of switchgrass to produce biochar with high sorption capacity for reducing heavy metal phytotoxicity in contaminated sandy soils. The addition of bentonite and K3PO4 during the process increased the micropore surface area and cation-exchange capacity of biochars, enhancing their effectiveness in reducing heavy metal bioavailability and promoting plant growth.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
William de Rezende Locatel, Chetna Mohabeer, Dorothee Laurenti, Yves Schuurman, Nolven Guilhaume
Summary: This paper investigates the catalytic co-pyrolysis of beech wood and polyamide-6 to examine the effects of polyamide-6 concentration on the bio-oil properties and catalyst performance. The results show that increasing polyamide-6 concentration leads to higher average molar mass and nitrogen content in the bio-oils, while reducing the production of fully deoxygenated compounds. Synergistic effects are observed in the co-pyrolysis process.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL AND APPLIED PYROLYSIS
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Le Kim Hoang Pham, Suwadee Kongparakul, Mingyue Ding, Guoqing Guan, Narong Chanlek, Prasert Reubroycharoen, Dai-Viet N. Vo, Nguyen Van Cuong, Chanatip Samart
Summary: Catalytic pyrolysis is a cost-effective technology for producing high-quality biofuels. The development of catalysts plays a crucial role in controlling the reaction pathways and producing specific products. In this study, palm kernel shells were pyrolyzed with a melamine-doped activated-carbon-supported Ni2P catalyst. The catalyst showed great potential for the selective production of phenolic compounds.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Keyoon Duanguppama, Nattadon Pannucharoenwong, Snunkhaem Echaroj, Le Kim Hoang Pham, Chanatip Samart, Phadungsak Rattanadecho
Summary: Natural minerals were used as catalysts to improve the properties of bio-oil produced through biomass pyrolysis. The catalyst beds were placed in two locations, and four different configurations were utilized to investigate the effects of catalyst type and location on catalytic activity and product selectivity. The dolomite catalyst placed in the primary and secondary reactors yielded the highest fraction of light bio-oil, while the configuration with zeolite catalyst in both reactors resulted in heavy bio-oil mainly composed of hydrocarbons.
JOURNAL OF THE ENERGY INSTITUTE
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Badr A. Mohamed, Loretta Y. Li
Summary: Improper management of sewage sludge causes environmental and economic issues. However, sewage sludge can be used as a promising feedstock for biofuel production. Challenges include poor chemical stability, high water content, viscosity, nitrogen concentrations, and the presence of oxygen in the produced biofuels. Additionally, the resulting biochars contain high levels of toxic metals, limiting their use in agricultural soils. Co-pyrolysis of sewage sludge with other materials has been shown to improve bio-oil quality by reducing water, oxygen, and nitrogen contents, activation energy, and increasing calorific value.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Carol Huang, Badr A. Mohamed, Loretta Y. Li
Summary: This study investigated the feasibility of co-pyrolysis as a sewage sludge treatment process. The results showed that mixing co-feed biomass with sewage sludge reduced the overall environmental burden by 58-83%. Co-pyrolysis of wheat straw/SS performed better than sawdust/SS in terms of environmental impact. All examined scenarios achieved a net positive energy balance and reduced global warming potential. Sensitivity analysis indicated that transportation of feedstock and pyrolysis products should be prioritized to limit environmental burden. Co-pyrolysis is an eco-friendly and economically viable method for sewage sludge treatment.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Selvakumar Periyasamy, J. Beula Isabel, S. Kavitha, V. Karthik, Badr A. Mohamed, Desta Getachew Gizaw, P. Sivashanmugam, Tejraj M. Aminabhavi
Summary: With the growth of the global population, it is crucial to develop long-term technological advancements in order to meet energy demands while preserving the Earth's limited resources. Using renewable energy systems offers numerous benefits, such as stabilizing energy supply and demand, ensuring food security and economic stability, and protecting the environment from pollution. Bioethanol presents a potential alternative as a renewable and long-term energy source, but reducing production costs is critical for its long-term viability and economic competitiveness against petroleum. Converting lignocellulose to bioethanol through consolidated bioprocessing could offer a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and efficient approach, but further research and optimization are still needed. This review explores biomass pretreatments, process enhancements, recombinant microbial catalysts and enzymes, and metabolic engineering in the context of consolidated bioprocessing, providing an overview to guide future research in lignocellulosic biomass for bioethanol production.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhen Zhang, Abdulrazaq Ibrahim Said Ahmed, Muhammad Zeeshan Malik, Nisar Ali, Adnan Khan, Farman Ali, Mohamed Osman Hassan, Badr A. Mohamed, Jakub Zdarta, Muhammad Bilal
Summary: Nanostructured materials play a significant role in wastewater treatment due to their advantages of reduced capital and operational expenses, low dose, and pollutant selectivity. The nanocomposites of cellulose with inorganic nanoparticles have attracted great interest for their outstanding properties and high specific surface area. Integrating inorganic nanoparticles with cellulose biopolymers for wastewater treatment offers advantages such as colloidal stability and ease of isolation of magnetic materials. This article provides a comprehensive overview of water treatment approaches using cellulose/inorganic nanoparticles-based bio-nanocomposites, including functionalization of cellulose, functionalization mechanism, and engineered hybrid materials. The purification of wastewater through the composites of cellulose/inorganic nanoparticles via adsorption, photocatalysis, and antibacterial approaches is also highlighted.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Badr A. Mohamed, Roger Ruan, Muhammad Bilal, Nadeem A. Khan, Mukesh Kumar Awasthi, Mariam A. Amer, Lijian Leng, Mohamed A. Hamouda, Dai-Viet Nguyen Vo, Jian Li
Summary: The large amounts of sewage sludge produced by municipal wastewater treatment plants pose significant environmental and economic challenges, necessitating advanced disposal methods. Conventional methods of sewage sludge disposal contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. Furthermore, sewage sludge-derived biochar often cannot be directly used in soil applications due to high levels of heavy metals and other toxic compounds, which affect soil biota and earthworms. In this review, we examine the co-pyrolysis of biomass and sewage sludge, focusing on the stabilization of heavy metals and reduction of toxicity in the sludge-derived biochar. We find that co-pyrolyzing sewage sludge with biomass materials reduces heavy metal concentrations and lowers the environmental risk of the resulting biochar by up to 93%. Biochar produced from co-pyrolysis can enhance the stimulation of soil biota reproduction by 20-98%. The immobilization and transformation of heavy metals are influenced by the mixing ratio of co-feed materials, pyrolysis temperature, and atmosphere.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Badr A. Mohamed, Hanna Hamid, Claudia V. Montoya-Bautista, Loretta Y. Li
Summary: This study investigates the occurrence and removal of CECs including PAHs, PBDEs, and PFASs in the effluent of a Canadian wastewater treatment plant. Activated carbon samples synthesized from sludge were used for the removal of these contaminants, and the results showed high removal rates for PAHs, PBDEs, and some PFASs. The findings suggest that producing efficient adsorbents from sewage sludge is a sustainable solution for improving the quality of wastewater effluents.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Mahammed Ilyas Khazi, Fakhra Liaqat, Wenhui Gu, Badr Mohamed, Daochen Zhu, Jian Li
Summary: This study investigates the development of a dual-substrate mixotrophy strategy to cultivate the microalga Haematococcus lacustris for astaxanthin production. The results showed that the dual-substrate mixotrophy significantly increased biomass productivity by up to 2-fold in the green growth phase compared to phototrophic controls. Furthermore, the supplementation of dual-substrate to the red phase increased astaxanthin accumulation by 10% compared to single-substrate acetate and no substrate. This approach shows promise for commercial production of biological astaxanthin in indoor closed systems.
BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hong Huang, Badr A. Mohamed, Loretta Y. Li
Summary: The recent global concern about the presence of microplastics in most ecosystems has raised health concerns, but their fate in terrestrial environments remains largely unknown. In this review, we examine the impact of land applications of biosolids on microplastic contamination in agricultural soils. We focus on techniques for separation and identification, distribution in wastewater, and retention, migration, and degradation in soils. We also discuss the uptake of microplastics by microorganisms. The number of microplastic particles in biosolids ranges from 506 to 15,385 per kg, and after application to land, the number of microplastics in soil ranges from 18 to 6.9 x 10(5) particles per kg, depending on soil composition. Microplastic retention in soils increases with organic carbon concentration, Fe and Al oxide concentrations, and soil ionic strength. Biodegradation of microplastics results in mass loss, changes in chemical composition, reduction in molecular weight and mechanical strength, and the production of carbon dioxide and methane gas.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Badr A. Mohamed, Carol Huang, Nico Mok, Omar Swei, Chris Johnston, Loretta Y. Li
Summary: The study compares the feasibility and environmental impacts of incorporating biofilters with sludge-based activated carbon (SBAC) versus commercial activated carbon (CAC) for stormwater treatment. Results show that incorporating biofilters with SBAC can significantly reduce negative environmental impacts and increase profits. It suggests that SBAC is an economically and environmentally sustainable solution for managing sewage sludge and stormwater effluent.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Amirah Syafika Mohd Nasir, Badr Mohamed, Loretta Y. Li
Summary: This study compared the life cycle assessment, global warming potential, energy recovery, and economic feasibility of biofuel production via pyrolysis of sewage sludge and microalgae alone or at different ratios. The co-pyrolysis scenarios showed 36-44% lower global warming potential compared to sewage sludge alone. Gas turbine was found to be more effective for energy recovery from pyrolysis gases, compensating for up to 28% of the energy requirement. The drying process accounted for the majority of energy consumption, highlighting the need for improved dewatering process for sustainability and profitability.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Badr A. Mohamed, Nina Ricci Nicomel, Hanna Hamid, Loretta Y. Li
Summary: Resource recovery from sewage sludge via optimised production of sludge-based activated carbon (SBAC) can efficiently remove poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), while reducing production costs and environmental impacts. Economic analysis and life-cycle assessment (LCA) demonstrate the feasibility of the process and its potential role in the circular economy.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Badr A. Mohamed, Marnie O'Boyle, Loretta Y. Li
Summary: This study examines the environmental sustainability and economic feasibility of using co-pyrolysed sewage sludge (SS) with lignocellulosic and algal biomass for the production of liquid and gaseous fuels. The results show that co-pyrolysis of SS with biomass can reduce environmental burden, with sawdust outperforming wheat straw and microalgae. The co-pyrolysis of SS with sawdust demonstrates the highest net present worth and emission reduction, making it a sustainable and economically feasible method for producing biofuels.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mohamed A. Hassaan, Marwa R. Elkatory, Mohamed A. El-Nemr, Safaa Ragab, Badr A. Mohamed, Ahmed El Nemr
Summary: The optimization of three parameters for the generation of biogas and biomethane was studied using green algae Cheatomorpha linum as the substrate. The addition of Nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiONPs) was found to improve the production of biogas and biomethane significantly. The results suggested that incorporating NiONPs can enhance the yield of biogas and biomethane while reducing the negative environmental impacts.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sankar Sudharsan Rameshwar, Baskaran Sivaprakash, Natarajan Rajamohan, Badr A. Mohamed, Dai-Viet N. Vo
Summary: Antibiotic resistance is a major health issue and the diffusion of antibiotic pollution in the environment contributes to it. This review discusses the use of MXene and nano-zero-valent iron-based materials as effective methods to remove tetracyclines from wastewater. These materials can serve as adsorbents, photocatalysts, electrocatalysts, and membranes for the removal of tetracyclines. Importantly, a MXene derived from carbide nitride and bismuth oxobromide removed 99% of tetracycline in just 30 minutes, and a nano-zero-valent iron doped with graphene oxide and copper resulted in 100% degradation of tetacycline in 15 minutes.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yezihalem Zena, Selvakumar Periyasamy, Melaku Tesfaye, Zelalem Tumsa, Mani Jayakumar, Badr A. Mohamed, Perumal Asaithambi, Tejraj M. Aminabhavi
Summary: Petroleum-based films have had significant negative impacts on the environment, highlighting the importance of developing green-based films from carbohydrate polymers. However, limitations in terms of properties, processibility, and applicability hinder further development. This review explores potential carbohydrate polymers, film preparation methods, and the effects of incorporating metallic nanoparticles on the properties of biofilms. Improved bio-based films made with nanoparticles have potential applications in replacing fossil-based films, particularly in food packaging. This review provides insights for utilizing carbohydrate polymers for a sustainable green environment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)