Article
Chemistry, Physical
Margarida M. Antunes, Ricardo F. Mendes, Filipe A. Almeida Paz, Anabela A. Valente
Summary: The chemical valorization of biomass-derived chemicals is important for a biobased economy. This study focused on acid catalyzed reactions of furfural, benzaldehyde, and glycerol, using a versatile crystalline lamellar coordination polymer catalyst to achieve high yields and selective production of heterobicyclic products.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ana C. Q. Silva, Armando J. D. Silvestre, Carla Vilela, Carmen S. R. Freire
Summary: This review assesses the recent trends in the use of biopolymeric nanofibrils as versatile substrates for the design of high-performance nanomaterials. It provides a concise description of the preparation methodologies and characteristics of cellulose and protein nanofibrils and discusses their applications in different fields. The review also explores the potential for partnership between different types of nanofibrils in advanced material development and addresses the critical challenges and opportunities for these biobased nanostructures.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yun-Xiang Ma, Peng-Fei Li, Chun-Li Hu, Jiang-Gao Mao, Fang Kong
Summary: This study achieved the synthesis of five new non-centrosymmetric lanthanide selenites by partial fluorination of the lanthanide oxygen polyhedron. These compounds exhibited significant differences in their nonlinear optical properties and displayed excellent stability and luminescent emission, indicating their potential as multifunctional nonlinear optical materials. This work provided an effective approach for the design and synthesis of high-performing nonlinear optical materials.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yannan Zhou, Qun Xu
Summary: Space confined reactions are a viable strategy for achieving important properties in functional materials. Various systems for confinement have been reported, but the focus has primarily been on the concept of space confinement while neglecting the changes in confined space itself. Supercritical CO2 has the potential to reveal structural changes in confined spaces, known as the anti-nanoconfinement effect, which can lead to a series of variations in electronic band and structural transformation.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Y. X. Pang, X. Li, X. Zhang, J. X. Yeoh, C. Wong, S. Manickam, Y. Yan, T. Wu, C. H. Pang
Summary: This article reviews the recent progress in carbon-based quantum dots (QDs) research, with a focus on the application of supercritical fluids (SCFs) technology in the synthesis process. The influence of precursor types and synthesis routes on the characteristics of the as-produced QDs is analyzed, and a summary of the synthesis methods and types of carbon-based QDs is provided. Additionally, recent applications of carbon-based QDs in biomedical and pharmaceutical, electronics and energy storage, as well as materials engineering are summarized to highlight their future potential.
MATERIALS TODAY PHYSICS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tadafumi Adschiri, Seiichi Takami, Mitsuo Umetsu, Satoshi Ohara, Takashi Naka, Kimitaka Minami, Daisuke Hojo, Takanari Togashi, Toshihiko Arita, Minori Taguchi, Masahiro Itoh, Nobuaki Aoki, Gimyeong Seong, Takaaki Tomai, Akira Yoko
Summary: Since the early 1990s, Adschiri and his colleagues have conducted research on the use of supercritical water in various applications, such as heavy oil reforming, waste polymer decomposition, and chemical raw materials recovery. They have invented a supercritical hydrothermal synthesis method that is used for the continuous flow synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles. They have also demonstrated the synthesis of organic-inorganic hybrid nanoparticles in the supercritical state, which show high catalytic activities.
BULLETIN OF THE CHEMICAL SOCIETY OF JAPAN
(2023)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Joao Claudio Martins-Vieira, Paulo Cesar Torres-Mayanga, Daniel Lachos-Perez
Summary: Sub-supercritical water hydrolysis has the potential to decompose lignocellulosic biomass into monomeric sugars and valuable intermediate products for various industries. It offers several advantages over conventional processes, such as the non-toxicity of water and its versatility as a solvent due to the temperature effect on its characteristics (density, dielectric constant, ionic product).
BIOENERGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Josiel Martins Costa, Ambrosio Florencio de Almeida Neto
Summary: The impregnation of substances using supercritical CO2 technology has shown promise in developing high-tech products, particularly in producing novel catalysts. This approach allows the production of unique nanoparticles with varied morphologies, beneficial for use in energy storage systems.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jaime Jaramillo-Gutierrez, J. L. Lopez-Picon, Jose Torres-Arenas
Summary: The Thermodynamic Geometry (TG) of Mie fluids in the subcritical and supercritical region is studied using a third order thermodynamic perturbation theory equation of state (EOS). The R-crossing method of TG is applied to reproduce the coexistence curves related to Mie fluids. The behavior of the R-Widom line is analyzed and found to be dependent on the stiffness and range potential for the Mie fluids. A correspondence states principle is found for the R-Widom line, and a Clausius-Clapeyron-type relation near the critical point in the supercritical region is fulfilled.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Baoqiang Yuan, Wei Wang, Wenjing Du
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the performance and applicability of different turbulence models near the pseudocritical point of fluids, and it found that these models have different sensitivities to molecular Prandtl numbers, buoyancy effects, and flow acceleration. Under forced convection conditions, appropriate turbulence models can be selected by limiting the flow acceleration number. However, none of the tested turbulence models showed generalizability under mixed convective conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER
(2024)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yun-Nam Choi, Namjin Cho, Kanghun Lee, Da-ae Gwon, Jeong Wook Lee, Joongoo Lee
Summary: Motivated by the complex mechanisms in cells, researchers have utilized biological systems to manufacture novel materials. Cell-free systems (CFSs) using transcriptional and translational machineries have become excellent tools, allowing the production of innovative materials beyond the capability of natural biological systems. Recent studies on CFS have expanded the scope of biobased materials and discussed approaches for producing high-value materials, prototyping genetic parts and modules, and biofunctionalization. By extending chemical and enzymatic reactions, CFSs provide new opportunities at the interface of materials science and synthetic biology.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Ning Li, Min-Hua Zong
Summary: This review summarizes the recent advances in (chemo)biocatalytic conversion of biobased furans, focusing on various reaction types and catalytic mechanisms. The study highlights biocatalyst engineering and reaction engineering strategies to enhance efficiency and drive the development of these processes.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wondu Lee, Jooyoung Lee, Wonyoung Yang, Jooheon Kim
Summary: In this study, a novel phase change material (PCM) of erythritol (ET)-grafted polylactic acid (PLA) (ETPLA) was prepared to combine the properties of a biobased thermoplastic polymer and the heat storage of PCM. The thermally conductive ETPLA composites were fabricated using a hybrid filler system of oxidized carbon fiber (CF-OH) and aluminum nitride (AlN) through injection molding. The composites exhibited high through-plane thermal conductivity, enhanced mechanical properties, and a large latent heat, making them suitable for thermal management systems of next-generation electronic devices.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Geology
Haibo Yan, Weidong Sun, Junfeng Liu, Xianglin Tu, Xing Ding
Summary: The thermodynamic behavior of ruthenium (IV) chloride complex in magmatic-hydrothermal fluids was quantitatively investigated through hydrolysis experiments and geochemical modeling. The results showed that temperature, pH, and total chlorine concentration play a crucial role in the stability and mobility of Ru-Cl complex in Cl-bearing hydrothermal fluids.
ORE GEOLOGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
S. L. Amaya, G. Alonso-Nunez, J. N. Diaz De Leon, S. Fuentes, Adriana Echavarria
Summary: Trimetallic and tetrametallic NiCoMo(W) layered solids were synthesized by the hydrothermal method, with NiCoW-L identified as a new Silverton type phase and NiCoMoW-L and NiCoMo-L found to have suitable textural properties.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Maja Colnik, Darja Pecar, Zeljko Knez, Andreja Gorsek, Mojca Skerget
Summary: The kinetics of hydrothermal degradation of colorless polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste were studied, and it was found that PET could be decomposed into terephthalic acid (TPA) and ethylene glycol (EG) as the main products. Further degradation of TPA to benzoic acid and EG to acetaldehyde were observed, along with the formation of by-products like isophthalic acid (IPA) and 1,4-dioxane. A simplified kinetic model was developed to describe the degradation process, and all reactions were found to follow first-order kinetics.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Taja Zitek, Dragana Bjelic, Petra Kotnik, Andrej Golle, Stasa Jurgec, Uros Potocnik, Zeljko Knez, Matjaz Finsgar, Ivan Krajnc, Igor Krajnc, Masa Knez Marevci
Summary: This study evaluates the effectiveness of hemp and ginger extract as a supportive treatment for skin diseases, showing a synergistic effect of the two extracts. The study determines the highest contents of CBD in hemp and 6-gingerol in ginger, and analyzes the minimum inhibitory concentration for Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. It also reveals that the extract at a concentration of 1.00 μg/mL can significantly decrease the metabolic activity of WM-266-4 cells. Furthermore, significant differences in the expression of ABCB5, CAV1, and S100A9 genes are found compared to the control cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dusica Ifko, Katja Vasic, Zeljko Knez, Maja Leitgeb
Summary: This study successfully stabilized cellulase CLEAs using functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), and improved their catalytic activity by adding reducing agent NaBH3CN and functionalized aminosilane MNPs. Both CLEAs and mCLEAs exhibited good catalytic stability and reusability under various temperature and reaction conditions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dragana Borjan, Masa Knez Marevci, Zeljko Knez
Summary: The ability to predict the behavior of high-pressure mixtures of carbon dioxide and alcohol is crucial for industrial purposes. In this study, the equilibrium composition of three binary carbon dioxide-alcohol systems was measured under different temperatures and pressures, revealing different compositions due to variations in vapor pressures, polarities, and solute-solute interactions.
Article
Polymer Science
Gabrijela Horvat, Klara Zvab, Zeljko Knez, Zoran Novak
Summary: This research presents the formulation of biodegradable hybrid aerogels composed of polylactic acid and pectin. The addition of polylactic acid improved the stability of the material in simulated body fluid. The biodegradable aerogels loaded with indomethacin and diclofenac sodium showed prolonged drug release and were evaluated for potential wound healing applications with incorporated chemical oxygen sources.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Dragana Borjan, Maja Gracnar, Zeljko Knez, Masa Knez Marevci
Summary: The study on three binary systems revealed that pressure has little impact on viscosity, while density and interfacial tension show linear relationships with pressure and temperature, with density increasing with pressure and decreasing with temperature.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Maja Leitgeb, Zeljko Knez, Gordana Hojnik Podrepsek
Summary: In this study, a new approach to enzyme inactivation in flour was presented using supercritical technology, which showed positive effects on the quality of spelt flour, particularly in reducing the activity of enzymes such as lipase and polyphenol oxidase.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Gregor Kravanja, Zeljko Knez
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the carbonization of Class G well cement and metakaolin modified Class G cement samples exposed to CO2. The results indicate that cement carbonation is more rapid and extensive under a CO2 saturated solution. The addition of metakaolin improves the mechanical properties of the cement samples, but reduces their carbonation resistance and increases the presence of CaCO3 polymorphs.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nika Kucuk, Mateja Primozic, Zeljko Knez, Maja Leitgeb
Summary: Biopolymeric nanoparticles are emerging as important nanocarriers for biomedical applications, offering controlled release and sustainability. This review provides an overview of the use of biopolymeric nanoparticles from various sources as drug delivery systems, highlighting their advantages over toxic metal nanoparticles. The article focuses on the encapsulation of therapeutic agents into protein- and polysaccharide-based nanocarriers, particularly for antimicrobial and anticancer activity. The classification of biopolymeric nanoparticles based on origin assists in selecting suitable carriers for specific applications, while the inclusion of recent research results demonstrates progress in the field.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Kaja Kupnik, Mateja Primozic, Vanja Kokol, Zeljko Knez, Maja Leitgeb
Summary: The aim of this research was to extract and quantify biologically active compounds from avocado seeds using different techniques and evaluate their potential applications in various industries. The study revealed that the use of supercritical carbon dioxide resulted in the highest content of total phenols and total proteins, while ethanol extraction had the highest content of proanthocyanidins. The antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the avocado seed extracts were also evaluated, showing promising results for their potential use in medicine, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other industries.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katja Vasic, Zeljko Knez, Maja Leitgeb
Summary: Stabilization and reusability of enzyme transglutaminase (TGM) are important for various technologies and industries. TGM is used in the food industry as a protein-modifying enzyme and in biotechnology and pharmaceutical applications due to its crosslinking ability. TGMs (EC 2.3.2.13) catalyze the formation of covalent bonds between protein-bound lysine and glutamine, resulting in protein modification through intramolecular or intermolecular crosslinking, enhancing their use.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Gal Slacek, Petra Kotnik, Azra Osmic, Vesna Postruznik, Zeljko Knez, Matjaz Finsgar, Masa Knez Marevci
Summary: This study investigated the chemical components and health benefits of turmeric using different extraction methods. Supercritical extracts had the highest phenolic content, while Soxhlet extracts had the highest proanthocyanidin content. UAE and supercritical extracts showed the highest antioxidant potential. Additionally, the study confirmed that turmeric, especially curcumin, is an excellent source of antioxidants that play a crucial role in reducing cellular stress by neutralizing free radicals.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vesna Postruznik, Taja Zitek Makoter, Darko Goricanec, Petra Kotnik, Zeljko Knez, Masa Knez Marevci
Summary: In this study, hemp and other plant materials were simultaneously extracted to study their bioactive component values.
Review
Polymer Science
Gabrijela Horvat, Milica Pantic, Zeljko Knez, Zoran Novak
Summary: This review discusses the commonly employed methods for determining pore size and pore size distribution in bioaerogels. It highlights the challenges in accurately determining pore sizes in these materials and emphasizes the importance of precise pore size measurements for their final applications. The study covers various methods and concludes that there is currently no precise method for determining pore size in aerogels, suggesting a need for future developments in this field.
Article
Horticulture
Katja Bizaj, Mojca Skerget, Iztok Joze Kosir, Zeljko Knez
Summary: This study evaluates the content of essential oils and prenylated flavonoid Xanthohumol in extracts of Slovenian hops, and compares the extraction efficiency using fluids of different polarity. The results show that dimethyl ether is the most effective solvent for extracting Xanthohumol, while the content of essential oils in propane extracts is similar to that in dimethyl ether extracts.
Article
Thermodynamics
Yong Cheng, Fukai Song, Lei Fu, Saishuai Dai, Zhiming Yuan, Atilla Incecik
Summary: This paper investigates the accessibility of wave energy absorption by a dual-pontoon floating breakwater integrated with hybrid-type wave energy converters (WECs) and proposes a hydraulic-pneumatic complementary energy extraction method. The performance of the system is validated through experiments and comparative analysis.
Article
Thermodynamics
Jing Gao, Chao Wang, Zhanwu Wang, Jin Lin, Runkai Zhang, Xin Wu, Guangyin Xu, Zhenfeng Wang
Summary: This study aims to establish a new integrated method for biomass cogeneration project site selection, with a focus on the application of the model in Henan Province. By integrating Geographic Information System and Multiple Criterion Decision Making methods, the study conducts site selection in two stages, providing a theoretical reference for the construction of biomass cogeneration projects.
Article
Thermodynamics
Mert Temiz, Ibrahim Dincer
Summary: The current study presents a hybrid small modular nuclear reactor and solar-based system for sustainable communities, integrating floating and bifacial photovoltaic arrays with a small modular reactor. The system efficiently generates power, hydrogen, ammonia, freshwater, and heat for residential, agricultural, and aquaculture facilities. Thermodynamic analysis shows high energy and exergy efficiencies, as well as large-scale ammonia production meeting the needs of metropolitan areas. The hybridization of nuclear and solar technologies offers advantages of reliability, environmental friendliness, and cost efficiency compared to renewable-alone and fossil-based systems.
Editorial Material
Thermodynamics
Wojciech Stanek, Wojciech Adamczyk
Article
Thermodynamics
Desheng Xu, Yanfeng Li, Tianmei Du, Hua Zhong, Youbo Huang, Lei Li, Xiangling Duanmu
Summary: This study investigates the optimization of hybrid mechanical-natural ventilation for smoke control in complex metro stations. The results show that atrium fires are more significantly impacted by outdoor temperature variations compared to concourse/platform fires. The gathered high-temperature smoke inside the atrium can reach up to 900 K under a 5 MW train fire energy release. The findings provide crucial engineering insights into integrating weather data and adaptable ventilation protocols for smoke prevention/mitigation.
Article
Thermodynamics
Da Guo, Heping Xie, Mingzhong Gao, Jianan Li, Zhiqiang He, Ling Chen, Cong Li, Le Zhao, Dingming Wang, Yiwei Zhang, Xin Fang, Guikang Liu, Zhongya Zhou, Lin Dai
Summary: This study proposes a new in-situ pressure-preserved coring tool and elaborates its pressure-preserving mechanism. The experimental and field test results demonstrate that this tool has a high pressure-preservation capability and can maintain a stable pressure in deep wells. This study provides a theoretical framework and design standards for the development of similar technologies.
Article
Thermodynamics
Aolin Lai, Qunwei Wang
Summary: This study assesses the impact of China's de-capacity policy on renewable energy development efficiency (REDE) using the Global-MSBM model and the difference-in-differences method. The findings indicate that the policy significantly enhances REDE, promoting technological advancements and marketization. Moreover, regions with stricter environmental regulations experience a higher impact.
Article
Thermodynamics
Mostafa Ghasemi, Hegazy Rezk
Summary: This study utilizes fuzzy modeling and optimization to enhance the performance of microbial fuel cells (MFCs). By simulating and analyzing experimental data sets, the ideal parameter values for increasing power density, COD elimination, and coulombic efficiency were determined. The results demonstrate that the fuzzy model and optimization methods can significantly improve the performance of MFCs.
Article
Thermodynamics
Zhang Ruan, Lianzhong Huang, Kai Wang, Ranqi Ma, Zhongyi Wang, Rui Zhang, Haoyang Zhao, Cong Wang
Summary: This paper proposes a grey box model for fuel consumption prediction of wing-diesel hybrid vessels based on feature construction. By using both parallel and series grey box modeling methods and six machine learning algorithms, twelve combinations of prediction models are established. A feature construction method based on the aerodynamic performance of the wing and the energy relationship of the hybrid system is introduced. The best combination is obtained by considering the root mean square error, and it shows improved accuracy compared to the white box model. The proposed grey box model can accurately predict the daily fuel consumption of wing-diesel hybrid vessels, contributing to operational optimization and the greenization and decarbonization of the shipping industry.
Article
Thermodynamics
Huayi Chang, Nico Heerink, Junbiao Zhang, Ke He
Summary: This study examines the interaction between off-farm employment decisions between couples and household clean energy consumption in rural China, and finds that two-paycheck households are more likely to consume clean energy. The off-farm employment of women is a key factor driving household clean energy consumption to a higher level, with wage-employed wives having a stronger influence on these decisions than self-employed ones.
Article
Thermodynamics
Hanguan Wen, Xiufeng Liu, Ming Yang, Bo Lei, Xu Cheng, Zhe Chen
Summary: Demand-side management is crucial to smart energy systems. This paper proposes a data-driven approach to understand the relationship between energy consumption patterns and household characteristics for better DSM services. The proposed method uses a clustering algorithm to generate optimal customer groups for DSM and a deep learning model for training. The model can predict the possibility of DSM membership for a given household. The results demonstrate the usefulness of weekly energy consumption data and household socio-demographic information for distinguishing consumer groups and the potential for targeted DSM strategies.
Article
Thermodynamics
Xinglan Hou, Xiuping Zhong, Shuaishuai Nie, Yafei Wang, Guigang Tu, Yingrui Ma, Kunyan Liu, Chen Chen
Summary: This study explores the feasibility of utilizing a multi-level horizontal branch well heat recovery system in the Qiabuqia geothermal field. The research systematically investigates the effects of various engineering parameters on production temperature, establishes mathematical models to describe their relationships, and evaluates the economic viability of the system. The findings demonstrate the significant economic feasibility of the multi-level branch well system.
Article
Thermodynamics
Longxin Zhang, Songtao Wang, Site Hu
Summary: This investigation reveals the influence of tip leakage flow on the modern transonic rotor and finds that the increase of tip clearance size leads to a decline in rotor performance. However, an optimal tip clearance size can extend the rotor's stall margin.
Article
Thermodynamics
Kristian Gjoka, Behzad Rismanchi, Robert H. Crawford
Summary: This paper proposes a framework for assessing the performance of 5GDHC systems and demonstrates it through a case study in a university campus in Melbourne, Australia. The results show that 5GDHC systems are a cost-effective and environmentally viable solution in mild climates, and their successful implementation in Australia can create new market opportunities and potential adoption in other countries with similar climatic conditions.
Article
Thermodynamics
Jianwei Li, Guotai Wang, Panpan Yang, Yongshuang Wen, Leian Zhang, Rujun Song, Chengwei Hou
Summary: This study proposes an orientation-adaptive electromagnetic energy harvester by introducing a rotatable bluff body, which allows for self-regulation to cater for changing wind flow direction. Experimental results show that the output power of the energy harvester can be greatly enhanced with increased rotatory inertia of the rotating bluff body, providing a promising solution for harnessing wind-induced vibration energy.
