Article
Energy & Fuels
Celeste D. Lohr, Paul C. Hackley
Summary: Vitrinite reflectance is a reliable technique for determining thermal maturity in sedimentary rocks, but collecting reflectance measurements can be time-consuming and subjective. Programmed pyrolysis data such as T max and hydrogen index are more efficient to obtain and independent of operator bias. Relational equations derived from programmed pyrolysis data can effectively calculate reflectance values in naturally matured samples, with good consistency compared to measured values. However, factors such as variable organic matter composition and differences in maturation reaction kinetics may affect the accuracy of these equations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COAL GEOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiaodong Tang, Wanfen Pu, Qingyuan Chen, Renbao Liu, Yu Yang
Summary: This study investigates the kinetic process and reaction mechanism of aquathermolysis through experiments and modeling analysis. The results show that methane and high molecular weight asphaltene-derived pyrolytic compounds (HMWG) predominantly come from the evaporation of saturates, while asphaltene gasification is the major source of hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide. The developed kinetic model can be used to predict the mass fraction of liquid and gas components in aquathermolysis, thereby promoting the development of in-situ gasification technology.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Brett J. Valentine, Paul C. Hackley, Javin J. Hatcherian
Summary: Research on immature New Albany Shale samples using isothermal hydrous pyrolysis experiments showed that organic porosity increases with thermal maturity, while total organic carbon content stabilizes after a certain point. The development of organic porosity varied at different temperatures, indicating the importance of temperature and duration of artificial maturation on pore abundance in the samples.
MARINE AND PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Barbara Apicella, Carmela Russo, Osvalda Senneca
Summary: This paper reviews the utilization and characterization of low-value solid or semi-solid by-products in petroleum refining industry at laboratory scale, and proposes an experimental protocol for investigating the thermochemical conversion behavior.
Article
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
Du Zonggang, Xu Tao, Li Ning, Li Wensheng, Xing Gang, Ju Lu, Zhao Lihua, Wu Hua, Tian Yucheng
Summary: Hydrogen, as a clean energy source, has the potential to replace traditional fossil fuels. This study focuses on the decomposition of N2H4 center dot H2O to produce hydrogen using Ni60Ir40/Al2O3 catalyst. The results demonstrate the excellent catalytic activity and selectivity of the catalyst, highlighting its potential for hydrogen generation.
ACTA METALLURGICA SINICA
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Tanveer Rasool, Vimal Chandra Srivastava, Pratik Toshniwal, Ishfaq Najar, Vikash Singh
Summary: This study evaluated the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of co-pyrolysis of wood pellets and petroleum coke blends. It was found that the reaction order increases with increasing heating rate, and the average activation energy was calculated to be 119.6 kJ mol-1 (OFW) and 126.2 kJ mol-1 (KAS). The values for ΔH, ΔG, and ΔS were consistent with previous studies, and ΔG was observed to be around 182 kJ mol-1. The study also identified the mechanisms of diffusion and chemical reaction during the thermal degradation process.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND ASSESSMENTS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Paul C. Hackley, Aaron M. Jubb, Patrick L. Smith, Ryan J. McAleer, Brett J. Valentine, Javin J. Hatcherian, Palma J. Botterell, Justin E. Birdwell
Summary: Geological models suggest that the presence of water during thermal conversion of oil-prone sedimentary organic matter promotes increased liquid saturate yield, whereas absence of water causes formation of a more aromatic, cross-linked solid bitumen residue. This study found that the pyrolysis of organic-rich mudrock samples under hydrous and anhydrous conditions resulted in different characteristics of the solid bitumen residue, with hydrous conditions producing bitumen with greater aromaticity and lower viscosities. The presence of hydrogen from water is believed to promote the formation of aromatic compounds and the expulsion of saturated hydrocarbons.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COAL GEOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jian Yin, Yizhou Wang, Yunpei Zhu, Junjie Jin, Cailing Chen, Youyou Yuan, Zahra Bayhan, Numan Salah, Nuha A. Alhebshi, Wenli Zhang, Udo Schwingenschlogl, Husam N. Alshareef
Summary: This study demonstrates an indium-coated carbon-zinc composite (ICZ) anode with outstanding cyclic stability in aqueous zinc batteries. By reducing the overpotential required for zinc nucleation and preventing parasitic reactions, the ICZ anode enhances the cyclic stability of zinc ion batteries and zinc ion capacitors.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Margaret M. Sanders, Aaron M. Jubb, Paul C. Hackley, Kenneth E. Peters
Summary: The commonly used thermal maturity calibration parameter, mean random vitrinite reflectance (R-o), is found to be suppressed in samples containing a high proportion of liptinite macerals. Raman and micro-Fourier transform infrared (mu-FTIR) analyses reveal different suppression mechanisms for vitrinite and solid bitumen. These findings suggest that the use of solid bitumen R-o for maturity calibration in liptinite-rich samples may result in misleading indicators.
ORGANIC GEOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xinyu Liu, Hongliang Sheng, Song He, Chunhua Du, Yuansheng Ma, Chichi Ruan, Chunxiang He, Huaming Dai, Yajun Huang, Yuelei Pan
Summary: The pyrolysis kinetics and thermodynamics of hydrophobic silica aerogels under N2 environment were studied using three model-free methods. Based on the calculated kinetic parameters, the pyrolysis mechanism of silica aerogels was discussed. The volatile products of silica aerogel pyrolysis were found to mainly consist of hydrocarbons generated by the decomposition of hydrophobic groups (methyl groups) on the surface. The effects of pyrolysis on the properties of silica aerogels were investigated based on various analysis results.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Gamzenur Ozsin, Esin Apaydin-Varol, Murat Kilic, Ayse E. Putun, Ersan Putun
Summary: Pyrolysis of petroleum sludge is a promising method for energy production from solid waste, requiring prediction of thermal decomposition behavior for modeling. This study focused on developing a systematic methodology to calculate kinetics and thermodynamics of oil sludge pyrolysis. The findings on evolved gases and kinetic and thermodynamic parameters can enhance the utilization of this residue in refinery applications.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Irek I. Mukhamatdinov, Indad Salih S. Sh, Mustafa Ismael, Firdavs A. Aliev, Rustam R. Davletshin, Alexey V. Vakhin
Summary: Research shows that naphthenic solvents significantly impact viscosity reduction through destructive hydrogenation of resins and asphaltenes. Among the solvents used, decalin notably increases the amount of evolved gases, particularly C-4-C-10 isomers and aromatics. The maximum evolved gases among all used solvents correspond to formic acid.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jiantao Li, Fa Zheng, Qiushi Li, Muhammad Zohaib Farooq, Fawei Lin, Dingkun Yuan, Beibei Yan, Yingjin Song, Guanyi Chen
Summary: The effects of inherent minerals on the pyrolysis of oily sludge (OS) vary depending on temperature and mineral species. SiO2 has negligible effects on pyrolysis, whereas CaO and MgO result in stable liquid products and lower total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) in solid residues. Fe2O3 and Al2O3 promote the formation of pyrolytic gases and long chain liquid products, albeit with decreased liquid product yields. Inherent minerals tend to inhibit N/S/Cl-containing pollutants during dehydration and devolatilization stages, but promote their release during thermal cracking and secondary reactions.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Brandon Wang Lung Chai, Henry Chee Yew Foo, Inn Shi Tan, Man Kee Lam, Lee Chung Lau
Summary: By proposing a new reduction method of chemical kinetic mechanism based on genetic algorithm and least square error, a simplified hydrogen sulphide mechanism with 15 species and 7 reactions was obtained, resulting in estimation and validation of 16 useful kinetic parameters. The successful reduction method also sheds light on the behavior of pore blockage due to solid product formation and guides the study of interaction between significant operating variables.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
T. Kreuger, W. P. M. van Swaaij, A. N. R. Bos, S. R. A. Kersten
Summary: The study investigated the pyrolytic conversion of methane for hydrogen and carbon production on nonporous alpha-Al2O3 surfaces. It was found that the selectivity towards carbon and hydrogen increased over time, while methane conversion rate remained constant. An activation process for the formation of carbon and hydrogen from intermediates like benzene was also observed.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Marwa Hannouf, Getachew Assefa, Ian Gates
Summary: This article analyzes the greenhouse gas performance of steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) operations in Alberta, Canada over the past 20 years, taking into account factors that affect technology deployment. The results show a reduction of 1.4-24% in SAGD's greenhouse gas intensity over the past 12 years. Improvements primarily stem from incremental changes driven by technical, environmental, socio-economic, and policy factors. According to predictions, with similar industry behavior, the anticipated reduction in greenhouse gas intensity by 2030 will range from 6.5-40%.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Helen Pinto, Ian D. Gates
Summary: This study examines the existing and potential low carbon energy sources in Nunavut that could replace diesel and highlights the interplay of stakeholder acceptability criteria and roadblocks. The findings show a lack of financial incentive for bottom-up change due to subsidized diesel-based electricity and lack of grants for renewable options, as well as conflicting priorities between existing and potential power producers stalling top-down change.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Inaara Mawji, Erin L. Roberts, Tiffany Dang, Brett Abraham, Michael S. Kallos
Summary: This review assesses the current state of downstream technologies for microcarrier-based MSC cultures, including harvesting, filtration, and volume reduction. A downstream process for MSCs is proposed, which can be applied to a wide range of applications.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Na Zhong, Xinti Yu, Heng Zhao, Jinguang Hu, Ian D. Gates
Summary: This study demonstrates the feasibility of sustainable hydrogen production from biomass through rational photocatalyst design, and also reveals the partial conversion of biomass during the photoreforming process.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Samaneh Ashoori, Ian D. Gates
Summary: The oil sands resource in Western Canada is an important energy asset but has high energy consumption and carbon emissions compared to conventional petroleum resources. The use of Direct Contact Steam Generation (DCSG) technology can significantly reduce emissions and improve environmental benefits. Oil sands operators should consider adopting DCSGs to improve their emissions intensity.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xu Han, Chongchong Wu, Jilin Wang, Yue Zhang, Kailai Zhang, Ian D. Gates, Hui Li, Zi-Hang Huang, Tianyi Ma
Summary: This study addresses the commercial application issues of aqueous supercapacitors and proposes a strategy to improve their energy storage performance by synthesizing VOx materials with oxygen vacancy. The modular pouch device based on this materia demonstrated high-energy density and durability, making it a promising standby power supply for 3C products.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhijian Liu, Jihao Wei, Guikai Zhang, Dewang Zhang, Jing Zhang, Weijie Yang, Chongchong Wu, Ian D. Gates
Summary: For human safety, efficient removal of formaldehyde in indoor environments is crucial. A metal-organic framework-based single-atom iron catalyst (Fe-SA) is proposed as a potential catalyst for formaldehyde oxidation. Through density functional theory (DFT) calculation, the adsorption characteristic and reaction path of Fe-SA with different coordination environments were explored. Fe-SA with 5-nitrogen coordination (Fe-SA-N-5-C) was selected and tested, showing a formaldehyde removal efficiency of 85.8% at 25 degrees C and 75% relative humidity, surpassing current data. Moisture was found to enhance catalytic oxidation of formaldehyde, indicating the practical applicability and stability of Fe-SA-N-5-C.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tylor Walsh, Brett Abraham, Tak-Ho Chu, Jeff Biernaskie, Rajiv Midha, Michael S. S. Kallos
Summary: Regenerative therapies for peripheral nerve and spinal cord injuries often require a large number of autologous cells. Harvesting Schwann cells (SCs) from nerves is currently used, but it is invasive. An alternative approach is using skin-derived Schwann cells (Sk-SCs), which can be obtained from a skin biopsy. However, expanding the cells to a clinically relevant number is still inefficient. This study presents a bioprocess using rat Sk-SCs, which successfully expanded 3 million cells to over 200 million cells in just 6 days, providing a dramatic improvement in cell expansion.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Liquan Jing, Meng Xie, Yuanguo Xu, Chun Tong, Yanhua Song, Xia Du, Heng Zhao, Na Zhong, Huamin Li, Ian D. Gates, Jinguan Hu
Summary: A three-dimensional carbon nitride co-modified with oxygen doping and nitrogen vacancies was synthesized through hydrothermal and thermal polymerization reactions. The electronic structure of carbon and nitrogen was confirmed using solid-state nuclear magnetism and electron loss energy spectroscopy. The modified carbon nitride exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity for the degradation of organic pollutants and hydrogen production through selective oxidation of biomass.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tareq Al-Attas, M. A. Khan, Tiago J. Goncalves, Nael G. Yasri, Soumyabrata Roy, Ali Shayesteh Zeraati, Pawan Kumar, Kristen A. Miller, Pulickel M. Ajayan, Ian D. Gates, Jinguang Hu, Venkataraman Thangadurai, Samira Siahrostami, Md Golam Kibria
Summary: Selective partial electrooxidation of methane to liquid oxygenates has been achieved with a copper-iron-nickel catalyst through a peroxide-assisted pathway. The catalysts' roles were confirmed through electrochemical, in situ, and theoretical studies. Nickel catalyst promoted the oxidation of H2O2 to produce active oxygen species, leading to the formation of iron (IV). The iron (IV)-oxo species reduced the activation energy barrier for CH4 deprotonation, while copper played a crucial role in suppressing overoxidation.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Pachari Detpunyawat, Jingyi Wang, Yi Su, Ian Gates
Summary: In typical SAGD operations, a large pore volume is left after commercial operations, which can be used for storage. One option that has not been examined is hydrogen storage in post-SAGD depletion chambers. The research shows that hundreds of tonnes of hydrogen can be stored in these chambers, and the purity of the produced hydrogen can be improved with increased hydrogen storage capacity.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jingyi Wang, Ian D. Gates
Summary: In the SAGD process, steam is injected into the reservoir to extract bitumen, and the thermal energy injected creates a potential geothermal system. This research evaluates the stored energy in the reservoir and explores methods for recovering it. The results show that a significant amount of energy remains in the reservoir rock even after the SAGD operation, and recovery methods, such as adding a new well, can yield high-temperature water for an extended period.
Article
Mechanics
Young H. Lee, Jingyi Wang, Ian D. Gates
Summary: We conducted experimental study on the effects of normal stress differences in the immiscible radial viscous fingering instability in a Hele-Shaw cell. The results showed that the effects were nonmonotonic and opposing, depending on the molecular weight of the displaced fluid and the stage of the fingering evolution. Decreases in molecular weight reduced the number of fingers and widened the finger width in the early stage, while increases in molecular weight promoted tip splitting and narrowed finger width in the early stage but suppressed tip splitting in the intermediate stage.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ran Luo, Jingyi Wang, Ian Gates
Summary: Although methane emissions have decreased, monitoring using CEMS is expensive. PEMS, powered by machine learning, can be an alternative or supplement. The performance of different neural network models for methane prediction was compared, and the study found that more training data did not necessarily result in significantly better models.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Brian Lee, Sunghoon Jung, Yas Hashimura, Maximilian Lee, Breanna S. Borys, Tiffany Dang, Michael S. Kallos, Carlos A. Rodrigues, Teresa P. Silva, Joaquim M. S. Cabral
Summary: This manuscript discusses the challenges of manufacturing therapeutic cells derived from pluripotent stem cells using single-use bioreactors and presents potential solutions.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2022)