Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jiawei Li, Huiyun Liao, Yun Sun, Rui Li, Benwei Zhu, Zhaoxiang Zhong, Zhong Yao
Summary: The novel MWCNTs/PDMS mixed matrix membrane shows excellent separation performance for aromatic compounds in PV process, improving permeation fluxes for MetSa, linalool, and beta-Ionone. Additionally, the membrane demonstrates promising results in recovering VOCs from brewed tea.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yaqi Wang, Tanlong Xue, Zhihao Si, Chang Liu, Shuai Yang, Guozhen Li, Yan Zhuang, Peiyong Qin
Summary: In this study, a visible-light-induced polymerized PDMS membrane was developed for the separation of furfural, offering a more environmentally-friendly and controllable alternative to UV-induced polymerization. The differences among different photoinitiators were compared and the conditions for preparing the membrane were optimized, resulting in a membrane with excellent separation performance.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
M. J. Pereira, C. Brazinha, J. G. Crespo
Summary: This study proposes an integrated process combining organophilic pervaporation and fractionated condensation for the recovery and fractionation of valuable aromas from seafood industry aqueous effluents. A mathematical model is used to predict the fractionation of aromas of different chemical families and select the optimal operating conditions for target separation.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yuhong Tian, Changfeng Hu, Mingzhe An, Xinping He, Hong Wang, Chunhai Yi
Summary: This study developed a high-efficiency ethanol recovery membrane by mixing hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with carbon nanotubes (CNT). The results showed that the membrane with 2% CNT loading exhibited the best separation performance, with an improved separation factor and a 50% increase in permeate flux. This work provides a promising method for bioethanol production and alcohol separation in industry.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Shuainan Xu, Chengye Zuo, Xuefei Sun, Xiaobin Ding, Zhaoxiang Zhong, Weihong Xing, Wanqin Jin
Summary: This study utilized PDMS/ceramic composite membranes to enrich volatile aromatic compounds in lavender hydrolats, improving their antioxidant properties, particularly for camphor. The results demonstrate that operating conditions significantly impact the enrichment effect, providing technical support for the recovery of aromatic compounds from lavender hydrolats.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
John Hervin Bermudez Jaimes, Mario Eusebio Torres Alvarez, Elenise Bannwart de Moraes, Maria Regina Wolf Maciel, Rubens Maciel Filho
Summary: The study demonstrates the experimental ethanol recovery by pervaporation and the development of a semi-empirical model for partial fluxes, showing the effect of temperature and composition of the feed on separation efficiency. The model exhibits a modified Arrhenius-type behavior that accurately calculates partial-permeate fluxes, demonstrating versatility in various processes such as ethanol recovery and dehydration.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Haipeng Zhu, Yang Pan, Xuefei Sun, Gongping Liu, Minghui Qiu, Xiaobin Ding, Yiqun Fan, Wanqin Jin
Summary: This study focuses on the recycling of inorganic substrates used for fabricating polymeric composite membranes, achieving efficient membrane recycling through thermal degradation and ultrasonic cleaning. The results demonstrate optimized transport properties and high separation performance of the recycled membrane, showcasing potential energy savings and stable flux during continuous separation processes.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Dongyi Yang, Cheng Chen, Jiqing Xie, Yuanqing Ye, Zhi Zhou, Huiyun Liao, Zhong Yao
Summary: In this study, a uniform zeolitic imidazolate framework/polydimethyl-siloxane (ZIF-8/PDMS) composite membrane was fabricated to improve the performance of pervaporation technology in recovering aromatic compounds from water. The optimized diffusion time was 24 h. ZIF-8/PDMS showed enhanced performance compared to pure PDMS, with increased permeation flux and improved separation factors. ZIF-8/PDMS also exhibited good performance in real lemon oil, achieving high recovery rates for linalool, neral, and geranial.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Arefeh Atazadeh, Elham Ameri
Summary: This study focused on enhancing the performance of a PDMS membrane using PMHS as the curing agent and incorporating silica nanoparticles with different contents. Experimental results confirmed the improvements in separation efficiency and thermal stability by integrating proper amounts of silica nanoparticles into the composite membrane.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Hamid Zentou, Zurina Z. Abidin, Robiah Yunus, Dayang Radiah Awang Biak, Mohammed Abdullah Issa, Musa Yahaya Pudza
Summary: The study utilized a solution-diffusion model to investigate the pervaporation process for ethanol recovery from ethanol/water mixture, showing high accuracy and efficiency in optimizing and controlling the process. The model was validated with fermentation broth, demonstrating low mean absolute percentage errors for ethanol, water, and total flux, indicating its potential as an efficient tool for bioethanol production.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH & DESIGN
(2021)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yan Zhuang, Zhihao Si, Siyu Pang, Hanzhu Wu, Xinmiao Zhang, Peiyong Qin
Summary: This article provides an overview of the pervaporation (PV)-assisted Furfural (FUR) production process, including membrane types, separation performance, fabrication methods, and the features of the PV-assisted FUR production process. The key issues of membranes, such as the interaction among polymer chains, fillers, and FUR molecules, are also clarified.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Siyu Pang, Zhihao Si, Yan Zhuang, Hanzhu Wu, Jan Baeyens, Xinmiao Zhang, Peiyong Qin
Summary: A continuous and controllable photo-curing system for the fabrication of hydrophobic PDMS hollow fiber membrane is proposed. The optimized PDMS hollow fiber membrane shows excellent separation performance in the pervaporation of 1-butanol.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yang Pan, Yanan Guo, Jiangying Liu, Haipeng Zhu, Guining Chen, Quan Liu, Gongping Liu, Wanqin Jin
Summary: In this study, a new composite membrane was designed by reconstructing the conformation of PDMS, significantly improving separation efficiency and flux. This strategy of designing membranes with customized permeants opens up new avenues for developing membranes for specific separation targets.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qichao Sun, Ye Zhou, Lianying Wu, Yangdong Hu, Weitao Zhang
Summary: This paper discusses the separation of five azeotropic systems with different molecular weights through simulation and experiment. A stable PDMS/PVDF-PTFE membrane with favorable mechanical properties was prepared, and the dissolution and diffusion processes of the azeotropic systems were simulated. The separation performance of the membrane was investigated and validated through experimental results, demonstrating the accuracy of the simulation.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Xiuxiu Ren, Huan Yu, Meng Guo, Rong Xu, Jing Zhong
Summary: In this study, a long alkyl chain-containing organosilica layer was utilized to modify silicalite-1 membranes, resulting in bi-layered BTESO/silicalite-1 composite membranes. After BTESO modification, the surface of the membranes became smoother, denser, and more hydrophobic. The modified membranes exhibited good separation performance in pervaporation, with increased ethanol flux and reduced water flux without sacrificing ethanol flux.
MICROPOROUS AND MESOPOROUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Cristina Gonzalez-Fernandez, Christoph Ohlknecht, Matthias Diem, Yerko Escalona, Eugenio Bringas, Gabriel Moncalian, Chris Oostenbrink, Inmaculada Ortiz
Summary: The development of new strategies to combat Gram-negative bacterial infections, particularly those resistant to antibiotics, is crucial due to the global increase in antibiotic resistance. This study focuses on the use of extracorporeal blood cleansing devices with affinity sorbents for capturing bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which stimulates an exacerbated immune response during infection. Molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to investigate the interaction mechanism between an anti-LPS factor (ALF) isoform 3 from Penaeus monodon (AL3) and lipid A (LA, a component of LPS). The results revealed the binding mechanism and key interacting residues, which can guide the design of LPS-sequestrating molecules for blood detoxification.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL INFORMATION AND MODELING
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Carlota Guati, Lucia Gomez-Coma, Marcos Fallanza, Inmaculada Ortiz
Summary: In response to the demand for cost-effective monitoring, glucose sensing devices have made significant progress in recent years. Enzyme-based devices face challenges such as poor stability and time-consuming purification procedures, leading to the development of enzyme-free sensors using different components. Several reviews have been published addressing sensor materials and synthesis methods, but the information has not yet translated into commercial devices. This review critically analyzes existing information on non-enzymatic glucose electrodes from an engineering perspective, linking sensitivity, stability, and response under physiological conditions to electrode characteristics.
REVIEWS IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Deva Pelayo, Maria J. Rivero, GermAn Santos, Pedro Gomez, Inmaculada Ortiz
Summary: Disinfection is commonly used in wastewater treatment plants to reduce the presence of pathogens. However, the emergence of micropollutants has become a serious concern, and it is worth investigating tertiary treatments that can remove both pathogens and micropollutants. UV-C photo-degradation processes are widely used for disinfection due to their simplicity and easy operation, and they have shown potential for the removal of contaminants. This study compared the performance of several photo-degradation technologies for the removal of two targeted micropollutants, and found that UV-C photolysis and UV-C photocatalysis were the most suitable technologies for degradation.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lucia Gomez-Coma, Diogo L. Silva, Alfredo Ortiz, Carmen M. Rangel, Victor Manuel Ortiz-Martinez, Alexandra M. F. R. Pinto, Inmaculada Ortiz
Summary: Finding stable solutions for hydrogen storage is crucial for its widespread usage as an energy source and to reduce carbon emissions. This study examines the effects of non-toxic and environmentally friendly additives on the hydrolysis process for releasing hydrogen. Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and polyacrylamide show promising results as additives for efficient hydrogen production.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carmen Barquin, Aranza Vital-Grappin, Izumi Kumakiri, Nazely Diban, Maria J. Rivero, Ane Urtiaga, Inmaculada Ortiz
Summary: This study demonstrates the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants in water using TiO2 and TiO2/Ag membranes immobilized on ceramic porous tubular supports. The membranes showed high water fluxes and low rejection rates against model pollutants. The photocatalytic performance for the degradation of DCA was similar to suspended TiO2 particles, but significantly improved when the aqueous solution permeated through the pores of the photocatalytic membrane.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joost Veerman, Lucia Gomez-Coma, Alfredo Ortiz, Inmaculada Ortiz
Summary: Salinity gradient energy, especially using reverse electrodialysis (RED) technology, has attracted attention as a renewable energy source. However, the influence of divalent ions on the technology's performance has not been extensively studied. This study focuses on estimating the resistance of RED membranes in water flows containing divalent ions, both theoretically and experimentally. Results show that calcium and magnesium ions have a greater impact on energy generation compared to sulfate.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tamara Sampedro, Carolina Tristan, Lucia Gomez-Coma, Marcos Fallanza, Inmaculada Ortiz, Raquel Ibanez
Summary: This study assesses the scale-up of reverse electrodialysis (RED) for the harvesting of renewable salinity gradient energy (SGE) in two selected coastal wastewater treatment plants in Europe. The research utilizes an optimization model to quantify the net present value (NPV), and finds that the industrial scale-up of SGE-RED is feasible in Ierapetra, Greece, due to higher flow rates and temperature. However, in Comillas, Spain, it could be cost-competitive with conventional alternatives under certain conditions.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Belen Garcia-Merino, Eugenio Bringas, Inmaculada Ortiz
Summary: In recent decades, there has been increasing interest in using functionalized mesoporous nanomaterials as stimuli-responsive drug carriers. However, there is currently no standardized methodology to evaluate their performance. This study proposes a novel microfluidic platform as a new, simple, and cost-effective alternative for testing the behavior of nanocarriers. The platform was used to assess the performance of amino-functionalized MCM41 nanoparticles, which demonstrated a pH-responsive mechanism.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Miguel Viar, Salvador Asensio-Delgado, Fernando Pardo, Gabriel Zarca, Ane Urtiaga
Summary: In this study, the design of extractive distillation (ED) processes for separating the components of the R-410A mixture was evaluated by considering the influence of mass transfer phenomena and ionic liquid (ILs) properties. The results showed that solubility selectivity was the most influential IL property, and [C2C1im][SCN] was identified as a promising entrainer due to its high solubility selectivity and low viscosity, which allowed for operation at lower temperatures. The recovered R-32 can serve as a greener alternative to high-GWP R-410A and as a main component in the formulation of new low-GWP mixtures.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Javier Fernandez-Gonzalez, Marta Rumayor, Antonio Dominguez-Ramos, Angel Irabien, Inmaculada Ortiz
Summary: The development of emerging decarbonization technologies requires advanced tools such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for decision-making and promoting sustainability. Most environmental studies in this field have focused on carbon footprint and have not explored global sustainability implications. The recently proposed Planetary Boundaries (PBs) methodology can be used to determine the distance to the ideal reference state. This study highlights the role of LCA in developing emerging technologies and showcases its potential through a case study.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sophie Schroder, Inmaculada Ortiz, Ma-Fresnedo San-Roman
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased consumption of pharmaceuticals, resulting in higher levels of these drugs in wastewater and the environment. Electrochemical oxidation (ELOX) is an effective remediation technology commonly used to eliminate pharmaceuticals. This study focuses on the application of ELOX to remove drugs used in the fight against COVID-19 and assesses the degradation rate and the formation of toxic by-products. The presence of highly toxic by-products, such as PCDD/Fs, and their precursors was observed, highlighting the importance of selecting proper oxidation processes and variables to minimize toxicity.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Rehabilitation
Lauren Rosen, Teresa Plummer, Andrina Sabet, Michelle L. L. Lange, Roslyn Livingstone
Summary: This paper updates the RESNA Position on the Application of Power Wheelchairs for Pediatric Users with current and additional scientific literature. It provides clinical applications and evidence supporting the use of power mobility for young children, assisting practitioners in decision-making and justification. RESNA states that age, limited vision or cognition, behavioral issues, and the ability to walk or propel a manual wheelchair should not be used as discriminatory factors against providing power mobility for children. RESNA recommends early utilization of power mobility for children with mobility limitations to promote integration, development, independence, and participation.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Andrea Arguillarena, Maria Margallo, Axel Arruti-Fernandez, Javier Pinedo, Pedro Gomez, Inmaculada Ortiz, Ane Urtiaga
Summary: The selective zinc separation and purification of spent pickling acids by non-dispersive solvent extraction (NDSX) in hollow fiber membrane contactors (HFMCs) was successfully demonstrated on a pilot scale. The resulting iron chloride solution was valorized as a hydrogen sulfide suppressor in wastewater treatment. Additionally, the NDSX mathematical model was validated using pilot scale experimental data, providing a design tool for process scale-up and industrial implementation.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Arvin Sohrabi, Mousa Meratizaman, Shuli Liu
Summary: This paper simulates and discusses possible solutions to improve the economic and technical performances of a battery-less renewable energy-powered BWRO system under real climate conditions. The study finds that the photovoltaic-based system performs better in terms of specific energy consumption and unused energy ratio.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Chunlan Pan, Xiaoyin Hu, Vishal Goyal, Theyab R. Alsenani, Salem Alkhalaf, Tamim Alkhalifah, Fahad Alturise, Hamad Almujibah, H. Elhosiny Ali
Summary: This paper introduces a novel waste heat recovery method using the hot flue gas from a ship's engine to produce liquefied hydrogen while meeting the ship's air-conditioning requirement. A comprehensive feasibility assessment is conducted and an artificial neural network with a multiobjective grey wolf optimization method is used for optimization. The findings indicate the highest mean sensitivity index of the flash temperature and the best optimization scenario for exergy efficiency, CO2 emission reduction, and liquefied hydrogen cost.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Daniele Chinello, Jan Post, Louis C. P. M. de Smet
Summary: In this study, PVDF-based anion-exchange membranes were designed to selectively separate nitrate from chloride. Experimental data showed that increasing the concentration of PVDF enhanced nitrate transport but also increased the membrane electrical resistance. The selectivity of nitrate was found to be independent of the membrane thickness and mainly driven by the increased affinity between the anion and the membrane.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Umar Noor, Muhammad Fayyaz Farid, Ammara Sharif, Amna Saleem, Zubair Nabi, Muhammad Furqan Mughal, Kiran Abbas, Toheed Ahmed
Summary: Global water scarcity is increasing, and water desalination is an important solution. Multifunctional advanced materials, such as membrane materials and solar-driven desalination, play a crucial role in water desalination. Additionally, these materials can be used for water purification, wastewater treatment, and pollutant elimination.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Emrah Gumus
Summary: With growing global concerns about climate change and environmental impacts, the use of nuclear energy in naval vessels offers a cleaner and more efficient solution to reduce emissions and address water and energy supply challenges. This study explores a novel system that combines a nuclear-driven supercritical carbon dioxide power cycle with reverse osmosis cogeneration to meet the water and electricity demands in maritime operations, enhancing the sustainability, efficiency, and self-sufficiency of naval vessels. The results indicate that the system has the potential to be a viable and effective solution for naval operations.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Dao Thi Thanh Huyen, Saikat Sinha Ray, Young -Nam Kwon
Summary: This study focuses on the modification of a commercially available polyamide thin-film composite membrane with a zwitterionic material to enhance its fouling resistance. The modified membrane shows improved salt rejection and reduced permeability compared to the pristine membrane. Fouling tests demonstrate that the modified membrane has a lower fouling ratio and higher recovery ratio. The enhanced antifouling characteristics are attributed to the improved hydrophilicity resulting from the zwitterionic brushes and the salting-in effect.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Niklas Koeller, Lukas Mankertz, Selina Finger, Christian J. Linnartz, Matthias Wessling
Summary: This study presents a methodology to scale up Flow-electrode Capacitive Deionization (FCDI) technology from lab-scale to pilot-scale systems. By increasing membrane area and using a stacking approach, the FCDI modules were successfully scaled up and achieved a salt transfer rate comparable to lab-scale systems. This provides a foundation for future assessments of energy demand and economics.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mona Gulied, Sifani Zavahir, Tasneem Elmakki, Hyunwoong Park, Guillermo Hijos Gago, Ho Kyong Shon, Dong Suk Han
Summary: This study introduces a novel hybrid system that combines direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) and electrically switched ion exchange (ESIX) to facilitate seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) brine enrichment and selective lithium recovery.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zhiqiang Zhang, Ruifeng Deng, Jiao Zhang, Lu She, Guangfeng Wei, Renyong Jia, Pengyu Xiang, Siqing Xia
Summary: A transmembrane electro-chemisorption system with authigenic acid and base was developed for enhancing ammonia recovery from strong ammonia wastewater. The system efficiently transformed ammonium into free ammonia, which was then adsorbed and recovered through transmembrane chemisorption. This system yielded pure (NH4)2SO4 product and produced valuable byproducts of pure hydrogen and oxygen. Higher applied voltage resulted in better ammonia recovery.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Alena Popova, Sandrine Boivin, Takuji Shintani, Takahiro Fujioka
Summary: This study aimed to produce a high-integrity RO membrane by forming a polyamide skin layer on a TE support layer, in order to enhance the integrity of the membrane and improve the microbiological safety of potable water reuse.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Sanjana Yagnambhatt, Saber Khanmohammadi, Jonathan Maisonneuve
Summary: This study investigates the concept of using heat to enhance reverse osmosis (RO) desalination. The effect of temperature on water permeate flux, specific energy, permeate quality, and applied operating pressures is evaluated using an analytical model. The results suggest that under specific conditions, the tradeoff between savings in mechanical pump work and thermal energy input in thermally-enhanced RO can be favorable, leading to overall energy savings.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jiangju Si, Chenrui Xue, Shun Li, Linchao Yang, Weiwei Li, Jie Yang, Jihong Lan, Ningbo Sun
Summary: To meet the huge demand for lithium resources, there is an urgent need to develop a new efficient technology for lithium recovery from salt-lake brines. In this study, a selective membrane capacitive deionization system is reported, which achieves high lithium recovery capacity and rate through the use of materials with efficient intercalated pseudo-capacitance and a high specific area porous carbon. The use of a modified thin-coated membrane allows for selective Li+ recovery, and adjusting the concentrations of Li+ and Mg2+ in the feed solution enables higher Li+/Mg2+ selectivity.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mohamed R. Salem, R. Y. Sakr, Ghazy M. R. Assassa, Omar A. Aly
Summary: This research proposes a new method of using wasted thermal energies as an additional heating source for solar still distillation units (SSDUs) to increase productivity and reduce pollution and global warming. By testing two SSDUs, the study shows that heating airflow can raise temperatures, enhance freshwater production, and improve system thermal efficiency.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Qimeng Sun, Miao Sun, Linyan Yang, Yuan Gao, Xinghai Zhou, Lihua Lyu, Chunyan Wei
Summary: This study presents an innovative design and fabrication of a fabric-based conical roll (FCR) evaporator, which enables low-temperature evaporation and achieves high evaporation efficiency with excellent thermal management ability. The evaporator has demonstrated advanced light-harvesting capability and can produce freshwater that meets drinking water standards, showing great potential for applications in desalination and sewage treatment.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yidong Zhang, Wangfang Deng, Meiyan Wu, Chao Liu, Guang Yu, Qiu Cui, Pedram Fatehi, Chunlin Xu, Bin Li
Summary: In this study, a novel polydopamine-functionalized lignin-containing pulp foam evaporator with high-efficiency desalination and multi-contaminant adsorption capabilities was designed. The foam evaporator showed excellent light absorption, water absorption, thermal conductivity, and chelation abilities, allowing for solar evaporation and contaminant adsorption synergistically. It also exhibited potential applications in metal ion concentration and contaminated seawater treatments, and demonstrated superior biodegradability compared to poly-styrene foam. This foam material holds promise for developing multifunctional photo-thermal systems for solar-driven water purification.