Article
Engineering, Environmental
Maryam Akbari, Adetoyese Olajire Oyedun, Eskinder Gemechu, Amit Kumar
Summary: This study compares the life cycle energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of electricity generation from bio-coals produced from various biomass feedstocks via dry torrefaction and wet torrefaction processes. Results show that most pathways are competitive with coal-based electricity in terms of GHG emissions, with pine woodchips biochar-based electricity generation being the best option in terms of emissions reduction and net energy ratios. Sensitivity analysis of various factors was conducted, and the developed information can be used for investment decisions and policy formulation globally.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Rafail Isemin, Frederic Marias, Natalia Muratova, Sergey Kuzmin, Dmitry Klimov, Alexander Mikhalev, Oleg Milovanov, Mathieu Brule, Fouzi Tabet
Summary: A numerical model for wet torrefaction of poultry litter was developed in this study, which successfully estimated the optimal duration required for the process. The model employed a black box approach and assumed the behavior of the fluidized-bed reactor to be similar to a completely stirred tank reactor. Validation using experimental data confirmed the reliability of the model in estimating process duration based on material properties, reactor size, and feedstock characteristics.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Habib Ullah, Lu Lun, Luqman Riaz, Faiza Naseem, Asfandyar Shahab, Audil Rashid
Summary: This study investigates the properties of orange peel after dry and wet torrefaction at different temperatures, demonstrating that torrefaction processes significantly improve the fuel properties of orange peel. Both dry and wet torrefaction treatments are found to enhance the energy content of orange peel and transform it into a high-quality energy carrier, with dry torrefaction exhibiting additional advantages. Various characterization techniques show changes in the physicochemical characteristics of torrefied orange peel, indicating improved fuel characteristics and grinding properties closer to coal.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Rifat Mehdi, Naveed Raza, Salman Raza Naqvi, Asif Hussain Khoja, M. Taqi Mehran, Muhammad Farooq, Khanh-Quang Tran
Summary: The densification of biomass through pelletizing and torrefaction can significantly increase the carbon content and energy value of the pellets. Blending with cotton waste results in even higher carbon content, and the process of blending and torrefaction shows a synergistic effect in producing carbon-rich solid biofuel. Experimentally, it was observed that blending and torrefaction significantly increased the carbon content and energy value of the pellets.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL AND APPLIED PYROLYSIS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jarunee Khempila, Pumin Kongto, Pattanapol Meena
Summary: This study investigated the conversion of sugarcane leaves into biocoal through wet and dry torrefaction processes. Wet torrefaction showed better removal of ash and sulfur content, as well as being recommended for hemicellulose depolymerization. Wet-torrefied samples also exhibited higher fuel ratios than dry-torrefied samples at lower reaction temperatures. Overall, wet torrefaction was found to be a promising method for converting sugarcane leaves into solid biofuel.
BIOENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Edgar A. Silveira, Sandra Luz, Kevin Candelier, Lucelia A. Macedo, Patrick Rousset
Summary: This study evaluated five indexes commonly used in torrefaction research and found that the three yield property-based indexes were more effective in predicting torrefied product properties and energy performance parameters, while the two operating condition-based indexes were more effective in analyzing solid product properties.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yuan Xue, Shuyu Zhou, Erwei Leng, Cunhao Cui, Zhongyue Zhou, Yunfeng Peng
Summary: Wet torrefaction (WT) has the potential to convert moist biomass into hydrophobic fuel with higher heating value and energy density. The combination of wet torrefaction and pyrolysis allows for comprehensive utilization of biomass. Torrefied liquid is promising for furfural and organic acid production, while torrefied solid products have improved properties and enhanced removal of AAEMs.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL AND APPLIED PYROLYSIS
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Qing He, Abdul Raheem, Lu Ding, Jianliang Xu, Chen Cheng, Guangsuo Yu
Summary: This study found that wet torrefaction had a greater impact on softwood biochar than hardwood biochar, with the critical wet torrefaction temperature determining changes in reactivity and kinetic parameters. Wet torrefaction affected both the inorganic and organic components in biochar, leading to the removal of certain components in both types of biochar.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ana Alvarez, Sergio Migoya, Roy Menendez, Gemma Gutierrez, Consuelo Pizarro, Julio L. Bueno
Summary: Short Rotation Coppice Willow (SRCW) is a new source of renewable energy improved through torrefaction, which enhances hygroscopicity and heating value for use as fuel. The non-oxidative and oxidative torrefaction of SRCW were compared, with optimal temperature resulting in high mass and energy yields, reduced moisture content, and changes in elemental ratios. The biomass becomes hydrophobic with increased contact angle and decreased water absorption.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Pan Gao, Yutong Liu, Xingqi Huang, Aikeremu Abulaiti, Shaoxia Yang
Summary: Wet torrefaction (WT) is a promising technology for biomass upgrading, but its effects on the properties and gasification behaviors of biochar are not well understood. This study investigated the physical and chemical structure of biochar produced from WT biomass and its gasification characteristics. The results showed that WT reduced the content of alkaline earth metal ions in biochar and also lowered the content of K and Mg by more than 90%, and of Ca by more than 75%. The graphitization degree of biochar increased with increasing WT temperature below 220°C. The specific surface area of biochar from corn stalk increased after WT, while that from poplar sawdust decreased. The gasification reactivity of biochar decreased significantly with higher WT temperatures, and the time needed for complete gasification increased accordingly. The random pore model (RPM) provided a good fit to the gasification behavior of biochar and can be used to predict the gasification behavior at different temperatures. The activation energy of WT biochar increased, resulting in decreased gasification reactivity. The activation energies for the gasification of CS and PS biochar were in the ranges of 225.80-285.59 kJ/mol and 146.39-264.25 kJ/mol, respectively. This study provides important information for the design and operation of gasifiers.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhisen He, Shanjian Liu, Wenjing Zhao, Mengqian Yin, Mei Jiang, Dongmei Bi
Summary: This study explored the impact of urea content on nitrogen-rich bio-oil and nitrogen-doped biochar. Different feedstocks were pyrolyzed with urea as the nitrogen source at 500 degrees C. The order of nitrogen increase in nitrogen-doped biochar was cellulose < cellobiose < glucose. The nitrogen-doped biochar exhibited abundant nitrogen and nitrogenous functional groups, with optimal stability. The addition of 50% urea to cellulose resulted in the optimal adsorption performance for diethyl phthalate, while 20% urea content led to the highest anhydro-sugars content in bio-oil (61.86%). Furthermore, a urea proportion of 40% yielded bio-oil with the highest selectivity (91.63%) of nitrogenous heterocyclic compounds (NHCs), including pyrroles, pyrimidines, pyridines, imidazoles, and pyrazines. Hence, an appropriate urea proportion promotes the generation of valuable NHCs and nitrogen-doped biochar from nitrogen-rich cellulose pyrolysis.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Judith Gonzalez-Arias, Marta Elena Sanchez, Jorge Cara-Jimenez
Summary: The study compared the economic viability of pyrolysis, torrefaction, and hydrothermal carbonization of olive tree pruning, finding that none of the methods were profitable without government subsidies or increased product prices. Energy consumption was identified as the main cost factor, highlighting the need for economic solutions to advance towards circular economy societies.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yanshan Wang, Xiaochao Zhu, Songjiang Li, Yingjin Song, Guanyi Chen, Li'an Hou
Summary: Wet torrefaction (WT) pretreatment coupled with pyrolysis technology improves the fuel properties of camel dung (CD) and reduces NOx emissions during thermal utilization. The energy yield, energy-mass synergy efficiency, and thermal stability are enhanced at WT-270 pretreatment temperature. WT pretreatment increases the release of H2 and CH4 and decreases the release of H2O and CO2 during pyrolysis. Furthermore, WT contributes to nitrogen removal and stabilization, resulting in reduced gaseous pollutants emissions, particularly NOx and NO.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Quyen Nguyen, Dinh Duc Nguyen, Chao He, Quang-Vu Bach
Summary: This study found that waste heat sources can be used as alternative heat sources in wet torrefaction processes, with almost insignificant effects on the yield and fuel properties of the hydrochar products.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Wei-Hsin Chen, Ria Aniza, Arjay A. Arpia, Hsiu-Ju Lo, Anh Tuan Hoang, Vahabodin Goodarzi, Jianbing Gao
Summary: Machine learning models, MARS and ANN, were applied to predict the torrefaction severity index (TSI) of solid biofuel. The results showed that MARS model was more suitable for TSI prediction, while ANN model lacked sensitivity to input parameters. The performance of ANN model could be improved by adjusting the number of hidden layers and neurons.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Yanqi Xie, Liang Wang, Hailong Li, Lena Johansson Westholm, Lara Carvalho, Eva Thorin, Zhixin Yu, Xinhai Yu, Oyvind Skreiberg
Summary: In recent years, there has been increased interest in sustainable production of biochar, which has versatile physicochemical properties and wide applicability. However, research is lacking in correlating biochar properties with feedstock, production processes, and upgrading strategies. Establishing such correlations is necessary for producing biochar with desired properties and for predicting its physiochemical properties based on feedstock and production conditions. This review summarizes literature on the impact of feedstocks and production processes on biochar properties and provides recommendations for mapping out biochar production for different applications. Further research is needed to address knowledge gaps and improve biochar characterization and production.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL AND APPLIED PYROLYSIS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Peter Agback, Tatiana Agback, Francisco Dominguez, Elena Frolova, Gulaim A. Seisenbaeva, Vadim G. Kessler
Summary: This study investigated the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 nsp1 protein and two types of titania nanoparticles using NMR. The aminoalcohol-capped particles showed strong complexation with a specific part of the protein, potentially interfering with its functionality.
NANOSCALE ADVANCES
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Nils Erland L. Haugen, Mette Bugge, Alexander Mack, Tian Li, Oyvind Skreiberg
Summary: A detailed and CPU-efficient bed model for grate-fired combustion of biomass and waste is developed in this study. Wood chip combustion simulations are performed and compared with experimental results. The model accurately tracks the development of thermally thick fuel particles with a layer model, and efficiently handles a large number of physical fuel particles using representative particles. The motion of the fuel bed requires negligible CPU power, providing accurate predictions for different types of fuels.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ani Vardanyan, Anna Guillon, Tetyana Budnyak, Gulaim A. Seisenbaeva
Summary: Novel silica-based adsorbents with amine and sulfur containing functional groups were synthesized. These adsorbents showed good adsorption and separation performance for Rare Earth Elements (REE) and Late Transition Metals (LTM). The adsorption equilibrium data fitted well to Langmuir isotherm model. The organo-silicas demonstrated higher affinity towards LTM and had adsorption capacities ranging from 0.5 to 1.8 mmol/g.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Natalia G. Kobylinska, Vadim G. Kessler, Gulaim A. Seisenbaeva, Oksana A. Dudarko
Summary: Low-cost mesoporous silica materials of the SBA-15 family were prepared and functionalized, demonstrating high adsorption capacity and selectivity for the removal of a broad spectrum of hazardous metal pollutants from environmental water.
Article
Thermodynamics
Gabor Varhegyi, Liang Wang, Oyvind Skreiberg
Summary: The gasification kinetics of chars derived from biomass materials with chemical and physical heterogeneities and irregularities were studied. Empirical f(X) functions were determined using a method proposed four years ago, and the parameters of the models were obtained by the method of least squares. The reliability of the results was tested by reevaluating thermogravimetric experiments, and common kinetic features were found. The determined models accurately described the gasification of chars formed from different woods under various temperature programs and thermal pretreatments.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Robert L. Johnson, Kyle Castillo, Christian Castillo, Liang Wang, Oyvind Skreiberg, Scott Q. Turn
Summary: The slow pyrolysis of woody materials under elevated pressure leads to the formation of transient plastic phase biochar (TPPB), which exhibits macroscopic morphology changes. Hydrolysis-induced molten phase plays a key role in the formation of TPPB, while elevated pressure keeps water in the condensed phase. Despite minimal impact on material chemistry, significant differences in mechanical properties were observed between TPPB and standard biochar. The utility of TPPB was demonstrated by its superior tensile and compression strengths, as well as density, compared to carbon pellets produced from non-TPPB materials.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Robert L. Johnson, Kyle Castillo, Christian Castillo, Quang-Vu Bach, Cassidy Hihara, Liang Wang, Oyvind Skreiberg, Scott Q. Turn
Summary: Studies on transient plastic phase biochar (TPPB) show that plasticized biochar has better mechanical properties compared to non-plasticized biochar. Increasing the water content and reducing the reaction time can improve the performance of plasticized biochar.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Marijana Lakic, Troy C. Breijaert, Geoffrey Daniel, Fredric G. Svensson, Vadim G. Kessler, Gulaim A. Seisenbaeva
Summary: Recycling of magnetic materials based on rare earth elements (REE) is important for clean energy production and transportation. One challenge is separating smaller amounts of late transition metals (LTM) from REE, which can be addressed using hybrid adsorbents. This study synthesized novel silica-based nanoadsorbents and found that they have high selectivity for LTM. The prepared materials showed rapid uptake of LTM cations and demonstrated potential for environmentally friendly separation techniques.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Troy C. Breijaert, Tetyana M. Budnyak, Vadim K. Kessler, Gulaim A. Seisenbaeva
Summary: This article introduces a bio-based adsorbent nanomaterial, which is functionalized with cotton-derived nano cellulose particles and a polyamino ligand for the recycling of renewable energy and exhaust-free transportation. The research findings show that this adsorbent has high adsorption capacity and pronounced selectivity for late transition elements.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Servane Gaio, Fredric G. Svensson, Troy C. Breijaert, Gulaim A. Seisenbaeva, Vadim G. Kessler
Summary: A novel nanoceria-nanocellulose hybrid material was developed and evaluated as a potential drug delivery system. The hybrid material displayed a better retention of ampicillin than triclosan, and outer-sphere complexes were observed between ceria and the drugs.
MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Bjorn H. Greijer, Gustav Nestor, Jan E. Eriksson, Gulaim A. Seisenbaeva, Vadim G. Kessler
Summary: This study investigates the interaction between POMs and biomolecules, and finds that pH, ionic strength, and the molar ratio of POM to peptide are the main factors influencing their interaction. The sodium cations also play a role in directing the structure. These factors are important for the application of POMs in biological systems.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2022)
Proceedings Paper
Electrochemistry
Goril Jahrsengene, Stein Rorvik, Anne Store, Liang Wang, Oyvind Skreiberg
Summary: In this study, bio-based binders made from Norwegian spruce and birch woods were produced in a laboratory setup and studied for their wetting properties towards petroleum coke. The results showed that the bio-based binders adhered well to the coke particles, exhibited excellent wetting behavior during mixing, and appeared to be affected by strain to some extent after baking.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Gabriele Greco, Tina Arndt, Benjamin Schmuck, Juanita Francis, Fredrik G. Backlund, Olga Shilkova, Andreas Barth, Nathalie Gonska, Gulaim Seisenbaeva, Vadim Kessler, Jan Johansson, Nicola M. Pugno, Anna Rising
Summary: Exposure to wet conditions can lead to supercontraction in spider silk. Tyrosine residues in amorphous regions of the silk fiber are found to contribute to this phenomenon. Protein engineering allows control over supercontraction and response to humidity, providing potential for applications in wet environments.
COMMUNICATIONS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hao Li, Mathilde Menard, Ani Vardanyan, Clarence Charnay, Laurence Raehm, Erwan Oliviero, Gulaim A. Seisenbaeva, Roser Pleixats, Jean-Olivier Durand
Summary: The synthesis of triethoxysilylated cyclen derivative-based ligands through click chemistry, followed by grafting onto mesoporous silica nanoparticles, showed high adsorption capacity and quick adsorption kinetics for Ni(ii) and Co(ii) metal ions separation.