Article
Forestry
Kengo Shigetomi, Mana Tokizawa, Yasumitsu Uraki
Summary: By preparing highly deuterated monolignols, a facile methodology for elucidating the lignin chain-growth mechanism was established. This study demonstrated that highly deuterated monolignols can effectively suppress NMR signals and serve as a unique molecular tool to differentiate signals of interest.
JOURNAL OF WOOD SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Fengxia Yue, Wu Lan, Liming Zhang, Fachuang Lu, Runcang Sun, John Ralph
Summary: A facile and efficient synthetic approach for higher-yield pinoresinol production was developed, impacting pinoresinol-related research and clinical applications.
FRONTIERS IN ENERGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bundit Promraksa, Praewpan Katrun, Jutarop Phetcharaburanin, Yingpinyapat Kittirat, Nisana Namwat, Anchalee Techasen, Jia V. Li, Watcharin Loilome
Summary: The study demonstrated that CA can induce apoptosis in CCA cells and may serve as a potent anticancer agent for CCA treatment. CA affects the half-inhibitory concentration of CCA cells and cellular metabolism, involving antioxidant defense mechanism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ting-Yan Qiang, Jiu-Shi Liu, Yu-Qing Dong, Xin-Lu Mu, Yu Chen, Hong-Mei Luo, Ben-Gang Zhang, Hai-Tao Liu
Summary: This study identified an enzyme with catalytic activity from the Schisandraceae family and found the first functionally characterized enzyme, laying the foundation for further research on the complete biosynthetic pathway of dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Dongliang Hu, Xingyu Gu, Bingyan Cui
Summary: SBS polymer modification can potentially influence the anti-aging performance of asphalt by inhibiting oxidation through restricting asphalt molecule diffusion, resulting in higher oxidation at the early stage but lower oxidation in the long run, and counteracting asphalt aging hardening by degrading into smaller blocks.
FRONTIERS OF STRUCTURAL AND CIVIL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ran Zhang, Su Sun, Lei Wang, Li Guo, Qipeng Shi, Jia Jia, Xiaoyu Zhang, Hongbo Yu, Shangxian Xie
Summary: Soda lignin, characterized by linear beta-O-4' aryl ethers and multiple intermolecular H-bonds, enhances low-temperature asphalt performance by weakening cross-linking; whereas kraft lignin, with condensed C-C linkages and strong dimeric intermolecular H bonds, improves high-temperature rutting resistance as an effective asphalt binder modifier.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mendel L. Perkins, Mathias Schuetz, Faride Unda, Kent T. Chen, Marcel B. Bally, Jayesh A. Kulkarni, Yifan Yan, Joana Pico, Simone Diego Castellarin, Shawn D. Mansfield, A. Lacey Samuels
Summary: The lignin polymerizing laccase enzymes in cell walls establish a concentration gradient that drives the diffusion of lignin monomers. The presence of laccases on one side of the membrane facilitates the diffusion of monolignols. This finding provides insights into the transport mechanism of monolignols and the role of cell wall oxidative enzymes in lignin biosynthesis.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Jianmin Ma, Yue Deng, Daquan Sun, Simon A. M. Hesp
Summary: The use of rejuvenators can help restore the performance of aged asphalt, but as time goes on, the performance of the rejuvenated mixture decreases significantly.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Bhaskar Pratim Das, Saswati Das, Anjan Kumar Siddagangaiah
Summary: Fatigue cracking is a major distress in asphalt pavements, with factors like aging and moisture intrusion complicating the process. This study used a probabilistic approach to examine the effects of aging and moisture conditioning on fatigue damage in asphalt mixtures. The results showed that stiffness modulus and fatigue life of asphalt mixtures increased with aging levels, but decreased with more moisture conditioning cycles. Moisture had a greater negative impact on fatigue life at lower temperatures, and the probability of fatigue damage was higher in moisture conditioned asphalt mixtures.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Meng Cai, Xun Zhao, Xuanzhen Han, Peng Du, Yi Su, Cheng Cheng
Summary: This study investigates the effect of lignin on the anti-aging properties of asphalt. Results show that lignin can effectively improve the high-temperature stability of base asphalt while also negatively impacting compatibility issues. The research findings suggest that lignin can effectively enhance the anti-aging performance of asphalt and play a positive role in prolonging the service life of pavement.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dongliang Hu, Xingyu Gu, Guoliang Wang, Zhou Zhou, Lijun Sun, Jianzhong Pei
Summary: This study investigated the mechanism by which lignin competitively blocks the asphalt aging pathway and proposed structural modifications to improve its anti-aging capability. Experimental and theoretical methods were employed to reveal the aging mechanism of asphalt and the anti-aging mechanism of lignin and quercetin. The results suggest that modifying the structure of lignin to lower its molecular weight and increase the content of phenolic hydroxyls can enhance its anti-aging activity.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Zenggang Zhao, Shaopeng Wu, Quantao Liu, Chao Yang, Yingxue Zou, Pei Wan
Summary: CeO2 nanoparticles can enhance the viscosity and complex modulus of asphalt, strengthen its anti-aging ability, especially against UV aging. LDHs modified asphalt demonstrates superior anti-aging effect than that of CeO2 nanoparticles modified asphalt.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Haibo Ding, Azuo Nili, Jiale Chen, Zonghao Yang, Hadis Jemal Muktar, David Connolly, Yanjun Qiu
Summary: To better understand the thermoreversible aging of heavily oxidized asphalt, experiments on six different asphalt samples with various C20H42 proportions were conducted, including extended bending beam rheometer (ExBBR) tests, modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC) tests, and atomic force microscope (AFM) observations. The results demonstrate that heavy oxidation affects both the low temperature properties and thermoreversible aging characteristics of asphalt, with the former being influenced by storage temperature. The increased viscosity due to heavy oxidation hinders C20H42 migration, but higher storage temperature promotes thermoreversible aging by facilitating wax molecule movement. Furthermore, analysis reveals that the grade loss of asphalt blended with C30H62 varies at different storage temperatures and oxidation levels, indicating the importance of selecting multiple storage temperatures for testing heavily oxidized asphalt. Combined with thermal and morphological analysis, heavy oxidation increases wax precipitation, lowers the Tg of asphalt, and forms more perfect crystals during low temperature storage, thereby significantly enhancing thermoreversible aging. Finally, the incorporation of C20H42 intensifies physical hardening of asphalt, highlighting the need to study the effect of asphalt wax content on the degree of thermoreversible aging in heavily oxidized asphalt.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
V. E. Petrenko, T. Bogdan, E. G. Odintsova, M. L. Antipova, V. Bogdan
Summary: In this study, the structures of two radical forms of coniferyl alcohol and their dimer were optimized using density functional means. Analysis of geometric parameters, interaction energies, and molecular electrostatic potential were conducted, revealing the energy preference for the formation of beta-O-4' bonds during the radical dimerization process, leading to the production of lignin.
RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY A
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Lijun Sun, Xingyu Gu, Dongliang Hu, Zhou Zhou, Guoliang Wang
Summary: The mechanism of lignin as an asphalt antioxidant and its effects on asphalt aging were investigated through density functional theory and laboratory tests. Factors affecting the antioxidant activity of lignin were identified and it was found that increasing the phenolic hydroxyl content and reducing the molecular weight of lignin can enhance its anti-aging activity. Furthermore, the addition of lignin, quercetin, and gallic acid improved the resistance of asphalt binders to permanent deformation, elastic recovery, and fatigue resistance.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yingna Du, Chen Huang, Wei Jiang, Qiangwei Yan, Yongfei Li, Gang Chen
Summary: In this study, anionic surfactants modified hydrotalcite was used as a flow improver for crude oil under low-temperature conditions. The modified hydrotalcite showed a significant viscosity reduction effect on crude oil. The mechanism of the modified hydrotalcite on viscosity and pour point of crude oil was explored through characterization and analysis of the modified hydrotalcite and oil samples.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mohammad Saeid Rostami, Mohammad Mehdi Khodaei
Summary: In this study, a hybrid structure, MIL-53(Al)@MWCNT, was synthesized by combining MIL-53(Al) particles and -COOH functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT). The hybrid structure was then embedded in a polyethersulfone (PES) polymer matrix to prepare a mixed matrix membrane (MMM) for CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2 separation. The addition of MWCNTs prevented MIL-53(Al) aggregation, improved membrane mechanical properties, and enhanced gas separation efficiency.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yunlong Li, Desheng Huang, Xiaomeng Dong, Daoyong Yang
Summary: This study develops theoretical and experimental techniques to determine the phase behavior and physical properties of DME/flue gas/water/heavy oil systems. Eight constant composition expansion (CCE) tests are conducted to obtain new experimental data. A thermodynamic model is used to accurately predict saturation pressure and swelling factors, as well as the phase boundaries of N2/heavy oil systems and DME/CO2/heavy oil systems, with high accuracy.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Morteza Afkhamipour, Ebad Seifi, Arash Esmaeili, Mohammad Shamsi, Tohid N. Borhani
Summary: Non-conventional amines are being researched worldwide to overcome the limitations of traditional amines like MEA and MDEA. Adequate process and thermodynamic models are crucial for understanding the applicability and performance of these amines in CO2 absorption, but studies on process modeling for these amines are limited. This study used rate-based modeling and Deshmukh-Mather method to model CO2 absorption by DETA solution in a packed column, validated the model with experimental data, and conducted a sensitivity analysis of mass transfer correlations. The study also compared the CO2 absorption efficiency of DETA solution with an ionic solvent [bmim]-[PF6] and highlighted the importance of finding optimum operational parameters for maximum absorption efficiency.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Arastoo Abdi, Mohamad Awarke, M. Reza Malayeri, Masoud Riazi
Summary: The utilization of smart water in EOR operations has gained attention, but more research is needed to understand the complex mechanisms involved. This study investigated the interfacial tension between smart water and crude oil, considering factors such as salt, pH, asphaltene type, and aged smart water. The results revealed that the hydration of ions in smart water plays a key role in its efficacy, with acidic and basic asphaltene acting as intrinsic surfactants. The pH also influenced the interfacial tension, and the aged smart water's interaction with crude oil depended on asphaltene type, salt, and salinity.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Dongao Zhu, Kun Zhu, Lixian Xu, Haiyan Huang, Jing He, Wenshuai Zhu, Huaming Li, Wei Jiang
Summary: In this study, cobalt-based metal-organic frameworks (Co-based MOFs) were used as supports and co-catalysts to confine the NHPI catalyst, solving the leaching issue. The NHPI@Co-MOF with carboxyl groups exhibited stronger acidity and facilitated the generation of active oxygen radicals O2•, resulting in enhanced catalytic activity. This research provides valuable insights into the selection of suitable organic linkers and broadens the research horizon of MOF hybrids in efficient oxidative desulfurization (ODS) applications.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Edwin G. Hoyos, Gloria Amo-Duodu, U. Gulsum Kiral, Laura Vargas-Estrada, Raquel Lebrero, Rail Munoz
Summary: This study investigated the impact of carbon-coated zero-valent nanoparticle concentration on photosynthetic biogas upgrading. The addition of nanoparticles significantly increased microalgae productivity and enhanced nitrogen and phosphorus assimilation. The presence of nanoparticles also improved the quality of biomethane produced.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yao Xiao, Asma Leghari, Linfeng Liu, Fangchao Yu, Ming Gao, Lu Ding, Yu Yang, Xueli Chen, Xiaoyu Yan, Fuchen Wang
Summary: Iron is added as a flocculant in wastewater treatment and the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of sludge produces wastewater containing Fe. This study investigates the effect of aqueous phase (AP) recycling on hydrochar properties, iron evolution and environmental assessment during HTC of sludge. The results show that AP recycling process improves the dewatering performance of hydrochar and facilitates the recovery of Fe from the liquid phase.
Article
Energy & Fuels
He Liang, Tao Wang, Zhenmin Luo, Jianliang Yu, Weizhai Yi, Fangming Cheng, Jingyu Zhao, Xingqing Yan, Jun Deng, Jihao Shi
Summary: This study investigated the influence of inhibitors (carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and heptafluoropropane) on the lower flammability limit of hydrogen and determined the critical inhibitory concentration needed for complete suppression. The impact of inhibitors on explosive characteristics was evaluated, and the inhibitory mechanism was analyzed with chemical kinetics. The results showed that with the increase of inhibitor quantity, the lower flammability limit of hydrogen also increased. The research findings can contribute to the safe utilization of hydrogen energy.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Zonghui Liu, Zhongze Zhang, Yali Zhou, Ziling Wang, Mingyang Du, Zhe Wen, Bing Yan, Qingxiang Ma, Na Liu, Bing Xue
Summary: In this study, high-performance solid catalysts based on phosphotungstic acid (HPW) supported on Zr-SBA-15 were synthesized and evaluated for the one-pot conversion of furfural (FUR) to γ-valerolactone (GVL). The catalysts were characterized using various techniques, and the ratio of HPW and Zr was found to significantly affect the selectivity of GVL. The HPW/Zr-SBA-15 (2-4-15) catalyst exhibited the highest GVL yield (83%) under optimized reaction conditions, and it was determined that a balance between Bronsted acid sites (BAS) and Lewis acid sites (LAS) was crucial for achieving higher catalytic performance. The reaction parameters and catalyst stability were also investigated.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Michael Stoehr, Stephan Ruoff, Bastian Rauch, Wolfgang Meier, Patrick Le Clercq
Summary: As part of the global energy transition, an experimental study was conducted to understand the effects of different fuel properties on droplet vaporization for various conventional and alternative fuels. The study utilized a flow channel to measure the evolution of droplet diameters over time and distance. The results revealed the temperature-dependent effects of physical properties, such as boiling point, liquid density, and enthalpy of vaporization, and showed the complex interactions of preferential vaporization and temperature-dependent influences of physical properties for multi-component fuels.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yuan Zhuang, Ruikang Wu, Xinyan Wang, Rui Zhai, Changyong Gao
Summary: Through experimental validation and optimization of the chemical kinetic model, it was found that methanol can accelerate the oxidation reaction of ammonia, and methanol can be rapidly oxidized at high concentration. HO2 was found to generate a significant amount of OH radicals, facilitating the oxidation of methanol and ammonia. Rating: 7.5/10.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Radwan M. EL-Zohairy, Ahmed S. Attia, A. S. Huzayyin, Ahmed I. EL-Seesy
Summary: This paper presents a lab-scale experimental study on the impact of diethyl ether (DEE) as an additive to waste cooking oil biodiesel with Jet A-1 on combustion and emission features of a swirl-stabilized premixed flame. The addition of DEE to biodiesel significantly affects the flame temperature distribution and emissions. The W20D20 blend of DEE, biodiesel, and Jet A-1 shows similar flame temperature distribution to Jet A-1 and significantly reduces UHC, CO, and NOx emissions compared to Jet A-1.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jiang Bian, Ziyuan Zhao, Yang Liu, Ran Cheng, Xuerui Zang, Xuewen Cao
Summary: This study presents a novel method for ammonia separation using supersonic flow and develops a mathematical model to investigate the condensation phenomenon. The results demonstrate that the L-P nucleation model accurately characterizes the nucleation process of ammonia at low temperatures. Numerical simulations also show that increasing pressure and concentration can enhance ammonia condensation efficiency.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Shiyuan Pan, Xiaodan Shi, Beibei Dong, Jan Skvaril, Haoran Zhang, Yongtu Liang, Hailong Li
Summary: Integrating CO2 capture with biomass-fired combined heat and power (bio-CHP) plants is a promising method for achieving negative emissions. This study develops a reliable data-driven model based on the Transformer architecture to predict the flowrate and CO2 concentration of flue gas in real time. The model validation shows high prediction accuracy, and the potential impact of meteorological parameters on model accuracy is assessed. The results demonstrate that the Transformer model outperforms other models and using near-infrared spectral data as input features improves the prediction accuracy.