Article
Energy & Fuels
Miguel Mejia, Jose E. Parra, Lucas Mejia, Gary A. Pope, Matthew T. Balhoff
Summary: The study found that using surfactants in fractured oil wet limestone cores can form viscous microemulsions, which are beneficial for increasing oil recovery, especially compared to water flooding.
JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wenshuai Qi, Quanhua Deng, Na Du, Wanguo Hou
Summary: This study investigates the phase behavior of surfactant-free microemulsions (SFMEs). It reveals the formation of microemulsions without traditional surfactants in the ternary mixture of n-butanol, ethanol, and water, and identifies three types of microstructures, including oil-in-water, bicontinuous, and water-in-oil structures.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yanne Katiussy Pereira Gurgel Aum, Pedro Tupa Pandava Aum, Daniel Nobre Nunes da Silva, Luyara de Almeida Cavalcante, Eduardo Lins de Barros Neto, Tereza Neuma de Castro Dantas
Summary: This study characterizes an oil-in-water (O/W) microemulsion system with the potential for removing paraffinic deposits. The system can effectively solubilize paraffin without altering phase equilibrium and rheology behavior, as demonstrated through phase equilibrium, droplet size, and rheology characterization.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Pedro Tupa Pandava Aum, Yanne K. Pereira Gurgel Aum, Edson de Andrade Araujo, Luyara de Almeida Cavalcante, Daniel Nobre Nunes da Silva, Claudio Regis dos Santos Lucas, Tereza Neuma de Castro Dantas
Summary: This study investigates the stability and interaction of oil-in-water microemulsions prepared with nonionic surfactants under acid conditions with carbonate formations. The presence of acid was found to increase the stability of the microemulsion systems, while also altering the spreading pattern of the acid systems on the carbonate rock surface.
Article
Environmental Sciences
R. Najjar, L. Zarei-Gharehbaba, M. Tazerout
Summary: The study found that the fuel microemulsion based on diesel and sunflower oil could be stable for up to one year and had comparable fluid properties to neat diesel fuel. Engine combustion tests showed that the microemulsion reduced fuel consumption and emissions, demonstrating potential environmental benefits.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Toktam ShenavaeiZare, Ali Khoshsima, Bahman ZareNezhad
Summary: The study investigates the production of surfactant-free microemulsion hybrid biofuels using oil extracted from halophytic salicornia plants that can grow in highly saline lands and tolerate seawater salinity, as a replacement for fossil fuels. The results show that salicornia oil exhibits good low temperature phase behavior and is suitable for biofuel formulation. Characterization of the nanostructures of the produced biofuels reveals the effect of additives on the ethanol in oil structure.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Tereza Neuma de Castro Dantas, Flavia Freitas Viana, Tamyris Thaise Costa de Souza, Afonso Avelino Dantas Neto, Pedro Tupa Pandava Aum
Summary: Microemulsion flooding is a chemical EOR method that enhances oil recovery by reducing surface tension and changing rock wettability. Experimental results demonstrate the potential of microemulsion prepared with alkali and polymer in the EOR process, achieving up to 97% of the oil recovery factor.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jaeyub Chung, Jeremy Holtsclaw, Timothy C. Henderson, Thomas A. Everett, Nathan C. Schultheiss, Bryan W. Boudouris, Elias Franses
Summary: This study investigates the impact of chemical enhanced oil recovery on the oil recovery of mature oil fields, identifying ultralow interfacial tensions as crucial for increasing the capillary number and mobilizing trapped oil droplets. Among the five types of equilibrium interfacial tensions studied, it was found that formulations with the lowest type IV equilibrium interfacial tension exhibited the highest oil recovery ratio in core flood tests. This highlights the importance of identifying surfactant formulations with low or ultralow interfacial tensions, particularly of type IV or V, for effective screening and predicting oil recovery performance in core flood tests and field applications.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Juanhua Kong, Lixia Li, Qiang Zeng, Zhenping Cai, Yingying Wang, Hongyan He, Sijie Liu, Xuehui Li
Summary: A surfactant-free microemulsion reactor was designed to enhance the oxidative depolymerization of lignin, resulting in a substantial improvement in phenolic monomer yield. This intensification was rationalized by the solubilization effect of the microemulsion system and directional aggregation of lignin at the microemulsion interface.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
J. S. B. Souza, A. S. Jesus Junior, G. Simonelli, L. C. L. Santos
Summary: This study proposes a method for treating produced water using microemulsions with vegetable oil-based surfactants to reduce OGC and salinity. The results show that the microemulsion prepared with a vegetable oil-based surfactant effectively reduces OGC and salinity, and meets the limits set by environmental agencies.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mariam Shakeel, Aida Samanova, Peyman Pourafshary, Muhammad Rehan Hashmet
Summary: The study aims to optimize the performance of engineered water surfactant flooding (EWSF) by designing a negative salinity gradient. By adjusting the brine salinity and creating a negative salinity gradient, a higher incremental oil recovery can be achieved during the surfactant flooding process.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Gregory Vinicius Bezerra de Oliveira, Jefferson David Coutinho de Araujo, Maria Clara de Meneses Lourenco, Ana Paula Teixeira Araujo de Freitas, Marcos Allyson Felipe Rodrigues, Tereza Neuma de Castro Dantas, Alcides de Oliveira Wanderley Neto, Daniel Alberton Haas
Summary: Steam injection is commonly used for enhanced oil recovery in heavy oil fields, but its efficiency declines in later stages. This study proposes an innovative method by alternating steam and microemulsion injection to optimize heavy oil recovery in sandstone reservoirs. Three microemulsions with varying surfactant concentrations were produced and assessed for their viscosity, stability, surface tension, and interfacial tension. The results showed that the alternated injection achieved higher recovery factors compared to steam injection alone, due to the combined effects of viscosity reduction, interfacial tension decrease, and alteration of rock wettability. This study demonstrates the potential of steam and microemulsion alternated injection as an effective approach for enhanced heavy oil recovery.
Article
Mechanics
Tongjing Liu, Derong Xu, Wei Lian, Wanli Kang, Bauyrzhan Sarsenbekuly
Summary: This study proposes the use of micro-emulsification to reduce the viscosity of heavy oil for enhanced oil recovery. The optimal injection parameters were determined through experimental tests, and the displacement mechanism of the microemulsion was revealed. The results show that the micro-emulsification technology can significantly improve the oil recovery efficiency of heavy oil.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nestor Tafur, Alberto P. Munuzuri, Ana Soto
Summary: Surfactant blends show promising experimental performance in recovering remaining crude oil in carbonate reservoirs. A blend of dioctyl sulfosuccinate sodium (AOT) and polyoxyethylene(8) octyl ether carboxylic acid (Akypo LF2) in synthetic sea water (SSW) achieved low interfacial tension and moderate additional oil recovery. Adding the ionic liquid 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([C(12)mim]Br) improved the surface activity and significantly increased the additional oil recovery in the blend.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Guoqing Zhang, Yancheng Zheng, Fuquan Tian, Hai Liu, Xiaobing Lu, Xiao Yi, Zhengliang Wang
Summary: Carboxy betaines and extended surfactants were combined to assess their potential for enhanced oil recovery. The results showed that the mixture of certain surfactants displayed a synergistic effect in reducing interfacial tension and had ultra-low interfacial tension and emulsion stability. Coreflooding experiments confirmed its favorable displacement performance and potential application in medium to high salinity reservoirs.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Minodora Marin, Raluca Ianchis, Rebeca Leu Alexa, Ioana Catalina Gifu, Madalina Georgiana Albu Kaya, Diana Iulia Savu, Roxana Cristina Popescu, Elvira Alexandrescu, Claudia Mihaela Ninciuleanu, Silviu Preda, Madalina Ignat, Roxana Constantinescu, Horia Iovu
Summary: This study aimed to obtain a novel series of collagen-based composite biomaterials by incorporating various types of clays and gentamicin. The influence of clay type on drug release behavior, physiochemical properties, and biological performance of the composite materials was investigated. The results showed that the clay was successfully included in the collagen matrix without denaturation. The presence of clay improved the thermal and mechanical features of the collagen composites. The type of clay also affected the porosity, biodegradation, cellular viability, and antimicrobial behavior of the composite scaffolds. The study highlights the importance of clay type selection for the development of collagen-based biomaterials.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Cristina Lavinia Nistor, Catalin Ionut Mihaescu, Daniela Bala, Ioana Catalina Gifu, Claudia Mihaela Ninciuleanu, Sabina Georgiana Burlacu, Cristian Petcu, Mariana-Gratiela Vladu, Adi Ghebaur, Lenuta Stroea, Ludmila Otilia Cinteza
Summary: Sol-gel coatings are a simple and cost-efficient method to improve the bioactivity, corrosion, and wear resistance of different surfaces. The addition of inorganic nanoparticles into the coatings enhances their corrosion protection performance. The transparent mono- and bi-layered hydrophobic coatings fabricated in this study have antibacterial, hydrophobic, and anti-corrosive properties, making them suitable for protecting metallic surfaces from air pollutants and biological attacks.
Article
Polymer Science
Anca Ruxandra Leonties, Adriana Baran, Gabriela Ionita, Iulia Matei, Sorin Mocanu, Rodica Baratoiu, Elena Hristea, Ludmila Aricov
Summary: This study analyzes the physicochemical properties of solutions containing a mixture of polyacrylates functionalized with alkyl chains and alginate functionalized with beta-cyclodextrins. The formation of host-guest interactions between the functionalized polymers is investigated using various spectroscopic techniques. The results provide valuable information on the conformational changes and potential applications of these polymer mixtures in chemical sensing, molecular recognition, and the printing industry.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Maria Minodora Marin, Madalina Albu Kaya, Durmus Alpaslan Kaya, Roxana Constantinescu, Bogdan Trica, Ioana Catalina Gifu, Elvira Alexandrescu, Cristina Lavinia Nistor, Rebeca Leu Alexa, Raluca Ianchis
Summary: A novel nanocomposite material was synthesized by mixing a crosslinked polysaccharide hydrogel with a bioactive ingredient for wound healing. The effect of varying the ratio between hydrogel components on swelling, degradation rate, and thermo-mechanical behavior was analyzed. The resulting crosslinked structures were characterized using FTIR and microscopy analyses. The antimicrobial activity of the crosslinked hydrogels loaded with the bioactive agent was evaluated against two bacterial strains. The results demonstrated that the synthesized biopolymer nanocomposites have suitable properties for use as antibacterial wound dressings.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Raluca Ianchis, Rebeca Leu Alexa, Ioana Catalina Gifu, Maria Minodora Marin, Elvira Alexandrescu, Roxana Constantinescu, Andrada Serafim, Cristina Lavinia Nistor, Cristian Petcu
Summary: In this study, green crosslinked citric acid-salecan hydrogels were investigated as novel materials for regenerative medicine. The impact of salecan and citric acid on the properties of the hydrogels was studied, and it was found that the hydrogels exhibited microporous morphology, good swelling capacity, pH responsiveness, great mechanical stability, and good antibacterial activity. Furthermore, the salecan hydrogels were used as printing inks to create 3D structures with high fidelity and integrity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mariana Chelu, Adina Magdalena Musuc, Ludmila Aricov, Emma Adriana Ozon, Andreea Iosageanu, Laura M. Stefan, Ana-Maria Prelipcean, Monica Popa, Jose Calderon Moreno
Summary: This research describes a new methodology for obtaining biocompatible hydrogels based on Aloe vera for wound healing applications. Two hydrogels (AV5 and AV10) with different concentrations of Aloe vera were prepared using an all-green synthesis method from renewable and bioavailable materials. The hydrogels showed good antibacterial properties and promoted cell proliferation, migration, and wound closure. This Aloe vera based hydrogel may be suitable for wound healing applications based on its morphology, rheological properties, cytocompatibility, and cell viability.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Ioana Catalina Gifu, Raluca Ianchis, Cristina Lavinia Nistor, Cristian Petcu, Irina Fierascu, Radu Claudiu Fierascu
Summary: The continuous degradation of cultural heritage artifacts requires the continuous development of protection strategies, technologies, and materials. Polyelectrolytes have been proven effective in fighting against degradation and conserving heritage objects. This review focuses on the key developments in the use of polyelectrolytes for the preservation, consolidation, and cleaning of various heritage artifacts, including stone, metal, and organic materials like paper, leather, wood, and textiles. The state of the art in this field and future perspectives are presented.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Cristina Scomoroscenco, Mircea Teodorescu, Cristina Lavinia Nistor, Ioana Catalina Gifu, Cristian Petcu, Daniel Dumitru Banciu, Adela Banciu, Ludmila Otilia Cinteza
Summary: This study aimed to develop new microemulsion systems for topical use and identify a suitable water-soluble polymer for gel microemulsions. The efficacy of the developed microemulsion and gel microemulsion systems in delivering curcumin into the skin was also studied. A pseudo-ternary phase diagram was developed using specific ingredients, and physicochemical characterization and in vitro permeation studies were conducted.
Article
Polymer Science
Jean-Patrick Joly, Ludmila Aricov, George-Alin Balan, Elena Irina Popescu, Sorin Mocanu, Anca Ruxandra Leonties, Iulia Matei, Sylvain R. A. Marque, Gabriela Ionita
Summary: This study investigates the impact of the order of adding cross-linking agents on the physico-chemical properties of interpenetrated polymer networks. The results suggest that the order of adding cross-linkers affects the dynamic characteristics and overall behavior of the networks.
Article
Polymer Science
Maria Minodora Marin, Ioana Catalina Gifu, Gratiela Gradisteanu Pircalabioru, Madalina Albu Kaya, Rodica Roxana Constantinescu, Rebeca Leu Alexa, Bogdan Trica, Elvira Alexandrescu, Cristina Lavinia Nistor, Cristian Petcu, Raluca Ianchis
Summary: Natural polysaccharides are recommended for medical applications due to their low cytotoxicity and hydrophilicity. Polysaccharides can be used in additive manufacturing to achieve various customized 3D structures. In this study, silica nanoparticles were added to a microbial polysaccharide to obtain printable hydrogel nanocomposites.
Article
Polymer Science
Mariana Chelu, Monica Popa, Jose Calderon Moreno, Anca Ruxandra Leonties, Emma Adriana Ozon, Jeanina Pandele Cusu, Vasile Adrian Surdu, Ludmila Aricov, Adina Magdalena Musuc
Summary: The design of an efficient adsorbent hydrogel based on chitosan, polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG4000), and xanthan gum (CPX) has been developed for the removal of diclofenac sodium (DCF) from water. The CPX hydrogel showed high viscosity and mechanical stability due to the interaction between chitosan, xanthan gum, and PEG4000. The synthesized hydrogel exhibited pH-independent swelling behavior and achieved a high adsorption capacity for DCF. This study demonstrates the potential of CPX hydrogel as an environmentally friendly option for removing pharmaceutical contaminants from wastewater.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ludmila Aricov, Aurica Precupas, Madalina Tudose, Dragos Baltag, Bogdan Trica, Romica Sandu, Anca Ruxandra Leonties
Summary: This study investigates the impact of gold nanoparticles on the structure and activity of laccase from Trametes versicolor. It is found that the concentration of nanoparticles and the composition of the medium affect the secondary structure of the enzyme. The binding of nanoparticles leads to conformational changes, and the activity of the enzyme is enhanced at low concentrations of nanoparticles but reduced at high concentrations. The thermal parameters are improved at low nanoparticle concentrations, while the activation energy increases with nanoparticle content. The study also explores the effect of nanoparticles on the decomposition of a recalcitrant dye.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mihaela Ioan, Dan Florin Anghel, Mihai Anastasescu, Ioana Catalina Gifu, Elvira Alexandrescu, Roxana Ioana Matei, Cristian Petcu, Ioana Stanculescu, Georgiana Alexandra Sanda, Daniela Bala, Ludmila Otilia Cinteza
Summary: In this study, functional nanocoatings based on ZnO nanoparticles were prepared for the protection of cultural heritage metallic artifacts from corrosion. The presence of ZnO and benzotriazole in the nanocoatings improved their anticorrosive properties, while maintaining similar color, morphological, and optical properties as a commercial lacquer. The results showed that the nanocoatings had similar anticorrosion efficiency to the commercial lacquer and can be used for the preservation of cultural heritage metallic objects.
Article
Polymer Science
Diana Pelinescu, Mihai Anastasescu, Veronica Bratan, Valentin-Adrian Maraloiu, Catalin Negrila, Daiana Mitrea, Jose Calderon-Moreno, Silviu Preda, Ioana Catalina Gifu, Adrian Stan, Robertina Ionescu, Ileana Stoica, Crina Anastasescu, Maria Zaharescu, Ioan Balint
Summary: Nanostructured oxides (SiO2, TiO2) were synthesized using the sol-gel method and modified with noble metal nanoparticles (Pt, Au) and ruthenium dye to enhance light harvesting and promote the photogeneration of reactive oxygen species. The resulting nanostructures were embedded in a transparent polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel. The engineered materials were evaluated for their ability to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and showed potential for biomedical applications.
Article
Polymer Science
Petruta Preda, Ana-Maria Enciu, Bianca Adiaconita, Iuliana Mihalache, Gabriel Craciun, Adina Boldeiu, Ludmila Aricov, Cosmin Romanitan, Diana Stan, Catalin Marculescu, Cristiana Tanase, Marioara Avram
Summary: This study developed a new formulation of amorphous hydrogel and demonstrated its pro-proliferation and antibacterial properties. These hydrogels show potential as alternatives for wound healing.
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.