Review
Agricultural Engineering
Weijin Zhang, Qingyue Chen, Jiefeng Chen, Donghai Xu, Hao Zhan, Haoyi Peng, Jian Pan, Mikhail Vlaskin, Lijian Leng, Hailong Li
Summary: Hydrothermal treatment (HTT) is a promising technology for biomass valorization, and machine learning (ML) has been widely applied to predict and optimize the production from HTT. This review comprehensively analyzed the application of ML for HTT of biomass and summarized ML-aided HTT prediction of yield, compositions, and physicochemical properties of derived products. Future prospects were proposed to enhance predictive performance, mechanistic interpretation, process optimization, data sharing, and model application during ML-aided HTT.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Noah Luciano Taufer, Vittoria Benedetti, Matteo Pecchi, Yukihiko Matsumura, Marco Baratieri
Summary: This study investigated a combined process of hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and supercritical water gasification (SCWG) to fully utilize digestate from anaerobic digestion. The results showed that increasing SCWG temperature led to higher carbon yield and hydrogen content in the gas phase, while increasing residence time resulted in a decrease in carbon yield in the gas phase. Increasing feedstock concentration led to a higher gas generation rate.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Chai Siah Lee, Alex V. Conradie, Edward Lester
Summary: Supercritical water gasification is a process for converting wet biomass into syngas without the need for energy-intensive pre-drying, aiming to obtain syngas rich in hydrogen. Studies have shifted from using model compounds to real biomass feedstock, investigating factors influencing hydrogen yields and the relationship between biomass components and hydrogen yields.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Punniyakotti Varadharajan Gopirajan, Kannappan Panchamoorthy Gopinath, Govindarajan Sivaranjani, Jayaseelan Arun
Summary: This study developed a Tunable Decision Support System (TDSS) and Tunable Recommendation System (TRS) based on machine learning algorithms to optimize the process conditions and product yield values of hydrothermal gasification (HTG) of biomass. By analyzing data and making iterations, accurate predictions of HTG process conditions can be made, with key components in biomass identified as influencing the product gas yield and quality.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Gabriel Machado Silva, Fernando Wypych
Summary: Gordaite and Osakaite are layered hydroxide salts minerals with both cation and anion exchange capacities, rich coordination and surface chemistry, and potential applications. However, their synthesis methods currently result in low-quality crystals. This study presents a novel synthesis route to obtain highly crystalline Gordaite and Osakaite.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ying Gao, Yuang Wang, Yue Jiang, Hui Xu, Xue Liang Li, Hui Ying Yang, Yuan Guo, Jiayu Xu, Shuai Ran, Hong Zhang, Yinong Lyu
Summary: This study investigated the hydrogen production and transformation path of the gasification of domestic sludge with hydrothermal aqueous phase. The presence of organic fractions in hydrothermal aqueous phase was found to greatly enhance the efficiency of sludge gasification for hydrogen production. Aromatics, particularly the dissociation of side chain methyl groups, were found to be critical for the synergistic effect in hydrogen production.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2024)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kapil Khandelwal, Sonil Nanda, Philip Boahene, Ajay K. Dalai
Summary: The global warming problem caused by the rapid use of fossil fuels is leading to an increased demand for sustainable energy sources, such as hydrogen. The demand for hydrogen has quadrupled from 18 million tons in 1975 to 90 million tons in 2020, and is projected to reach 180 million tons by 2030. This article reviews the conversion of biomass into hydrogen-rich syngas using supercritical water gasification, focusing on the thermophysical properties of supercritical water and the parameters influencing water gasification. The processes and reactions influencing the distribution of products during water gasification include hydrolysis, water-gas shift, methanation, hydrogenation, and reforming.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vera Marcantonio, Marcello De Falco, Mauro Capocelli, Alvaro Amado-Fierro, Teresa A. Centeno, Enrico Bocci
Summary: Concerns about energy security, energy prices, and climate change have led to scientific research on renewable energy sources and carbon capture technologies. This paper investigates the coexistence of biomass gasification, carbon capture, and conversion technologies for hydrogen production from biomass waste. The proposed model aims to optimize the performance of the plant by varying operating parameters, and the carbon footprint of the plant is lower than the limit set by the European Commission.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Farihahusnah Hussin, Nur Nadira Hazani, Munawar Khalil, Mohamed Kheireddine Aroua
Summary: This article provides a systematic review of hydrothermal technology and the life cycle assessment of hydrothermal biomass conversion. The study found that there is limited research on the environmental and economic impacts of hydrothermal biomass conversion, highlighting the need for environmental impact studies to demonstrate the benefits of biomass hydrothermal processing.
FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Qing Wang, Xu Zhang, Da Cui, Jingru Bai, Zhichao Wang, Faxing Xu, Zhenye Wang
Summary: Supercritical water gasification (SCWG) with biomass is a process that converts biomass feedstock into hydrogen-rich syngas through thermal decomposition and hydrolysis. This review discusses the relationship between cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and hydrogen production, as well as the effects of reaction conditions and catalysts on SCWG. The results highlight the significant impact of temperature and catalysts on SCWG, while other operating conditions play a secondary role. However, the SCWG mechanism of real lignocellulosic biomass and the interaction relationship of its components still require further study. Furthermore, the development of stable and efficient catalysts is crucial for the advancement of this technology.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL AND APPLIED PYROLYSIS
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Prangya Ranjan Rout, Mukesh Goel, Daya Shankar Pandey, Caitlin Briggs, Venkatesa Prabhu Sundramurthy, Nirmalya Halder, Anee Mohanty, Sanjay Mukherjee, Sunita Varjani
Summary: Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is a promising technique to recover biofuels and bioenergy from waste biomass with low energy and high moisture content. The generated wastewater during the HTL process (HTWW) contains valuable nutrients and organics, which can contaminate water bodies and result in the loss of bioenergy sources. Therefore, this study focuses on the treatment of HTWW for reduced environmental emission and potential bioenergy recovery. Various technologies for HTWW treatment and valorization, such as anaerobic digestion, microbial fuel cells (MFC), microbial electrolysis cell (MEC), and supercritical water gasification (SCWG), are reviewed and the importance of considering biomass characteristics in the selection of appropriate technology is emphasized. The integration of different methods and nutrient recovery approaches is suggested to maximize HTWW valorization and minimize environmental pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xu Zeng, Guo-Dong Yin, Yang-Yuan Zhou, Jian-Fu Zhao
Summary: Using density functional theory calculations, this study reveals the efficient CO2 reduction to formate mechanism using in situ hydrogen generated from hydrothermal reactions. The results indicate that iron hydrides play a crucial role in the formation of formate.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Mingxun Zeng, Zefeng Ge, Yuna Ma, Zhenting Zha, Huiyan Zhang
Summary: This study pretreated poplar sawdust by hydrothermal carbonization and found that the fixed carbon and higher calorific value of hydrochars significantly increased. The cold gas efficiency also improved, with carbon structure having a greater impact on hydrochars gasification characteristics. The crystallinity of hydrochars showed correlation with the total yield and H2/CO of syngas.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Jie Yang, Yong Huang, Weisheng Yang, Liang Jiao, Shu Zhang, Hongqi Dai
Summary: Low molecular weight lignin (LMW-Lignin) has high phenolic hydroxyl content and excellent bioactivity, making it highly promising for energy storage and antibacterial materials. However, conventional lignin sources have large molecular weights and inactive functional groups, limiting their potential applications. This study found that methanol inhibits the recondensation of lignin fragments in a hydrothermal alkaline system. Optimized conditions resulted in the production of low molecular weight lignin.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Jikai Zhao, Yang Yang, Meng Zhang, Donghai Wang
Summary: Parallel pretreatments of biomass with HOAc and NaOH followed by integration of their biomass and filtrate led to successful recovery of lignin, increased total sugar concentration without compromising glucose yield, and improved xylose yield.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Idris Aminu, Mohamad A. Nahil, Paul T. Williams
Summary: The production of hydrogen from the pyrolysis-catalytic steam reforming of waste plastics was investigated. It was found that polystyrene had the highest yield of hydrogen, and a high catalyst temperature and optimized steam input rate significantly increased the yield. Nickel/aluminium oxide catalyst exhibited the highest catalytic activity and selectivity towards hydrogen production.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS-WASTE AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jude A. Onwudili, Iram Razaq, Keith E. Simons
Summary: The displacement and eventual replacement of fossil-derived fuel gases with biomass-derived alternatives can help the energy sector achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The study investigates the optimal conditions to produce propane from butyric acid, a biomass-derived compound. The results show that nitrogen gas atmosphere is the most appropriate to control the production of propane, achieving a high hydrocarbon selectivity of up to 97%.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Katherine A. Graves, Luke J. R. Higgins, Mohamad A. Nahil, Bhoopesh Mishra, Paul T. Williams
Summary: Polypropylene and polystyrene were processed with a Ni-Fe/Al2O3 catalyst to produce carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in a pyrolysis/catalytic reactor. The MWCNTs produced had different structures and properties depending on the source of the plastic. Commercially produced MWCNTs showed higher degree of graphitisation and fewer defects compared to plastic derived MWCNTs.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL AND APPLIED PYROLYSIS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andrew C. Dyer, Mohamad A. Nahil, Paul T. Williams
Summary: In this study, a two-stage fixed bed reactor system was used to co-pyrolyze biomass and waste polystyrene plastic to produce upgraded bio-oils. Different metal impregnated ZSM-5 catalysts were investigated, and they showed varying effects on the yield and composition of the product oils and gases. Deoxygenation of the bio-oils was achieved mainly through different pathways depending on the catalyst used. The addition of metal impregnated catalysts resulted in an increase in the yield of single-ring aromatic compounds in the oil.
JOURNAL OF MATERIAL CYCLES AND WASTE MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yeshui Zhang, Hualun Zhu, Ruike Zhang, Lu Yu, Ziqi Liu, Paul R. Shearing, Dan J. L. Brett, Paul T. Williams
Summary: The pyrolysis-catalysis process of waste tires can produce high value carbon nanomaterials, and the aromatic compounds in tire pyrolysis oils have a greater influence on the production of carbon nanomaterials.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Idris Aminu, Mohamad A. Nahil, Paul T. Williams
Summary: A two-stage pyrolysis-nonthermal plasma/catalytic steam reforming reactor system was used to produce hydrogen from waste high-density polyethylene. Different catalyst support materials have different effects on the generation of plasma, and MCM-41 shows the highest gas yield and hydrogen yield.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Osarieme Uyi Osazuwa, Sumaiya Zainal Abidin, Nurul Asmawati Roslan, Xiaolei Fan, Herma Dina Setiabudi, Dai-Viet N. Vo, Jude A. Onwudili
Summary: This study investigates the effects of different catalyst preparation methods on the performance of methane dry reforming reaction. It is found that the catalyst synthesized by Pechini sol-gel method shows higher carbon gasification rate and better stability compared to catalysts from other synthesis methods.
CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Marcela M. Marcelino, Gary A. Leeke, Guozhan Jiang, Jude A. Onwudili, Carine T. Alves, Delano M. de Santana, Felipe A. Torres, Ednildo A. Torres, Silvio A. B. Vieira de Melo
Summary: This study explores the energy conversion of nickel-impregnated coconut shells using supercritical water for the first time. It is found that nickel nanoparticles can be successfully impregnated into the coconut shell at room temperature and a pH of 5.80. Through gasification experiments and optimization using the response surface methodology, the optimal conditions for achieving the highest H-2 yield and gasification efficiency are determined. The gasification of nickel-impregnated coconut shells shows significantly higher efficiency and hydrogen yield, as well as higher carbon and hydrogen efficiencies, attributed to the presence of nickel nanoparticles as nanocatalysts.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Paul T. Williams, Yukun Li, Mohamad A. Nahil
Summary: Single plastics and mixed waste plastics were processed using pyrolysis-catalytic steam reforming with a carbonaceous char catalyst from waste tires. The gas yield was high, with total gas yields from single plastics ranging from 36.84% to 39.08%. The product gas was mainly composed of syngas (80 vol %) and the hydrogen yield increased with the temperature of the char catalyst.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Rayed Alshareef, Mohamad A. Nahil, Paul T. Williams
Summary: The three-stage processing of waste plastic (pyrolysis, catalytic steam reforming, and water gas shift) for hydrogen production was investigated. The influence of process conditions in the water gas shift reactor, such as catalyst type, temperature, steam/carbon ratio, and support material, was studied. The Fe/Al2O3 catalyst showed the highest hydrogen yield, and increased Fe metal loading and addition of steam resulted in improved yield. Various catalyst support materials were also tested, with most showing similar hydrogen yields except for Fe/MCM-41.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jude A. Onwudili, Vikas Sharma, Cristiane A. Scaldaferri, Abul K. Hossain
Summary: This study investigates the production and engine testing of a fuel blend containing upgraded bio-oil and fossil-derived solvent using an interdisciplinary approach. A 3-stage process of solvent-assisted catalytic upgrading of fast pyrolysis bio-oil is used to obtain a fuel blend with nearly 18 vol% biofuel content. The upgraded biofuel blend shows superior or similar combustion and emission characteristics compared to conventional kerosene and diesel, with a 2% increase in engine performance.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Morenike Ajike Peters, Carine Tondo Alves, Jude Azubuike Onwudili
Summary: The aviation industry is a major contributor to global carbon dioxide emissions, and there is an increasing need to reduce its environmental impact. The production of biojet fuel from renewable biomass feedstocks offers a promising solution to this challenge, providing the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels in aviation. This review comprehensively discusses current and emerging biojet fuel conversion technologies, their feasibility, and sustainability. It explores various conversion pathways and the associated feedstocks, chemistry, and processing steps, with a focus on recent innovations to improve biojet product yields. The review also highlights the challenges and suggests future research directions to advance this important and rapidly growing sustainable fuel industry.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jude A. Onwudili, Cristiane A. Scaldaferri
Summary: A novel two-stage solvent-assisted batch catalytic hydroprocessing method was developed to upgrade intermediate pyrolysis bio-oil to produce blended liquid fuels with approximately 23 wt% hydrocarbon-rich biofuel content. The first stage reactions involving mixtures of dodecane and bio-oil, hydrogen gas, and metal-supported catalysts suppressed char formation and obtained up to 80 wt% liquid organic products dominated by ketones and phenols. The second stage reactions with the first stage organic liquid products gave over 90 wt% of blended liquid fuel. Pt/Al2O3 catalyst deactivated in the first stage but remained stable in the second stage.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Carine T. Alves, Jude A. Onwudili, Payam Ghorbannezhad, Shogo Kumagai
Summary: Conventional biomass gasification involves complex chemical reactions to produce gas, with gasifying agents and gasification temperature as key factors. Air as the gasifying agent produces highly diluted producer gas, while nitrogen-free gasifying agents produce syngas suitable for various downstream uses. Kinetic and thermodynamic studies have contributed to understanding biomass gasification. Strategies to reduce tar formation and the historical perspective and current trends of biomass gasification are also discussed.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY & FUELS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Thomas K. Penney, Mohamad A. Nahil, Paul T. Williams
Summary: The production of syngas from processed municipal solid waste using pyrolysis-catalytic reforming was experimentally investigated. The research focused on manipulating the H-2:CO ratio in the syngas by optimizing process conditions, such as the input steam/CO2 reforming gas ratio. The experimental results showed that increasing steam:CO2 ratios and catalytic reforming temperature led to higher H-2 yield and influenced the H-2:CO molar ratio. Design of Experiments modelling was used to predict and validate the optimal process conditions for target H-2:CO ratios.
JOURNAL OF THE ENERGY INSTITUTE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xuemei Liu, Chaonan Cui, Shuoshuo Wei, Jinyu Han, Xinli Zhu, Qingfeng Ge, Hua Wang
Summary: This study presents a new strategy for designing efficient photocatalysts that can convert CO2 into hydrocarbons by utilizing synergistic catalytic sites. The findings provide a solution for the selective photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CH4.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chengxian Hu, Dan Wang, Lu Wang, Ying Fu, Zhengyin Du
Summary: A novel one-pot, three-component reaction conducted under electrochemical conditions was studied. The reaction involved 2-aminothiophenols, aldehydes, and malononitrile, using TBABF4 as an electrolyte and CuI as a catalyst. The proposed reaction mechanism suggested that CuI served as an electron relay. This method offers simplified operation, high atom economy, and mild reaction conditions.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhi Yang, Yu Chen, Linxi Wan, Yuxiao Li, Dan Chen, Jianlin Tao, Pei Tang, Fen-Er Chen
Summary: A highly enantioselective method for the complete hydrogenation of pyrimidinium salts using Ir/(S,S)-f-Binaphane complex as the catalyst was developed. This method provides easy access to fully saturated chiral hexahydropyrimidines, which are prevalent in many bioactive molecules. The reactions exhibit high yields and enantioselectivities under mild reaction conditions without additives. Successful application of this methodology in a continuous flow fashion further extends its practical utility.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tina Jeoh, Jennifer Danger Nill, Wujun Zhao, Sankar Raju Narayanasamy, Liang Chen, Hoi-Ying N. Holman
Summary: In this study, the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose was investigated using real-time infrared spectromicroscopy. The spatial heterogeneity of cellulose was found to impact the hydrolysis kinetics. Hydration affected cellulose ordering, and Cel7A preferentially removed less extensively hydrogen bonded cellulose.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tiphaine Richard, Walid Abdallah, Xavier Trivelli, Mathieu Sauthier, Clement Dumont
Summary: An effective method of grafting functionalities onto lignin based on glycerol carbonate has been developed using an efficient nickel-catalysed telomerisation reaction. This method allows lignin to have new reactive functions and reduces the glass transition temperatures of modified lignins, thereby expanding the application range of lignin-based resins.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jing Qi, Xiyan Wang, Gan Wang, Srinivas Reddy Dubbaka, Patrick ONeill, Hwee Ting Ang, Jie Wu
Summary: This study presents a green and environmentally friendly approach for the synthesis of imides using electrocatalytic oxidation with H2O as the oxygen source. The method eliminates the need for toxic or expensive oxidants and achieves high yields under mild reaction conditions. It shows broad substrate compatibility and potential for industrial applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Babasaheb Sopan Gore, Lin-Wei Pan, Jun-Hao Lin, Yi-Chi Luo, Jeh-Jeng Wang
Summary: Here, we report a visible light-promoted intramolecular radical cascade reaction for the construction of fluorenol and naphthalene-fused cyclopropyl carbaldehyde derivatives. This method offers mild reaction conditions, a broad substrate scope, excellent step efficiency, and scalability, without the need for external chemical oxidants. The novelty of this protocol was demonstrated by synthesizing chrysene analogs and performing late-stage functionalizations.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Juho Antti Sirvio, Idamaria Romakkaniemi, Juha Ahola, Svitlana Filonenko, Juha P. Heiskanen, Ari Ammala
Summary: This article discusses the method of using supramolecular interaction between an aromatic hydrogen bond donor and lignin to achieve rapid delignification of softwood at low temperatures.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yunyan Meng, Chunxiang Pan, Na Liu, Hongjiang Li, Zixiu Liu, Yao Deng, Zixiang Wei, Jianbin Xu, Baomin Fan
Summary: A novel visible light-driven synthesis method for 2,3-diamines has been developed, which has mild conditions, avoids the use of metal reagents, and can synthesize diamines and diols in one pot.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mingqing Huang, Haiyang Huang, Mengyao You, Xinxin Zhang, Longgen Sun, Chao Chen, Zhichao Mei, Ruchun Yang, Qiang Xiao
Summary: A direct air-oxidized strategy for the synthesis of benzo[b]phosphole oxides was developed in this study. Arylphosphine oxides were transformed into phosphinoyl radicals, which were further combined with various alkynes to achieve the desired products. DFT calculations revealed the mechanism of phosphinoyl radical formation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anwei Wang, Jiayin Huang, Chunsheng Zhao, Yu Fan, Junfeng Qian, Qun Chen, Mingyang He, Weiyou Zhou
Summary: This study demonstrates an innovative strategy for the aerobic oxidation of C(sp(3))-H bonds using gamma-valerolactone. By optimizing the reaction conditions and utilizing specific catalysts, efficient oxidation of C(sp(3))-H bonds is achieved with good chemoselectivity in certain cases.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shun Li, Likai Tong, Zhijian Peng, Bo Zhang, Xiuli Fu
Summary: Sulfide compounds show promise as electrocatalysts for water splitting, but their performance is limited by factors such as limited active sites and hindered substance transport. This study successfully prepared a high-entropy sulfide (ZnCoMnFeAlMg)(9)S-8, which reduced grain size and increased specific surface area, enabling the realization of a dual-functional catalyst with multiple catalytic sites. High entropy also modulated the electronic properties of sulfides, reducing the potential energy barrier for hydrolysis. This research introduces a new approach for functionalizing high entropy nanomaterials and improves the performance of water splitting catalysts.