Review
Engineering, Chemical
Fatai A. Aderibigbe, Suleiman Shiru, H. B. Saka, M. K. Amosa, Sherif Ishola Mustapha, Mohammed Alhassan, Ayoade L. Adejumo, Morufudeen Abdulraheem, R. U. Owolabi
Summary: The demand for cleaner fuels has led to the exploration of alternative technologies such as renewable fuels. Research into second generation biofuel feedstocks holds promise for the future of cleaner energy solutions.
CHEMBIOENG REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhenping Cai, Yongxin Ding, Jiayin Zhang, Panjie Yu, Yongde Ma, Yanning Cao, Ying Zheng, Kuan Huang, Lilong Jiang
Summary: In this study, oil-soluble Mo-based ionic liquids were used as precursors to produce MoS2 catalysts for the hydroconversion of biolipids. The in situ generated MoS2 catalysts showed excellent activity in converting methyl palmitate and hexadecane to biodiesel. The structures of the catalysts were characterized, and the hydroconversion kinetics and pathways were analyzed. High conversions of feeds and selectivities of HDO products were achieved in the hydroconversion of methyl palmitate and palm oil under solvent-free condition.
JOURNAL OF CATALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hui Li, Junchi Wang, Xiaoling Ma, Yangyang Wang, Guoning Li, Min Guo, Ping Cui, Wanpeng Lu, Shoujun Zhou, Mingzhi Yu
Summary: The use of carbonized MIL-100(Fe) to support ammonium sulfate for synthesizing magnetic solid acid has led to an optimized catalyst (CIS) with superparamagnetic properties and high conversion rates for biodiesel production. The CIS showed a saturated magnetism of 22 emu/g and achieved a maximum conversion of 95.68% under mild conditions. Even with the presence of water content, the catalyst still maintained a high conversion rate.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ganga Singh, Subhasis D. Adhikary, Debaprasad Mandal
Summary: The sandwich polyoxometalate [WCo3(H2O)(2)(CoW9O34)(2)](12-) (Co-WCo3) heterogenized with poly(vinyl butyl imidazolium) cations (PVIM+) acts as a stable electrochemical water oxidation catalyst in 1 M KOH with 0.28 V@10 mA cm(-2) overpotential and TOF of 6.16 s(-1). Various in situ spectroelectrochemical studies and control experiments provide the details of the catalytic activities and long-term stability of the catalyst.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Maria Paula Militello, Maria Victoria Martinez, Luciano Tamborini, Diego F. Acevedo, Cesar A. Barbero
Summary: The synthesis and characterization of resin nanoparticles and carbonization and sulfonation processes are studied in this work. The properties and catalytic activity of the nanoparticles are investigated using acid/base titration and TGA methods. The results show that sulfonated nanoparticles can effectively catalyze ester exchange reactions and demonstrate photothermal catalysis phenomenon.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Abu Talha Aqueel Ahmed, Sankar Sekar, Shubhangi S. Khadtare, Nurul Taufiqu Rochman, Sejoon Lee, Hyungsang Kim, Deuk Young Kim, Hyunsik Im, Abu Saad Ansari
Summary: This article reports the facile fabrication of a promising noble-metal-free oxygen defects engineered MnCo2O4 (Od-MnCo2O4) catalyst as a highly efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) water electrocatalyst in an alkaline KOH medium.
JOURNAL OF ELECTROANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Shaige Xia, Yongjie Hu, Chao Chen, Junyu Tao, Beibei Yan, Wanqing Li, Guangbin Zhu, Zhanjun Cheng, Guanyi Chen
Summary: This study investigates the electrolytic transesterification of waste cooking oil (WCO) using reusable magnetic waste shells derived Co/Fe-Ca based catalysts for biodiesel production. The reaction conditions were optimized using response surface methodology, resulting in high fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) content and improved energy efficiency. The experimental results show that this method holds promise for sustainable biodiesel production and disposal of WCO.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Guoqiang Li, Xiaojie Xu, Huan Liu, Xin Yang, Meng-Chang Lin
Summary: F-doped TiO2 is used as a support material for IrOx nanoparticles, resulting in an electrocatalyst with high electrical conductivity, improved electronic interaction, and good dispersing/anchoring effects. The IrOx/F-TiO2 electrocatalyst exhibits low overpotential, enhanced stability, and excellent catalyst utilization in acidic oxygen evolution reaction.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Hongjing Wang, Yuqin Liang, Songliang Liu, Xu Mu, Hongjie Yu, Kai Deng, Ziqiang Wang, You Xu, Liang Wang
Summary: In this study, a dual-nonmetal-doping strategy is proposed to construct S and P dual-doped Rh metallene (SP-Rhlene). SP-Rhlene, with the combined advantages of dual heteroatom doping and an ultrathin nanosheet structure, exhibits outstanding HER and SOR activities. This work provides a directive strategy for energy-saving hydrogen production and environmentally friendly sulfur recovery.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Hao Sun, Boxuan Jin, Shuyi Cao, Jinghan Zhang, Tianhang Li, Xiaojing Liu, Guihua Liu, Jingde Li
Summary: This study developed a low-cost and high-performance electrocatalyst for water splitting, which is crucial for hydrogen production. By introducing oxygen-deficient CeO2 nanoparticles on (Ni, Co)2P nanosheets, a high-performance hydrogen and oxygen evolution reaction bifunctional electrocatalyst was created. The introduction of defective CeO2 modulated the electronic structure of the CeO2@(Ni, Co)2P/NF interface, resulting in a synergistic effect that promotes the HER/OER reaction in alkaline water splitting.
JOURNAL OF ELECTROANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Maryam Hanif, Haq Nawaz Bhatti, Muhammad Asif Hanif, Umer Rashid, Asma Hanif, Bryan R. Moser, Ali Alsalme
Summary: The study successfully utilized non-edible oil extracted from Sinapis arvensis seeds to produce biodiesel using a novel nano-composite superoxide heterogeneous catalyst, with high yields achieved. These results indicate that the nano-composite catalyst is excellent for biodiesel production from S. arvensis seed oil.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Chunxiao Han, Wenwen Yi, Sisi Feng, Zhongping Li, Haiou Song
Summary: A catalytic material consisting of atomically dispersed palladium on a hierarchically porous structure of N-doped carbon has been prepared using a freeze-drying-assisted strategy. The material exhibits enhanced electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions, leading to improved performance in rechargeable zinc-air batteries.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Volkan Aslan
Summary: Most energy consumed globally comes from non-renewable sources, but the depletion of fossil fuels and their negative impact on global warming have increased the need for new and renewable fuels. Biodiesel, a biodegradable and renewable fuel, is being considered as an alternative to fossil fuels. Mustard seed oil, a non-edible vegetable oil, is gaining attention due to its favorable properties and potential as a feedstock for biodiesel production.
BIOENERGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Edgar M. Sanchez Faba, Gabriel O. Ferrero, Griselda A. Eimer
Summary: The stability and reusability of a promising bimetallic mesoporous catalyst were studied for the production of biodiesel. It was found that the catalyst performed well under optimized reaction conditions and could produce biodiesel that met international standards. The catalyst also showed good activity even after multiple uses.
CHEMISTRY-AN ASIAN JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nor Shafinaz Azman, Nozieana Khairuddin, Tengku Sharifah Marliza Tengku Azmi, Sivasangar Seenivasagam, Mohd Ali Hassan
Summary: In Asian countries, used cooking oil (UCO) is being converted into biodiesel for heavy machinery and diesel engine vehicles due to its low carbon emissions and low global warming potential. However, illegal dumping of UCO into water bodies has led to the design of smart UCO collection systems. This study investigates the catalytic performance of biochar derived from woodchips and two metal oxides for enhancing biodiesel yield.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Wan Nurul Huda Wan Zainal, Soon Huat Tan, Mohd Azmier Ahmad
Summary: The development of carbon membranes for efficient CO2 separation has shown promise in various applications such as landfill gas purification. By adjusting the heating rate during carbonization process, membrane separation properties can be enhanced, with the most optimal selectivity and permeability achieved with a heating rate of 1 K/min. It is crucial to carry out carbonization at slow heating rates to prevent significant loss of selectivity in the derived carbon membranes.
PERIODICA POLYTECHNICA-CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Tamara Mahmoud Ali Ghrear, Ying-Wai Cheong, Gin Keat Lim, Daniel Chateigner, Tau Chuan Ling, Soon Huat Tan, Eng-Poh Ng
MATERIALS RESEARCH BULLETIN
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jimmy Nelson Appaturi, R. Jothi Ramalingam, Manickam Selvaraj, Stephen Chia, Soon Huat Tan, Fitri Khoerunnisa, Tau Chuan Ling, Eng-Poh Ng
Summary: NiO-supported TiO2 catalysts were prepared for the production of triacetyl glyceride biofuel additives via acetylation of glycerol. Among the catalysts, 30NiO/TiO2 showed the strongest acidity and highest accessible surface area, exhibiting high activity and selectivity in the acetylation reaction. The catalyst maintained good catalytic performance even after eight successive runs, providing a green pathway for synthesizing TAG vehicle fuel additives with high selectivity.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Hor Yan Phin, Jin Chung Sin, Soon Huat Tan, Thiam Leng Chew, Yit Thai Ong
Summary: The study aimed to mitigate membrane fouling by forming an asymmetric PSF-ZnO/CNTs photocatalytic nanocomposite membrane. Results showed that the incorporation of ZnO/CNTs layer enhances membrane antifouling properties and enables photodegradation of methylene blue.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Jimmy Nelson Appaturi, Thiruchelvi Pulingam, Jothi Ramalingam Rajabathar, Fitri Khoerunnisa, Tau Chuan Ling, Soon Huat Tan, Eng-Poh Ng
Summary: SBA-15-Alanine is a mesoporous catalyst with dual acid-base functionality, demonstrating high catalytic activity and selectivity in Knoevenagel condensation of benzaldehyde and ethyl cyanoacetate. The catalyst shows good stability and reusability under novel non-microwave instant heating conditions, suggesting potential as a replacement for base catalysts in condensation reactions.
MICROPOROUS AND MESOPOROUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Danny Wei Kit Chin, Steven Lim, Yean Ling Pang, Chun Hsion Lim, Siew Hoong Shuit, Kiat Moon Lee, Cheng Tung Chong
Summary: The research on utilizing EFB for value-added applications like activated carbon and biofuels is limited, partly due to its susceptibility to microbial and fungi degradation in the natural environment. After organosolv pretreatment, high-purity cellulose and lignin can be successfully recovered, making it a suitable feedstock for downstream biorefinery processes.
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Yi Wen Low, Kian Fei Yee
Summary: Biochar, a thermo-chemical conversion product generated from lignocellulosic biomass, has great physicochemical properties and catalytic activities, mainly through gasification and pyrolysis techniques. This review discusses the modification, physical properties, characterization techniques, and applications of biochar, comparing its performance with conventional catalysts. The study suggests that biochar-derived catalyst from lignocellulosic biomass waste could be an alternative to conventional catalysts with further in-depth research.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Qian Wen Yeang, Abu Bakar Sulong, Soon Huat Tan
Summary: This study developed an asymmetric membrane using electrospun carboxyl-functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotube/polyvinyl alcohol composite nanofibers on a dense PVA layer, resulting in significantly improved pervaporation performance. The membrane showed nearly 80% increase in water permeation flux and enhanced separation factor. The parameters from the Rautenbach model demonstrated that the pervaporation process is controlled by sorption, with good agreement between experimental and predicted data.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Brenda Ai-Lian Lim, Steven Lim, Yean Ling Pang, Siew Hoong Shuit, Kam Huei Wong, Jong Boon Ooi
Summary: This study explores several potential biomass wastes as precursors for the air cathode material in metal-air batteries. Carbon materials were synthesized through carbonization and activation processes. The results show that oil palm fronds carbonized at 600 degrees Celsius for 60 minutes presented superior electrical conductivity and specific surface area, making them a promising alternative to carbon nanotubes as an electro-catalyst for energy storage applications.
Article
Thermodynamics
Wei Lin Ng, Lei Zhou, Abu Bakar Sulong, Eng-Poh Ng, Soon Huat Tan
Summary: In this study, the electrospinning process was used to modify commercial polyester filter media, resulting in a significant increase in filtration efficiency. The modified filter media exhibited approximately twice the efficiency compared to the commercial polyester filter media. Additionally, the single unit modified filter media showed comparable efficiency and airflow resistance to a combination of two units' air filters.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
S. M. Lee, M. F. M. Yusop, W. L. Ng, M. A. Ahmad, S. H. Tan
Summary: This study successfully synthesized PET and PET/MWCNT adsorbents for the adsorption of dye pollutant methylene blue (MB). PET/MWCNTs showed higher adsorption capacity and removal percentage. The adsorption capacity decreased but the removal percentage increased with increasing adsorbent dosage.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yean Ling Pang, Yen Ying Quek, Steven Lim, Siew Hoong Shuit
Summary: Water pollution due to heavy metals is a serious environmental concern. Phytoremediation, with its cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness, has gained attention as an effective approach for water remediation. This review discusses different techniques of phytoremediation, including phytostabilization, phytodegradation, phytofiltration, phytoextraction, and phytovolatilization. Four aquatic plants, duckweed, water lettuce, water hyacinth, and watermoss, are highlighted for their ability to absorb and translocate heavy metals. The parameter studies and absorption kinetics of these plants are examined. Overall, phytoremediation shows promise as a green and sustainable solution for water pollution, but further research is needed for large-scale implementation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Li Ying Yee, Qi Hwa Ng, Siti KartiniEnche Ab Rahim, Peng Yong Hoo, Pei Thing Chang, Abdul Latif Ahmad, Siew Chun Low, Siew Hoong Shuit
Summary: This study developed pH-magnetic-photocatalytic polymer microspheres to easily separate photocatalyst nanoparticles from treated water using an external magnetic field. Compared to the commercial titanium dioxide photocatalyst, the microspheres showed better dye degradation efficiency at an unadjusted pH.
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jianghui Zhao, Zhi Liu, Siew Chun Low, Zhenzhen Xu, Soon Huat Tan
Summary: The huge gap between inadequate clean water supply and demanding human needs can be narrowed by sustainable and green methods of solar-driven evaporation, which effectively converts solar energy into thermal energy to purify seawater and wastewater. Electrospun materials and functional photothermal materials have been used to improve solar water evaporation systems. However, there is a lack of comprehensive reviews on this topic.
ADVANCED FIBER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tamara Mahmoud Ali Ghrear, Eng-Poh Ng, Cyril Vaulot, T. Jean Daou, Tau Chuan Ling, Soon Huat Tan, Boon Seng Ooi, Svetlana Mintova
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2020)