Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zarifah Zailan, Muhammad Tahir, Mazura Jusoh, Zaki Yamani Zakaria
Summary: Biodiesel, a renewable alternative fuel, is produced through transesterification and esterification reactions, expedited by high activity and high selectivity heterogeneous catalysts such as sulfonated carbon acid catalyst. This environmentally benign catalyst has the potential to effectively convert free fatty acid to alkyl ester, making it increasingly attractive in the biodiesel manufacturing industry.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Paula Maria Melo da Silva, Matheus Arrais Goncalves, Ana Paula da Luz Correa, Patricia Teresa Souza da Luz, Jose Roberto Zamian, Geraldo Narciso da Rocha Filho, Leyvison Rafael Vieira da Conceica
Summary: A new catalyst for heterogeneous acid based on molybdenum oxide supported over graphene oxide was synthesized and applied in the synthesis of biodiesel from waste cooking oil. The catalyst showed the best performance at 140℃ reaction temperature, 5.0 h reaction time, 6.0% catalyst loading, and 35:1 methanol:oil molar ratio, leading to a biodiesel with ester content of 95.6%. The catalyst also exhibited good recovery and excellent catalytic performance in the reuse study, producing biodiesel with ester content above 70.0% after 5 reaction cycles.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Himmat Singh, Amjad Ali
Summary: A heterogeneous catalyst of K+ impregnated tungstophosphoric acid supported on graphene oxide was used for one pot esterification and transesterification of waste oil (WO). The catalyst structure was characterized by XRD, and its composition was confirmed by XPS analysis. TPD technique showed the presence of acidic and basic sites on the catalyst surface. Under optimized conditions, >98.5% biodiesel was produced within 1.5 h using a catalyst loading of 10 wt% (concerning oil), methanol: oil molar ratio of 9:1, and a reaction temperature of 65 degrees C. The catalyst could be recycled six times with metal levels in the reaction mixture below 2 ppm, and it showed activity even in the presence of free fatty acid and moisture contents.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Vinayak Hegde, Parimal Pandit, Pranita Rananaware, Varsha P. Brahmkhatri
Summary: Sulfonic acid functionalized mesoporous silica catalysts with different morphology were designed and characterized. The cube-shaped catalyst exhibited better catalytic activity compared to the spherical-shaped catalysts, and it also showed good regenerability.
FRONTIERS OF CHEMICAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Minghe Cao, Libo Peng, Qinglong Xie, Kainan Xing, Meizhen Lu, Jianbing Ji
Summary: The solid acid catalyst prepared by sulfonated Sargassum horneri carbon efficiently catalyzes the esterification reaction of oleic acid and methanol for biodiesel preparation. By optimizing the conditions, the conversion rate of oleic acid can reach 96.4%, and the catalyst can still maintain a high conversion rate after four cycles of use.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Keping Wang, Mei Wu, Yixuan Liu, Ying Yang, Hu Li
Summary: This study developed a mild and eco-friendly method to synthesize functionalized pyrroles from biologically derived materials. By using biomass-derived 2,5-dimethylfuran as the starting material, 2,5-dimethyl-N-arylpyrroles were successfully synthesized through acid-enabled ring-opening and Paal-Knorr condensation reactions in a one-pot process. The new magnetic biocarbon-based sulfonic acid solid catalyst showed excellent catalytic performance and was easy to separate and recover by an external magnetic field. The addition of water significantly enhanced the reaction.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Siyi Tang, Xiaoling Duan, Qingyu Zhang, Cunwen Wang, Weiguo Wang, Weiliang Feng, Tielin Wang
Summary: This paper focuses on the preparation of environmentally friendly biomass carbon-based solid acid catalysts from black soldier fly larvae shells, showing that the synthesized catalysts have high conversion rate under optimal conditions. The stability and reusability of the catalysts were also demonstrated.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuanzheng Pi, Wenzhu Liu, Jiani Wang, Guanmin Peng, Dabo Jiang, Ruike Guo, Dulin Yin
Summary: In this study, AC-Ph-SO3H with embedded -SO3H groups was prepared from activated carbon through a series of chemical reactions. The results showed that AC-Ph-SO3H exhibited high catalytic activity and stability in the methylation reaction.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Shamala Gowri Krishnan, Fei-ling Pua, Fan Zhang
Summary: Biodiesel, produced through transesterification or esterification reactions, has the potential to replace fossil fuels. However, challenges with commercial homogeneous catalysts include difficulties in separation, wastewater discharge, and formation of undesirable by-products. The use of heterogeneous magnetic catalysts has gained attention due to their simpler separation and higher recovery rates. Further research is needed to utilize waste materials as support for the synthesis of these catalysts to create a more sustainable biodiesel industry.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Xiang Tan, Putla Sudarsanam, Jinyu Tan, Anping Wang, Heng Zhang, Hu Li, Song Yang
Summary: The development of social productive forces leads to the increasing consumption of fossil fuels, resulting in global warming and abnormal climate change. Biodiesel, produced using solid acid catalysts, is recognized as a renewable and clean energy source.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Bingxin Zhang, Ming Gao, Weiqi Tang, Xiaona Wang, Chuanfu Wu, Qunhui Wang, Siu Ming Cheung, Xiankun Chen
Summary: This study investigated the effect of various reagents on the esterification activities of carbon-based solid acid catalysts. The results showed that the density of sulphonic acid groups in the catalyst positively correlated with the esterification efficiency, and the high lignin content of biomass stimulated the loading of sulphonic acid groups. The bamboo powder pretreated with 1% H2SO4 yielded the highest lignin content and esterification efficiency.
Article
Thermodynamics
Bingxin Zhang, Ming Gao, Weiqi Tang, Xiaona Wang, Chuanfu Wu, Qunhui Wang, Haijiao Xie
Summary: This study investigates the esterification of oleic acid with methanol using solid acid catalysts synthesized from different waste biomasses. The results show that biomass with higher lignin content has a lower optimum carbonisation temperature and the corresponding catalyst contains more acidic groups. The catalysts catalyze the reaction under optimum conditions with high conversion rates, but the conversion decreases after multiple cycles due to the leaching of active groups and the formation of sulphonic esters. Reducing the concentration of sulphonic acid groups is an effective way to prevent catalyst deactivation.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Bingxin Zhang, Ming Gao, Jiayu Geng, Yuwei Cheng, Xiaona Wang, Chuanfu Wu, Qunhui Wang, Shu Liu, Siu Ming Cheung
Summary: This study investigates the catalytic activity and deactivation mechanism of a carbon-based solid-acid catalyst in the esterification of oleic acid and methanol. It was found that the formation of sulfonic esters was the main reason for catalyst deactivation in the first batch, while leaching of sulfur was the main contributor in the subsequent batches. Reducing sulfur leaching and sulfonic ester formation by changing the addition method of methanol is an effective way to extend the catalyst's service life.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gabriel Abranches Dias Castro, Ana Luiza Quintao Santos, angel Gabriel Sathicq, Valeria Palermo, Gustavo Pablo Romanelli, Sergio Antonio Fernandes
Summary: This study proposed a method to convert glycerol into acetals using a sulfonic acid calix[4]arene catalyst supported on silica and microwave-assisted heating, and the quantitative analysis was performed using H-1 NMR. From the optimized conditions, twelve products with varying yields were obtained, and the reaction showed features such as solvent-free reaction, water as the sole waste, metal-free, and shorter reaction times.
REACTION CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Modather F. Hussein, Ahmed O. Abo El Naga, Mohamed El Saied, Mahmoud M. AbuBaker, Seham A. Shaban, Fathy Y. El Kady
Summary: The study utilized potato peel to produce a solid acid catalyst with high surface area and concentration of acidic active sites, leading to high efficiency in biodiesel production. The catalyst demonstrated good recyclable features and maintained around 70% of its initial catalytic performance in the fifth catalytic run.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Samaneh Shahsavarifar, Majid Masteri-Farahani, Mohammad Reza Ganjali
Summary: A new hybrid nanomaterial, CoW12-IL-GO, has been designed for use as an electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution at neutral pH conditions, exhibiting low onset potential, low overpotential, and low Tafel slope. The electrocatalytic activity of CoW12-IL-GO in water oxidation reaction has shown outstanding stability and retention of catalytic activity.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mahsa Niakan, Majid Masteri-Farahani
Summary: A facile and efficient strategy was introduced for growing a dendrimer structure on the surface of magnetic graphene oxide by using thiol-ene click reaction, and the dendrimer-grafted magnetic graphene oxide was utilized as a suitable support for bimetallic Pd-Ni nanoparticles. The prepared nanocomposite was successfully used for the reduction of toxic nitroarenes to aminoarenes in aqueous medium at room temperature, with good to excellent yields.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Samira Zamani, Alireza Abbasi, Majid Masteri-Farahani, Saeed Rayati
Summary: A new composite based on the incorporation of a metalloporphyrin within the UiO-66 metal-organic framework was synthesized using a one-pot method. The addition of Fe3O4 allowed for easy magnetic separation of the composite. The Fe3O4@CoTHPP@UiO-66 composite showed high efficiency in the oxidation of olefins and allylic alcohols.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Maryam Mohammadikish, Zahra Valimohammadi, Majid Masteri-Farahani
Summary: A new metal-organic framework-based solid acid catalyst was prepared and employed in the catalytic ring-opening of epoxides. The catalyst showed excellent efficiency and stability in the reaction.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mahdiyeh-Sadat Hosseini, Alireza Abbasi, Majid Masteri-Farahani
Summary: The optical properties of NH2-UiO-66 were improved through a diazotization reaction with a p-conjugated 1-naphthol reagent, resulting in the formation of Azo-UiO-66. The Azo-UiO-66 showed a significant red shift in the diffuse reflectance UV-Vis spectrum compared to unfunctionalized NH2-UiO-66. Tauc calculations indicated a decrease in band gap energy, leading to improved visible light harvesting. Various physicochemical techniques confirmed the successful diazotization of the MOF and preservation of its framework. The Azo-UiO-66 also demonstrated enhanced photocatalytic performance in the reduction of Cr(VI) to less toxic Cr(III) in wastewater.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mohammad Mehrabi, Vahid Vatanpour, Oguz Orhun Teber, Majid Masteri-Farahani, Saeideh-Sadat Mortazavi, Alireza Abbasi, Ismail Koyuncu
Summary: Negatively charged MIL-101(Cr)-Pyz-SO3H nanoparticles were used to modify a thin-film nanocomposite reverse osmosis membrane. The modified membrane showed smoother surfaces, higher hydrophilicity, improved desalination performance, and fouling resistance. The study also found that a concentration of 0.005 wt% MIL/RO had the highest separation efficiency for both NaCl and seawater desalination.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Vahid Vatanpour, Mohammad Mehrabi, Majid Masteri-Farahani, Amir Hossein Behroozi, Mahsa Niakan, Ismail Koyuncu
Summary: In this study, cellulose acetate-based nanofiltration membranes were modified by sulfonic acid functionalized dendrimer-grafted cellulose to improve their separation and filtration properties. The modified membranes showed enhanced removal efficiency of both organic and inorganic pollutants, as well as increased water flux.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mahsa Niakan, Majid Masteri-Farahani, Farzad Seidi
Summary: This study described the catalytic application of propylsulfonic acid modified mesoporous SBA-16 for producing 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) for the first time. The successful immobilization of propylsulfonic acid groups on SBA-16 was assessed through various characterization techniques. The SO3H@SBA-16 material showed outstanding catalytic efficiency and recyclability in fructose conversion to HMF, achieving high yields in specific reaction conditions.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sara Mirzakhani, Ben Hang Yin, Majid Masteri-Farahani, Alex C. K. Yip
Summary: Utilizing renewable energy to hydrogenate carbon dioxide into fuels eliminate massive CO2 emissions from the atmosphere and diminishes our need for using fossil fuels. Recent developments in designing heterogeneous catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation to formate, methanol, and C2+ hydrocarbons are reviewed, highlighting the importance of active metals, supports, and promoters. Nanostructured catalysts, such as ultra-small nanoparticles and nanoclusters, show promise in providing highly active and cost-effective catalysts. Direct synthesis of C2+ products through CO2 hydrogenation is also explored, with zeolites being used to overcome limitations in producing heavy hydrocarbons.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Maryam Khalaji-Verjani, Majid Masteri-Farahani, Maryam Mohammadikish, Mohammad Hossein Mashhadizadeh
Summary: A stable nanocomposite consisting of thiol-functionalized lacunary Keggin-type phosphomolybdate (PMo11) and graphene oxide (GO) was successfully prepared by the thiol-ene click reaction. Characterization techniques confirmed the strong covalent interaction and successful formation of the PMo11-S-GO nanocomposite. The nanocomposite exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction with low overpotential and small Tafel slope, and also demonstrated high stability for at least 850 cycles due to the stable covalent attachment of PMo11 to GO nanosheets.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Farhad Khodabandeloo, Mohsen Sheydaei, Parisa Moharramkhani, Majid Masteri-Farahani, Alireza Khataee
Summary: The massive emission of organic pollutants, specially organic dyes into water poses a serious threat to the environment and human health. Photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) has been regarded as an efficient, promising and green technology for organic pollution degradation and mineralization. Herein, Fe2(MoO4)3/graphene/Ti nanocomposite was synthesized and applied as a superior photoanode in a visible-light PEC process for degradation and mineralization of an organic pollutant.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mahsa Niakan, Majid Masteri-Farahani, Farzad Seidi
Summary: In this work, an efficient solid acid catalyst was synthesized by immobilizing sulfonic imidazolium-based ionic liquid (IL) on the surface of mercaptopropyl-modified SBA-16 through thiol-ene click reaction. Characterization techniques confirmed the preservation of the mesostructure of SBA-16 after immobilization. The synthesized catalyst showed high activity for the dehydration of fructose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), with a maximum yield of 98% achieved under optimized reaction conditions.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mahsa Niakan, Majid Masteri-Farahani, Farzad Seidi, Sabah Karimi, Hemayat Shekaari
Summary: In this study, a solid acid catalyst was successfully prepared by chemically attaching thiol groups onto the surface of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), followed by the addition of 1-vinylimidazole and sulfonic acid groups. The synthesized catalyst was characterized using various methods and showed high activity for the transformation of fructose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). It also exhibited good performance for other carbohydrates and maintained its activity after multiple cycles of recovery.
REACTION CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mahdiyeh-Sadat Hosseini, Alireza Abbasi, Majid Masteri-Farahani
Summary: The optical properties of NH2-UiO-66 were enhanced through the diazotization reaction, resulting in significant red shift and decrease in band gap energy. Physicochemical techniques confirmed the successful diazotization and preservation of the framework. Additionally, the functionalization improved the overall photocatalytic performance of Azo-UiO-66.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mahsa Niakan, Majid Masteri-Farahani, Sabah Karimi, Hemayat Shekaari
Summary: An efficient acid catalyst was prepared and used for the conversion of fructose to 5-HMF with a yield of over 96%. The catalyst exhibited high stability and recyclability due to its dendritic structure.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY & FUELS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Cameron Bracken, Nathalie Voisin, Casey D. Burleyson, Allison M. Campbell, Z. Jason Hou, Daniel Broman
Summary: This study presents a methodology and dataset for examining compound wind and solar energy droughts, as well as the first standardized benchmark of energy droughts across the Continental United States (CONUS) for a 2020 infrastructure. The results show that compound wind and solar droughts have distinct spatial and temporal patterns across the CONUS, and the characteristics of energy droughts are regional. The study also finds that compound high load events occur more often during compound wind and solar droughts than expected.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ning Zhang, Yanghao Yu, Jiawei Wu, Ershun Du, Shuming Zhang, Jinyu Xiao
Summary: This paper provides insights into the optimal configuration of CSP plants with different penetrations of wind power by proposing an unconstrained optimization model. The results suggest that large solar multiples and TES are preferred in order to maximize profit, especially when combined with high penetrations of wind and photovoltaic plants. Additionally, the study demonstrates the economy and feasibility of installing electric heaters (EH) in CSP plants, which show a linear correlation with the penetration of variable energy resources.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
M. Szubel, K. Papis-Fraczek, S. Podlasek
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
J. Silva, J. C. Goncalves, C. Rocha, J. Vilaca, L. M. Madeira
Summary: This study investigated the methanation of CO2 in biogas and compared two different methanation reactors. The results showed that the cooled reactor without CO2 separation achieved a CO2 conversion rate of 91.8%, while the adiabatic reactors achieved conversion rates of 59.6% and 67.2%, resulting in an overall conversion rate of 93.0%. Economic analysis revealed negative net present worth values, indicating the need for government monetary incentives.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yang Liu, Yonglan Xi, Xiaomei Ye, Yingpeng Zhang, Chengcheng Wang, Zhaoyan Jia, Chunhui Cao, Ting Han, Jing Du, Xiangping Kong, Zhongbing Chen
Summary: This study investigated the effect of using nanofiber membrane composites containing Prussian blue-like compound nanoparticles (PNPs) to relieve ammonia nitrogen inhibition of rural organic household waste during high-solid anaerobic digestion and increase methane production. The results showed that adding NMCs with 15% PNPs can lower the concentrations of volatile fatty acids and ammonia nitrogen, and increase methane yield.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zhong Ge, Xiaodong Wang, Jian Li, Jian Xu, Jianbin Xie, Zhiyong Xie, Ruiqu Ma
Summary: This study evaluates the thermodynamic, exergy, and economic performance of a double-stage organic flash cycle (DOFC) using ten eco-friendly hydrofluoroolefins. The influences of key parameters on performance are analyzed, and the advantages of DOFC over single-stage type are quantified.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Nicolas Kirchner-Bossi, Fernando Porte-Agel
Summary: This study investigates the optimization of power density in wind farms and its sensitivity to the available area size. A novel genetic algorithm (PDGA) is introduced to optimize power density and turbine layout. The results show that the PDGA-driven solutions significantly reduce the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) compared to the default layout, and exhibit a convex relationship between area and LCOE or power density.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Chunxiao Zhang, Dongdong Li, Lin Wang, Qingpo Yang, Yutao Guo, Wei Zhang, Chao Shen, Jihong Pu
Summary: In this study, a novel reversible liquid-filled energy-saving window that effectively regulates indoor solar radiation heat gain is proposed. Experimental results show that this window can effectively reduce indoor temperature during both summer and winter seasons, while having minimal impact on indoor illuminance.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Alessandro L. Aguiar, Martinho Marta-Almeida, Mauro Cirano, Janini Pereira, Leticia Cotrim da Cunha
Summary: This study analyzed the Brazilian Equatorial Shelf using a high-resolution ocean model and found significant tidal variations in the area. Several hypothetical barrages were proposed with higher annual power generation than existing barrages. The study also evaluated the installation effort of these barrages.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Francesco Superchi, Nathan Giovannini, Antonis Moustakis, George Pechlivanoglou, Alessandro Bianchini
Summary: This study focuses on the optimization of a hybrid power station on the Tilos island in Greece, aiming to increase energy export and revenue by optimizing energy fluxes. Different scenarios are proposed to examine the impact of different agreements with the grid operator on the optimal solution.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Peimaneh Shirazi, Amirmohammad Behzadi, Pouria Ahmadi, Sasan Sadrizadeh
Summary: This research presents two novel energy production/storage/usage systems to reduce energy consumption and environmental effects in buildings. A biomass-fired model and a solar-driven system integrated with photovoltaic thermal (PVT) panels and a heat pump were designed and assessed. The results indicate that the solar-based system has an acceptable energy cost and the PVT-based system with a heat pump is environmentally superior. The biomass-fired system shows excellent efficiency.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zihao Qi, Yingling Cai, Yunxiang Cui
Summary: This study aims to investigate the operational characteristics of the solar-ground source heat pump system (SGSHPS) in Shanghai under different operation modes. It concludes that tandem operation mode 1 is the optimal mode for winter operation in terms of energy efficiency.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
L. Bartolucci, S. Cordiner, A. Di Carlo, A. Gallifuoco, P. Mele, V. Mulone
Summary: Spent coffee grounds are a valuable biogenic waste that can be used as a source of biofuels and valuable chemicals through pyrolysis and solvent extraction processes. The study found that heavy organic bio-oil derived from coffee grounds can be used as a carbon-rich biofuel, while solvent extraction can extract xantines and p-benzoquinone, which are important chemicals for various industries. The results highlight the promising potential of solvent extraction in improving the economic viability of coffee grounds pyrolysis-based biorefineries.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Luiza de Queiroz Correa, Diego Bagnis, Pedro Rabelo Melo Franco, Esly Ferreira da Costa Junior, Andrea Oliveira Souza da Costa
Summary: Building-integrated photovoltaics, especially organic solar technology, are important for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector. This study analyzed the performance of organic panels laminated in glass in a vertical installation in Latin America. Results showed that glass lamination and vertical orientation preserved the panels' performance and led to higher energy generation in winter.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zhipei Hu, Shuo Jiang, Zhigao Sun, Jun Li
Summary: This study proposes innovative fin arrangements to enhance the thermal performance of latent heat storage units. Through optimization of fin distribution and prediction of transient melting behaviors, it is found that fin structures significantly influence heat transfer characteristics and melting behaviors.