Article
Agricultural Engineering
Gwi-Taek Jeong
Summary: Due to increased coffee consumption, spent coffee grounds (SCG) have become a growing waste management concern. However, this study shows that by using acid catalysts and thermochemical conversion, valuable platform chemicals can be produced from lipid-extracted SCG. This finding has important implications for the recycling and reuse of coffee grounds.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
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
Agricultural Engineering
Ales Hanc, Tereza Hrebeckova, Alena Grasserova, Tomas Cajthaml
Summary: The study focused on vermicomposting of spent coffee grounds (SCG) and its mixtures with straw pellets, evaluating the biological and physico-chemical properties of the process. The treatment with 25% vol. SCG + 75% vol. straw pellets showed the highest number and biomass of earthworms. Earthworm weight decreased as layer age increased, with the oldest treatment layer having suitable agrochemical properties. Earthworms were effective in reducing caffeine stimulant content during the vermicomposting process.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hyeok-Jin Kim, Sea-Cheon Oh
Summary: The study showed that hydrothermal carbonization with subcritical water can improve the fuel characteristics of spent coffee grounds, increasing fixed carbon content and heating value, making the fuel characteristics similar to coal as the reaction temperature increases.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wei-Hsin Chen, Kuan-Ting Lee, Lu Ding, Kun-Yi Andrew Lin, Saravanan Rajendran, Yashvir Singh, Jo-Shu Chang
Summary: This study develops a biochar valorization strategy by mixing spent coffee grounds with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to upgrade the biochar. The H2O2 oxidative ability at a pretreatment temperature of 105 degrees C contributes to an increase in the higher heating value (HHV) and carbon content of the biochar. H2O2 is a green and promising pretreatment additive for upgrading biochar's calorific value.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Xinpeng Hu, Haowei Huang, Yubin Hu, Xiang Lu, Yanlin Qin
Summary: This study utilized graphene oxide-modified spent coffee grounds as a supporting material to achieve high-value utilization in the field of composite phase change materials, solving leakage and low light-to-heat conversion issues in CPCMs, and showing excellent performance.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yihao Leow, Pek Yin Michelle Yew, Pei Lin Chee, Xian Jun Loh, Dan Kai
Summary: This project aims to develop sustainable materials by repurposing spent coffee grounds, with coffee oil containing potentially useful compounds and exhibiting antioxidant properties.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xi-Er Chen, Dave Mangindaan, Hsiu-Wen Chien
Summary: This study discovered that spent coffee grounds (SCG) possess photothermal properties under near-infrared laser irradiation, making them suitable for applications as photothermal materials. Additionally, when incorporated into polyNIPAM hydrogels, SCGs can induce thermal shrinkage and bending, indicating their potential as photothermal actuators. These findings provide new insights for the recycling and reuse of SCGs.
JOURNAL OF THE TAIWAN INSTITUTE OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Changyue Ma, Bo Cai, Le Zhang, Junfeng Feng, Hui Pan
Summary: In this study, a method for acid-catalyzed conversion of cellulose into levulinic acid in a biphasic solvent system was developed, using Amberlyst-15 as the catalyst. The biphasic solvent system was found to promote cellulose conversion and suppress by-product polymerization. The optimized conditions resulted in a high yield of levulinic acid, providing an economical and environmentally friendly approach for value-added chemical production.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Zhihui Chen, Shuaibin Zhang, Bochao Yan, Qinjie Cai, Suping Zhang
Summary: This study prepared phosphoric acid-activated lignin-based solid acid catalysts (PLSA) through phosphoric acid activation, carbonation, and sulfonation. The PLSA efficiently converted cellulose residue into levulinic acid, and the reaction conditions were optimized to achieve a high yield.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Victoria Bejenari, Alexandra Marcu, Alina-Mirela Ipate, Daniela Rusu, Nita Tudorachi, Ion Anghel, Ioana-Emilia Sofran, Gabriela Lisa
Summary: The study demonstrates that firelighters containing coffee grounds have superior combustion performance and can serve as an alternative utilization method. Additionally, these firelighters produce less residue and have a longer burning time.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Geon-Soo Ha, Ho Seung Song, Da Hae Oh, Mark Mba-Wright, Jeong-Myeong Ha, Chun-Jae Yoo, Jae-Wook Choi, Chang Soo Kim, Byong-Hun Jeon, Hanseob Jeong, Kwang Ho Kim
Summary: Developing efficient waste valorization technologies is crucial for a sustainable bioeconomy. The generation of spent coffee grounds has become an environmental and social concern. This study reports the effective production of lactic acid from spent coffee grounds through catalytic upcycling, demonstrating high yield and the potential for value-added products. Techno-economic analysis showed that this strategy can enhance waste valorization efficiency.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
J. Rajesh Banu, R. Yukesh Kannah, M. Dinesh Kumar, Preethi, S. Kavitha, M. Gunasekaran, Guangyin Zhen, Mukesh Kumar Awasthi, Gopalakrishnan Kumar
Summary: Coffee consumption leads to the generation of large amounts of spent coffee grounds (SCG), which contains various valuable components. Valorisation of SCG through integrated biorefinery approach not only brings more valuable products, but also enhances environmental sustainability and economic benefits. The future perspective of SCG biorefinery shows the potential for higher production of bioactive compounds and bioenergy, contributing to the development of a circular bioeconomy.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bayaraa Sukhbaatar, Bongyoung Yoo, Jae-Hong Lim
Summary: In this study, heavy-metal-free carbon materials were prepared from spent coffee grounds for methylene blue adsorption using different activating agents. The combination of KOH and urea resulted in carbon materials with high surface area and excellent adsorption capacity. Various adsorption models were used to study the efficiency, and pH and temperature effects were investigated. This work suggests new possibilities for synthesizing carbon materials from biowastes for water treatment applications.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mohammad Saberian, Jie Li, Anita Donnoli, Ethan Bonderenko, Paolo Oliva, Bailey Gill, Simon Lockrey, Rafat Siddique
Summary: Through literature review, it can be concluded that SCGs have the potential to be used as aggregates in construction materials across a wide range of civil engineering applications. However, further comprehensive studies are needed in this specific area due to limited research and lack of evidence of successful practical applications.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Heecheon Lee, Chaeyeong Seo, Minyong Lee, Jae W. Lee
Summary: A new graphical method based on pinch analysis is demonstrated for the design of pressure-swing distillation (PSD) and heat integration, showing the feasibility through visualization of feed data and temperature contours. The study reveals that different pinch pressures can be achieved in HIPSD system depending on column sequence or pure components separation order, and energy-efficient HIPSD can be achieved by considering pinch constraints.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Jae Hyun Park, Jeongwoo Yang, Dohyeun Kim, Hyeonseo Gim, Won Yeong Choi, Jae W. Lee
Summary: Since the Industrial Revolution, greenhouse gas emissions have been continuously increasing with the widespread use of fossil fuels. In order to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions, various scientific technologies, including CCUS technology, have been developed. Conversion of carbon dioxide into carbon materials is a current hot research topic.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sung Joon Park, Seung Hee Kang, Hyung-Ki Min, Myung-gi Seo, Sungjoon Kweon, Min Bum Park, Young Heon Choi, Jae W. Lee
Summary: A series of WOx/Al2O3 catalysts with different tungsten contents were prepared and characterized. The results showed that the catalyst with 6.25 wt% tungsten had the highest acidity and exhibited the best catalytic performance in the pyrolysis of HDPE to liquid oil.
MOLECULAR CATALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hyun Suk Lim, Minkyu Kim, Yikyeom Kim, Hyeon Seok Kim, Dohyung Kang, Minbeom Lee, Ayeong Jo, Jae W. Lee
Summary: This study investigates a core-shell structured Co3O4@LaCoO3 redox catalyst for hydrogen production through chemical looping water splitting. The catalyst improves H2O splitting efficiency by lowering the kinetic barrier and increasing the exothermicity, and enhances H-2 production activity by covering the Co3O4 nanoparticle surface. The core-shell structure prevents aggregation of Co3O4 nanoparticles and leads to superior and sustainable H-2 productivity compared to using only Co3O4 or LaCoO3.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Ayeong Byeon, Won Chan Yun, Jong Min Kim, Jae W. Lee
Summary: This review focuses on the application of metal-free heteroatom-doped carbon catalysts in the electrochemical synthesis of hydrogen peroxide through the two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e(-) ORR). The electronic properties of carbon can be changed depending on the type of heteroatoms, which significantly affect the ORR catalytic activity. The location of active catalytic sites within the carbon network and the reaction environment, such as pH and electrolyte additives, are also investigated. This review provides fundamental insights into how heteroatoms enhance the electrocatalytic activity of metal-free carbon materials for the 2e(-) ORR.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jeongwoo Yang, Dong Woo Kang, Hodong Kim, Byunghoon Hwang, Jae W. Lee
Summary: The use of a free-standing carbon interlayer in lithium-sulfur batteries shows promise due to its ability to suppress the shuttle effect and provide flexibility. However, the thickness of the interlayer inhibits Li-ion transport. This study addresses this issue by synthesizing a composite with superior pore characteristics and evenly distributed catalytic sites, resulting in improved Li-ion diffusion and redox reaction.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Byunghoon Hwang, Jeongwoo Yang, Dohyeun Kim, Won Chan Yun, Jae W. Lee
Summary: We designed a membraneless potassium bromide electrochemical capacitor (ML-PBEC) single cell that generates high energy density and reduces self-discharge. Highly porous carbon with a hierarchical structure was synthesized from CO2 gas, and the effect of nitrogen doping on the CO2-derived carbon materials' electrochemical performance was investigated. The ML-PBEC single cell, using the synthesized carbon as electrodes and a Br-/Br3- redox active aqueous electrolyte, achieved enhanced energy density by suppressing the cross-diffusion of soluble bromine molecules through electrostatic interaction between N-doped sites' protons and polybromide anions even without a membrane.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jeil Park, Wonhyeong Lee, Jae W. W. Lee
Summary: This study explored the impact of dual impeller geometry on droplet size in the S-PVC polymerization process. A borescope method was used to measure droplet size in a biphasic liquid system, and it was found that replacing the upper paddle impeller with a 20-degree pitched paddle increased the Sauter mean diameter by 46.5%. The Sauter mean diameter also increased with larger impeller diameter and blade width. A revised geometrical factor (F) was considered, and a calculated maximum energy dissipation rate was used to establish a correlation for the Sauter mean diameter.
KOREAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Dasol Bae, Yikyeom Kim, Eun Hee Ko, Seung Ju Han, Jae W. Lee, Minkyu Kim, Dohyung Kang
Summary: This study investigated the reaction kinetics and mechanism of CH4 pyrolysis in mixtures of molten MnCl2 with various chlorides, and found that MnCl2-KCl mixture showed the lowest apparent activation energy and the highest crystallinity. This suggests that MnCl2-KCl has unique pathways for methane dehydrogenation and carbon formation.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Wonhyeong Lee, Dong Woo Kang, Yun-Ho Ahn, Jae W. Lee
Summary: In this study, a mixture of hydrate seed solution and liquid phase thermodynamic promoter was introduced to promote the formation of hydrogen hydrates for safe hydrogen storage.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ki Heum Park, Jae W. Lee, Yutaek Seo
Summary: In this study, a VOC recovery process based on selective condensation was developed. By analyzing the economic benefits, the process efficiency was optimized, and a cascade refrigerant system using carbon dioxide and ammonia was proposed to achieve more efficient and eco-friendly operation of the VOC recovery system.
JOURNAL OF CO2 UTILIZATION
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Donggun Kim, Minyong Lee, Yongbeom Shin, Jeongwoo Lee, Jae W. Lee
Summary: This study presents a novel process for the direct production of diethyl carbonate and ethylene glycol from ethylene carbonate and ethanol through reactive distillation. By integrating reactive distillation systems and eliminating the need for separating the azeotrope mixture, an energy-efficient process is achieved. Two design alternatives are proposed, with both resulting in reductions in energy consumption, cost, and CO2 emissions compared to conventional processes. These alternatives demonstrate their economic viability and effectiveness in CO2 mitigation.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AND PROCESSING-PROCESS INTENSIFICATION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yikyeom Kim, Hyeon Seok Kim, Dohyung Kang, Minkyu Kim, Jae W. Lee
Summary: Chemical looping steam methane reforming (CL-SMR) can produce high-purity hydrogen without additional separation units. The reactivity of LaFeO3 oxygen carrier towards methane can be enhanced by introducing a small amount of iridium. Both particle reduction and oxidation were significantly improved by the presence of iridium, and the preparation pathways of oxygen carriers greatly affected the long-term performance. Although surface iridium species prepared by an impregnation method were severely aggregated during successive redox cycling, B-site incorporation of iridium led to the exsolution of IrOx nanoparticles anchored on the perovskite host and enhanced redox stability, which is essential for the long-term operation of the chemical looping process.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Electrochemistry
Ayeong Byeon, Won Chan Yun, Jong Min Kim, Jae W. Lee
Summary: Hydrogen peroxide is widely used in various industries for different purposes, such as water purification and rocket fuels. The conventional method of hydrogen peroxide production consumes a lot of energy and generates chemical waste. Therefore, there is a growing interest in the electrochemical production method using non-precious metal catalysts, such as transition metals and heteroatoms, for eco-friendly and low-energy synthesis. This review focuses on the modification of atomic configuration to enhance the catalytic activity of non-precious metal catalysts for the two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jeil Park, Wonhyeong Lee, Jae W. W. Lee
Summary: This study investigated the impact of dual impeller geometry on droplet size in S-PVC polymerization process and proposed a correlation equation to estimate droplet size with a certain margin of error, aiding in predicting the normality of the polymerization reaction under specific impeller geometry.
KOREAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yinping Xiang, Meiying Jia, Rui Xu, Jialu Xu, Lele He, Haihao Peng, Weimin Sun, Dongbo Wang, Weiping Xiong, Zhaohui Yang
Summary: This study investigated the impact of the non-antibiotic pharmaceutical carbamazepine on antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) during anaerobic digestion. The results showed that carbamazepine induced the enrichment of ARGs and increased the abundance of bacteria carrying these genes. It also facilitated microbial aggregation and intercellular communication, leading to an increased frequency of ARGs transmission. Moreover, carbamazepine promoted the acquisition of ARGs by pathogens and elevated their overall abundance.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Weixin Zhao, Tianyi Hu, Hao Ma, Dan Li, Qingliang Zhao, Junqiu Jiang, Liangliang Wei
Summary: This review summarizes the effects and potential mechanisms of biochar on microbial behavior in AD systems. The addition of biochar has been found to promote microbial colonization, alleviate stress, provide nutrients, and enhance enzyme activity. Future research directions include targeted design of biochar, in-depth study of microbial mechanisms, and improved models.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Christina Karmann, Anna Magrova, Pavel Jenicek, Jan Bartacek, Vojtech Kouba
Summary: This review assesses nitrogen removal technologies in reject water treatment, highlighting the differences in environmental impacts and economic benefits. Partial nitritation-anammox shows potential for economic benefits and positive environmental outcomes when operated and controlled properly.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Wei-Hao Huang, Ying-Ju Chang, Duu-Jong Lee
Summary: This study modified pinecone biochar with layered double hydroxide (LDH) to enhance its adsorption capacity for heavy metal and phosphate ions. The LDH-biochar showed significantly improved adsorption capacities for Pb2+ and phosphate, and a slight increase for Cu2+ and Co2+. The LDH layer enhanced the adsorption through various mechanisms.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Chao Song, Fanfan Cai, Shuang Yang, Ligong Wang, Guangqing Liu, Chang Chen
Summary: This paper developed a machine learning model to predict the biochemical methane potential during anaerobic digestion. Model analysis identified lignin content, organic loading, and nitrogen content as key attributes for methane production prediction. For feedstocks with high cellulose content, early methane production is lower but can be improved by prolonging digestion time. Moreover, lignin content exceeding a certain value significantly inhibits methane production.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Sang Min Lee, Ju Young Lee, Ji-Sook Hahn, Seung-Ho Baek
Summary: This study successfully developed an efficient platform strain using Yarrowia lipolytica for the bioconversion of renewable resources into adipic acid, achieving a remarkable increase in production level.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Sefkan Kendir, Matthias Franzreb
Summary: This study presents a novel approach using magnetic separation to efficiently harvest freshwater microalgae, Chlorella vulgaris. By combining pH-induced calcium phosphate precipitation with cheap natural magnetite microparticles, harvesting efficiencies up to 98% were achieved in the model medium.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Ishaq Kariim, Ji-Yeon Park, Wajahat Waheed Kazmi, Hulda Swai, In-Gu Lee, Thomas Kivevele
Summary: The impact of reaction temperature, residence time, and ethanol: acetone on the energy compositions and yield enhancement of biocrudes was investigated. The results showed that under appropriate conditions, biocrudes with high energy and low oxygen content can be obtained, indicating a high potential for utilization.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Xiyue Zhang, Xiyao Li, Liang Zhang, Yongzhen Peng
Summary: Intermittent aeration is an innovative approach to enhance nitrogen removal in low carbon-to-nitrogen ratio municipal sewage, providing an efficient strategy for the continuous plug-flow AOA process.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Xu Yang, Mahmoud Mazarji, Mengtong Li, Aohua Li, Ronghua Li, Zengqiang Zhang, Junting Pan
Summary: This study investigated the impact of magnetite on the nitrogen cycle of pig manure biostabilisation. The addition of magnetite increased N2O emissions and decreased NH3 emissions during composting. It also increased the total nitrogen content but should be considered for its significant increase in N2O emissions in engineering practice.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Ty Shitanaka, Haylee Fujioka, Muzammil Khan, Manpreet Kaur, Zhi-Yan Du, Samir Kumar Khanal
Summary: The market value of microalgae has exponentially increased in the past two decades, thanks to their applications in various industries. However, the supply of high-value microalgal bioproducts is limited due to several factors, and strategies are being explored to overcome these limitations and improve microalgae production, thus increasing the availability of algal-derived bioproducts in the market.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Martin Kerner, Thorsten Wolff, Torsten Brinkmann
Summary: The efficiency of using enriched CO2 from flue gas for large-scale production of green microalgae has been studied. The results show that the use of membrane devices and static mixers can effectively improve the CO2 recovery rate and maintain the suitable pH and temperature during cultivation, achieving a more economical and sustainable microalgae production.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Rui Ma, Ji Li, Rd Tyagi, Xiaolei Zhang
Summary: This review summarizes the microorganisms capable of using CO2 and CH4 to produce PHAs, illustrating the production process, factors influencing it, and discussing optimization techniques. It identifies the challenges and future prospects for developing economically viable PHAs production using GHGs as a carbon source.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Bing Wang, Peng Zhang, Xu Guo, Xu Bao, Junjie Tian, Guomin Li, Jian Zhang
Summary: The addition of zeolite in the co-composting of chicken manure and straw significantly reduced the emissions of ammonia and N2O, and increased the nitrate content. Zeolite also promoted the abundance of nitrification genes and inhibited the expression of denitrification genes.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Rohit Dey, Franziska Ortiz Tena, Song Wang, Josef Martin Messmann, Christian Steinweg, Claudia Thomsen, Clemens Posten, Stefan Leu, Matthias S. Ullrich, Laurenz Thomsen
Summary: This study investigated the operation of a 1000L microalgae-based membrane photobioreactor system for continuous secondary wastewater treatment. The research focused on a green microalgae strain called Desmodesmus sp. The study aimed to understand key trends and optimization strategies by conducting experiments in both summer and winter seasons. The findings showed that maintaining low cell concentrations during periods of light inhibition was beneficial for nutrient uptake rates. Effective strategies for enhancing algae-based wastewater treatment included cell mass recycling and adjusting dilution rates based on light availability.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
