Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaochen Liu, Jun Lu, Minghao Fu, Hua Zheng, Quanyuan Chen
Summary: Powdered activated carbon (PAC) was used as a catalyst for hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of cotton pulp black liquor (CPBL). The results showed that PAC-HTC could effectively decontaminate CPBL and had excellent reusability.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ahmad Nawaz, Pradeep Kumar
Summary: The current study explored the impact of different hydrothermal carbonization temperatures (180, 230, and 280 degrees C) on the fuel properties, kinetics, thermodynamics, and reaction mechanism of sunflower stalks. The hydrochars obtained at different temperatures were pyrolyzed in a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) at varying heating rates. Characterization methods such as FTIR, FE-SEM, and XRD were used to examine the changes in functional groups, surface morphology, and crystallinity. The findings can be applied to the development and design of pyrolysis reactors for clean biofuel generation from sunflower stalks.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jing Zhang, Lin Zhang, Chuanjin Lin, Cuiping Wang, Peitao Zhao, Yimin Li
Summary: Co-hydrothermal carbonization of biomass and chlorinated waste produces value-added co-hydrochar while removing inorganic metal salts and organic chlorine from the liquid phase. The fuel properties and combustion behaviors of co-hydrochars derived from different lignocellulose feedstocks were studied. The interaction between lignocellulose compositions and polyvinyl chloride improved the fuel properties and combustion behaviors of co-hydrochars, except for those derived from pine. The co-hydrochars exhibited higher fuel ratio, higher heating values, easier combustion, and lower activation energies.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Andrew Caratenuto, Abdulrahman Aljwirah, Yanpei Tian, Xiaojie Liu, Yinsheng Wan, Yi Zheng
Summary: The study introduced a solar desalination device made of fallen leaves and guar, showcasing its efficient performance in producing drinkable water under various environmental conditions.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Marija M. Kojic, Jelena T. Petrovic, Marija S. Petrovic, Slavka M. Stankovic, Slavica J. Porobic, Milena T. Marinovic-Cincovic, Marija L. Mihajlovic
Summary: Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) treatment improves the combustion behavior and heating values of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) converted into hydrochar. The formation of microspheres and cracks on the hydrochar surface, dominated by aromatic and oxygen-rich functional groups, enhances the combustion properties. Additionally, the thermodynamic parameters and pre-exponential factors reveal a complex mechanism of decomposition for SMS and hydrochars.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL AND APPLIED PYROLYSIS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jiandong Jia, Ruikun Wang, Hongwei Chen, Hantao Liu, Qiao Xue, Qianqian Yin, Zhenghui Zhao
Summary: This study investigated the interaction reactions between cellulose and hemicellulose during hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and the formation mechanism of hydrochar. The results showed that co-carbonization of glucose and xylose led to the generation of more benzenes, with a synergistic effect observed between the two sugars. The aqueous product of co-HTC contained a high concentration of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), which could polymerize with benzenes and furfural to form insoluble furan-benzene polymers. This polymerization process increased the aromatization degree and energy density of the hydrochar.
ENERGY SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
A. Leena Pauline, Kurian Joseph
Summary: Petroleum storage and refining generate large quantities of hazardous oily sludge waste, which can be remediated through hydrothermal carbonization to enhance resource recovery and reduce ecological risks and toxicity. HTC is suitable for metals immobilization, resource optimization, and hydrocarbon recovery.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Maurizio Volpe, Antonio Picone, Fabio Codignole Luz, Maryanne Chelang'at Mosonik, Roberto Volpe, Antonio Messineo
Summary: The study examines the impact of sample pretreatment and reactor design on hydrothermal carbonization of agro-waste. Results show that sample pre-drying and reactor design are key factors in determining reaction pathways, product distribution, and properties. Sample pre-treatment can significantly influence gas yield and reaction rate.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Shanmugam Palanisamy, Senthil Kumar Kandasamy, Sathesh Thangmuthu, Dhinesh Kumar Selvarasu, Marimuthu Panchanathan, Prasanna Venkatesh Ramanai, Borje Sten Gevert
Summary: The study compared the performance of black liquor carbonization and biomass-based activated carbon from citrus sinensis flavedos in supercapacitor applications. AC-OP demonstrated superior performance with fast ionic and electronic diffusion. AC-BL exhibited an EDLC mechanism, while AC-OP showed pseudocapacitance property. The differences in capacitance and conductivity between the two materials suggest that AC-BL has the potential to become a future electrode material for supercapacitors by enhancing electronic conductivity.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yong-xing Chen, Fan Gao, Huan-ran Xiong, Yi Tan, Zhi-peng Zhang, Kai -peng Cheng, Yi-xing Yang, Zhi-xiang Xu, Bo Zhang
Summary: Utilizing deep eutectic solvents (DES) to pretreat poplar sawdust (PS) before hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) can enhance the degree of carbonization. The DES pretreatment leads to the formation of cracks on the surface of PS, promoting cellulose hydrolysis and dehydration and enhancing contact between water phase and PS. This method of pretreatment paves a new way for the utilization of highly carbonized hydrochar.
FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Deval Singh, Digambar Chavan, Ashutosh Kumar Pandey, Lakshmikanthan Periyaswami, Sunil Kumar
Summary: This study investigated the impact of different waste categories on the generation of CH4 and CO2 in a landfill, with fresh waste showing the highest potential. The research also utilized an ANN model to predict CH4 yield with a low error rate of +/- 4% between experimental and predicted data.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Qiang Zhang, Kai Mu, Jun Han, Linbo Qin, Bo Zhao, Linlin Yi
Summary: High hydrothermal temperature and solid-N enrichment were key issues in co-hydrothermal carbonization (co-HTC) of sludge and lignocellulose biomass. This study proposed the technology of acid-alcohol assisted co-HTC and investigated the reaction mechanisms. Acetic acid and ethanol were found to promote different reactions at different temperatures, resulting in changes in nitrogen content. The use of solvent mixture had the best performance in improving fuel quality by dehydration, carbonization, and denitrification reactions.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Andile B. Maqhuzu, Kunio Yoshikawa, Fumitake Takahashi
Summary: Low agricultural productivity and electricity shortages continue to be issues in Africa. Using brewer's spent grain (BSG) for food and biochar production through hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) could provide solutions. As BSG production and energy potential are expected to rise in Africa, the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of biochar production may be higher compared to flour production.
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jing Zhang, Yuhan Chen, Xu Xia, Binbin Fu, Chuanjin Lin, Guangchao Jia, Xin Cui, Fang Liu, Peitao Zhao, Yimin Li
Summary: Co-hydrothermal carbonization (co-HTC) can simultaneously remove organic chlorine and inorganics, but the interaction mechanisms are unclear. In this study, various lignocellulosic biomasses were co-hydrothermally carbonized with PVC, and it was found that the interaction depended on the content and composition of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Hydroxyl functional groups in cellulose and soluble lignin dehydration intermediates promoted PVC substitution, while lignocellulosic fragments prevented PVC aggregation and promoted fragmentation, facilitating dechlorination. Insoluble lignin-derived polyaromatic hydrochar and hemicellulose, cellulose, and soluble lignin-derived polymeric hydrochar inhibited dechlorination. The removal efficiency of inorganics varied significantly depending on their composition and content in the biomass.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qingyin Li, Haisheng Lin, Shu Zhang, Xiangzhou Yuan, Mortaza Gholizadeh, Yi Wang, Jun Xiang, Song Hu, Xun Hu
Summary: Co-hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of livestock manure and biomass can enhance the fuel properties of hydrochar, but an increase in cellulose content can decrease the yield of hydrochar and extended time can promote the formation of solid products.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Silvio Montalvo, Cesar Huilinir, Alejandra Castillo, Jhosane Pages-Diaz, Lorna Guerrero
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
S. Montalvo, J. Martinez, A. Castillo, C. Huilinir, R. Borja, Veronica Garcia, Ricardo Salazar
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND ASSESSMENTS
(2020)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Jhosane Pages-Diaz, Cesar Huilinir
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Arael Alfonso-Cardero, Jhosane Pages-Diaz, Francesco Contino, Karthilz Rajendran, Junior Lorenzo-LLanes
Summary: This study presents a process simulation model in Aspen Plus (R) and a techno-economic assessment for the anaerobic digestion of Cuban sugarcane vinasses. It found that the electricity production biogas application (S_1) showed the best economic performance, with the mean electricity price leading to a net present value of zero being 90 USD/MWh. The recommendation is for Cuban plants to increase their capacities significantly or implement centralized biomethane production to ensure project profits.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH & DESIGN
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yeney Lauzurique, Fernando G. Fermoso, Nicolas Sanchez, Alejandra Castillo, Natalia Valdes, Mario Tello, Ricardo Salazar, Veronica Garcia, Cesar Huilinir
Summary: The study shows that the addition of moderate concentrations of fly ash can enhance specific methane production in the anaerobic digestion of winery wastewater, but high concentrations may inhibit methane generation and impact bacterial communities.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Herman A. Murillo, Jhosane Pages-Diaz, Luis A. Diaz-Robles, Fidel Vallejo, Cesar Huilinir
Summary: Optimization of oat husk using hydrothermal carbonization resulted in optimal hydrochar mass yield and higher heating value; Anaerobic digestion of spent liquor showed potential as a substrate, with hydrochar addition increasing methane production by up to 17%.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Arael Alfonso-Cardero, Jhosane Pages-Diaz, Efstratios Kalogirou, Constantinos S. Psomopoulos, Junior Lorenzo-Llanes
Summary: This study aimed to select the most suitable solid waste management strategy for Havana, Cuba, by integrating material recovery facilities (MRF) with waste-to-energy technologies. The results showed that MRF+AD was the most suitable scenario, based on environmental, techno-economic, and social parameters.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Cesar Huilinir, Jhosane Pages-Diaz, Gustavo Vargas, Sylvana Vega, Yeney Lauzurique, Nicolas Palominos
Summary: This review examines the microaeration method as a biological pretreatment before anaerobic digestion, focusing on its parameters, applications, and mechanisms. It also presents modeling, energetic and financial analysis, showing its commercial attractiveness in certain conditions. Challenges and future perspectives are discussed to promote the development of microaeration as a pretreatment method before AD.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yeney Lauzurique, Ariel Meza, Cesar Huilinir, Ricardo Salazar-Gonzalez, Gustavo Vargas-Morales
Summary: The effect of fly ash (FA) on the continuous operation of anaerobic bioreactors treating winery wastewater was investigated in this study. The addition of FA increased methane production and organic matter removal, without exceeding the allowed limits of metals according to Chilean legislation.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Alejandra Castillo, Eduardo Ortega-Martinez, Jhosane Pages-Diaz, Silvio Montalvo, Cesar Huilinir
Summary: This article investigates the effects of micro-aerobic pre-treatment and thermal pre-treatment on methane production, organic matter removal, and energy consumption of waste-activated sludge (WAS). The results show that the digester fed with micro-aerobically pre-treated sludge performs better due to the solubilization of particulate organic matter. However, micro-aerobic pre-treatment requires more energy compared to thermal pre-treatment, although the energy demand can be reduced by pre-thickening the sludge. Further studies are needed to verify the advantages of methane production and solid reduction.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tania Perez-Perez, Ileana Pereda-Reyes, Gleyce Teixeira Correia, Eloisa Pozzi, Wu Hong Kwong, Deny Oliva-Merencio, Marcelo Zaiat, Silvio Montalvo, Cesar Huilinir
Summary: The study demonstrated that an expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) reactor using zeolite as support showed more stable performance in treating synthetic swine wastewaters. The addition of zeolite had a positive influence on granule formation, size, and bacterial and archaeal populations.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Junior Lorenzo-Llanes, Jhosane Pages-Diaz, Efstratios Kalogirou, Francesco Contino
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2020)
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.
