Article
Environmental Sciences
Dongle Cheng, Huu Hao Ngo, Wenshan Guo, Soon Woong Chang, Dinh Duc Nguyen, Yiwen Liu, Yi Liu, Lijuan Deng, Zhuo Chen
Summary: The study evaluated the performance of a double-chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC) in treating synthetic swine wastewater containing sulfonamide antibiotics. Results showed that the MFC operated better under the sequential anode-cathode mode, with higher removal efficiency of pollutants, although the removal efficiency of antibiotics still needs improvement. Antbiotics exerted toxic effects on microorganisms in the MFC.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ana Carla Sorgato, Thamires Custodio Jeremias, Fernanda Leite Lobo, Flavio Rubens Lapolli
Summary: The operation of a scaled-up air-cathode microbial fuel cell (MFC) using synthetic wastewater in continuous flow indicated that optimal performance was achieved under a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 12 hours, resulting in higher electricity generation and wastewater treatment efficiency. However, due to anaerobic conditions, the MFC was unable to remove nutrients. The MFC also showed potential in reducing wastewater toxicity, as demonstrated by an acute toxicity test using Lactuca sativa.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Geological
Guosheng Xiang, Weimin Ye, Zhijie Hu, Wenqing Fu
Summary: The decomposition of concrete in auxiliary structures produces high-alkaline pore water in disposal repositories, which greatly affects the mechanical properties of bentonite. Shear tests were conducted on GMZ01 bentonite inundated with NaOH and KOH solutions to assess the impact of alkaline solutions on shear strength. The results show that shear strength is directly related to the concentration of the two types of alkaline solution, with KOH solution yielding higher shear strength than NaOH solution at the same concentration. The concept of modified effective stress p' helps explain the erosion of bentonite by alkaline solution based on the Mohr-Coulomb criterion. Further analysis revealed an increase in the angle of internal friction & phi;& PRIME; at higher alkaline concentrations.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhicheng Xu, Shiyu Chen, Siyuan Guo, Dan Wan, Hao Xu, Wei Yan, Xiaoliang Jin, Jiangtao Feng
Summary: This article discusses the importance of light-assisted microbial fuel cells in addressing environmental pollution and energy crisis, outlining their advantages, challenges, and prospects. Several preponderant coupling systems are critically reviewed, and the scale-up strategy and challenges faced are discussed, along with new research directions proposed.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Payel Choudhury, Rup Narayan Ray, Tarun Kanti Bandyopadhyay, Bikram Basak, Muthusivaramapandian Muthuraj, Biswanath Bhunia
Summary: Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have shown promise in treating wastewater and generating electricity simultaneously. This study examined the use of Shewanella algae in a single chamber microbial fuel cell (SCMFC) for treating real dairy wastewater (RDW), achieving a high COD removal efficiency and demonstrating the potential of using dairy wastewater as a substrate for sustainable power generation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xiaoyan Wu, Chunxue Lv, Jian Ye, Mi Li, Xiaowen Zhang, Junwen Lv, Qi Fang, Shoufu Yu, Wenjie Xie
Summary: Microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology was utilized to remove uranium from uranium-containing wastewater (UCW) and generate bioelectricity efficiently. The addition of glycine-hydrochloric acid buffer (GHAB) to the catholyte significantly improved the removal efficiency and performance of the MFC system, achieving stable and high U(VI) removal rate along with electricity generation.
JOURNAL OF THE TAIWAN INSTITUTE OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Kai-Bo Pu, Teng-Teng Li, Jia-Yao Gao, Qing-Yun Chen, Kun Guo, Min Zhou, Chin-Tsan Wang, Yun-Hai Wang
Summary: This study successfully achieved the goal of generating electricity by constructing a floating flexible microbial fuel cell that floats on wastewater, with higher power performance than other similar floating microbial fuel cells. After 21 days of operation, it was found that this cell can efficiently degrade the chemical oxygen demand in wastewater, with lower cost.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Naser Bazina, Tariq G. Ahmed, Mostafa Almdaaf, Shamsudeen Jibia, Mosh Sarker
Summary: As the world faces an impending energy crisis due to the depletion of nonrenewable resources like petroleum, the need for alternative and eco-friendly power sources becomes more evident. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs), which utilize knowledge from natural microorganisms to generate electricity from economical substrates, offer a promising solution. This article explores the key components and factors influencing the performance of MFCs, such as substrate oxidation, electron transfer, and internal resistance. It also provides a comprehensive analysis of existing MFC designs and showcases cost-effective models based on global studies, highlighting their potential practical applications in renewable energy technology.
JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Somdipta Bagchi, Manaswini Behera
Summary: The study shows that the addition of chloroform can effectively suppress methane production in MFCs and improve the performance of the cells. MFCs with chloroform dosages exhibited higher open circuit voltages, peak power densities, lower internal resistance, and higher coulombic efficiencies compared to the control reactors.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Carlos Munoz-Cupa, Yulin Hu, Chunbao Xu Charles, Amarjeet Bassi
Summary: The article discusses the effects of various operating conditions on COD removal and power production from biological wastewater treatments, as well as summarizes the advantages and weaknesses of current WC technologies used for different types of wastewater. It also provides information on technical barriers facing MFCs operation and the economic feasibility of using MFCs for wastewater treatment.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Hajera Gul, Waseem Raza, Jechan Lee, Mudassar Azam, Mujtaba Ashraf, Ki-Hyun Kim
Summary: The global energy crisis has led to the development of green energy technologies like microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for wastewater treatment and bioenergy generation. Factors affecting energy production are discussed to optimize MFC processes, including design and operational conditions. However, challenges still remain in balancing harvesting efficiency and upscaling MFC systems.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Aryama Raychaudhuri, Manaswini Behera
Summary: The influence of the initial substrate concentration of rice mill wastewater on substrate degradation rate and power production in a dual-chambered MFC was investigated. It was found that increasing COD concentration within a limited range improved degradation rates and electricity generation, but both processes were hindered at high substrate concentrations.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Christina Saran, Diane Purchase, Ganesh Dattatraya Saratale, Rijuta Ganesh Saratale, Luiz Fernando Romanholo Ferreira, Muhammad Bilal, Hafiz M. N. Iqbal, Chaudhery Mustansar Hussain, Sikandar Mulla, Ram Naresh Bharagava
Summary: This review paper discusses the origin of hexavalent chromium toxicity in tannery wastewater and its remediation using Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) technology. The paper highlights the role of electroactive bacteria in treating wastewater, producing bioenergy, and reducing Cr6+. Various parameters such as electrode, pH, operation mode, operation time, and exchange membrane type are discussed to enhance MFC production and remediation of Cr6+. The paper also emphasizes the importance of MFC in reducing hexavalent chromium contamination and generating energy economically.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Vijay Jaswal, Yogalakshmi Kadapakkam Nandabalan
Summary: The present study prepared rice husk derived silicon nanoparticles using rice husk as a source of silica and demonstrated its effectiveness as an anode modifier in a two-chambered H-shaped microbial fuel cell (MFC). The synthesized silicon nanoparticles had a spherical shape and ranged in size from 15 to 60 nm. The anode modified with silicon nanoparticles of 0.50 mg cm-2 showed a significant increase in power and current density compared to the control, and also exhibited high COD removal and coulombic efficiency in MFCs operated with combined distillery and domestic wastewater.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sofia Babanova, Carlo Santoro, Jason Jones, Tony Phan, Alexey Serov, Plamen Atanassov, Orianna Bretschger
Summary: In this study, PGM-free catalysts were incorporated into the MFC system for treating swine wastewater, resulting in significantly improved cathode activity and overall power output. The addition of Fe-AAPyr derived catalyst demonstrated stability, durability, and reliability in real environmental conditions. The fluctuation in power output throughout the experiment was attributed to varying environmental conditions in natural settings.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Hoora Mazaheri, Hwai Chyuan Ong, H. H. Masjuki, A. Arslan, Wen Tong Chong, Zeynab Amini
Summary: This study investigates the tribological features of rice bran oil-based biodiesel as a means to improve lubricity. The results show that friction decreases with the decrease of biodiesel concentration, while the formation of wear scars increases. The impact on lubricity is mainly due to changes in biodiesel concentration.
ENERGY SOURCES PART A-RECOVERY UTILIZATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ashwin Jacob, B. Ashok, Hwai Chyuan Ong, Phung Thi Kim Le
Summary: This study aims to sustainably produce low-density biodiesel from Chlorella pyrenoidosa microalgae by heterotrophic means and processed using enzymatic transesterification. The engine testing showed that the low-density biodiesel has lower fuel consumption and emissions compared to diesel fuel. The optimal biodiesel proportion was determined using multivariate principal component analysis-desirability approach.
ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
M. A. Hazrat, M. G. Rasul, M. M. K. Khan, N. Ashwath, I. M. R. Fattah, Hwai Chyuan Ong, T. M. Mahlia
Summary: Edible oil-based biodiesel production through transesterification was optimized using response surface methodology with the Box-Behnken model. The optimal process conditions were determined to be 5.89 M methanol, 0.5% (w/w) KOH, 60 degrees C, and 120 min, with a predicted yield of 99.5% and an experimental yield of 99.6%. In addition, two different kinetic models were developed and the activation energy for the pseudo-first-order irreversible reaction was found to be 16.9% higher than for the pseudo-homogenous irreversible reaction.
ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
John Patrick Mercado, Aristotle T. Ubando, Jeremias A. Gonzaga, Salman Raza Naqvi
Summary: Chemical looping combustion (CLC) is a promising technology for efficient carbon capture and storage. Recent studies have shown that conventional coal-based CLC has significant environmental impacts, especially on global warming potential. This study proposes the use of biomass-based CLC, specifically rice husks, which were found to have the least environmental impacts compared to coal-based power plants and coal-based CLC. However, water consumption remains a drawback in using rice husks as CLC biomass feedstock, despite achieving net negative emissions.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Wei-Hsin Chen, Partha Pratim Biswas, Hwai Chyuan Ong, Anh Tuan Hoang, Thanh-Binh Nguyen, Cheng-Di Dong
Summary: The study of hydrogen energy is gaining attention for its effectiveness in achieving net zero and environmental sustainability. Bioethanol is a carbon-neutral fuel for hydrogen production and has potential as a sustainable energy source. This research assesses different routes for ethanol reforming and evaluates the impact of catalyst physicochemistry and experimental parameters on hydrogen production. The findings show that non-noble metals like Co and Ni are more reactive than noble metals in ethanol steam reforming, while the sequence of hydrogen selectivity differs in autothermal reforming of ethanol. The review highlights the importance of sustainable hydrogen production and decarbonization in reaching the net zero target.
Editorial Material
Energy & Fuels
Hwai Chyuan Ong, Adi Kusmayadi, Nor Aishah Saidina Amin
Review
Energy & Fuels
Carlo L. Vinoya, Aristotle T. Ubando, Alvin B. Culaba, Wei-Hsin Chen
Summary: The decarbonization of the energy industry is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Small modular reactors (SMRs) are a promising technology for clean energy generation, comparable to other renewable energy sources. However, there are challenges in adopting and investing in SMRs in developing nations. A comprehensive review of SMRs is proposed to address technological, economic, environmental, and socio-political issues, while identifying areas for improvement.
Article
Thermodynamics
Guangcan Su, Nurin Wahidah Mohd Zulkifli, Hwai Chyuan Ong, Shaliza Ibrahim, Mei Yee Cheah, Ruonan Zhu, Quan Bu
Summary: The global pandemic of COVID-19 has had devastating effects on the environment, society, and economy worldwide. In this study, a sustainable and environmentally friendly method is proposed to convert hazardous medical waste into valuable fuel products through pyrolysis. The use of medical protective clothing (MPC) in pyrolysis, along with the addition of catalysts, improves the quality of bio-oil produced from oil palm wastes (OPWs) pyrolysis.
Review
Thermodynamics
Rahul Mishra, Hwai Chyuan Ong, Chi -Wen Lin
Summary: Sustainable energy sources are needed to meet the increasing energy demand caused by population growth. Pyrolysis and gasification can convert biomass and plastic waste into energy. Co-processing, such as co-pyrolysis and co-gasification, has been identified as a key method for converting waste into fuel with higher hydrogen concentrations. The production of hydrogen from biomass and plastic waste using these techniques is being explored for its high conversion efficiencies and low costs. Research on co-pyrolysis and co-gasification for hydrogen-rich syngas production from plastics and biomass is limited, so further studies are needed. This review aims to enhance understanding of these techniques and their potential for sustainable energy production and waste management.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Beyene Hagos Aregawi, Hoang Chinh Nguyen, Chun-Chong Fu, Hwai Chyuan Ong, Colin J. Barrow, Chia-Hung Su, Shao-Jung Wu, Horng-Yi Juan, Fu-Ming Wang
Summary: This study developed a novel catalyst-free electrolysis process using an ionic liquid as a supporting electrolyte for biodiesel production. The ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Emim]Cl), exhibited the highest electrical conductivity and best electrolytic performance for transesterification. Optimized reaction conditions resulted in a maximum biodiesel yield of 97.76%, and [Emim]Cl could be efficiently reused for multiple cycles.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hoang Chinh Nguyen, Beyene Hagos Aregawi, Chun-Chong Fu, Hwai Chyuan Ong, Colin J. Barrow, Chia-Hung Su, Shao-Jung Wu, Horng-Yi Juan, Fu-Ming Wang
Summary: A novel catalyst-free electrolysis method using deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as both a supporting electrolyte and a cosolvent for biodiesel synthesis was developed and tested. Among the DESs synthesized, DES-2 exhibited the highest efficiency for electrolysis-based biodiesel synthesis. The DES-2-assisted electrolysis was optimized to maximize biodiesel yield, achieving a yield of 94.71% with certain conditions.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
N. Asikin-Mijan, J. C. Juan, Y. H. Taufiq-Yap, Hwai Chyuan Ong, Yu-Chuan Lin, G. AbdulKareem-Alsultan, H. V. Lee
Summary: This review examines the potential of renewable biomass for producing green diesel through deoxygenation technology. Various deoxygenation pathways under a free-hydrogen environment were explored, along with the use of acid-base bifunctional catalysts to facilitate the process. It was noted that the acid-base characteristics of the catalysts may lead to undesired by-products and catalyst deactivation.
CATALYSIS COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Guangcan Su, Nurin Wahidah Mohd Zulkifli, Li Liu, Hwai Chyuan Ong, Shaliza Ibrahim, Kai Ling Yu, Yifan Wei, Feng Bin
Summary: This study proposed a carbon-negative methanol production method that integrated four modules of bagasse pyrolysis, physical activation, chemical looping, and methanol synthesis in the context of China. Three different scenarios were simulated and evaluated, and the results suggested that the addition of hydrogen effectively increased the methanol yield. In terms of economic and environmental performance, Scenario 1 and Scenario 2 exhibited better results.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Review
Thermodynamics
Yu Zhang, Qianchen Peng, Chunmei Wang, Yuhan Huang, Pei Zhou, Yejian Qian, Bin Ye, T. M. Indra Mahlia, Hwai Chyuan Ong
Summary: This paper systematically reviews the state-of-the-art advances in auto-ignition modeling and discusses the effects of turbulence, evaporation, and chemistry on auto-ignition. Five different models, ranging from simple homogeneous models to more complex turbulent models, are discussed and compared. The paper also outlines the challenges and future directions in auto-ignition modeling.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shu-Hui Liu, Jun-Ru Ke, Hwai Chyuan Ong, Chi-Wen Lin
Summary: The deoxidizing packing material (DPM) in a microbial fuel cell (MFC) was improved by adding a deoxidizing agent (DA) to its surface to form DPMDA-out, effectively consuming dissolved oxygen in the anode tank. The use of DPMDA-out in the MFC resulted in higher removal efficiencies for isopropanol and styrene compared to using DPMDA-in. The DPMDA-out-based MFC also had higher voltage outputs and power densities for both isopropanol and styrene compared to the DPMDA-in-based MFC. Furthermore, the electricity production by the MFC with styrene as its substrate exceeded that with isopropanol, despite the lower removal efficiency of styrene.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
