Review
Polymer Science
Gowthami Palanisamy, Tae Hwan Oh, Sadhasivam Thangarasu
Summary: A direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) is an excellent energy device that converts methanol to energy with high efficiency. Commercial membranes for DMFCs are expensive and have high methanol permeability, but novel developments using cost-effective cellulose-based materials have improved performance. In this review, the advances and utilization of different cellulose materials as proton-exchange membranes (PEMs) for DMFCs are discussed, including cellulose derivatives and composites with inorganic additives.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Asmaa Attya Shalaby, Andrew N. N. Aziz, Zdenko Spitalsky, Ahmed Mohamed Omer, Mohamed Samir Mohy-Eldin, Randa Eslah Khalifa
Summary: Graphene oxide nanosheets (GO) were used as an additive to fabricate a cation exchange membrane for direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) applications. The composite membrane exhibited improved properties, including enhanced methanol blocking ability and increased mechanical, oxidative, and thermal stabilities. The GCA/GO (2 wt.%) membrane showed the highest selectivity and performance in terms of water uptake, proton conductivity, methanol permeability, and electrical selectivity. The findings suggest the potential application of these membranes in DMFCs.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
F. Altaf, S. Ahmed, D. Dastan, R. Batool, Z. U. Rehman, Z. Shi, M. U. Hameed, P. Bocchetta, K. Jacob
Summary: Methanol permeation is the main issue of Nafion membranes in direct methanol fuel cells. In this study, novel nanocomposite polymer membranes are prepared by integrating surface-modified sepiolite in PVDF-g-PS copolymer. The analysis shows that the prepared membranes exhibit high proton conductivity and low methanol permeability.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cheng Huang, Guanglei Zhao, Yanghui Song, Chong Xie, Sihan Zhang, Xiaofeng Li
Summary: By grafting cytidine monophosphate, taurine, and cysteine onto cellulose nanocrystal backbones, biodegradable and environmentally friendly proton exchange membranes with good performance were successfully prepared.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Aiswarya K. Sidharthan, Shiny Joseph
Summary: A sustainable approach for synthesizing a sodium ion conducting cation exchange membrane was investigated in this study, addressing the issues of methanol permeability, ionic conductivity, and cost of the direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). The use of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and sulfonated polyvinyl alcohol (SPVA)-montmorillonite clay (MMT) membranes in an alkaline medium improved the ionic conductivity and achieved a high peak power density in passive alkaline DMFC experiments.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lukka Thuyavan Yogarathinam, Juhana Jaafar, Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, Pei Sean Goh, Arthanareeswaran Gangasalam, Mohamad Fahrul Radzi Hanifah, Kar Chun Wong, Mahesan Naidu Subramaniam, Jerome Peter
Summary: Nanostructured materials, such as polyaniline coated activated boron nitride, have been embedded in sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) membranes to enhance proton conductivity and reduce methanol permeability in direct methanol fuel cell applications. The addition of functionalized boron nitride improves water uptake, ion exchange capacity, and chemical stability of the membranes, while significantly reducing methanol permeability. These nanocomposite membranes exhibit improved performance compared to commercial Nafion membranes, with higher open circuit voltage and power density.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Hazlina Junoh, Juhana Jaafar, Nik Abdul Hadi M. Nordin, Ahmad F. Ismail, Mohd H. D. Othman, Mukhlis A. Rahman, Farhana Aziz, Norhaniza Yusof, Syarifah Noor S. Sayed Daud
Summary: Porous poly ether sulfone (PES) membranes were prepared using two different solvents via dry/wet non-solvent phase inversion techniques, with membranes prepared using DMAc at 3 minutes solvent evaporation time showing desirable properties for proton conduction and methanol resistance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Geng Cheng, Zhen Li, Shan Ren, Dongmei Han, Min Xiao, Shuanjin Wang, Yuezhong Meng
Summary: The study focused on a novel SPFEK composite membrane with excellent mechanical properties and antioxidant stability in a hydrated state, suitable for direct methanol fuel cells. The performance of the composite membrane was thoroughly evaluated, demonstrating its potential applications in fuel cell technology.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Dongxia Liang, Chenglong Wu, Lu Liu, Hansheng Li, Qin Wu, Daxin Shi, Yaoyuan Zhang, Kangcheng Chen
Summary: Coupling-type sulfonated poly(phenylquinoxaline) (c-SPPQ) with side chain and main chain sulfonic acid groups was synthesized through post-sulfonation. Proton exchange membranes made from c-SPPQ exhibited good performance, including low methanol permeability, high methanol tolerance, and good mechanical properties due to acid-base interaction of sulfonic acid and phenylquinoxaline groups. The superior conductivity and low methanol permeability of c-SPPQ make it a promising material for direct methanol fuel cells.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Yuanjing Zhang, Yingxu Song, Dandan Chen, Qifeng Jin, Jinyao Chen, Ya Cao
Summary: In this paper, a unique hybrid proton exchange membrane (PEM) made of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and quaternized polyethyleneimine (QPEI) for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) is presented. The membrane utilizes QPEI as an anchoring agent to enhance compatibility at the organic-inorganic interface and reduce the leakage of phosphotungstic acid (PWA), the proton conductor. The PEM exhibits excellent proton conductivity and methanol permeability properties, making it a promising alternative to Nafion (R) for DMFC applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Di Liu, Bo Dong, Haibo Zhang, Yunji Xie, Jinhui Pang, Zhenhua Jiang
Summary: Semi-crystalline PEK-SPx membranes, consisting of a crystalline poly(ether ketone) main chain and densely sulfonated side chain, exhibit excellent dimensional stability and methanol resistance. PEK-SP20 membrane shows stable performance in pure methanol, making it suitable for direct methanol fuel cells.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Guoxiao Xu, Zhiguang Wu, Ziyi Xie, Zenglv Wei, Jing Li, Konggang Qu, Ying Li, Weiwei Cai
Summary: By incorporating GO and GQD into HBM, this study successfully enhanced the proton/methanol selectivity and improved the performance of DMFC. Compared to pristine HBM, the proton conductivity of GQD-HBM membrane increased by 17% while methanol permeability decreased by approximately 50%, leading to an increase in proton/methanol selectivity by over 80%.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jamaliah Aburabie, Boor Lalia, Raed Hashaikeh
Summary: This work presents the development of sulfated cellulose (SC) polymer and its potential as an electrolyte-membrane for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC). The ion-conductive crosslinked SC membranes showed high methanol resistivity and proton conductivity, addressing a major hurdle in the widespread application of direct alcohol fuel cells. Compared to Nafion membranes, the crosslinked sulfated cellulose films have lower ion conductivity but significantly lower methanol crossover.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nagaraju Niluroutu, Avanish Shukla, Vishal M. Dhavale, Sreekuttan M. Unni, Santoshkumar D. Bhat
Summary: The composite membrane of sPEEK and PSSA-f-MCM-41 shows improved physio-chemical properties, reduced methanol permeability, and higher electrochemical selectivity, resulting in better DMFC performance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Pradip Das, Bishnupada Mandal, Sasidhar Gumma
Summary: This study involves the synthesis of amino acid grafted nanocomposites as proton exchange membranes for direct methanol fuel cells and assessing their selectivity. The results show significant improvement in blocking methanol and enhanced conductivity of the composite membrane after modification.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Bassant Yousry Eweida, Ahmed Mohamed Omer, Tamer Mahmoud Tamer, Hesham Abd-Elfatah Mohamed Soliman, Ahmed Amin Zaatot, Mohamed Samir Mohy-Eldin
Summary: A novel Chitosan-g-Octanal Schiff base adsorbent, synthesized through click chemistry, showed excellent performance in the removal of heavy crude oil spills compared to native Chitosan adsorbent, with higher oil adsorption percentages and faster adsorption rates. The adsorption process followed the pseudo-second order model and fitted well with the Langmuir model, indicating it to be an endothermic, favorable, and spontaneous process.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Abdelazeem S. Eltaweil, Eman M. Abd El-Monaem, Gehan M. El-Subruiti, Bassma M. Ali, Mona M. Abd El-Latif, Ahmed M. Omer
Summary: New porous adsorbent beads were developed by incorporating graphene oxide (GO) into cellulose acetate beads (CA) for the removal of methylene blue (MB) dye. The adsorption of MB dye increased with increasing GO ratio, following the PSO kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum adsorption capacity reached 369.85 mg/g. The adsorption mechanism involved electrostatic interactions, H-bonding, van der Waals forces, n-pi and pi-pi interactions. The beads exhibited excellent recycling ability and high selectivity towards MB molecules in the presence of co-existing cations.
JOURNAL OF POROUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mohamed E. E. Hassan, Ghada E. A. Awad, Mohamed S. S. MohyEldin, Bakry M. M. Haroun, Ahmed I. I. El-Diwany, Magdy M. M. Elnashar
Summary: Carrageenan is a common carbohydrate used in the entrapment industry for immobilizing cells and enzymes. By grafting carrageenan, it can produce fructose by covalently immobilizing glucose isomerase. Fructose is widely used in the beverage, food production, and pharmaceutical industries as a sweetener.
BIOTECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nehad. A. A. Elmaghraby, Ahmed. M. M. Omer, El-Refaie Kenawy, Mohamed Gaber, Safaa Ragab, Ahmed El Nemr
Summary: This study successfully fabricated a nanofiber composite of cellulose acetate/activated carbon (CA/AC) using the electrospinning technique. The CA/AC nanofiber composite demonstrated a high oil adsorption capacity and stability. The incorporation of activated carbon into the nanofiber mats improved the oil adsorption capacity, and the composite material showed consistent adsorption performance even after multiple recycling.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mohamed R. El-Aassar, Ahmed K. Alezbaway, Ibrahim O. Althobaiti, Mohamed Y. El-Sayed, Hend S. Abu Salem, Hassan M. A. Hassan, Rawan F. Alolaimi, Emam F. El Agammy, Mohamed S. Mohy-Eldin, Fathy M. Mohamed
Summary: This study verified the adsorption of As(V) from a synthetic aqueous solution using a Bentonite-Anthracite@Zetag (BT-An@Zetag) composite. Various techniques were used to characterize the composite, and the adsorption mechanism and kinetics were investigated. The findings showed that the BT-An@Zetag composite is a cost-effective and efficient technique for removing arsenic from wastewater.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Asmaa Attya Shalaby, Andrew N. N. Aziz, Zdenko Spitalsky, Ahmed Mohamed Omer, Mohamed Samir Mohy-Eldin, Randa Eslah Khalifa
Summary: Graphene oxide nanosheets (GO) were used as an additive to fabricate a cation exchange membrane for direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) applications. The composite membrane exhibited improved properties, including enhanced methanol blocking ability and increased mechanical, oxidative, and thermal stabilities. The GCA/GO (2 wt.%) membrane showed the highest selectivity and performance in terms of water uptake, proton conductivity, methanol permeability, and electrical selectivity. The findings suggest the potential application of these membranes in DMFCs.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mona M. Agwa, Heba Elmotasem, Hassan Elsayed, Abdallah S. Abdelsattar, Ahmed M. Omer, Doaa T. Gebreel, Mohamed S. Mohy-Eldin, Moustafa M. G. Fouda
Summary: Phototherapies, such as photothermal and photodynamic therapy, have been widely used for minimally invasive tumor eradication. However, obstacles in phototherapy have hindered its clinical application. To overcome these obstacles, researchers have developed nano-particulate delivery systems integrated with phototherapy and cytotoxic drugs, improving tumor targeting and minimizing toxicity to normal cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Mohamed A. Hassan, Tamer M. Tamer, Ahmed M. Omer, Walid M. A. Baset, Eman Abbas, Mohamed S. Mohy-Eldin
Summary: The antimicrobial activities of chitosan were improved by coupling it with cyclohexanone and 2-N-methyl pyrrolidone to synthesize novel Schiff bases. These derivatives showed enhanced antimicrobial capacities, especially against Gram-positive bacteria and Candida albicans. Furthermore, they exhibited biocompatibility with fibroblasts, suggesting potential use in wound healing.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Abdelazeem S. Eltaweil, Maha S. Ahmed, Gehan M. El-Subruiti, Randa E. Khalifa, Ahmed M. Omer
Summary: New composite microbeads composed of carboxylated graphene oxide (CGO) impregnated into alginate (Alg) microbeads and coated with aminated chitosan (AmCs) layer were developed. The microbeads exhibited pH-sensitivity and the concentration of CGO and AmCs greatly influenced their swelling behavior and protection of Alg microbeads. The composite microbeads showed improved drug loading efficiency and sustained release of ciprofloxacin (CIP) compared to Alg microbeads.
ARABIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Eman M. Abd El-Monaem, Abdelazeem S. Eltaweil, Gehan M. El-Subruiti, Mohamed S. Mohy-Eldin, Ahmed M. Omer
Summary: Water pollution is a serious problem that is continuously worsening, putting our planet at risk. The presence of persistent nitro aromatic compounds like nitrophenols causes concern due to their harmful effects, excessive usage, and difficulty in removal. To address this, a novel composite material was developed using kappa-Carrageenan, MOF (MIL-125(Ti)), and magnetic Fe3O4 for efficient adsorption of o-nitrophenol. The composite exhibited high surface area and magnetic property, and showed excellent adsorption performance. The adsorption mechanism involved hydrogen bonding, pi-pi interaction, and electron donor-acceptor interactions. The composite also demonstrated good reusability, making it a promising adsorbent for removing nitro aromatic pollutants.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ahmed M. Omer, Abdelazeem S. Eltaweil, Esmail M. El-Fakharany, Eman M. Abd El-Monaem, Magda M. F. Ismail, Mohamed S. Mohy-Eldin, Mohammed S. Ayoup
Summary: This study developed a novel bioactive chitosan Schiff base (CTS-SB) derivative by coupling chitosan (CTS) with 4-((5, 5-dimethyl-3-oxocyclohex-1-en-1-yl) amino) benzene-sulfonamide. The CTS-SB derivative exhibited enhanced antibacterial, anticancer, and antidiabetic activities compared to pure CTS. It showed improved ion exchange capacity, increased antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, higher inhibitory values of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, and potential anticancer activity.
ARABIAN JOURNAL FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ahmed M. Omer, Tamer M. Tamer, Mohamed E. Hassan, Randa E. Khalifa, Eman M. Abd El-Monaem, Abdelazeem S. Eltaweil, Mohamed S. Mohy Eldin
Summary: The present study successfully developed an efficient superabsorbent hydrogel for water conservation and slow release of Ethephon. Through analysis and experiments, it was found that the grafted hydrogel made from modified cellulose and hydrophilic monomers has good water absorption capacity and nutrient carrying ability, which can be applied in agricultural production of sandy soil.
ARABIAN JOURNAL FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Wenhai Tan, Youfeng Zhang, Yichen Zhang, Yanbo Ma, Chao Zhao, Yinling Wang
Summary: This study synthesized Co3O4/CC cathode materials with excellent performance for aqueous zinc-ion batteries by varying the reactant concentration. The Co3O4/CC nanowires exhibited uniform distribution, regular surface, and small size on the carbon cloth. The battery assembled with Co3O4/CC material synthesized at a reactant concentration ratio of 2:1 showed better performance, with high discharge specific capacity and capacity retention rate.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ELECTROCHEMICAL SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
T. Salahuddin, Iqra Kousar, Mair Khan, M. Munawwar Iqbal Ch
Summary: This paper investigates the dynamics of fluid motion powered by cilia within a curved channel and examines the chemical reactions occurring in the presence of electro-osmotic impact. The findings offer insights into various flow characteristics and present a method for simulating non-Newtonian fluid models in three dimensions. Additionally, the model has potential applications in the development of micro-vascular chips, which could be crucial for diagnosing blood-related issues.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ELECTROCHEMICAL SCIENCE
(2024)
Review
Electrochemistry
Ahmed Abou-Shady
Summary: Soil electrokinetic (SEK) is a significant technology with various applications in fields such as soil remediation, pollutant removal, and water regulation. This review summarizes the recent advancements in SEK, focusing on electrode modifications and material additives, and suggests future research directions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ELECTROCHEMICAL SCIENCE
(2024)