Article
Engineering, Environmental
Artur Jerzy Badyda, Wioletta Rogula-Kozlowska, Grzegorz Majewski, Karolina Bralewska, Kamila Widziewicz-Rzonca, Barbara Piekarska, Mariusz Rogulski, Jan Stefan Bihalowicz
Summary: This article presents an innovative approach to quantify PAHs and BTEX emissions from grilling and suggests a toxicity-based solution to understand the health effects related to BBQ emissions. The study highlights the negative health implications of traditional grilling methods and emphasizes the need for further attention.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Shaoqing Wang, Zhihe Li, Weiming Yi, Peng Fu, Xueyuan Bai
Summary: This study demonstrates the successful use of a tailored hierarchical zeolite catalyst for the catalytic pyrolysis of corn cob lignin, resulting in the production of value-added aromatic hydrocarbons. The hierarchical zeolite allows for the regulation of aromatic hydrocarbon components, improves catalytic stability, and reduces coke formation. This research is of great importance for practical applications.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Linchen Fu, Qingang Xiong, Qinhui Wang, Li Cai, Zhaohui Chen, Yefeng Zhou
Summary: This study focuses on the challenge of converting waste plastics into aromatics, particularly high value-added monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (MAHs). The results of catalytic pyrolysis experiments on LLDPE showed that the selectivity to aromatics increased when using Ga-modified HZSM-5 and the proportion of MAHs in aromatics increased with the use of CaO as a cracking catalyst. By comparing different catalytic modes, it was found that the mixed mode involving Ga/ZSM-5 and CaO showed the best catalytic synergistic effect.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Meng Qiao, Weixiao Qi, Huijuan Liu, Jiuhui Qu
Summary: Oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OPAHs) have higher concentrations and toxicity in water environments, posing significant ecological risks to surface water ecosystems.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Zhibing Chang, Yang Qu, Zhiyuan Gu, Lingmei Zhou, Rong Li, Zhen Sun, Min Xu, Mo Chu
Summary: In this study, ZSM-5 zeolites with different silicon/aluminum ratios were used for the catalytic pyrolysis of Huadian oil shale to explore their potential for producing aromatic hydrocarbons. The results showed that ZSM-5 catalysis decreased the shale oil yield and increased the AHs content, with Z5-25 and Z5-38 appearing to be suitable catalysts for catalytic pyrolysis, producing high AHs contents. Additionally, a proposed reaction scheme suggested the main pathway for the formation of AHs from the catalytic pyrolysis of oil shale.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL AND APPLIED PYROLYSIS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shaoqing Wang, Yan Jiao, Zhihe Li, Zhen Wan, Yu Han, Weiming Yi
Summary: A surface encapsulation method was developed to synthesize HZSM-5 @Al-KIT-6 hierarchical zeolites in order to address the issues of poor mono-aromatic hydrocarbons (MAHs) selectivity and rapid coke deactivation during the catalytic upgrading of lignin pyrolysis vapors. By changing the TEOS/HZSM-5 mass ratio during catalyst synthesis, the acidity and accessibility of the HZSM-5 @Al-KIT-6 hierarchical zeolite can be modulated. The three-dimensional (3-D) cubic mesoporous shell can capture bulky phenolic oligomers and precrack them for further reforming, resulting in improved yield of xylenes and reduced formation of coke deposition.
APPLIED CATALYSIS A-GENERAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jiaxing Lu, Jian Zhang, Huijun Xie, Yuming Jing, Mingde Ji, Zhen Hu
Summary: In this study, a novel wastewater treatment process combining sequencing batch reactor, constructed wetland and microalgal membrane photobioreactor (BCM process) was proposed. The process achieved satisfactory removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their substituted derivatives (SPAHs), and significantly reduced bacterial toxicity and genotoxicity. Microalgae played an important role in ensuring water security.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xiaojie Tian, Zihong Zeng, Zhihao Liu, Leilei Dai, Jiamin Xu, Xiuhua Yang, Linqing Yue, Yuhuan Liu, Roger Ruan, Yunpu Wang
Summary: This study investigated the catalytic properties of different materials on the pyrolysis of plastics and found that HZSM-5 is the most suitable catalyst for producing monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The cracking process occurring in its pores plays a crucial role in the product distribution of plastic waste.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Stephanie Arciva, Christopher Niedek, Camille Mavis, Melanie Yoon, Martin Esparza Sanchez, Qi Zhang, Cort Anastasio
Summary: Biomass burning releases phenols that can form aqueous secondary organic aerosol (aqSOA) in cloud/fog drops and aerosol liquid water (ALW). Highly substituted phenols have significant partitioning and oxidation kinetics in ALW, potentially being important sources of aqSOA. The formation of aqSOA is significant across a range of liquid water content.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Benjamin Niethammer, Ulrich Arnold, Jorg Sauer
Summary: The influence of zeolite framework type on the conversion of DME to hydrocarbons was investigated, and remarkable differences in catalytic performance were observed among *MRE, MFI, and TON zeolite catalysts. The *MRE zeolite showed exceptionally high yield of olefins and a substantial ratio of products in the C5-C11 chain length range. By adjusting the reaction parameters, the optimal combination of selectivity and deactivation resistance for each material was identified. The olefin-rich DTH product of the *MRE zeolite offers potential for further conversion to valuable low-emission fuels.
APPLIED CATALYSIS A-GENERAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Julie S. da Costa, Emanuel G. Bertizzolo, Daniela Bianchini, Andre R. Fajardo
Summary: The composite hydrogel GEL-SBA15, prepared from polymers functionalized with siliceous materials, showed high adsorption capacity for benzene and toluene from aqueous solutions. It is a promising adsorbent for the removal of these pollutants from water.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maja Loncarski, Vesna Gvoic, Miljana Prica, Livija Cveticanin, Jasmina Agbaba, Aleksandra Tubic
Summary: This study investigated the adsorption characteristics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on different types of microplastics and biodegradable plastic. The results indicated that PAHs were more dominantly adsorbed on microplastics, while the impact on biodegradable plastic was less significant.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zheng Zhou, Zheng Wei, Xuelin Yao, Xiao-Ye Wang, Klaus Muellen, Minyoung Jo, Michael Shatruk, Marina A. Petrukhina
Summary: Discotic polycyclic aromatics have been chemically reduced to afford triply reduced HBC-based products, which have been structurally characterized. The presence of potassium ions binding to the central rings of HBC core is confirmed, and the coordination and crystal packing are affected by the bulky substituents. The magnetic properties of the triradical in the solid state have also been investigated.
CRYSTAL GROWTH & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Osama H. S. Al-Bahri, Bhaskarjyoti Borah, Mohammed Elzain, Srinivasa Rao Varanasi
Summary: This study investigates the translational and rotational dynamics of three isomers of trimethyl benzene under zeolite confinement using molecular dynamics simulations. The results show that one isomer is more facile in translation and rotational motion is more significant for the other two isomers. The differences in dynamic properties among these isomers are mainly caused by entropy.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR GRAPHICS & MODELLING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hui Chen, Wei Li, Mingchao Zhang, Wangyang Wang, Xian-Hua Zhang, Fa Lu, Kang Cheng, Qinghong Zhang, Ye Wang
Summary: In this study, a multifunctional Pt-Zn@H-ZSM-5 catalyst with a unique structure was reported, which exhibited excellent performance in the propane dehydroaromatization reaction. The catalyst enhanced the dehydrogenation of propane and suppressed side reactions, leading to a significant increase in the yield of aromatics.
CATALYSIS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Azadeh Zaker, Geoffrey A. Tompsett, Siwen Wang, Jesse Q. Bond, Michael T. Timko
Summary: The addition of a suitable amount of water during supercritical water assisted aromatization process can enhance the conversion rate of dodecane and the yield of BTEX products, while maintaining the crystallinity and Bronsted acid site density of ZSM-5; excessive water, however, leads to decreased cracking rate of dodecane and reduced formation of aromatic products.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alyssa Spear, Robson L. Schuarca, Jesse Q. Bond, Timothy M. Korter, Jon Zubieta, Robert P. Doyle
Summary: A new efficient catalyst that can absorb visible light for photocatalytic conversion of CO2 has been developed. By combining with a specific sacrificial donor, it can selectively produce formic acid with high turnover and turnover frequency.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Nneka B. Ekwe, Maksim Tyufekchiev, Ali A. Salifu, Geoffrey A. Tompsett, Heather O. LeClerc, Elizabeth R. Belden, Emmanuel O. Onche, Ayten Ates, Klaus Schmidt-Rohr, Shichen Yuan, Zhaoxi Zheng, Winston O. Soboyejo, Michael T. Timko
Summary: This study evaluates the mechanochemical pretreatment of bamboo for waste-free production of renewable sugars. The pretreatment increases reactivity by increasing the accessible surface area and amorphizing the crystalline cellulose. The results are used for ethanol production analysis in Nigeria and show potential for utilizing local resources without generating new chemical wastes.
ADVANCED SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Heather O. LeClerc, Geoffrey A. Tompsett, Alex D. Paulsen, Amy M. McKenna, Sydney F. Niles, Christopher M. Reddy, Robert K. Nelson, Feng Cheng, Andrew R. Teixeira, Michael T. Timko
Summary: Food waste is a promising resource for renewable fuel production. The use of hydroxyapatite catalyst in hydrothermal liquefaction can increase biocrude yields and promote condensation reactions. Economic and environmental analysis shows that this technology can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and produce renewable diesel.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Jeffrey R. R. Page, Zachary Manfredi, Stoyan Bliznakov, Julia A. A. Valla
Summary: Sustainable production of renewable carbon-based fuels and chemicals is a necessary but immense challenge in the fight against climate change. Electrochemical hydrogenation (ECH) is a promising alternative to traditional thermochemical upgrading methods, offering environmental and economic advantages. This review summarizes recent studies on bio-oil upgrading using ECH, focusing on the development of novel catalytic materials and factors impacting ECH efficiency and products.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Olusegun Abayomi Olalere, Chee-Yuen Gan, Abiola Ezekiel Taiwo, Abdurahman Hamid Nour, Bernardo Castro Dominguez, Oladayo Adeyi, Gbemisola J. Fadimu, Samson Olumide Fawale, Oladipupo Q. Adiamo
Summary: The study aims to identify the best factors influencing heat-reflux recovery of phenolic content and antioxidant activities with multiple quality characteristics. Using Taguchi L-9 orthogonal design and grey relational analysis, the effects of reflux duration, particle size, and feed-to-solvent ratio on total phenolic content, DPPH, and H2O2 activities were investigated. The optimal conditions were determined to be 120 min reflux duration, 0.2 mm particle size, and a feed-solvent ratio of 1:16. The study highlights the potential of optimizing the heat reflux process for cost-effective extraction of bioactive compounds from functional plants, improving antioxidant capacity and phenolic recovery.
JOURNAL OF FOOD MEASUREMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xin Gao, Dia Sahsah, Andreas Heyden, Jesse Q. Bond
Summary: This study investigates the Ru-mediated amination of secondary alcohols with ammonia in vapor and liquid media. The thermodynamic constraints, as well as the effects of species partial pressure, residence time, and reaction temperature on rate, selectivity, and catalyst stability, are examined. It is found that the operating conditions, such as the presence of H2 and ammonia pressure, significantly influence the selectivity and yield of primary amines. However, achieving high conversions requires optimizing residence times and pressures, especially for heterocyclic alcohols.
JOURNAL OF CATALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
J. C. Lightfoot, B. Castro-Dominguez, A. Buchard, S. C. Parker
Summary: Poly(lactic acid), PLA, is a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics for packaging applications, with clay fillers being explored to enhance its barrier performance. Atom-level molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulation techniques can accurately predict gas diffusion in polymer nanoclay composite systems, overcoming the limitations of mathematical models. The relationship between penetrant diffusion and free volume in PLA composites is investigated for the first time, providing valuable insights for the development of superior sustainable packaging materials through directed experimental research.
MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sharifah H. Alkandari, Jasmine Lightfoot, Bernardo Castro-Dominguez
Summary: State-of-the-art gas separation membranes, combining polymers and metal-organic frameworks, face challenges in structure. By using electrohydrodynamic emission and solution casting, we produced ZIF-67/cellulose acetate asymmetric membranes with improved gas permeability and selectivity. Molecular simulations helped reveal interfacial phenomena, and we demonstrated that the asymmetric configuration enhances membrane performance compared to mixed matrix membranes.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Sharifah H. Alkandari, Bernardo Castro-Dominguez
Summary: Gas separation polymer membranes play a crucial role in industrial processes, but the trade-off between permeability and selectivity and the challenges in manufacturing have hindered their widespread deployment. In this study, a novel membrane manufacturing technique called electro-casting is introduced, which enhances the trade-off and simplifies the process, accelerating the application of gas separation membranes.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Matthew R. Wilkinson, Laura Pereira Diaz, Antony D. Vassileiou, John A. Armstrong, Cameron J. Brown, Bernardo Castro-Dominguez, Alastair J. Florence
Summary: This study proposes the use of deep learning methods to predict powder flow from microscopy images in the pharmaceutical industry. By achieving high validation accuracy, this approach reduces the need for experimental flowability measurements and saves time and costs during early drug development when material is limited.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Heather O. LeClerc, Rasha Atwi, Sydney F. Niles, Amy M. McKenna, Michael T. Timko, Richard H. West, Andrew R. Teixeira
Summary: Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is a promising strategy for converting organic waste into energy-dense biocrude. This study investigates the distribution and reaction pathways of nitrogen in different hydrothermal products generated from food waste. The results suggest that the Maillard reaction is the dominant pathway for converting reactive nitrogen intermediates into observed products.