Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ishaq Kariim, Yusuf Olatunji Waidi, Hulda Swai, Thomas Kivevele
Summary: Global issues such as instability, pump-price increase, inflation, and depletion of fossil fuel resources highlight the importance of addressing the continuous release of greenhouse gases from fossil fuels combustion. To enhance the hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of biomass feedstocks, a novel catalyst, iron supported carbon nanospheres (Fe/CNSs), was developed and its catalytic potency was optimized using a central composite design. The Fe/CNSs catalyst demonstrated improved performance, with the optimum biocrude yield of 71.09 wt% achieved at 430 degrees C and 3 wt% catalyst loading. The selectivity towards phenolics and aromatic compounds in the biocrude suggests the potential for further upgrading into transportation fuel through hydrodeoxygenation.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL AND APPLIED PYROLYSIS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yilin Yao, Masatsugu Takada, Eiji Minami, Haruo Kawamoto
Summary: The effect of adding protein on the decomposition behavior of lignin in Japanese cedar under supercritical methanol conditions was studied. It was found that adding protein enhanced delignification but decreased the yield of major monomers. The addition of proteins has a substantial impact on the decomposition behavior of cell wall components.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Senthil Nagappan, Rahul R. Bhosale, Dinh Duc Nguyen, Nguyen Thuy Lan Chi, Vinoth Kumar Ponnusamy, Chang Soon Woong, Gopalakrishnan Kumar
Summary: Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is an effective method for converting biomass into biofuel, but the yield and quality of bio-oil are not sufficient for commercialization under normal conditions, highlighting the need to select appropriate catalysts. Catalytic HTL faces barriers that need to be overcome, including catalyst selection and impact on other products.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Bruno C. Magalhaes, Ruben Checa, Chantal Lorentz, Mathieu Prevot, Pavel Afanasiev, Dorothee Laurenti, Christophe Geantet
Summary: Global energy demand and environmental concerns have led to a growing emphasis on fuel production from renewable resources. Microalgae offer an attractive alternative carbon source. This study investigated the hydroconversion of bio-oil derived from hydrothermal liquefaction of microalgae using supported catalysts. NiW sulfide catalysts proved to be the most efficient, producing a hydrotreated oil with superior properties. The results suggest that different catalysts promote different reaction pathways, contributing to the conversion of refractory compounds.
Article
Thermodynamics
Shuo Yan, Dehong Xia, Rui Mao, Xiangjun Liu
Summary: This study proposed a conceptual biomass liquefaction system with supercritical water for combined production of biooil, power, and heating. Through thermodynamic and life cycle environmental assessments, it was shown that the system can achieve high energy and exergy efficiency, with potential benefits compared to other biomass-based systems. Environmental assessment also revealed lower environmental impact values for this system, especially when carbon capture and wastewater treatment units are applied. The comparison of thermodynamic and environmental performance among different biomass-based energy conversion systems indicates that biomass liquefaction with supercritical water is a relatively efficient and clean technology for producing carbon-neutral bio-oil.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Doyeon Lee, Hyungseok Nam, Myung Won Seo, See Hoon Lee, Diyar Tokmurzin, Shuang Wang, Young-Kwon Park
Summary: This review paper introduces various biomasses used in thermochemical conversion processes and analyzes the recent advances in catalytic thermochemical conversion technologies. It discusses the role of catalysts in different reactors on the major products and the catalytic reaction mechanisms during the thermochemical conversion reaction. It also reviews different types of reactors for each thermochemical process and introduces further processing technologies using biomass pyrolytic bio-oil products, as well as the related challenges and opportunities encountered in thermochemical conversion processes.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Alejandro Ayala-Cortes, Daniel Torres, Esther Frecha, Pedro Arcelus-Arrillaga, Heidi Isabel Villafan-Vidales, Adriana Longoria, Jose Luis Pinilla, Isabel Suelves
Summary: Using concentrated solar energy as a heat source for hydrothermal liquefaction shows potential in improving the efficiency and reducing the environmental impact compared to fossil fuels. The study successfully upgraded solar bio-oils obtained from Agave and corncob by hydrodeoxygenation, resulting in high yields and improved properties.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Javier A. Jimenez Forero, Tuyen H. T. Tran, Tana Tana, Adrian Baker, Jorge Beltramini, William O. S. Doherty, Lalehvash Moghaddam
Summary: This study investigated the effect of solvent on the stability of bio-oils produced from the hydrothermal liquefaction of sugarcane bagasse. It was found that the ethanol/water solvent mixture produced the most stable bio-oil compared to other solvents. The light oils fractionated by solvent extraction were also more stable than their corresponding bio-oils. The stabilities of the oils were related to alkylation, esterification, and acetalization reactions. This study demonstrated that the HTL of sugarcane bagasse in the presence of ethanol/water produces high-quality oils with long shelf-lives.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Tanushree Paul, Arindam Sinharoy, Divya Baskaran, Kannan Pakshirajan, G. Pugazhenthi, Piet N. L. Lens
Summary: This paper discusses the thermochemical conversion process of converting biomass into bio-oil, focusing on the advantages and detailed information of oleaginous microorganisms as biomass feedstocks, as well as the use of wastewater as their substrate. The different process parameters affecting the HTL technology are also discussed, along with an integrated HTL-based sustainable biorefinery approach for resource recovery.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Harishankar Kopperi, S. Venkata Mohan
Summary: The study explores the efficient conversion of sugarcane bagasse using various catalysts under N-2 pressure and water solvent. The influence of catalyst on bio-crude yields and energy recovery ratio is investigated. The optimal condition results in high bio-crude and bio-oil yields with improved heating value and potential for upgrading into drop-in fuels. The carbon-rich bio-crude component is further utilized for biohydrogen production through acidogenic fermentation.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qiuying Zhu, Yuying Hu, Hongyu Chen, Chen Meng, Yizhu Shang, Chengcheng Hao, Shuxian Wei, Zhaojie Wang, Xiaoqing Lu, Siyuan Liu
Summary: This study proposes a simple method to construct a graphdiyne (GDY) supported Ag-Cu nanocluster as a selective electrocatalyst for producing C2+ products. Compared to Cu/GDY, the Ag-Cu/GDY tandem scheme exhibits superior performance in CO2RR to C2+ products. Theoretical calculations show that CO has a higher adsorption energy on Cu than on Ag, promoting the drift of *CO from Ag to Cu. Additionally, the key C-C coupling reaction of *CO with *COH is more favored on Ag-Cu/GDY, contributing to the formation of C2+ products.
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
Chemistry, Physical
Shuhao An, Chenbao Lu, Qing Xu, Cheng Lian, Changjun Peng, Jun Hu, Xiaodong Zhuang, Honglai Liu
Summary: A crown ether and cobalt-porphyrin-based COF was developed for catalytic reduction of carbon dioxide, showing remarkable performance with high Faradaic efficiencies and maximum turnover frequency. The crown ether units enhanced the hydrophilicity, electron transfer ability, and binding capacity of the COF, leading to its excellent catalytic performance.
ACS ENERGY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Humair Ahmed Baloch, M. T. H. Siddiqui, Sabzoi Nizamuddin, N. M. Mubarak, Mohammad Khalid, M. P. Srinivasan, G. J. Griffin
Summary: The study investigated catalytic co-liquefaction of high-density polyethylene and sugarcane bagasse using metal salt and oxide catalysts in ethanol solvent. Analysis of the bio-oil samples revealed promising results for bio-fuel precursor applications, with different catalysts yielding varying product characteristics.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL AND APPLIED PYROLYSIS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Bojun Zhao, Haoyu Wang, Sida Xu, Lixin Qian, Haoyang Li, Jihui Gao, Guangbo Zhao, Madhumita B. Ray, Chunbao Charles Xu
Summary: This study investigated the effects of different extraction solvents on the yields and characteristics of bio-oil products from rubberwood sawdust liquefaction. It was found that acetone yielded the highest bio-oil in water-ethanol mixed solvent, while ethanol was the least efficient in bio-oil recovery. The chemical compositions of bio-oil products were greatly influenced by extraction solvents and reaction mediums, with phenols being dominant in all samples.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jia Lin, Yelin Chen, Xiaojie Liu, Xiaohua Chen, Yong Zheng, Fei Huang, Yihong Xiao, Ying Zheng, Lilong Jiang
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Benxia Chen, Jia Lin, Xiaohua Chen, Yong Zheng, Haowen Zhang, Fei Huang, Yihong Xiao, Ying Zheng
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2020)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jia Lin, Lusi Zhao, Yong Zheng, Yihong Xiao, Guangtao Yu, Ying Zheng, Wei Chen, Lilong Jiang
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shiwei Ma, Yunyun Huang, Ruoyu Hong, Xuesong Lu, Jianhua Li, Ying Zheng
Summary: The study focused on modifying zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles using argon and hydrogen plasma, resulting in improved catalytic degradation performance on Rhodamine B. The treated ZnO exhibited significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity and stable reaction performance.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Siauw H. Ng, Nicole E. Heshka, Ying Zheng, Hao Ling, Jinsheng Wang, Qianqian Liu, Edward Little, Hui Wang, Fuchen Ding
Summary: The oil sands in Canada hold vast reserves, but face challenges in upgrading or diluting bitumen to produce gasoline and diesel. Research suggests that specific distillates in the oil sands have significant potential in improving pipeline efficiency and producing transportation fuels.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ke Wang, Jiangbo Lu, Ying Lu, Cher Hon Lau, Ying Zheng, Xianfeng Fan
Summary: In this study, CO2 photocatalytic reduction with H2O on oxygen-deficient Au/TiO2-x under UV or visible light was investigated. A high selectivity of 20% towards C2H6 was achieved, and the reaction pathway was proposed based on in-situ characterization results, demonstrating the essential role of oxygen vacancy in this process.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Xiaohua Chen, Jia Lin, Yong Zheng, Yingying Zhan, Wen Zhang, Yihong Xiao, Ying Zheng, Lilong Jiang
Summary: The addition of MOx as a second promoter positively influences the performance of Pd/γ-Al2O3 catalyst, enhancing its reducing capability and providing richer palladium step sites. Additionally, the MOx dopant increases surface oxygen species, inhibits the accumulation of OH/H2O, and improves both activity and moisture-tolerance of the catalyst.
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Bingyao Zhou, Yun Wang, Zhihua Jiang, Abdus Salam, Kecheng Li
Summary: It has been found that hexenuronic acid in hardwood kraft pulp can be partially removed by enzyme treatment or hot acid treatment to improve bleaching efficiency. Enzyme treatment is more effective in saving bleaching chemicals compared to hot acid treatment, resulting in higher pulp brightness.
JOURNAL OF WOOD CHEMISTRY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Tianhua Zhang, Jie Zhu, Junjie Wang, Xuanbei Peng, Jinxiu Deng, Shiyao Wang, Yi Song, Yanliang Zhou, Jun Ni, Xiuyun Wang, Shijing Liang, Xingyi Lin, Ying Zheng, Lirong Zheng, Chak-tong Au, Lilong Jiang
Summary: Alloying Ru with rare-earth elements can modify its electronic structure and create new active sites. In this study, Ru-M (M = La or Y) alloys were formed for the first time, which exhibited outstanding performance in N2 activation for ammonia synthesis. The developed RuLa/HZ catalyst showed a stable NH3 synthesis rate without obvious deactivation under high temperature and pressure conditions.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lingling Li, Ya-Fei Jiang, Tianhua Zhang, Hongfang Cai, Yanliang Zhou, Bingyu Lin, Xingyi Lin, Ying Zheng, Lirong Zheng, Xiuyun Wang, Cong-Qiao Xu, Chak-tong Au, Lilong Jiang, Jun Li
Summary: The study investigates the synthesis of Ru catalysts with different sizes, and finds that sub-nanometric Ru atomic clusters display superior performance and high turnover frequency in NH3 synthesis compared to nanoparticles.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Moataz K. Abdrabou, Xue Han, Ying Zheng, Yimin Zeng, Sohrab Rohani
Summary: This study proposes a novel approach to reduce the viscosity of bitumen by using ionic surfactants at elevated upgrading temperatures. The results demonstrate that the cationic surfactant DTAB is the most effective, reducing the bitumen viscosity by 60% with only 0.25 wt% addition. Moreover, the addition of DTAB enhances the contents of saturates and aromatics, and alters the nanostructural properties of the bitumen's asphaltene.
ENERGY SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Majid D. Farahani, Yimin Zeng, Ying Zheng
Summary: This review summarizes the recent research on methanol synthesis from CO2 and H-2 using nonthermal plasma (NTP) catalysis. It discusses the mechanism of the reaction, the modification of reactor configurations, and the rationale behind catalyst design. The plasma-assisted approach offers advantages such as room temperature and atmospheric hydrogen pressure, and the potential to be powered by renewable electricity.
ENERGY SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Majid D. Farahani, Ying Zheng
Summary: Oil spills pose a significant threat to marine life, and the use of dispersants as a response method has been widely accepted. This review focuses on the design and development of chemical and non-chemical dispersant formulas to improve efficiency and environmental friendliness.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jing Lu, Jianfeng Gu, Oudong Hu, Yunhan Fu, Dezhan Ye, Xi Zhang, Ying Zheng, Linxi Hou, Huiyong Liu, Xiancai Jiang
Summary: Starch-based hydrogels have gained attention due to their biodegradability, but they often lack toughness, brittleness, and anti-freezing properties. By introducing glycerol and CaCl2, the mechanical, thermal, and conductive properties of the starch/PVA hydrogel can be improved, resulting in enhanced compatibility, flexibility, anti-freezing ability, and long-term stability.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fangfang Wang, Ruoyu Hong, Xuesong Lu, Huiyong Liu, Yuan Zhu, Ying Zheng, David Hui
Summary: This study reduced the cation mixing of LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 through Ni2+ preoxidation and optimization of calcination temperature, improved the uniformity of element distribution and the orderliness of the layered structure with solid-phase Al-doping. The ZnO coating on LNCA surface significantly enhanced its electrochemical performance by protecting it from electrolyte corrosion during cycling.
NANOTECHNOLOGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
G. Grasa, I. Martinez, R. Murillo
Summary: Gasification kinetics of six chars from residual origin were studied under relatively low temperature, low CO2, and high H2O partial pressures. The Random Pore Model (RPM) showed the best fit to experimental results, but the selection of the reaction model depended on the ash composition, specifically the presence of alkali and alkaline earth metals. Chars with ash content higher than 30% wt. were modeled with the RPM model, while chars with the highest K/Si ratio required modified versions of the RPM to accurately predict reaction rates. Textural properties played a key role in determining reaction parameters, such as the pre-exponential factor and activation energy, for chars with similar ash content and composition.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2024)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
V. Godvin Sharmila, Surya Prakash Shanmugavel, J. Rajesh Banu
Summary: Proper treatment and disposal of biomass waste is crucial to prevent environmental deposition and its negative impacts. Biofuel has emerged as a potential alternative to fossil fuels, reducing carbon emissions and meeting global energy demands. This review examines different biomass waste conversion techniques and explores the production of biofuels with zero carbon emissions. Research on anaerobic treatment, metabolic engineering, and artificial intelligence has been conducted to enhance biofuel production efficiency.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2024)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Selvakumar Periyasamy, Adane Asefa Adego, P. Senthil Kumar, G. G. Desta, T. Zelalem, V. Karthik, J. Beula Isabel, Mani Jayakumar, Venkatesa Prabhu Sundramurthy, Gayathri Rangasamy
Summary: Valorizing agricultural waste into valuable products is crucial for environmental protection and bioeconomy advancement. Preprocessing of agricultural waste is a critical step to convert free carbohydrate molecules for final conversion, and factors such as biomass nature, feed loading, pH, temperature, and time influence the process. This review provides comprehensive information on agricultural waste availability, preprocessing techniques, and factors influencing performance.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Aqueel Ahmad, Ashok Kumar Yadav, Achhaibar Singh, Dinesh Kumar Singh
Summary: The study focuses on predicting and optimizing the yield of biogas production in an anaerobic digester using co-digestion. Experimental data was used to develop a machine learning-based prognostic model, and the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the parameters. The results demonstrate that RSM coupled with machine learning is an effective technique for modeling, predicting, and optimizing biogas production yield.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yijing Zhong, Wenxiang Zhai, Xinli Wei
Summary: This paper studies the thermal stability and decomposition of cork materials with and without silica aerogel filler. The results show that the decomposition is inhibited and the pyrolysis is significantly reduced with the addition of silica aerogel. This finding suggests that silica aerogel-infused cork may be a promising raw material for biofuel production with reduced environmental pollution.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2024)
