Article
Engineering, Environmental
Akintomiwa O. Esan, Siwaporn M. Smith, Shangeetha Ganesan
Summary: In this study, a sustainable process for producing glycerol-free biodiesel was developed using palm oil industrial waste products and a novel esterification method with solid acid catalyst. The optimized conditions achieved a high conversion rate of free fatty acids, demonstrating the effectiveness of methyl acetate as an alternative esterifying agent.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2022)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Kapil Mamtani, Kaveh Shahbaz, Mohammed M. Farid
Summary: The shift towards lesser-polluting and carbon-efficient energy systems has made biodiesel an attractive option for sustainable bioenergy. However, the lack of feedstock flexibility and reliance on vegetable oils for production poses a challenge in resource allocation, leading to potential competition with food supply. Exploring low-grade non-edible oil sources and improving catalyst selection for glycerolysis reactions are key factors in enhancing biodiesel profitability and sustainability in the future.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Abdallah S. Elgharbawy, Wagih. A. Sadik, Olfat M. Sadek, Mosaad A. Kasaby
Summary: The high cost of biodiesel is mainly due to expensive edible feedstocks like soybean oil. Using cheaper waste feedstocks such as used cooking oil can make biodiesel more affordable, but the high level of FFAs in waste feedstocks can form soap and damage the properties of biodiesel during the transesterification reaction. Therefore, a treatment step is necessary to reduce FFAs content below 1 wt % to prevent soap formation and ensure successful base transesterification reaction.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Lorenzo Vitali, Veronica Lolli, Francesco Sansone, Alessandro Concas, Giovanni Antonio Lutzu
Summary: This study investigated the effect of sugarcane molasses on the lipid content and fatty acids methyl ester (FAME) profile of Chromochloris zofingiensis. The results showed that adding molasses improved the biomass concentration, lipid content, and lipid productivity of the microalgae. The highest values were obtained with 2 g/L of molasses. The FAME profile revealed a high composition of C16-C18 fatty acids, with no significant differences among the different concentrations of molasses tested. Unsaturated fatty acids reached the highest portion when using 2 g/L of molasses.
BIOENERGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mariana Albarello, Ana Luiza Barrachini Nunes, Liara Jalime Vernier, Fernanda de Castilhos
Summary: The present study aimed at investigating the interesterification reaction for the production of FAME from DSO in pressurized MeA catalyzed by NbOPO4. Important factors such as temperature, catalyst content, and DSO:MeA molar ratio were studied and optimized. An FAME yield of 87.48% was obtained by using 345°C, 8 wt% catalyst, and an MR of 1:35 in 60 min of reaction. The catalyst showed activity and a decrease in activity was observed in the reuse test.
BIOENERGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Iwan Ridwan, Charoen Chinwanitcharoen, Kazuhiro Tamura
Summary: The addition of water to supercritical tert-butyl methyl ether enhances biodiesel yield, with the optimal conditions being 25 wt% water addition, 300 degrees C temperature, 20 MPa pressure, and 30 min space time resulting in a 77.39 wt% biodiesel yield. The reaction rate is accelerated by water, acting as a catalyst, and the supercritical reaction is found to be endothermic, endergonic, and non-spontaneous based on thermodynamic parameters.
Article
Thermodynamics
Mohammed Takase, Paul Kwame Essandoh
Summary: The study aimed to produce biodiesel from animal oil as a non-edible feedstock. Acid transesterification resulted in a biodiesel yield of 90 wt.%, while alkali transesterification of esterified fats resulted in a yield of 97.2 wt.%. Biodiesel properties met standards but biodiesel from animal fats is less stable for oxidation, especially in cold weather.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GREEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Danbee Yoo, Seong-Joo Hong, Seonghoon Yun, Mi-Jin Kang, Byung-Kwan Cho, Hookeun Lee, Hyung-Kyoon Choi, Dong-Myung Kim, Choul-Gyun Lee
Summary: Biofuels produced by photosynthetic microorganisms are a renewable, sustainable, and eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels. Microalgae have the desirable characteristics of high lipid content, fast metabolic rate, and ability to grow under poor conditions, making them an efficient feedstock for biodiesel production. This study aimed to improve the lipid content of microalgae by redirecting the carbon flux and achieved success by blocking glycogen synthesis.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOPROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mun Yuen Chang, Eng-Seng Chan, Cher Pin Song
Summary: A low-cost liquid lipase from genetically modified Aspergillus oryzae was used for biodiesel production, showing high tolerance and reaction efficiency in feedstocks with high FFA content, leading to a high conversion rate.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ahmad Mustafa, Shah Faisal, Inas A. Ahmed, Mamoona Munir, Eliane Pereira Cipolatti, Evelin Andrade Manoel, Carlo Pastore, Luigi di Bitonto, Dieter Hanelt, Febri Odel Nitbani, Zeinhom M. El-Bahy, Abrar Inayat, Tamer M. M. Abdellatief, Konstantza Tonova, Awais Bokhari, Abdelfatah Abomohra
Summary: With the growth of the chemical industry, the demand for cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternatives to petrochemicals has increased. Oleochemicals and biodiesel are considered as green alternatives to petroleum derivatives. The enzymatic production of these compounds is more environmentally friendly and energy efficient compared to traditional chemical processes. However, the high cost of lipases has limited their large-scale utilization. This review discusses the factors affecting the economic feasibility of enzymatic processes and reports the recent advances in lipase-catalyzed production of these compounds in both lab and large-scale settings.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Fatima Akram, Ikram ul Haq, Saleha Ibadat Raja, Azka Shahzad Mir, Sumbal Sajid Qureshi, Amna Aqeel, Fatima Iftikhar Shah
Summary: This article reviews different feedstocks and strategies for biodiesel production, as well as production methods and catalyst types. The challenges and technical solutions for sustainable biodiesel production are also assessed in this review.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Luiz J. Visioli, Ana L. B. Nunes, Joao H. C. Wancura, Heveline Enzweiler, Liara J. Vernier, Fernanda de Castilhos
Summary: This paper presents data on the production of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) through batch and continuous heterogeneous catalysis interesterification with methyl acetate, using soybean oil deodorizer distillate (SODD) as feedstock. The study utilized γ-alumina as a reaction catalyst with high catalytic activity, acid character, and specific area. The optimization of parameters in the batch reactor showed reliable and reproducible results, achieving an ester yield of around 80.0 wt% and a triacetin (TA) yield of 5.4 wt% after 2 hours. Kinetics analysis resulted in a FAME yield higher than 90 wt% and a TA yield of 13.90 wt% after 4 hours. These findings suggest that acid heterogeneous interesterification can be an interesting process for biodiesel synthesis from SODD.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Henrique Vieira de Mendonca, Marcelo Henrique Otenio, Leonilde Marchao, Alice Lomeu, Denise Salvador de Souza, Alberto Reis
Summary: The study shows that using dairy wastewater for microalgae biofuel production is feasible and can potentially replace a portion of the fossil fuels currently used in Brazil. The growth yield and chemical composition of microalgae vary under different modes, but using dairy wastewater still offers a sustainable solution for biofuel production.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Huma Balouch, Bolatkhan K. Zayadan, Asemgul K. Sadvakasova, Bekzhan D. Kossalbayev, Kenzhegul Bolatkhan, Donus Gencer, Dilek Civelek, Zihni Demirbag, Hesham F. Alharby, Suleyman I. Allakhverdiev
Summary: In this study, five potential microalgae for biofuel production were identified from freshwater habitats in the Almaty region of Kazakhstan. Among them, P. kessleri and A. falcatus showed promising characteristics for biodiesel production.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ramkrishna Singh, Bruce S. Dien, Vijay Singh
Summary: This study optimized the solvent-free enzymatic process for esterification of oleic acid with glycerol using Taguchi L9 design, achieving high conversion rates. The addition of molecular sieves further increased the conversion rate. The immobilized enzyme could be reused multiple times with minimal reduction in conversion. This method effectively reduces the free fatty acid content of oil, making it suitable for biodiesel production.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN OIL CHEMISTS SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nur Syahidah Afandi, Maedeh Mohammadi, Satoshi Ichikawa, Abdul Rahman Mohamed
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2020)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Pooya Lahijani, Maedeh Mohammadi, Abdul Rahman Mohamed
Summary: This study investigates the co-gasification of tire char and rambutan peel. The results show that high proportion of tire char inhibits the gasification reaction, while higher content of biomass promotes the reaction. In addition, natural catalysts in the biomass also have a synergistic effect on the reaction.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nor Fazila Khairudin, Maedeh Mohammadi, Abdul Rahman Mohamed
Summary: This study focused on developing alumina-supported cobalt (Co/Al2O3) catalysts for dry reforming of methane (DRM) with high catalytic activity and long-term stability, attributed to the small Co particle size with good dispersion on the alumina support and strong metal-support interaction.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
S. Anthonysamy, P. Lahijani, M. Mohammadi, A. R. Mohamed
Summary: This study investigated the low-temperature oxidative uptake of NO on alkali-modified biochar, showing that the NO capture capacity was significantly improved after modification. The adsorption capacity of KOH-activated biochar reached 87.0 mg/g at 30 degrees C, mainly attributed to factors like oxygen functionalities and carbon defects.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Maher T. Alshamkhani, Pooya Lahijani, Keat Teong Lee, Abdul Rahman Mohamed
Summary: In this study, the switching voltage technique was used to efficiently exfoliate graphite in eutectic molten salts. The exfoliated graphene samples exhibited high production yields, low ID/IG ratios, and good electrical conductivities. Compared to constant voltage exfoliation, the switching voltage technique produced smoother graphene flakes with less agglomeration, crumbling, and wrinkling. Characterization analysis confirmed the smaller crystallite size, lower thickness, and higher quality and purity of the exfoliated graphene prepared using the switching voltage technique.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Norhusna Mohamad Nor, Lau Lee Chung, Abdul Rahman Mohamed
Summary: The utilization of microwave heating and nitrogen-modification can generate adsorbents with superior performance for efficient removal of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). The modified palm shell activated carbon synthesized using microwave heating exhibited excellent properties, including a large surface area and new pore structures. Microwave heating assisted in the development of the adsorbent's properties and contributed to high removal of H2S at low adsorption temperature.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Nuradibah Mohd Amer, Pooya Lahijani, Maedeh Mohammadi, Abdul Rahman Mohamed
Summary: This article reviews the recent studies on biochar as a material for carbon capture, including its preparation and modification methods, and the influence on its physical, chemical, and physicochemical properties. Biochar exhibits high CO2 adsorption performance and sustainable performance, which are crucial for large-scale CO2 capture.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Lutfi Kurnianditia Putri, Boon-Junn Ng, Wee-Jun Ong, Siang-Piao Chai, Abdul Rahman Mohamed
Summary: This article reviews the potential, design strategies, and material progress of photoelectrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (PEC CO2RR), as well as summarizes and discusses various photocathode semiconductor materials. Finally, perspectives on the design of photocathodes for CO2RR and new paradigms in the field are proposed.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Anis Natasha Shafawi, Pooya Lahijani, Maedeh Mohammadi, Abdul Rahman Mohamed
Summary: Sequential ultrasonication and metal modification can enhance the CO2 capture capacity of biochar, but no synergistic effect was observed when they were applied together. Ultrasonication and metal modification can modulate the physicochemical properties of biochar, affecting its CO2 capture performance. The Avrami kinetic model can better predict the CO2 adsorption on biochar.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Bashaer Mahmoud Namoos, Abdul Rahman Mohamed, Khozema Ahmed Ali
Summary: The desire to improve photocatalytic activity is increasing, especially in semiconductors. Porous photocatalysts have been synthesized to improve surface area and reduce recombination of electron-hole pairs. This paper reviews recent works on porous photocatalysts, with a focus on synthesis and fabrication methods. The topotactic transition technique is the best method for metal oxide porous photocatalysts, while self-organizing blocks are the best method for polymeric porous photocatalysts, especially for growing and fixing 1D semiconductor nanomaterials on 3D and 2D semiconductors on 2D. The hard template method allows for better control of particle shape and size, but the template removal is non-ecofriendly, making the soft template method more favorable. The etching method, on the other hand, is suitable for fabricating porous photocatalysts through a membrane by utilizing the electrical charge created by moving electrons in the electrolyte as a driving force.
JOURNAL OF SOLID STATE CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Michelle Mei Xue Lum, Kim Hoong Ng, Sin Yuan Lai, Abdul Rahman Mohamed, Abdulkareem Ghassan Alsultan, Yun Hin Taufiq-Yap, Mei Kee Koh, Mohamad Azuwa Mohamed, Dai-Viet N. Vo, Manjulla Subramaniam, Kyle Sebastian Mulya, Nathasya Imanuella
Summary: Air pollution from untreated sulfur dioxide-rich flue gas is a major environmental and human health issue. Many sulfur dioxide removal technologies have been developed, but conventional methods generate by-products. Catalytic reduction of sulfur dioxide offers a sustainable solution with high efficiency and the recovery of valuable solid sulfur. This review discusses recent advances and the potential of this technology.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xin-Quan Tan, Wuwei Mo, Xinlong Lin, Jian Yiing Loh, Abdul Rahman Mohamed, Wee-Jun Ong
Summary: The electro/photocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is an important approach for the synthesis of renewable fuels and value-added chemicals. MXenes, a type of 2D transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides, show great potential in electrocatalysis and photocatalysis due to their unique properties. This review provides an overview of recent advances in MXene-based catalysts for the electrocatalytic and photocatalytic CO2RR, including their structure, synthesis pathways, and activity enhancement strategies. The review also discusses the current state of research in the field and proposes future perspectives.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Maher T. Alshamkhani, Lutfi Kurnianditia Putri, Pooya Lahijani, Keat Teong Lee, Abdul Rahman Mohamed
Summary: In this study, an electrochemically exfoliated graphene/graphite carbon nitride ((EG)/g-C3N4) heterojunction photocatalyst was synthesized for CO2 photoreduction to methane. The best-performing photocatalyst (0.075 EG-CN) showed a significant enhancement in CH4 production with 98.6% selectivity after 6 hours of light irradiation compared to pure CN. The developed photocatalyst exhibited high stability after consecutive cycles of CO2 photoreduction to CH4.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Xin-Quan Tan, Sue-Faye Ng, Abdul Rahman Mohamed, Wee-Jun Ong
Summary: This article introduces the recent advances in experimental and computational studies on the interfacial design of 0D nanostructures on 2D graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4). By engineering point-to-face contact between 2D g-C3N4 and 0D nanomaterials, heterojunction interfaces can be formed, which is beneficial for photocatalytic reactions. Different types of 0D nanostructures and synthesis strategies for photocatalytic applications are discussed.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jie-Yinn Tang, Chen-Chen Er, Lling-Lling Tan, Yi-Hao Chew, Abdul Rahman Mohamed, Siang-Piao Chai
Summary: This study systematically unraveled the effect of defect engineering on the properties and catalytic performance of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4). By introducing various defect sites, the study achieved improved charge separation efficiency and CO2 adsorption affinity in g-C3N, providing a more feasible pathway for CO2 reduction.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Correction
Chemistry, Applied
Jia Liu, Juntong Dong, Xiaodan Li, Teng Xu, Zhenguo Li, Jeffrey Dankwa Ampah, Mubasher Ikram, Shihai Zhang, Chao Jin, Zhenlong Geng, Tianyun Sun, Haifeng Liu
FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Seba Alareeqi, Daniel Bahamon, Kyriaki Polychronopoulou, Lourdes F. Vega
Summary: This study explores the potential application of single-atom-alloy (SAA) catalysts in bio-oils hydrodeoxygenation refining using density functional theory (DFT) and microkinetic modeling. It establishes the relationships between stability, adsorptive properties, and activity structures for bio-oil derivatives, providing guidance for the synthesis of cost-effective SAA combinations.
FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Bin Hu, Wen -Ming Zhang, Xue-Wen Guo, Ji Liu, Xiao Yang, Qiang Lu
Summary: This study explored the pyrolysis behaviors and mechanisms of different monosaccharides, including arabinose, galactose, galacturonic acid, and glucuronic acid. The roles of structural differences in these monosaccharides were analyzed, and it was found that glucuronic acid undergoes a special C-C bond breaking reaction during pyrolysis. The findings provide a deep understanding of the pyrolysis chemistry of hemicellulose and the role of different branches.
FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Youwei Zhi, Donghai Xu, Guanyu Jiang, Wanpeng Yang, Zhilin Chen, Peigao Duan, Jie Zhang
Summary: Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is an effective method for the harmless disposal of municipal sludge (MS) and offers potential applications for the obtained products. Optimizing reaction conditions, coupling with other waste materials, and combining different processes can improve the performance of HTC. Furthermore, HTC contributes to energy recovery and enhances the quality of life cycle assessment.
FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Jia Wang, Jianchun Jiang, Dongxian Li, Xianzhi Meng, Arthur J. Ragauskas
Summary: This study presents a scalable process for converting holocellulose and cellulosic wastes into advanced oxygen-containing biofuels with high furan, cyclic ketone, and ethanol content. By combining hydropyrolysis and vapor-phase hydrodeoxygenation using Pd/Al2O3 as a catalyst, the researchers achieved high yields and conversions. The integrated process holds great promise for biomass waste conversion into advanced biofuels.
FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Florian Held, Jannis Reusch, Steffen Salenbauch, Christian Hasse
Summary: The accurate prediction and assessment of soot emissions in internal combustion engines are crucial for the development of sustainable powertrains. This study presents a detailed quadrature-based method of moments (QMOM) soot model coupled with a state-of-the-art flow solver for the simulation of gasoline engines. The model accurately describes the entire cause-and-effect chain of soot formation, growth and oxidation. Experimental validation and engine cycle simulations are used to identify the root cause of observed soot formation hotspots.
FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
