Maejo International Journal of Energy and Environmental Communication

Optimization of overliming detoxification of sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate by using response surface methodology for bio-ethanol production

Techut Promta, Panomtian Thonkamdee, Kittikorn Sasujit — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This research aimed to study of the sugarcane bagasse was used as a raw material for ethanol production and pretreatment with 2.0% dilute H₂SO₄ at 121^oC for 60 min. Pichia stipitis (TISTR 5806) was a microorganism for fermentation. However, acid hydrolysis produces inhibitory compounds like furans, phenolics, and organic acids. Overliming with Ca(OH)₂is a detoxification process that removes these compounds and improves ethanol fermentation. Optimal conditions were determined using RSM and CCD frameworks. The study established specific ranges for the operation conditions: 7–12 for pH, 20–60^oC for reaction temperature, and 30–90 min for reaction time. The results indicated that the optimal conditions for detoxification were a pH of 9.5, a reaction temperature of 40^oC, and a reaction time of 60 min. The analysis revealed the removal of total furans at 38.37% and total phenolics at 50.02%. The fermentation of hydrolysate and detoxified hydrolysate found an ethanol yield of 0.22 and 0.30 g_product/g_substrate, respectively, and a theoretical yield of 43.42% and 57.96%, respectively. Overliming Ca(OH)₂ could be an efficient detoxification process for removing and reducing the effects of inhibitory compounds in sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate.

Synthesis of biodiesel via transesterification from waste fish oil and its application to a diesel agricultural engine

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This study addresses the growing need for sustainable energy sources by introducing a novel method for turning waste fish oil (WFO) into biodiesel. Applying sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and methanol as catalysts in the transesterification process, we achieved a conversion rate of over 96.5% in biodiesel synthesis from waste frying oil (WFO). The fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) produced was thoroughly analyzed using FT-IR and 1H- NMR spectroscopy, confirming the successful conversion and molecular structure. The fuel exhibited physicochemical characteristics that meet the requirements of existing biodiesel standards (ASTM D-6751 and EN14214) and are similar to those of high-speed diesel. These features include a kinematic viscosity of 3.05 ± 0.02 cSt at 40°C, a density of 0.872 g/cm³, and an acid value of 0.07 mg KOH/g. The effective use of biodiesel in a diesel farm engine highlights its potential for practical use, as it reduces waste and promotes sustainable fuel choices in the agricultural industry.

Evaluating the efficacy and performance of dye-sensitized solar cells using pigments extracted from inthanin leaves

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This research study demonstrates the importance of using plants that are grown nearby to extract dyes from pigments. This study involved the production of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) utilizing pigments derived from inthanin leaves to generate electrical energy. The main goal was to evaluate the performance of various DSSCs. The DSSCs were manufactured with dimensions of 3 x 3 cm, and a spectrophotometer examination was performed to investigate the extraction of pigments within the wavelength range of 400-700 nm. The inthanin leaf pigments exhibited the highest level of absorbance in the wavelength intervals of 400-470 nm and 650-680 nm. The analysis of the electrical performance showed the following results for the DSSCs utilizing inthanin leaf pigments: a short-circuit current (I_sc) of 0.2970 mA, an open-circuit voltage (V_OC) of 0.5907 V, a maximum power (P_max) of 0.0013 mW, a maximum voltage (V_max) of 0.1191 V, a maximum current (I_max) of 0.0106 mA, a fill factor (FF) of 0.720%, and an efficiency (η) of 0.012%. The results indicate that dye-sensitized solar cells made from natural substances, such as inthanin leaves, are feasible for future manufacturing and application.