Applied Science and Engineering Progress

Catalyst Screening and Optimization Condition of Green Solvent for BHD Production using Ni-based Catalysts

Patravee Ounsuk — 2024-07-02

The high production costs associated with bio-hydrogenated diesel (BHD) have posed a major challenge. Considering this, the present research focused on the production of green solvents at lower pressures as a potential solution. Specifically, the synthesis of various catalysts, namely Ni/γ-Al₂O₃, Ni/C, NiMo/γ-Al₂O₃, NiMo/SiO₂TiO₂, and NiMo/C, was conducted to facilitate the hydrodeoxygenation reaction of methyl laurate into cyclohexane, leading to conversion into dodecane. The resulting green solvent was analyzed using GC-FID and GC-TCD techniques. Among the five catalysts tested, NiMo/C demonstrated superior performance, achieving a conversion rate of 64.61%, selectivity of 62.46%, and yield of 44.98%. The gas analysis conducted using GC-TCD revealed the production of carbon monoxide, methane, and carbon dioxide, aligning with the dodecane pathway theory. Further analysis of the NiMo/C catalyst was conducted using SEM, BET, and XRD techniques, while the Design of Expert program was used to identify more favorable conditions for dodecane production. Through this optimization process, significant improvements were achieved, resulting in a conversion rate of 98.26%, selectivity of 66.82%, and yield of 65.66% at 320 °C and 28 bar, with a reaction time of 6 h.

Coaxial Airflow 2D Planar Simulation of Millifluidic Plant-Based Caviar Generator

Penjit Srinophakun — 2024-07-02

Millifluidic plant-based caviar generator was investigated. Effects of parameters; continuous phase flow rate, dispersed phase flow rate, and dispersed phase aperture diameter on the equivalent diameter, degree of spherical shape, and generation rate in a coaxial airflow alginate droplet generator were examined using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation program. A 2D planar simulation together with the volume of fluid (VOF) was applied to describe the phenomenon of droplet generation. Results showed that increasing the continuous phase flow rate yielded a decrease in equivalent diameter but an increase in droplet generation rate and an increase in the degree of spherical shape. Increasing the dispersed phase flow rate yielded a decrease in the degree of spherical shape but a significant increase in the droplet generation rate as well as a slight increase in equivalent diameter. Increasing the dispersed phase aperture diameter yielded an increase in equivalent diameter but a decrease in droplet generation rate and degree of spherical shape. Overall, the device could generate from 1,400–9,000 drops per hour with around 2.3–4.0 mm in size.

Effects of Silane Coupling Agents on Physical Properties of Simultaneous Biaxially Stretched Polylactide Film

Suttinun Phongtamrug — 2024-07-02

Simultaneous biaxial stretching by using high speed was shown to improve the toughness of the polylactide (PLA) film. Additionally, a silane coupling agent was utilized to increase the mechanical strength of the product by either physical or chemical bonding. Different types of silane coupling agents influenced product properties. In this study, three types of silane coupling agents, i.e. (3-chloropropyl)trimethoxysilane (CPS), 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS), and N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (DMS), were selected and compounded with PLA by using 0.1–2 phr. This work investigated the effects of the blended silane coupling agent on the physical properties of biaxially stretched PLA films. The blended PLA sheets were manufactured by using a chill-roll cast film extruder and the biaxially stretched films were prepared by a biaxial stretcher. An existing silane coupling agent in PLA films was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. Furthermore, thermal and tensile properties of the obtained films were determined. Flexibility of biaxially stretched PLA film with a diamino silane coupling agent was increased while its stiffness was maintained. Elongation at break of the biaxially stretched PLA film blending with DMS was increased more than 2 times. Moreover, oxygen gas permeability and water vapor permeability of the biaxially stretched PLA films with 2 phr of APS and CPS were increased compared to those of the neat one. This work provided the structural effect of coupling agents on the physical properties of biaxially stretched PLA film.

Influence of Acetic Acid Pretreatment and its Residue on Bioethanol and Biogas Production from Water Hyacinth

Diana Jose — 2024-07-02

Water hyacinth, an invasive species in natural water habitats, poses ecological challenges but also holds promise as a biofuel resource due to its abundant biomass. To optimize sugar yield for biofuel production, this study focuses on pretreating water hyacinth with acetic acid (AC) using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Comparing AC, hydrochloric acid (HA), and untreated samples, AC-pretreated samples yielded the highest sugar content at 28.26 g/100 g of biomass, nearly 1.97 times higher than that of untreated samples. Additionally, AC-pretreated samples produced the maximum biogas (2573 mL) after 45 days of anaerobic digestion, while HA pretreatment yielded the highest ethanol production (9.32 g/L) within 48 h. The structural changes in the pretreated and untreated water hyacinth samples were compared using FTIR analysis, and the results showed that the pretreatment approaches exposed more cellulose to hydrolysis. Furthermore, the study investigated the impact of post-washing following acid pretreatment of water hyacinth and discovered that AC residues had no adverse effects, suggesting that the post-washing phase was unnecessary for ethanol production. These findings demonstrate that AC pretreatment can effectively enhance hydrolysis and biofuel production and that eliminating post-washing may reduce wastewater generated during the pretreatment process.

Mechanical Characterization and Water Absorption Behavior of Waste Coconut Leaf Stalk Fiber Reinforced Hybrid Polymer Composite: Impact of Chemical Treatment

Sharath Ballupete Nagaraju — 2024-07-02

In recent times, there has been a significant enhancement in the focus on composite materials that are reinforced with natural fibers, primarily driven by the growing environmental awareness. Naturally occurring fibers offer several advantages, that includes renewability, cost-effectiveness, complete or partial reusability, and biodegradability. The utilization of agricultural waste fibers for the fabrication of polymer composites has commercial potential. This study focuses on the production of polymer composites using coconut leaf stalk fibers to investigate their mechanical properties, including tensile, flexural, impact strengths, as well as their water absorption characteristics. The impact of chemical treatment is being investigated through the utilization of sodium hydroxide on the fibers of coconut leaf stalks. The findings indicate that untreated fiber composites demonstrate superior mechanical properties, including tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength, as well as water absorption behavior, compared to alkali-treated fiber composites. These findings would help to accelerate the applications of biofibers based composite materials.

Microplastic Pollution in Mindanao's Taguibo River Watershed Forest Reserve: Characterization, and Distribution Patterns, and Implications for Freshwater Ecosystem Conservation

Marybeth Hope Tuquero Banda — 2024-07-02

Despite increasing awareness of microplastic pollution and the harm it brings to terrestrial ecosystems and human body, few research works have examined how it contributes to freshwater environments, particularly forest reserves. Microplastic presence and characteristics were examined in Mindanao's Taguibo River Watershed Forest Reserve (TRWFR). Three (3) sampling sites along the river stretch were chosen. Analysis of water and sediment samples found microplastic abundances at 477.78 ± 182.83 pa/m3 and 17.04 ± 14.80 pa/kg, respectively. These microplastics varied in size, shape, and color. A total of 9 and 7 color variations were detected from water and sediment samples, respectively. Brown (43.02%) and black (17.44%), and fibers (39.53%) and films (24.42%) were the most common microplastics from water samples. White (30.43%), and blue and brown (21.74%), and filament (69.57%) were the most common microplastics from sediment samples. FTIR-ATR spectroscopy described the microplastics further. A total of 13 polymer types were identified in water samples, while 8 polymer types were identified in sediment samples. Polymer types such as polyacetylene and regenerated cellulose fibers were mostly found in water samples; and polypropylene and regenerated cellulose fibers from sediment samples. This study shows microplastic pollution in the TRWFR. Microplastic incidence and distribution patterns vary among collection locations, suggesting some areas are more susceptible to pollution. This work improves our understanding of freshwater microplastic contamination and underscores the need to monitor and reduce microplastic pollution to preserve the ecological balance in the Taguibo River and its surroundings.

Modeling of Car-to-motorcycle Overtaking Maneuver Based on Comfort Zone Boundaries

Sitthichok Sitthiracha — 2024-07-02

Thailand has one of the world's highest road fatality rates, mainly on motorcycles. In mixed traffic, motorcycles coexist with other vehicles. The interaction between cars and motorcycles, such as overtaking due to speed differences, can lead to accidents. This scenario also has implications for autonomous vehicles interacting with motorcycles. To increase safety in such interactions, a model was developed that simulates overtaking maneuvers of car drivers with motorcycles, using the concept of comfort zone boundary and a four-phase classification. In a driving simulator, 648 overtaking maneuvers collected from 36 Thai drivers were recorded with different lateral positions and speeds of the motorcycles. A novel graphical method using steering wheel angle and steering wheel velocity signals facilitated the identification of the phases. Time-to-collision and lateral distance characterized driver comfort zones and served as an indicator for safety measures. The lateral position of the motorcycle has proven to be the most influential factor in the model. The results suggest that overtaking vehicles exhibit non-lane-bound driving characteristics and a risk for the sideswipe accident is identified. These results provide a foundational framework for advanced driver assistance systems and motion planning of autonomous vehicles, contributing to improved road safety.

Multi-Response Optimization and Cell Structure-Property Relationships of Polylactide (PLA) Foams

Yusuf Arya Yudanto — 2024-07-02

The renewability and ease of processing of polylactide (PLA) make it ideal for disposable foam products. However, controlling the foam structure is challenging due to its low melt strength and crystallization ability, which can result in cell rupture-prone and excessively large cells, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the influences of foaming parameters (temperature, pressure, and time) on cell structures and properties to unlock PLA’s full potential. This study optimizes the fabrication of PLA foams using solid-state batch foaming under supercritical CO2 conditions by employing a central composite design of response surface methodology. Single-parameter investigations reveal that higher foaming temperature, increased pressure, and longer foaming time increase the apparent density due to reduced polymer viscosity, pressure-dependent gas entrapment, and enhanced gas diffusion, leading to faster cell nucleation and cell formation. The compressive properties depend on stress-strain behavior and cell morphology, influenced by the cell shape and wall thickness. Thicker cell walls delay cell buckling and improve compression resistance. Higher sphericality evenly distributes compressive stress across cell surfaces, enhancing the foam’s resilience against localized collapse. Multi-response optimization successfully fabricated lightweight PLA foam (0.134 g/cc apparent density) with enhanced compressive modulus (1.955 MPa at 50% strain) and controlled cell morphology (average cell size of 21.055 μm and cell density of 52.385 × 105 cells/cm3) at optimized foaming conditions (180 °C, 165 bar, and 2.3 h). The PLA foams have potential as a reusable and degradable absorbent for liquids and oils, but there are challenges in scaling production.

Performance Evaluation of Solar Parabolic Collector Using Low Volume Fractions of Multi-Walled Carbon-nanotube in Synthetic Engine Oil

Vinayak Talugeri — 2024-07-02

The use of nanofluids has been encouraged to advance the efficiency of solar collectors in previous investigations. In this experiment, the performance of solar parabolic collectors in Bangalore, India, was enhanced using low-volume fractions of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and synthetic engine oil as the base fluid. To stabilize and optimize the thermal conductivity of the nanofluids, orthocresol was used as a surfactant and was further treated with magnetic stirring and ultrasonication. The resulting MWCNT-synthetic engine oil nanofluid was generated at three different volume fractions with a 1:1 MWCNT/ Orthocresol ratio and tested at different flow rates between 10:00 and 16:00 according to ASHRAE Standards. The maximum efficiency was achieved at 0.0317 vol% and a discharge of 7 L/min, which was 6.9% higher than that of the synthetic engine oil. This study shows that even at low-volume fractions of nanofluids, effective heat transfer can be achieved in solar parabolic collectors. These findings suggest that MWCNT-synthetic engine oil nanofluids have the potential to significantly advance the performance of solar parabolic collectors.

Performance Measurement of a DMEWMA Control Chart on an AR(p) Model with Exponential White Noise

Piyatida Phanthuna — 2024-07-02

The double-modified exponentially weighted moving average (DMEWMA) control chart running an autoregressive (AR) process is proposed to detect unusual events. The AR equation and the DMEWMA statistic are combined to evaluate the control limit of the exponential residual term to obtain the explicit formula for the average run length (ARL). The ARLs computed using the explicit formula approach and the well-established numerical integral equation method were compared to validate the former. The efficiencies of the original EWMA, MEWMA, and DMEWMA control charts running AR processes based on simulation and real data were compared by using the results of ARL and relative mean index calculations. The results indicate that the explicit formula for the ARL of an AR process running on a double-modified EWMA control chart detected changes more quickly than on either of the other two control charts for small and moderate changes. Finally, real data on COVID-19 is provided to demonstrate the application of this explicit formula.

Producing Dietary Fibers from Sugarcane Bagasse Using Various Chemical Treatments and Evaluation of their Physicochemical, Structural, and Functional Properties

Gelan Sabry Mohamed Allam — 2024-07-02

Sugarcane bagasse (SB) like other lignocellulosic materials contains high levels of insoluble dietary fibers (IDF) that can be extracted using various treatments. Moreover, the extracted IDF properties were found to be dependent on the implemented treatment. Thus, this study set out to evaluate the impact of five treatments (NaOH, NaOH+H₂O₂, NaOH+H₂SO₄, PAA (peracetic acid) and NaOH+PAA) and the subsequent bleaching treatment on the physicochemical, structural, and functional properties of SB fiber. In addition, the effect of particle size reduction on the physicochemical and functional properties was investigated. Lignin content, holocellulose content, XRD, FT-IR, and whiteness index were used to characterize the extracted fibers and to evaluate their structural modifications. The experiments confirmed that NaOH+PAA treatment extracted fibers that had the lowest lignin content (1.65%) and highest holocellulose content (93.07%) and exhibited the highest whiteness index (83.37). The high crystallinity index of NaOH+PAA extracted fibers in addition to the disappearance of spectral bands at 1512, 1595, 1620 and 1730 cm^–1 of NaOH+PAA FT-IR spectrum confirms the preceding outcomes. The water holding capacity (WHC) and oil binding capacity (OBC) of NaOH+PAA extracted fiber and other extracted fibers were improved as a result of bleaching treatment. Reducing the particle size of treated bleached samples to > 500 μm significantly decreased their WHC and OBC whereas increased their α-amylase inhibitory activity. The obtained results indicate that NaOH+PAA is a promising method for the extraction of fibers from SB under moderate conditions.

Product Development of Nutritious Rice Based Gluten-Free Snacks from Different Formulation of Rice Varieties by Extrusion and their Physical, Physicochemical and Sensory Evaluation

Sirawit Chuechomsuk — 2024-07-02

Flour from three high-nutritional rice varieties were used to produce gluten-free extruded rice snacks. This study investigated the optimal formulation of the flour mixes from brown jasmine rice (JR) and two other pigmented varieties, brown black glutinous rice (BGR) and brown riceberry rice (RR) to produce the extruded snack. Chemical compositions, including, dietary fiber and antioxidants of each rice variety were determined. Ten formulations of the flour mixes were evaluated using a Mixture Design and extruded via a single-screw extruder. The physical properties of the extruded snacks from each formulation such as expansion ratio, color, hardness and crispness, as well as their physicochemical properties, including water absorption and solubility indices were analyzed. Three flours showed high protein content (8.1–9.0%). Both pigmented rice (BGR and RR) indicated a higher DPPH scavenging activity at 0.51 ± 0.05 μmol Trolox/g dry weight (DW) and 0.25 μmol Trolox/g DW, respectively. BGR showed the highest % DPPH inhibition (31.63 ± 0.32%). The snack indicated the highest expansion ratio with brown riceberry rice, followed by jasmine rice and brown black glutinous rice. The use of flour mixes indicated higher overall liking scores than one specific flour, while the mixing ratio of jasmine rice, brown black glutinous rice and brown riceberry at 1: 1: 1 (Formulation 7) tended to achieve the highest overall liking (6.47 from 9 points hedonic scale) and the high scores for most of the sensory attributes. The total dietary fiber of the snacks from Formulation 7 was around 4.11% by weight. The results revealed the high potential for using brown jasmine rice and pigmented rice to extrude gluten-free rice snacks.

Rapid Microwave Method to Enhance the Characteristics of Fe3O4 and Fe3O4/SiO2 Nanoparticles

Lety Trisnaliani — 2024-07-02

The application of nanoparticles can increase the number of products and protect against the deadly effects of industrial processes. Generally, nanoparticle technology offers numerous benefits, including reduced energy consumption and waste generation. Therefore, this study aimed to prepare Fe₃O₄ and Fe₃O₄/SiO₂ nanoparticles using rapid microwave method. The instruments used for analysis included x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), scanning electron microscopy-dispersive x-ray (SEM-EDX), and ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS). The combustion process was carried out using a microwave to produce sufficient energy for forming Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. The homogeneous heating distribution process in the raw material effectively formed different initial phases and nanoparticle morphologies within a few minutes. The results showed that the application of rapid and efficient microwave provided good monodispersity, uniform core-shell structure, and high magnetization. The calculated optical bandgap values for Fe₃O₄ and Fe₃O₄/SiO₂ ranged from 1.77–2.33 eV. According to magnetic analysis, Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles showed superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature with a value of 32–40 emu/g, while Fe₃O₄/SiO₂ powder had 9–23 emu/g. The analysis of SEM-EDX showed that SiO₂ had the potential to prevent particle aggregation and stabilize the nanoparticles prepared. Moreover, further study is recommended to modify the product with other materials, such as TiO₂, for photocatalysts.

Removal of Propylparaben in an Aqueous System using Magnetite-Silica Ferrofluids of Hydrophobic Deep Eutectic Solvent

Aswin Falahudin — 2024-07-02

A novel sorbent based on ferrofluid hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent magnetite silica (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@mSiO₂- HDES) was successfully synthesized by adding menthol-fatty acid as carrier liquid onto Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@mSiO₂ composite. The crystallinity, morphological, functional group and magnetic properties of the materials were characterized by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy-EDX, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, vibrating sample magnetometer, thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier Transform-infrared spectroscopy. The adsorption performance of parabens was evaluated as model water pollutants. The Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@mSiO₂-HDES ferrofluid was used as a ferrofluid sorbent of parabens prior to spectrophotometry UV-Vis. The effect of several contribution parameters was optimized including ferrofluid volume, pH, stirring time and ionic strength. Under the optimum conditions, a combination of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@mSiO₂-menthol/palmitic acid was achieved as the best ferrofluid with % removal values ranging from 81.00% to 98.62%. The ferrofluid Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@mSiO₂-HDES demonstrated high efficiency for the adsorption paraben in the water system which suggests a great potential alternative method for the adsorption of water contaminants in the aquatic system.

The Impact of D-limonene on Cell Membrane Barrier of Pichia kluyveri Y-11519 from Sichuan Pickles

Chaoyi Zeng — 2024-07-02

Sichuan pickles (SCP) are a traditional method of preserving vegetables in China. Through the spontaneous fermentation of microorganisms in brine water, it forms a unique flavor to meet with food industry’s requirements. However, the microorganisms in salt water determine the quality of SCP, and the film-forming phenomenon is considered to be the key to the spoilage of SCP, which seriously restricts the industrial development of SCP. We have noticed that in folk, lemon peel is often added to pickles to prevent the appearance of the film. Currently, the extract D-limonene from orange or lemon peel is recognized as a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) food additive and exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. However, there have been no reports on the effects of D-limonene on Pichia kluyveri (P. kluyveri), the microorganism responsible for the "film-forming" phenomenon in SCP. In this study, D-limonene was used to treat P. kluyveri Y-11519, a membranous microorganism of SCP, and the cell morphology, surface charge, membrane potential, and intracellular macromolecule leakage before and after treatment were observed. The results showed that the minimum inhibitory concentration of D-limonene against P. kluyveri Y-11519 was 20 μL/mL, and the minimum fungicidal concentration was 40 μL/mL. After treatment with this concentration of D-limonene, the growth of P. kluyveri Y-11519 cells was delayed, cells exhibited deformation and shrinkage, cell membrane integrity was compromised, permeability increased, intracellular substances leaked, ultimately leading to cell death.

UV-C Enhances Phenolics Metabolism and the Production of the Related Bioactive Compounds in Green Chi-fah Chili (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Chi-fah Kiaw) Fruit

Sompoch Noichinda — 2024-07-02

One of the fruit vegetables that is a favorite for consumers of spicy food worldwide is chili (Capsicum annuum). Thus, the external and internal quality attributes of harvested chili fruit, such as peel color and fruit antioxidants, are of interest for different cooking needs. UV-C is the shortest wavelength of ultraviolet radiation that can harm the living organisms. However, short-term exposure to this physical stress might have many advantages for crop species. This research studied the post-harvest effect of UV-C exposure for different times (0, 10, and 20 min) on the green fruit of Chi-fah chili. The results showed that the percentage of fruit with red peel color increased rapidly during storage after UV-C irradiation, especially in the 10-minute treatment 75% of fruit had red color after 6 days. UV-C treatment also promoted phenolic biosynthesis in green Chi-fah chili fruit as 10 and 20 min of UV-C exposure elevated phenolic contents in both the pulp and placenta with the maximum of 30 and 45 mg gallic acid/gFW, respectively. Exposure to 20 min of UV-C irradiation seemed to inhibit flavonoid production, whereas 10 min UV-C irradiation increased flavonoids in both the pulp and placenta (0.72 and 0.87 mg rutin/gFW, respectively). Of particular interest to the consumers, UV-C treatment could increase the capsaicin amount in green Chi-fah chili fruit. Only the fruit irradiated with UV-C for 10 min had the highest level of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity in the pulp one day after storage, while the placenta had the highest level of PAL activity from day 1 to day 3. The 10 and 20 min UV-C irradiation led to the highest peroxidase (POD) activity in the pulp and the placenta, respectively. In conclusion, UV-C could be used to enhance the production of phenolics and related bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and capsaicin in green Chi-fah chili fruit during postharvest storage.

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Rind Extract-Mediated Synthesis of Manganese (II, III) Oxide Nanoparticles for Potential Theranostic Applications

Gelo P. Zaragosa — 2024-07-02

Plant extracts and microorganisms are widely utilized for the green synthesis of Mn₃O₄ nanoparticles. In this study, green synthesis of Mn₃O₄ nanoparticles for theranostic applications was performed using watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) rind extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The UV-visible absorption of the nanoparticles at 196 nm is associated with the surface plasmon resonance of Mn₃O₄ nanoparticles. FT-IR spectra presented the key chemical functional groups associated with the Mn–O vibrations and phytoconstituents of the watermelon rind extract. XRD analysis revealed the single-phase hausmannite crystalline structure of the Mn₃O₄ nanoparticles with an average crystallite size of 35.2 nm. SEM and TEM images of the synthesized Mn₃O₄ nanoparticles showed quasi-spherical shapes and a core size of 52.90 ± 8.19 nm and 35.89 ± 0.83 nm, respectively. EDS analysis indicated that the nanoparticles mainly comprised Mn, O, and C. Furthermore, the radical scavenging activity through the DPPH assay showed that the nanoparticles have significant antioxidant therapeutic potential, with an IC50 value of 20.62 ± 0.69 ppm. T1 and T2 relaxivities of Mn₃O₄ nanoparticles were 5.34 ± 0.11 mM^–1s^–1 and 63.47 ± 0.60 mM^–1s^–1, respectively, when measured at a clinically relevant field strength of 1.5 T, confirming their suitability as an MRI contrast agent for diagnostic imaging. These findings imply that the green synthesized Mn₃O₄ nanoparticles could be used as a theranostic agent for MRI applications.

Deep Eutectic Solvent as a Tailor-made Chemical for Pretreatment in a Lignocellulose Biorefinery

Muhammad Ayub Khan — 2024-07-02

A Review of Sugarcane Biorefinery: From Waste to Value-Added Products

Sukunya Areeya — 2024-07-02

The sugarcane industry is one of the agricultural sectors for the production of commodity products that can generate sugars along with byproducts such as straw, bagasse, and molasses. When subjected to effective processing, these byproducts of sugarcane cease to be categorized as waste, as they can be converted into resources rich in carbon for use in biorefineries. Numerous conversion technologies consisting of thermochemical, biochemical, and chemical processes of biorefinery are also applied to produce high-value products, either from 1st Generation (molasses feedstock) or through integrated 1st Generation and 2nd Generation configurations (molasses and sugarcane lignocellulose feedstock). This review focuses on recent progress in techniques for maximizing the value of sugarcane, encompassing aspects, such as sugarcane processing, pretreatment methods, and the fermentation of sugar derivatives to six value-added products, namely ethanol, xylitol, butanol, polyhydroxyalkanoates, biogas, and nanocellulose. Furthermore, this review encompasses an examination of the economic and environmental repercussions associated with sugarcane biorefinery. It also explores advancements using cutting-edge technology to address obstacles in industrial production.

Bio-Jet Fuel from Vegetable Oils: Production Process and Perspective on Modeling and Simulation

Lida Simasatitkul — 2024-07-02

Bio-jet fuel plays a vital role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and reducing the environmental impacts in the air transportation sector. Several production pathways to produce bio-jet fuel have been successfully developed and certified. They can use a variety of materials ranging from edible crops and lignocellulosic biomass to algal oils as feedstock. Various conversion processes can also be used, either thermochemical or biochemical, with and without catalysts. However, among many available processes, producing bio-jet fuel through the hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) route is the most popular. It is also the only route that has so far been commercialized. This review gives an insight into the bio-jet fuel production from vegetable oils, which are the source of HEFA feedstock, with an emphasis on process design and simulation. The use of food and non-food resources as feedstock and the overview of the certified processes for bio-jet fuel production are reviewed and discussed. Additionally, the production process of bio-jet fuel produced from vegetable oils is explored. Finally, the key challenges and prospects of the process simulation and modeling of bio-jet fuel production from vegetable oils are addressed.

NanoBiofertilizer and its Application in Sustainable Agriculture, Crop Specific Nutrients Delivery and Environmental Sustainability: A Review

Oluwaseyi Matthew Abioye — 2024-07-02

Probiotic bacteria are increasingly in demand in the food and feed industries. A growing population and finite resources require efficient ways to maximize yields. Probiotic bacteria are gaining popularity in the food and feed industries due to their unique combination of benefits and values, which include consumer health interests, sustainability values, food innovation, and potential business opportunities. The use of conventional fertilizers can increase crop production but can also cause runoff and toxicity issues. A nanobiofertilizer offers improved crop nutrition and reduces application rates. Slow-release properties minimize environmental losses while nanoscale particle size enhances nutrient absorption. If nanobiofertilizers are closely regulated, they can boost yields without destroying the soil and aquatic ecosystems. In recent years, nanobiofertilizers have received considerable attention. Plant extracts and microbes are used in green synthesis to produce eco-friendly nanoparticles. Crop-specific nutrient release can be tailored using modified nanoparticle surfaces. Controlled nutrient delivery is achieved by smart nanocarrier systems that adapt to changing soil moisture, pH, and microbial activity. Combined applications of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria have been reported that they can enhance crop growth in synergy. This review presents an overview of the most recent studies on nanobiofertilizers, as well as the issues connected with their environmental implications, safety, and regulation, presenting a roadmap for the responsible use of nanobiofertilizers, which aims to enhance food security while protecting the environment for future generations.

Research Progress and Future Expectations in Anode of Secondary Zinc-Air Batteries: A Review

Chen Shunhong — 2024-07-02

Zinc-air batteries have attracted widespread attention due to their advantages, including high safety, high theoretical energy density (1086 W·h/kg), low cost, etc. A zinc-air battery primarily consists of a metal anode, electrolyte, and air cathode. However, the anode, as the core component of zinc-air batteries, faces various challenges at the present stage, such as dendritic growth, anode deformation, surface passivation, hydrogen evolution corrosion, etc. These challenges limit the development of secondary zinc-air batteries. To address the challenges faced by the anode, researchers are committed to developing anode materials with long cycle life and high capacity. However, this is achieved through methods like alloying, surface coating, 3D structures, surface modification, and the addition of additives. Therefore, this article provides a comprehensive review of recent breakthroughs and progress in the research on zinc-based battery anodes in recent years. Furthermore, it offers a certain outlook on the future development direction of secondary zinc-air batteries.