This study demonstrates a new, systematic, and sustainable method for treating cathode powder from spent lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO 4 or LFPs) batteries. For the first time, lithium (Li) was selectively leached using wood vinegar (WV) as a leaching agent and H 2 O 2 as an oxidant. The leaching of other metals such as aluminum (Al), iron (Fe) and phosphorus (P) was also investigated. Several factors, such as solid-to-liquid (S/L) ratio, reaction time, H 2 O 2 concentration, and WV concentration, were examined during leaching. Under ideal conditions (30 g/L, 210 min, 14 vol% H 2 O 2 , 100% WV), Li leaching efficiency could reach up to 96.71 f 0.13%, while Fe, Al, and P remained at 0.51 f 0.03%, 4.15 f 0.62%, and 5.17 f 0.29%, respectively. The lithium carbonate (Li 2 CO 3 ) was recovered with a high purity of 98.99%. The characterization of the recovered Li 2 CO 3 was conducted using XRD and SEM techniques. The application of green chemistry principles improved metal leaching efficacy, which is expected to enhance the long-term production of lithium-ion batteries (LIB).
This review paper compiles and analyzes existing research, primarily from scientific journals, on the reduction of emissions of CO (18-59%), CO2 (8.6-15.26%), HC (0.35-64%), NOx (3-50.26%), and smoke (12-67.65%) in the atmosphere. These reductions are observed when using biodiesel produced with various catalysts in diesel engines. An in-depth evaluation of various catalysts used in biodiesel production, such as acid/base, ionic liquid, carbon-based, and EIIL processes, is presented to assess their efficiency. However, most of these catalysts are not suitable for large-scale industrial applications in biodiesel synthesis due to their high cost. While EIIL-catalyzed processes are considered a more environmentally friendly option that reduces GHG emissions, but there are still challenges to address, such as replacing traditional solvents due to their well-known drawbacks like volatility, toxicity, or carcinogenic properties, which can lead to enzyme deactivation. Feedstock suitability, emissions, and economic viability in biodiesel production are also evaluated. The potential of MSS lipid as energy sources is discussed in terms of performance and environmental impact. In compared to petroleum diesel fuels and other oil feedstocks, and MSS is associated with good engine performance. This study lays the groundwork for future research that will help guide the development of economically viable, low-emission biodiesel production processes using EIILs, making them more environmentally sustainable.
The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of gasoline-isopropanol blends combined with iron oxide (Fe2O3) and magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles on engine performance and emission characteristics. Five fuel emulsions were prepared: gasoline-2.5% isopropanol, gasoline-5% isopropanol-0.15 g nanoparticles, gasoline-5% isopropanol-0.3 g nanoparticles, gasoline-10% isopropanol-0.15 g nanoparticles, and gasoline-10% isopropanol-0.3 g nanoparticles. The experiments were conducted at engine speeds of 1750 and 2500 rpm. Modeling and optimization were performed using Design-Expert software with the D-optimal method, resulting in 16 experimental runs. The results indicated that iron oxide nanoparticles had a more pronounced effect compared to magnesium oxide nanoparticles. For base gasoline, NOx and HC emissions ranged from 685 to 670 ppm and 113 to 116 ppm, respectively, with increasing engine speed. By adding isopropanol and iron oxide nanoparticles, NOx and HC emissions varied in the ranges of 159-335 ppm and 124-65 ppm, respectively. Furthermore, the blended fuel improved combustion efficiency, enhanced engine performance, and reduced emissions.
This study evaluates three flare gas recovery (FGR) configurations for simultaneous steam and power generation, using combinations of gas turbine generator (GTG), steam turbine generator (STG), and organic Rankine cycle (ORC). Process simulations and performance evaluations were performed in Aspen HYSYS, and the economic analysis was carried out in Aspen Process Economic Analyzer. The results indicate the following electricity generation for each configuration: GTG + STG: 2.50 MW (highest efficiency), GTG + STG + ORC: 1.64 MW [additional recovery of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and C5+ products at lower efficiency], and GTG: 0.93 MW. Estimated total capital investments for the three cases are approximately: GTG + STG: 19.1 million USD, GTG + STG + ORC: 26.0 million USD, and GTG: 16.0 million USD. Overall, the findings highlight the trade-offs among power-generation efficiency, byproduct recovery, and capital costs when selecting an appropriate FGR configuration. These insights are crucial for decision-makers seeking to optimize energy recovery while balancing economic viability and environmental impact.
ABSTRACT Optimized power‐generation flowsheets incorporating the organic Rankine cycle (ORC) were developed and simulated in Aspen HYSYS and Aspen Capital Cost Estimator for four energy‐recovery configurations. The study evaluates four cases: Case 1 involves steam production and power generation via Gas‐Turbine Generators and ORC systems. Case 2 shows similar performance. Case 3 achieves the highest power output, with a 10% increase, a thermal efficiency of 29.68%, and an exergy efficiency of 17.5%. Case 4 uses an optimized ORC package for simultaneous steam and power production, demonstrating the best technical and economic performance. Case 4 also delivers both electricity and steam at 7354 kg/h. The total project costs for Cases 1–4 are 1.02 × 10⁷, 6.64 × 10⁶, 1.14 × 10⁷, and 8.07 × 10⁶ USD, respectively, highlighting the technical and economic advantages of the proposed ORC configurations.
This study focuses on three optimized production and peak shaving methods: Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG), Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), which were chosen for integration into the gas network. These three peak shaving methods were compared for the first time from both economic and technical perspectives to provide a beneficial solution for decision-making in peak consumption management and natural gas storage. To evaluate the technical viability and economic feasibility of these technologies, Aspen HYSYS was used for technical analysis, while the Aspen Process Economic Analyzer was employed for economic evaluation. The findings indicated that SNG produced from liquefied petroleum gas emerged as the most economically and technically favorable option for addressing the natural gas shortfall when compared to other alternatives. For the SNG system, spherical storage tanks with a total capacity of 100,000 tons of LPG are constructed. With the establishment of 10 stations, each containing 60 storage cylinders with a capacity of 1,770 tons, the shortfall in city gas is effectively managed. Additionally, the total expenses for six SNG stations were calculated, with the primary costs attributed to the storage tanks.
This study evaluates the thermodynamic and economic performance of various working fluids for Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC)-based energy recovery from flue gases. Initially, benzene, toluene, and pentane were analyzed, with results indicating that pentane achieved the highest power output (1862 kW) with the lowest cost ($14.69 million) at 171.6 degrees C. To extend the analysis, additional working fluids-including hexane, R134a, propane, and isopentane-were examined for their thermal properties and system compatibility. Their thermal efficiency, power output, and cost-effectiveness were assessed using Aspen HYSYS (Version 14) for process simulations, Aspen Capital Cost Estimator for economic evaluation, and Refprop for thermodynamic property calculations. The findings indicate that hexane improves thermal efficiency by 20 %, whereas R134a reduces environmental impact by 15 %, making them viable alternatives for sustainable ORC applications.
Background: To meet the market demand for new large-scale energy storage applications, this work systematically reports on the integration of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) conductive frameworks with electrodeposited V2O5 thin film, which offers a promising strategy for developing advanced composite electrode materials for super-capacitors (SCs). Methods: Free-standing CNTs were synthesized using the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method, and then V2O5 thin films were electrodeposited evenly on the surface of CNTs using a facile pulse-reversal (PR) electrodeposition. Symmetric and asymmetric SCs using the CNTs@V2O5-PR composite electrode with different concentrations of NaNO3 electrolyte were assembled and characterized in detail. Significant findings: The asymmetric SC based on CNTs@V2O5-PR composite electrode demonstrated a voltage of 1.6 V. Furthermore, when utilizing a high-concentration NaNO3 electrolyte, it showcased an energy density of 16.9 Wh kg-1 at a power output of 900 W kg-1. Remarkably, it maintains a substantial energy density of 13.3 Wh kg-1 even at a significantly higher power output of 7200 W kg-1. We expect the findings of this work to provide a comprehensive understanding of CNTs@V2O5-PR composites, and hence, contribute to the development of next-generation SCs.
In this review, we examine the economic implications, challenges, and limitations of using municipal sewage sludge (MSS) for the production of biofuel, the various methods for producing biofuels and their drawbacks, the challenges and drawbacks of collecting waste, and the environmental implications. MSS has been recognized as a viable feedstock for biodiesel production because of its abundance, consistent availability, and low cost. The use of MSS as a feedstock for biofuel, consisting of more than 24 types of free fatty acids (FFAs), is an innovative approach for resolving problems pertaining to MSS material disposal, fossil fuel dependency, and harmful greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It appears that transesterification with enzyme-immobilized ionic liquids (EIIL) may offer great potential for producing biofuel from MSS, as the catalysts show promise for the future. The EIIL catalysts and byproducts are facilitating the commercialization of MSS for biodiesel production. Biofuel production from MSS could be highly profitable in the long run, with the estimated cost of production currently being cheaper than other biofuel feedstocks. Therefore, this review offers new approaches for disposal methods, dewatering, biofuel properties, and economic analysis within the frameworks of a sustainable and circular biofuel bioeconomy and solves the issue of MSS. In order to improve the economics of biofuel production from MSS, this review serves as a basis for future research.
The present study demonstrates a one-step preparation of a sulfonated coal-based solid acid catalyst (CFA250-PA-SO3H). The catalyst was derived from coal fly ash (CFA) by undergoing carbonization and sulfonation with concentrated 1,3-propanesulfonic acid. The reaction took place at a temperature of 120 degrees C for 3.5 h with a constant agitation speed of 100 rpm. The ratio of carbonized CFA250-PA to 1,3-propanesulfonic acid was 3:8 wt/wt. As a result, the catalyst surface had a relatively high density of acidic -SO3H sites attached. The mesoporous CFA250-PA-SO3H catalyst with an acid density of 9.336 mmol/g was synthesized by chemically treating CFA, a waste product of coal-burning power plants. Using phosphoric acid, the CFA was calcined at 250 degrees C and then sulfonated at 120 degrees C with 1, 3-propane sulfonic acid. The CFA250-PA-SO3H exhibited higher surface acidity and catalytic activity due to increased acidity and larger surface area (105 m2/g). The characteristics of the synthesized catalyst were determined using FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM images, TG analysis, X-ray photon spectroscopy (XPS), and N2-adsorption and desorption isotherm, and the acidity was determined by titration. The mesoporous CFA250-PA-SO3H catalyst was then used to esterify oleic acid in a catalytic activity test. During the esterification reaction performed under optimal conditions (ratio of diethyl carbonate (4.36 g) to oleic acid (2.82 g), 3.5 wt.% catalyst concentration, 100 rpm agitation speed at 82 degrees C), the CFA250-PA-SO3H catalyst exhibited high activity (94.50% ethyl oleate for 2 h) and it stable for up to five cycles of recycling. In addition, this catalyst could be used to replace conventional environmentally hazardous homogeneous liquid acids through a solid acid-based catalytic process. This evaluation demonstrates that the technology is a very promising approach for developing low-cost and environmentally sustainable energy sources.
The integration of more intricate processes, including Acid Gas Enrichment (AGE) and the liquefaction of CO2, has been scrutinized to more effectively separate H2S for transfer to the Sulfur Recovery Unit (SRU) and to capture CO2 by the Aspen Process Economic Analyzer (APEA). The simulation results were optimized and statistically analyzed using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The maximum H2S composition, weight percentage of H2S content in the acid gas stream to the SRU, and liquefied CO2 discharge mass flow rate in the experiments was 887,567 ppm, 84.82 %, and 2211.98 kg/h, respectively. The economic analysis evaluated the capital cost of the natural gas sweetening process, AGE, and the integration of these processes with CO2 liquefaction in both elementary and optimized states, amounting to 16,173,594, 31,614,232, 52,440,322 and 51,715,847 USD, respectively. Further studies on the simultaneous processes of natural gas sweetening, SRU in flow enhancement and CO2 capture can improve the productivity of these units and lead to better designs in natural gas purification.
The main focus of this research is to develop techniques in order to select the best option for refrigeration and liquefaction processes using double-walled tanks for storage and transport by means of different simulations as well as critical fluid conditions. Process simulation, energy analysis and economic evaluations have been applied to find the best process in this case study. Refprop, Aspen HYSYS, Aspen Process economic Analyzer software have been used for thermodynamic condition prediction, process simulation, and economic analysis, respectively. The results indicated that the best conditions for ethane storage and transport are achieved at the temperature ranging from -30 to -46 degrees C in case of using liquefaction systems, which is attributable to the low energy consumption as well as low operating costs and low-cost investment. This cost would be very significant in comparison with the increase in storage volume at very low temperatures. The direct capital cost of implementing these projects will be in the range of $ 27 similar to 41 million as well as the cost of preparing and transporting $ 310 similar to 475 per ton. Employed technique and developed flowsheets can be used as a useful tool for design and optimization of appropriate gas liquefaction processes membranes with effective performance for various industrial applications.
Biodiesel has the potential to significantly contribute to the elimination of the current global energy and climate change challenges. However, its production and commercialization have been hindered by the diverse nature of feedstocks, and production techniques. This comparative review evaluates the production of biodiesel by electrolysis method with other methods such as (trans)esterification, supercritical transesterification, emulsion or micro-emulsion, and thermal cracking or pyrolysis, microwave-assited transesterification, and photocatalysis in terms of their environmental impact and commercial feasibility. Also, this study focuses on the availability of different biodiesel feedstocks and summarizes their characteristics affect biodiesel properties. It also outlines the criteria for selecting feedstocks for sustainable and low-cost biodiesel production. Waste cooking oil based third-generation feedstocks have been shown to be superior in comparison. Among all biodiesel production processes, electrolysis is the most suitable because it is an eco-friendly method with properties comparable to diesel. Recent research provides an update on the current challenges and opportunities for biodiesel commercialization, taking into account techno-economic and environmental considerations. The review concludes with future perspectives and suggestions regarding the selection criteria of feedstocks and production techniques to make biodiesel production cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly.
Background Allergic disorders, prevalent global health concerns, afflict a substantial portion of the world's population. These maladies result from an exaggerated immune system response to ordinarily innocuous substances, such as pollen, dust mites, and specific dietary components. Clinical manifestations of this heightened immune response include itching, swelling, and respiratory impairment, often accompanied by releasing mediators like histamine. The pathophysiological mechanisms of allergy disorders are intricate, arising from a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. While clinical presentations may vary, all allergy conditions share a common foundation in the dysregulated immune response to allergens.Result The current aim of this study was to identify innovative anti-allergic agents capable of inhibiting histamine and effectively mitigating allergic reactions by utilizing the computer-aided drug design approach by discovery studio (DS) 2022 v 23.1.1 package. The overarching aim was identifying potential drug candidates targeting the active site within the histamine H1 receptor complex; therefore, a collection of 4000 small druggable compounds was curated from ZINC, PubChem, and DRUG BANK databases sources. Four compounds appeared as promising candidates after assessing docking scores and binding energies. Notably, Compound ID 34154, recognized as tymazoline, showed the highest affinity for the H1 receptor of 3RZE, suggesting it may be the most promising choice for more research. Further chemoinformatic and ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) analyses were conducted to assess the drug-like qualities of this chosen molecule. In addition, bioisosteric substitution techniques were employed to enhance tymazoline's ADMET characteristics.Conclusion Tymazoline shows strong binding affinity with 3RZE and verified all the drug-likeness criteria to inhibit the allergic disorders. Furthermore, molecular dynamics (MD) studies corroborated tymazoline's potential as an anti-allergic agent, demonstrating contact between the ligand and the receptor that is well defined and stable.
The substantial nutritional content and diversified biological activity of plant-based nutraceuticals are due to polyphenolic chemicals. These chemicals are important and well-studied plant secondary metabolites. Their protein interactions are extensively studied. This relationship is crucial for the logical development of functional food and for enhancing the availability and usefulness of polyphenols. This study highlights the influence of protein types and polyphenols on the interaction, where the chemical bindings predominantly consist of hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds. The interaction between polyphenolic compounds (PCs) and digestive enzymes concerning their inhibitory activity has not been fully studied. Therefore, we have examined the interaction of four digestive enzymes (alpha-amylase, pepsin, trypsin, and alpha-chymotrypsin) with four PCs (curcumin, diosmin, morin, and 2 ',3 ',4 '-trihydroxychalcone) through in silico and in vitro approaches. In vitro plate assays, enzyme kinetics, spectroscopic assays, molecular docking, and simulations were performed. We observed all these PCs have significant docking scores and preferable interaction with the active site of the digestive enzymes, resulting in the reduction of enzyme activity. The enzyme-substrate binding mechanism was determined using the Lineweaver Burk plot, indicating that the inhibition occurred competitively. Among four PCs diosmin and morin has the highest interaction energy over digestive enzymes with IC50 value of 1.13 +/- 0.0047 and 1.086 +/- 0.0131 mu M. Kinetic studies show that selected PCs inhibited pepsin, trypsin, and chymotrypsin competitively and inhibited amylase in a non-competitive manner, especially by 2 ',3 ',4 '-trihydroxychalcone. This study offers insights into the mechanisms by which the selected PCs inhibit the enzymes and has the potential to enhance the application of curcumin, diosmin, morin, and 2 ',3 ',4 '-trihydroxychalcone as natural inhibitors of digestive enzymes.
The technology known as organic rankine cycle (ORC) is a dependable method for transforming heat into electricity, whether it is for use in renewable energy sources such as biomass, geothermal, and solar, or for improving industrial energy efficiency. The range of ORC systems spans from small-scale (a few kW) for home cogeneration to sizable multi-megawatt geothermal power facilities. Since the 1970s, technology has undergone significant progress, largely due to increased economic incentives and rising energy costs, despite a slow start initially. Tracking the evolution of the technology worldwide is challenging due to the wide variety of applications, manufacturers, and countries involved. Hence, the present research scrutinizes the ORC technology to evaluate this system from the energy and economic perspectives. Aspen HYSYS, and Aspen Capital Cost Estimator simulations were used for the process, thermodynamic, and financial evaluations, respectively. In this research, the ORC is evaluated using various organic working fluids, specifically seven different types of fluids. The power and heat flow of the expander in all scenarios are considered at 1200 kW and 1.200 Mw, respectively, to determine the most appropriate organic fluid. Organic fluid toluene, due to its highest boiling point among the investigated fluids, was able to generate the required production power using the lowest molar flow rate for both input and output to the expander, considering these values. The results showed that the organic fluid toluene is technically and economically superior to other fluids. However, cyclopentane performs slightly better in terms of energy consumption and carbon dioxide output. However, toluene is chosen over cyclopentane due to current safety concerns.
These variables include the type of nanoparticle additives integrated into the fuel blend and the operational engine speed. The focus is on two specific oxygenated additives, methanol and isobutanol, in conjunction with Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether (MTBE) and two metal oxide nanoparticles, namely magnesium oxide and titanium oxide. The experimental framework entails testing these new fuel blends in a controlled environment, utilizing a four-stroke engine linked to a dynamometer and a speed analyzer. The tests are conducted at rotational speeds of 750 and 1250 rpm. The comprehensive data collected encompass a range of parameters, including engine power and torque, as well as the emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), unburned hydrocarbons (HC), and carbon monoxide (CO). The study meticulously analyzes data to build a robust model, significantly enhancing engine performance while substantially lowering emissions. It finds that adding specific additives to gasoline notably reduces carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. Testing gasoline with methanol, MTBE, and titanium oxide at 750 RPM showed a notable shift in emissions: nitrogen oxide increased by 40.5%, while hydrocarbons, CO, and CO2 saw reductions of 17.5%, and from 2.4% to 7.8%-1.197% and 7.661%, respectively, underlining the need for careful fuel composition management for environmental benefits.
We herein present a structure consisting of two-dimensional (2D) single-crystal Ni3S2 nanosheets designed on one-dimensional (1D) Ni3S2 nanoprism arrays (also known as Ni3S2 nanoprism@nanosheets). These arrays are directly synthesized over nickel foam, which is referred to as Ni3S2/NF. These structures can be used as binderless, self-supporting electrodes for bifunctional methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) applications and high energy density hybrid supercapacitors (HSC). Ni3S2/NF is synthesized through the two steps of hydrothermal processes. In step I, 1D hexagonal Versailles Santa Barbara-5 (VSB-5) nanorod arrays have been prepared onto the surface of NF (denoted as VSB-5/NF). The precursor for step II was 1D VSB-5 nanorod arrays, which were transformed into Ni3S2 using Na2S as a sulfur source via the Kirkendall effect. Electrochemical examination results show that as-synthesized Ni3S2/NF electrode exhibited a high specific capacitance (Cs) of 145.0 mA h g- 1 at 5 A g- 1, low series resistance (0.18 Omega) and charge-transfer resistance (0.05 Omega), small relaxation time constant (tau 0 = 8 ms) and high frequency response at 125.8 Hz. Ni3S2/NF has a superior specific capacity of 145.0 mA h g- 1 at 5 A g- 1 as a SC electrode. The Ni3S2/NF//CNTs/NF HSC can be operated up to 1.6 V in a 3 M KOH electrolyte, delivering an impressive energy density of 256.35 W h kg- 1 at a power density of 6400 W kg- 1. The as-assembled Ni3S2/NF//CNTs/NF HSC device exhibited an impressive stability of 81 % even after undergoing 10,000 chargedischarge cycles. When compared to previously reported catalysts, Ni3S2/NF was proved to be an excellent electrocatalyst for MOR due to its ability to generate a current density of 215.0 mA cm- 2 at 0.5 VSCE, while maintaining a superior and stable current density of 619.2 mA cm-2 at 0.8 VSCE.
Background: Molecular sieve Versailles Santa Barbara-5 (VSB-5) is a highly porous nanomaterial for electrochemical supercapacitor. Methods: A facile hydrothermal method is used to directly synthesize VSB-5 nanorods onto the Nickel Foam (NF). Significant findings: In this work, one-dimensional single-crystal hydrogen nickel phosphate hydroxide hydrate (Ni-20[(OH)(12)(H2O)(6)][(HPO4)(8)(PO4)(4)]center dot 12H(2)O, also denotes as VSB-5, hexagonal nanorods arrays are successfully synthesized on NF via a hydrothermal method, and applied them as positive electrodes for hybrid supercapacitor (HSC). The resultant open framework of VSB-5 with unique nanochannels provides the synchronous advantages of a large surface area with numerous active sites for enhancing faradic redox reactions and abundant pathways for promoting electrolyte ions diffusion, thus leading to excellent energy storage behavior. Furthermore, the HSC is fabricated by paring the direct growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on NF as the electrical-double-layer-capacitor negative electrode. Both the VSB-5/NF and CNTs/NF electrodes are binder-free hierarchical structures, owning the lowest interfacial resistivities between active materials and current collects, avoiding the aggregation issues to allow the facile diffusion of electrolyte for maximally utilizing the surface area. The resultant all binder-free VSB-5/NF//CNTs/NF HSC shows remarkable electrochemical performance, which delivers a maximum energy density of 46.9 W h kg(-1) at a power density of 1225 W kg(-1) with excellent capacity retention of 98.18% after 10,000 cycles.