scholarly journals An Overview of the Latest Advances in the Catalytic Synthesis of Glycerol Carbonate

Catalysts ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 50
Author(s):  
Debora Procopio ◽  
Maria Luisa Di Gioia
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Synthetic Methods ◽  
Biofuel Production ◽  
Esterification Reaction ◽  
Glycerol Carbonate ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages

In recent years, the development of renewable energy alternatives to traditional fossil fuels has become one of the major challenges all over the world, due to the decline of fossil fuel reserves and their effect on global warming. Biodiesel has become a popular alternative energy source to reduce gas emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels. According to statistics, a nine-fold increase in global biofuel production between 2000 and 2020 was observed. However, its production generates a large amount of glycerol as a by-product, posing an environmental problem when disposed directly in landfills or by incineration. Therefore, low-value glycerol should be converted into high value-added derivatives. As glycerol carbonate is one of the most important derivatives of glycerol, this review aims to discuss the studies over the last ten years about glycerol carbonate synthetic methods, including the typical routes such as phosgene, esterification reaction, urea, oxidative and direct carbonylation as well as several rare synthetic procedures. At the same time, it summarizes the different catalytic reaction systems of each route comparing the advantages and disadvantages of various catalysts and evaluating their catalytic activity. Finally, the future development of glycerol carbonate synthesis is prospected from the point of view of development, technology research and industrialization.

scholarly journals Production of Bio-ethanol from Solid Waste Paper Using Biological Activation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zeynu Shamil Awol ◽  
Rezika Tofike Abate
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Biomass Energy ◽  
Dilute Acid ◽  
Dilute Acid Hydrolysis ◽  
Economic Point ◽  
Solid Ratio ◽  
Alternative Energy Sources ◽  
Waste Office Paper

Abstract Biomass energy is renewable energy source that comes from the material of plants and animals. Forms of biomass energy are bio-ethanol, bio methanol, and biodiesel. Bio-ethanol is one of the most important alternative energy sources that substitute the fossil fuels. The focus of this research is to produce bio-ethanol from waste office paper. Five laboratory experiments were conducted to produce bio-ethanol from wastepaper. The wastepaper was dried in oven and cut in to pieces. Then it passed through dilute acid hydrolysis, fermentation and distillation process respectively. High amount of ethanol was observed at 20 ml/g (liquid to solid ratio) and at the time of 2hr. Cost and economic analysis for ethanol production from wastepaper was performed. Results from the analysis indicated a paper to ethanol plant was feasible from the economic point of view with rate of return (RR) 38.61% and the payback period of 2.2 years.

scholarly journals Analysis of the optimum pH and salinity conditions for the cultivation and biomass production of Chlorella vulgaris from cassava waste

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 171-178
Author(s):  
Uchenna Nwanodi Nwankwo ◽  
Obioma Kenechukwu Agwa
Keyword(s):  
Biomass Production ◽  
Chlorella Vulgaris ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Optimal Growth ◽  
Biofuel Production ◽  
Minimal Growth ◽  
Transportation Fuels ◽  
Optimum Ph ◽  
Cassava Waste

Biofuel serves as an alternative energy to the common fossil fuels currently in use globally and are drawing increasing attention worldwide as substitutes for petroleum-derived transportation fuels to help address challenges associated with petroleum derived fuels. Third generation biofuels, also termed advanced biofuels, are produced from fast growing microalgae and are potential replacements for conventional fuels. The growth and biomass production of these microalgae is dependent on the conditions they are cultivated such as pH and Salinity. Cassava waste mixtures were cultivated on Chlorella vulgaris stock culture at different concentration ratio at ambient temperature, natural light and dark conditions at 670nm absorbance for 14 days. Optimum growth was obtained at 160:40 for cassava peel water to cassava waste water CP:CW. pH variations 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5 and 9.0 were checked to determine the optimum pH for the growth and biomass production of Chlorella vulgaris on the optimum cassava waste mixture concentration. It revealed that at pH 6.5, optimal growth and biomass production was achieved, minimal growth was observed at pH 8.0 while minimal biomass was produced at pH 9.0. Salinity variations of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 mg/l were used to determine the growth response and biomass production of Chlorella vulgaris. It revealed that salinity variation at 10ppm will be necessary for highest growth on the cassava waste as well as in biomass production. The use of optimal pH and salinity can significantly increase biomass production thus enhancing biofuel production.

Concept of a Dome House for the Village

2019 ◽  
pp. 28-31
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Design Calculation ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Alternative Energy Sources ◽  
Metal Frame ◽  
The Village ◽  
Minimum Surface Area ◽  
Almost Continuous

The article discusses dome-type houses from the point of view of the concept of energy efficiency, energy saving and multi-functionality. The review of foreign and domestic experience in the design and construction of residential buildings, which are based on the dome cover, is presented. On the basis of this review, it is concluded that there is no unified design, calculation, production and technological regulatory framework. The advantages and disadvantages of dome houses are given. It is noted that the most suitable materials for creating the dome cover is a metal frame and almost continuous glazing. It is revealed that the dome design has a minimum surface area, which makes it possible to save up to 20 % of energy costs for its maintenance. The concept of a dome house combining the function of housing and a "winter garden" has been proposed. In addition, when creating a vegetarian house, other important agricultural and ecological problems are solved, the use of alternative energy sources for example. The article outlines the prospects for the development of this concept.

scholarly journals Role of Microalgae as a Source for Biofuel Production in the Future: A Short Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 396-412
Author(s):  
Mustafa Jawad Nuhma ◽  
Hajar Alias ◽  
Ali A. Jazie ◽  
Muhammad Tahir
Keyword(s):  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
Short Review ◽  
Biofuel Production ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Microalgae Oil ◽  
Chemical Products ◽  
Major Chemical ◽  
Open Access Article

The continued burning of fossil fuels since the beginning of the last century led to higher emissions of greenhouse gases and thus leads to global warming. Microalgae are one of the most important sources of green hydrocarbons because this type of algae has a high percentage of lipids and has rapid growth, consumes the carbon dioxide in large quantities. Besides, the cultivation of these types of algae does not require arable land. This review aims to explain the suitability of microalgae as a biofuel source depending on the fat content, morphology, and other parameters and their effect on the conversion processes of microalgae oil into biofuels by different zeolite catalytic reactions. It also discusses in detail the major chemical processes that convert microalgae oil to chemical products. This review sheds light on one of the most important groups of microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris microalgae). This review includes a historical overview and a comprehensive description of the structure needed to develop this type of algae. The most important methods of production, their advantages and disadvantages are also deliberated in this work. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0). 

scholarly journals Biomass - alternative renewable energy source and its conversion for hydrogen rich gas production

2019 ◽  
Vol 122 ◽  
pp. 01001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena David ◽  
Janez Kopac ◽  
Adrian Armeanu ◽  
Violeta Niculescu ◽  
Claudia Sandru ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Source ◽  
Renewable Energy Source ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Primary Energy ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Biomass Energy ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Production Technologies

This paper presnts biomass as a renewable energy source and defines the resources as well as the ways through biomass energy is converted into fuels, the technologies used for extracting the energy from biomass as well as the advantages and disadvantages that appear by using of biomass as a energy source. In addition,it is known hydrogen is an important alternative energy vector and a bridge to a sustainable way fot the energy future. Hydrogen is an energy carrier and can be obtained by different production technologies from a large variety of primary energy sources. At present, many researches are focused on getting energy from biomass, a sustainable and non-polluting way to replace fossil fuels, because the biomass can be considered as the best option with high potential, which meets energy requirements and could insure fuel supply in the future. Biomass and residual biomass can be used to produce hydrogen rich gas sustainably. Biomass pyrolysis and gasification offers an efficiency and economical route for the renewable hydrogen production and this is also discussed in the paper.

scholarly journals Perception and Attitude of Community towards the Development of Nyamplung in Patutrejo Village, Purworejo District

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-66
Author(s):  
Sanudin Sanudin
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Biofuel Production ◽  
Global Awareness ◽  
Alternative Energy Sources ◽  
Central Java ◽  
Perceptions And Attitudes ◽  
Modern Machine ◽  
Environmental Functions

Global awareness of the energy crisis and the environmental impacts related to fossil fuels have driven the use of alternative energy sources such as biofuels. Nyamplung is one type of plant suitable for biofuel production. This study aims to determine perception and attitude community towards the development of nyamplung. The study was conducted in April - July 2018 in Patutrejo Village, Purworejo District, Central Java. Data collection was carried out by interviewing the community involved in the Self-Sufficient Village program in 2009, namely farmers, extension workers, officials in the Forestry Service Branch and officials in Perum Perhutani. The data obtained were tabulated and analyzed using a Likert Scale. The results showed that perceptions and attitudes of the community towards the development of nyamplung are as follows: First, nyamplung is suitable to be developed for environmental functions, namely as a windbreak, which protects agricultural land near the sea to remain productive; Second, nyamplung is not profitable to be developed for biofuel business because the price of nyamplung seeds is low and the processing of nyamplung seeds requires a modern machine; and Third, the development of nyamplung for biofuels does not have the support of the community. They are not willing to plant nyamplung on their own land, are not interested in processing nyamplung seeds for biofuel and are not interested in collecting and selling nyamplung seeds.

scholarly journals Transport, ecology and taxes in the context of globalization

2021 ◽  
Vol 129 ◽  
pp. 11010
Author(s):  
Nikolai Privalov
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Road Transport ◽  
Transport Systems ◽  
Sea Transport ◽  
Environmental Aspect ◽  
Alternative Energy Sources ◽  
Economic Methods

Research background: One of the global problems of modern transport is the harmful impact on the environment due to the use of carbon fuels. This is especially true in the context of the globalization of the economy and en-vironmental problems. The world has long been in the process of switching to alternative energy sources and reducing the use of fossil fuels. Adminis-trative measures and taxation of CO2 emissions are applied. Purpose of the article: The purpose of the article is to conduct a literary review in peer-reviewed publications on the problem of transport taxes and to make proposals for the introduction of an environmental tax within the framework of the classification of taxes proposed by the author for the pur-pose of their introduction. This analysis showed the predominance of publi-cations with an environmental aspect. Basically, the authors analyze the application of taxes on CO2 emissions, as well as various methods (logistical, technological, managerial) to reduce these emissions and improve the efficiency of transport systems. The main object of research is road transport, to a lesser extent - air transport and sea transport. Methods: The system approach, methods of scientific abstraction, formal logic, dialectical-theoretical methods, the method of empirical analysis, and other economic methods were mainly used in obtaining research results. Findings & Value added: The article deals with the modern problems of calculating and paying the transport tax, its role in the costs of transport organizations. The transport tax in Russia is likely to be replaced by an en-vironmental tax. The variants of introducing the “ecological” component in the transport tax used in Singapura are proposed. The classification of taxes proposed by the author for the purpose of their introduction can also serve the purpose of preserving the environment.

scholarly journals SUSTAINABLE BIOFUEL PRODUCTION FROM ESTUARINE DIATOMS

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 01-17
Author(s):  
T.V. Ramchandran ◽  
Saranya Gunasekaran
Keyword(s):  
Community Structure ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Benthic Diatom ◽  
Lipid Productivity ◽  
Biofuel Production ◽  
Diatom Community ◽  
Carbon Sequestration Potential ◽  
Sequestration Potential

Purpose of the study: Microalgae with better carbon sequestration potential, higher biomass, and lipid productivity in comparison to terrestrial counterparts is emerging as a viable sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Diatoms, a subgroup of a broader category of microalgae are well-known for their role as a bio-indicator in palaeo-climatological studies across historical timelines. Understanding ecology, community structure, and habitat preference of diatoms are prerequisites for prioritizing diatom strains towards sustainable biofuel production along with value-added product extraction. Method: Selection of appropriate strains, economically viable harvesting and environmentally sound transesterification are the challenges faced in microalgal industry. The present study focusses on understanding the variability in benthic diatom community assemblages across seasons and its affinity to different substrata at fixed sampling locations in an estuarine eco-system through field sampling for twelve months covering all seasons. Main Findings: The results highlight the tolerance and resilience in select diatom strains in fluctuating water qualities and seasonal variations, the insights much needed during mass cultivation under open environments. Statistical data analyses revealed distinct demarcation between sensitive and tolerant species with selective habitat preferences and resilience to fluctuating environmental conditions. Variations of benthic diatom community structure across various substrata highlights substratum affinity of diatom strains. From the inferences derived through field studies, mixed consortia of diatoms were developed, monitored, and optimized for higher biomass and lipid productivity under controlled laboratory conditions. Application of the Study: The results highlight the prospects of phyco-prospecting of indigenously grown diatom strains for sustainable biofuel production.

scholarly journals Design and Tuning of Photoswitches for Solar Energy Storage

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (13) ◽  
pp. 3796
Author(s):  
Raul Losantos ◽  
Diego Sampedro
Keyword(s):  
Solar Energy ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Density Functional ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Computational Modelling ◽  
Energy Difference ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Alternative Energy Sources ◽  
Improved Performance

Current energy demand makes it compulsory to explore alternative energy sources beyond fossil fuels. Molecular solar thermal (MOST) systems have been proposed as a suitable technology for the use and storage of solar energy. Compounds used for this application need to fulfil a long series of requirements, being the absorption of sunlight and the energy stored some of the most critical. In this paper, we study different families of well-known molecular photoswitches from the point of view of their potential use as MOST. Starting from basic structures, we use density functional theory (DFT) computational modelling to propose two different strategies to increase the energy difference between isomers and to tune the absorption spectrum. The inclusion of a mechanical lock in the structure, via an alkyl chain and the presence of a hydrogen bonding are shown to directly influence the energy difference and the absorption spectra. Results shown here prove that these two approaches could be relevant for the design of new compounds with improved performance for MOST applications.

scholarly journals Improving Product Yield in the Direct Carboxylation of Glycerol with CO2 through the Tailored Selection of Dehydrating Agents

Catalysts ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 138
Author(s):  
Nurul Razali ◽  
James McGregor
Keyword(s):  
Produced Water ◽  
Synthesis Method ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Product Yield ◽  
Product Formation ◽  
Glycerol Carbonate ◽  
Catalyst Synthesis ◽  
Surface Basicity ◽  
Selection Of

Improved yields of, and selectivities to, value-added products synthesised from glycerol are shown to be achieved through the judicious selection of dehydrating agents and through the development of improved catalysts. The direct carboxylation of glycerol with CO2 over lanthanum-based catalysts can yield glycerol carbonate in the presence of basic species, or acetins in the presence of acidic molecules. The formation of glycerol carbonate is thermodynamically limited; removal of produced water shifts the chemical equilibrium to the product side. Acetonitrile, benzonitrile and adiponitrile have been investigated as basic dehydrating agents to promote glycerol carbonate synthesis. In parallel, acetic anhydride has been studied as an acidic dehydrating agent to promote acetin formation. Alongside this, the influence of the catalyst synthesis method has been investigated allowing links between the physicochemical properties of the catalyst and catalytic performance to be determined. The use of acetonitrile and La catalysts allows the results for the novel dehydrating agents to be benchmarked against literature data. Notably, adiponitrile exhibits significantly enhanced performance over other dehydrating agents, e.g., achieving a 5-fold increase in glycerol carbonate yield with respect to acetonitrile. This is in part ascribed to the fact that each molecule of adiponitrile has two nitrile functionalities to promote the reactive removal of water. In addition, mechanistic insights show that adiponitrile results in reduced by-product formation. Considering by-product formation, 4-hydroxymethyl(oxazolidin)-2-one (4-HMO) has, for the first time, been observed in all reaction systems using cyanated species. Studies investigating the influence of the catalyst synthesis route show a complex relationship between surface basicity, surface area, crystallite phase and reactivity. These results suggest alternative strategies to maximise the yield of desirable products from glycerol through tailoring the reaction chemistry and by-product formation via an appropriate choice of dehydrating agents and co-reagents.

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