Ru-gC3N4 Catalyzed Hydrodebenzylation of Benzyl Protected Alcohol and Acid Groups Using Sodium Hypophosphite as a Hydrogen Source

A straightforward process for hydrodebenzylation of benzyl protected acid and alcohol derivatives to the corresponding acids and alcohols using sodium hypophosphite in the presence of Ru-GCN catalyst is reported. The developed Ru-GCN catalyst is cost effective compared to other noble metal-based catalysts and has been explored to exhibit excellent activity for catalytic hydrodebenzylation reactions under moderate reaction conditions. The non-corrosive sodium hypophosphite has been found as a better hydrogen donor compared to alkali metal formats in presence of Ru-GCN catalyst. The stated catalyst was characterized using several spectrometric and material characterization methods such as PXRD, IR, SEM, TEM, XPS, and TGA. The Ru-GCN catalyst corroborated good reusability and stability for multiple cycles. The catalyst preparation is facile and the developed process is simple and safe as it avoids use of high hydrogen pressure. The developed protocol can also be replicated on industrial scale on account of excellent recyclability and retained activity after multiple cycles and makes the process sustainable. Gram scale reaction was performed to verify the industrial potential of reported catalyst.

Ultra-precision measurement of hydrogen storage capacity in metal nanoparticles using quartz crystal at low temperature and high hydrogen pressure

Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the known universe, and in a climate where the scarcity of resources is at the forefront of our minds, its value as an energy source that produces zero carbon emissions cannot be overestimated. The potential of hydrogen has caught the attention of scientists worldwide, with several candidates so far being uncovered to fulfil the role of supplying or storing hydrogen as a compressed or liquified gas. Of these candidates, metal alloys have proven to be promising options, although there is still much work to be carried out in this area in terms of operability and economic value. At Kyushu University's Department of Applied Quantum Physics, Assistant Professor Yuji Inagaki and Associate Professor Tatsuya Kawae are focused on detecting and measuring hydrogen absorption in metals. In doing so, they are also investigating fundamental properties of hydrogen-related phenomena, such as superconductivity with potential high-Tc in hydrogen-rich materials and quantum tunneling of hydrogen in metals. Their research has prompted the development of novel techniques and real-time measurement of hydrogen absorption, resulting in very real progress towards realising a world in which the metal-hydrogen system plays an essential role in reducing environmental loading.

Health Safety and Environmental Hazards of the Chlorination Unit of Combined Cycle Power Plants by Using HAZOP and Bow-Tie Methods

Introduction: Power plants are considered as the most important infrastructure for economic development. Risk assessment and risk management in these industries is essential to prevent accidents in these type of industries. The purpose of this study was to identify and evaluate the health safety and environmental hazards of the chlorination unit of combined cycle power plants by using HAZOP and Bow-Tie methods. Methods: In this study, the hazards of chlorine production in different parts of the chlorination unit were identified using the HAZOP method. After assessing the hazards, the scenario of converting high risk into critical events was developed. Finally, the Bow-Tie method was used to assess the selected critical event. Resulting: 7 top events and 105 risk cases were identified in the chlorination unit of the studied plant by using HAZOP method. The results showed that 65% of identified risks were acceptable and 14% related to the undesirable risks. The risk of the Chlorine Reservoir explosion related to high hydrogen pressure with regard to identified threats and also its financial, environmental and personal injuries consequences was determined as the most important top event. Therefore this event was analyzed by Bow-Tie and risk prevention measures were proposed. Conclusion: Using the combined method to identify and analyze the hazards showed the effectiveness of these methods together. Also, choosing the appropriate methods to overlap the strengths and weaknesses of each method can lead to an optimal outcome in risk management.