Bio-based Energy Research Articles

The versatility of iota-carrageenan biopolymer for the fabrication of non-toxic bio-based energy storage devices

The number of portable devices produced worldwide is strongly increasing, which results in an increasing need for energy storage devices. These devices are typically fabricated with scarce and toxic materials. Consequently, there is a current trend towards the substitution of these materials by biopolymers, although they are still often mixed with toxic substances to improve specific performance aspects. To address this issue, this work presents a self-standing non-toxic and potentially biodegradable polymer electrolyte membrane for electrochemical energy storage applications consisting of an abundant biopolymer, iota-carrageenan, and Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES).11List of abbreviations: DES: Deep eutectic solvent [EMIM][SCN]: 1-Ethyl-3-methyl-imidazolium thiocyanate CV: Cyclic voltammetry FTIR: Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy EIS: Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy CPE: Constant phase element. Ionic conductivities as high as 2 mS/cm were achieved for a proportion of carrageenan and DES of 25:75. Aqueous electrically conductive inks containing carbon black and active carbon were also developed using the same polymeric matrix. The inks were successfully printed (stencil method) on different substrates and electrically characterized, achieving sheet resistances as low as 38 Ω/sq. Supercapacitors were then fabricated by printing the electrically conductive ink on both sides of the self-standing membrane, demonstrating the versatility of iota-carrageenan biopolymer in the development of sustainable energy storage devices. The measured capacitance of the supercapacitors was 3.3 mF/cm2 in cyclic voltammetry characterization and 2.7 mF/cm2 when charging-discharging at 0.05 mA/cm2. The supercapacitors were found to be stable in cyclability studies, showing a capacity retention of 99 % after 5000 charge–discharge cycles.

Construction and mechanism analysis of flame-retardant, energy-storage and transparent bio-based composites based on natural cellulose template

With the proposal of sustainable development strategy, bio-based energy storage transparent wood (TW) has shown broad application value in green buildings, cold chain transportation, and optoelectronic device fields. However, its application in most fields is limited due to its own flammability. In this study, epoxy resin, triethyl phosphate (TEP) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) were introduced into delignified balsa wood template by vacuum pressure impregnation, and bio-based TW/PEG/TEP integrating flame retardant, high strength and phase-change energy-storage performance was prepared. TW/PEG composites have no leakage during phase change process and their transparency is up to 95 %. Compared with TW/PEG, the shielding effect of char layer and the inhibition effect in condensed and gas phase significantly decrease the total heat release of TW/PEG/TEP. TW/PEG/TEP biocomposites still maintained a high enthalpy of phase change and a low peak melting temperature, which was conducive to its application around the area of low temperature phase change energy storage. In addition, the tensile strength of TW/PEG/TEP was nearly 4 times higher than that of DW, and its toughness was obviously enhanced. TW/PEG/TEP biocomposites conformed to the current concept of energy-saving and green development. It has the potential to replace traditional petrochemical-based materials and shows excellent application prospects in emerging fields.

Sustainable Lignin to Enhance Engineering Properties of Unsaturated Expansive Subgrade Soils

New ways to apply sustainable materials, such as biomass components, are essential for reducing dependence on fossil fuels. This work investigated the engineering properties of unsaturated expansive subgrade soils stabilized by bio-based energy coproducts containing lignin. Lignin is a waste by-product of the paper and pulp industry that is frequently burned. Highway subgrade could consume lignin as an environmentally benign, low-cost, and energy-efficient chemical substance for soil stabilization. Swell and shrink behavior of expansive subgrade soils complicates highway construction and causes damage to existing highways. However, research on the hydromechanical properties and volume change behavior of lignin-stabilized expansive soil is limited, and better insight is required into its unsaturated behavior for safe and economical pavement design practices. In this research, a series of geotechnical laboratory tests were conducted to characterize expansive subgrade soils treated with lignin by determining the Atterberg limits, compaction and consolidation behaviors, swelling characteristics, and water retention properties. The mechanisms influencing the changes in engineering properties of lignin-treated expansive soils were further investigated using soil pH, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. The study shows that the optimal lignin content contributed to an acceptable degree of soil stabilization. The lignin-based cementing material effectively bonds soil particles together and fills pores, thereby preventing water infiltration into the soil and reducing the swell–shrink potential of stabilized soils.

Biodegradable hyaluronic acid-based triboelectric nanogenerator as self-powered temperature sensor

Bio-based energy harvesting devices must make use of building blocks that incorporate intrinsic properties of flexibility, transparency, mechanical resistance and potential to harvest energy in contact with the body. The use of hyaluronic acid film as a tribopositive layer represents a promising strategy in bioelectronics for the development of battery-free devices. Herein, it is reported a new triboelectric nanogenerator based on the hyaluronic acid film with promising electrical output (voltage of 398.5 V and current of 21.9 μA) with a linear variation in the open circuit voltage as a function of the temperature that was explored in a prototype of a self-powered temperature sensor applied in the range of the 27 °C – 43 °C.

Reducing US biofuels requirements mitigates short-term impacts of global population and income growth on agricultural environmental outcomes

Biobased energy, particularly corn starch-based ethanol and other liquid renewable fuels, is a major element of federal and state energy policies in the United States. These policies are motivated by energy security and climate change mitigation objectives, but corn ethanol does not substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions when compared to petroleum-based fuels in all production scenarios. Corn production also imposes substantial negative externalities (e.g., nitrogen leaching, higher food prices, water scarcity, and indirect land use change). In this paper, we utilize a partial equilibrium model of corn-soy production and trade to analyze the potential of reduced US demand for corn as a biobased energy feedstock to mitigate increases in nitrogen leaching, crop production and land use associated with growing global populations and income from 2020 to 2050. We estimate that a 24% demand reduction would sustain land use and nitrogen leaching below 2020 levels through the year 2025, and a 41% reduction would do so through 2030. Outcomes are similar across major watersheds where corn and soy are intensively farmed.

Thermo-chemical conversion of cucumber peel waste for biobased energy and chemical production

Thermo-chemical conversion of cucumber peel waste for biobased energy and chemical production

The effect of particle size and concentration on the frictional behavior of vertical upward flows of wheat straw aqueous slurries

The pipeline hydro-transport of agricultural residue biomass could enhance the capacity of bio-based energy facilities for large-scale bio-fuel production. The vertical transport of chopped wheat straw aqueous slurries in upward flows was examined through a 29 m long, 50 mm diameter closed-circuit pipeline facility at laboratory scale. The frictional pressure drops of straw slurries for saturated concentrations of 5–40 % (mass) were measured and analyzed as a function of particle size, slurry solid concentration, and slurry flow rate. The pressure drops of straw slurries were below those of water, and the difference increased with an increase in solid concentrations exhibiting drag-reducing features; however, this effect seemed to be completely dominated by the particle size. For the ranges of flow velocities (0.5–4.0 m s−1) and particle sizes (6.4 mm, 3.2 mm, and<3.2 mm) considered, the 6.4 mm particle size straw slurries demonstrated the highest drag reduction (19.7 %) at a 20 % (mass) concentration and a slurry velocity of 1.5 m s−1. For the smallest particle size straw slurries (<3.2 mm), the drag reduction was almost negligible. The indirect measurements of in situ concentration through the obtained delivered concentrations showed all the straw slurries to be homogenous with the maximum difference of 10 % between delivered and prepared concentrations. The wheat straw aqueous slurries in vertical upward flows displayed different characteristics than those in horizontal flows at similar flow conditions, particularly at low velocities. This research could help design and operate a long-distance integrated pipeline network for large-scale bio-fuel production.

Sprayable biofilm – Agarose hydrogels as 3D matrix for enhanced productivity in bioelectrochemical systems

Bio-based energy production utilizing renewable resources can be realized by exoelectrogenic organisms and their application in bioelectrochemical systems (BES). These organisms catalyze the direct conversion of chemical into electrical energy and are already widely used in bioelectronics and biosensing. However, the biofilm-electrode interaction is a factor that limits sufficient space-time-yields for industrial applications. In this study, a hydrogel matrix consisting of agarose fibers was utilized as a scaffold for S. oneidensis cells to improve anodic processes in BES. This synthetic, scalable biofilm reached a higher current density in BES in comparison to naturally formed biofilms. Complemented with carbon nanofibers and riboflavin, the application of this functionalized hydrogel containing S. oneidensis cells led to an overall 9.1-fold increase in current density to 1324 mA m−2 in comparison to 145 mA m−2 for the planktonic control. In addition, the synthetic biofilm can be applied by spraying onto surfaces using a novel spray applicator. The latter allows to apply the biofilm effortless on large surfaces which will facilitate scalability and thus industrial application.

Production and Bioethanol Potentials of Seven Dryland-Developed Grain Sorghum Cultivars in the Relatively Moist Mid-Atlantic Region

ABSTRACT Global demand for bio-based energy is on the rise and so is research on bioenergy feedstock productivity. In this study, seven cultivars of grain sorghums (‘301/41,’ ‘304/5,’ ‘319/8,’ ‘319/22,’ ‘341/10,’ ‘341/120,’ and ‘366/58’) which developed in the drylands of Texas-US were evaluated in the Mid-Atlantic, a relatively wet region. The objective of the study was to evaluate crop response to phosphorus, productivity in the Mid-Atlantic, and its potential for bioethanol production. Seed yield, starch, and element content, stover biomass, forage quality, and whole-plant bioethanol yield were determined. Phosphorus had no effect, and only cultivars were compared. Cultivar showed differences in seed and stover yield, seed quality attributes, and potential bioethanol yield. Cultivar ‘366/58’ produced the greatest seed yield averaged at 4934 kg ha −1 yr −1 while ‘301/41’ and ‘341/10’ produced the least averaged at 2,743 and 2,968 kg ha −1, respectively, Stover yield across years ranged from 6,798 to 13,365 kg ha −1, and the whole plant estimated bioethanol ranged from 3,159 to 5,770 L ha −1. The stover had appreciable forage quality, including a 49 g kg −1 crude protein, sufficient for animal maintenance needs. Up to 96 kg N ha −1 and 211 kg K ha −1 were removed from harvested stover, an issue of concern for crop fertilizer management strategy and sustained production.

Improving the potable water generation through tubular solar still using eggshell powder (bio-based energy source) as a natural energy storage material - an experimental approach.

The demand for fresh water is rapidly growing as a consequence of the increasing population and urbanization. Tubular solar still offers larger evaporative and condensing surface area as compared to single slope solar still. The aim of this study is to improve the performance of tubular solar still by employing eggshell powder (collected from Babcobb Broilers chicken) as the sensible energy storage material in form of bed, placed inside the basin of still to improve the water production. Results showed that the influence of eggshell powder as energy storage material in the basin improved the average water temperature by 3%, 6.2%, and 3.2% for the water thickness of 10, 15, and 20mm, respectively. The usage of eggshells as a sensible energy storage in the basin augmented the peak hourly water yield by 67.64% with minimum water thickness. The total observed distillate output from the solar still is 1.45kg without eggshell powder and 2.67kg for with eggshell powder in the absorber at the lowest water thickness of 10mm. TSS with eggshell powder as energy storage has a daily energy efficiency of 48.17%, 42.38%, and 36.38%, respectively, for water thicknesses of 10, 15, and 20mm in the basin. Water thickness of 10, 15, and 20mm has performance improvement ratios of 1.83, 1.81, and 1.78, respectively. Using cost analysis, it was found that the cost of drinkable water generated using eggshell as an energy storage material is 0.011$/kg, but the cost of water by traditional still without any storage material was 0.021$/kg.

The plastics integrated assessment model (PLAIA): Assessing emission mitigation pathways and circular economy strategies for the plastics sector

Integrated assessment models (IAM) study the interlinkages between human and natural systems and play a key role in assessing global strategies to reduce global warming. However, they largely neglect the role of materials and the circular economy. With the Plastics Integrated Assessment model (PLAIA), we included plastic production, use, and end-of-life in the IAM IMAGE. PLAIA models the global plastics sector and its impacts up to 2100 for 26 world regions, providing a long-term, dynamic perspective of the sector and its interactions with other socioeconomic and natural systems. This article summarizes the model structure, mathematical formulation, assumptions, and data sources. The model links the upstream chemical production with the downstream production of plastics, their use in different sectors, and their end of life. Therefore, PLAIA can assess material use and emission mitigation strategies throughout the whole life cycle in an IAM, including the impacts of the circular economy on mitigating climate change. PLAIA projects plastics demand, production pathways and specifies the annual plastic waste generation, collection, and the impact of waste management strategies. It shows the fossil and bio-based energy and carbon flows in product stocks, landfills, and the emissions in production and at the end of life.•We included plastics production, use, and waste management into an Integrated Assessment Model (IAM).•Our model PLAIA provides a long-term, dynamic perspective of the global plastics sector until 2100 and its interactions with other sectors and the environment.•PLAIA can assess the impact of material use and emission mitigation strategies throughout the whole life cycle of plastics.

Sustainability implications of transformation pathways for the bioeconomy

Countries around the world are devising and implementing bioeconomy strategies to initiate transformation towards sustainable futures. Modern concepts of bioeconomy extend beyond bio-based energy provision and include: (1) the substitution of fossil resource-based inputs to various productive sectors, such as the chemical industry and the construction sector, (2) more efficient, including new and cascading uses of biomass, and (3) a low bulk, but high-value biologisation of processes in agro-food, pharmaceutical, and recycling industries. Outcomes of past attempts at engineering transformation, however, proved to be context-dependent and contingent on appropriate governance measures. In this paper we theoretically motivate and apply a system-level theory of change framework that identifies central mechanisms and four distinct pathways, through which bio-based transformation can generate positive or negative outcomes in multiple domains of the Sustainable Development Goals. Based on emblematic examples from three bio-based sectors, we apply the framework illustrating how case-specific mixes of transformation pathways emerge and translate into outcomes. We find that the observed mixes of transformation pathways evoke distinct mechanisms that link bioeconomic change to sustainability gains and losses. Based on this insight we derive four key lessons that can help to inform the design of strategies to enable and regulate sustainable bioeconomies.

ICE Relevant Physical-chemical Properties and Air Pollutant Emission of Renewable Transport Fuels from Different Generations – An Overview

The fuel demand in transport sector seems to be raised on a short and also on a long term base in the European Union and worldwide as well. A constantly growing trend is foreseen through 2050 worldwide as for using bio-based energy or fuels. Questions can arise before using these kinds of fuels in connection with the use of clean water or in terms of soil degradation, plant nutrients. It is also questionable whether they can be useful regarding their usage. First-, and second generation liquid as well as third generation gaseous bio-based fuels will be in focus in this article. They will be analyzed from physical-chemical properties and pollutant emission points of view.

Lignocellulosic waste biomass for biohydrogen production: future challenges and bio‐economic perspectives

AbstractThe reduction of greenhouse gases in the automobile and industrial sectors has been a focus of global concern due to their adverse effects on the environment. This has led to a search for clean, green, and sustainable biobased energy sources. Green energy sources have a positive effect on the environment. Lignocellulosic waste biomass from various agro‐processing and industrial sources has a strong potential for mitigating energy crises in the future, supplying green energy produced by biochemical and thermochemical conversion processes. Amongst all of the biofuels, biohydrogen is a promising option. It has a high energy content and can be produced from lignocellulosic biomass by microbial fermentation processes. In this review, recent advances in various aspects of biohydrogen production from lignocellulosic biomass‐like processes are described. Future challenges and opportunities for hydrogen production from waste are summarized critically. Bioeconomic perspectives on biohydrogen production from waste biomass are explained. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd

Comparison of Novel Biochars and Steam Activated Carbon from Mixed Conifer Mill Residues

There is increasing demand in environmental remediation and other sectors for specialized sorbents made from renewable materials rather than hard coals and minerals. The proliferation of new pyrolysis technologies to produce bio-based energy, fuels, chemicals, and bioproducts from biomass has left significant gaps in our understanding of how the various carbonaceous materials produced by these systems respond to processes intended to improve their adsorption properties and commercial value. This study used conventional steam activation in an industrial rotary calciner to produce activated carbon (AC) from softwood biochars made by three novel pyrolysis systems. Steam was injected across four heating zones ranging from 816 °C to 927 °C during paired trials conducted at calciner retention times of 45 min and 60 min. The surface area of the three biochars increased from 2.0, 177.3, and 289.1 m2 g−1 to 868.4, 1092.9, and 744.8 m2 g−1, respectively. AC iodine number ranged from 951 to 1218 mg g−1, comparing favorably to commercial AC produced from bituminous coal and coconut shell. The results of this study can be used to operationalize steam activation as a post-processing treatment for biochar and to expand markets for biochar as a precursor in the manufacture of specialized industrial sorbents.

The effect of digestate fertilisation on grass biogas yield and soil properties in field-biomass-biogas-field renewable energy production approach in Lithuania

The shift from a fossil economy to a biological economy will stimulate the demand for bio-based energy generation. One promising strategy to meet the growing demand for biomass for energy production is to re-cultivate abandoned arable land. The digestate fertilisation approach for the sake of increased biomass yields is the key strategy towards more sustainable biogas generation in many regions. To minimise digestate utilisation costs, biogas plant operators seek to spread the liquid digestate as close as possible to its storage location. The present work is focused on the evaluation of the digestate impact on the eroded agricultural soil, the improved biomass yield of semi-natural grassland biomass and its biogas potential. Three-year field experiment results indicate the positive effect of solid and liquid digestate on soil fertility and quality. The amount of dissolved organic carbon in eroded loamy Retisol increased 3.7% and 15% in soil 0–10 cm layer with fertilisation rate of 170 kg ha−1 N of liquid and solid digestate, respectively. In terms of total nitrogen, 11.6% and 20% increases were achieved using 170 kg ha−1 N of liquid and solid digestate compared to unfertilised. Furthermore, the grass fresh biomass yield was up to 3 times higher compared to the unfertilised yield. The biomethane yield of biomass from digestate-fertilised fields was higher for every fertilisation rate applied. The highest biomethane yield was for 170 kg N ha−1 liquid digestate applied, yielding 19% more biogas compared to untreated field biomass due to both increased biogas yield and increased methane content.

The role of biomaterials for the energy transition from the lens of a national integrated assessment model.

Integrated assessment models (IAMs) indicate biomass as an essential energy carrier to reduce GHG emissions in the global energy system. However, few IAMs represent the possibility of co-producing final energy carriers and feedstock. This study fills this gap by developing an integrated analysis of energy, land, and materials. This allows us to evaluate if the production of biofuels in a climate-constrained scenario can co-output biomaterials, being also driven by hydrocarbons/carbohydrates liquid streams made available from the transition to electromobility. The analysis was implemented through the incorporation of a materials module in the Brazilian Land Use and Energy System model. The findings show that bio-based petrochemicals account for 33% of the total petrochemical production in a stringent carbon dioxide mitigation scenario, in 2050. Most of this comes as co-products from facilities that produce advanced fuels as the main product. Moreover, from 2040 mobility electrification leads to the repurpose of ethanol for material production, compensating for the fuel market loss. Finally, the emergence of biorefineries to provide bio-based energy and feedstock reduces petroleum refining utilization in 2050, affecting the production of oil derivatives for energy purposes, and, hence, the GHG emissions associated with their production and combustion.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10584-021-03201-1.

Positioning Bio-Based Energy Systems in a Hypercomplex Decision Space—A Case Study

The optimization of the energy portfolio for a small, open, landlocked economy with rather limited fossil resources is a complex task because it must find a long-range, sustainable balance between the various goals of society under the constant pressure of different interest groups. The opinions of independent, informed experts could be an essential input in the decision-making process. The goal of this research was to determine the relative importance of the values and goals potentially accompanying projects, based on the utilization of bioenergy. The current research is based on a wide-ranging survey of 65 non-partisan experts, applying the Pareto analytic hierarchy process to ensure the unbiased prioritization of project segments. The results of the survey put a spotlight on the importance of the economic role of bioenergy projects. Contrary to previous expectations and considerations, the social functions of these projects have hitherto been given relatively little importance. The results highlight the importance of bioenergy in increasing the income-generating capacity of agricultural producers by optimal utilization of natural resources for agricultural production. This can be achieved without considerable deterioration of the natural environment. Modern agricultural production is characterized by high levels of mechanization and automatization. Under these conditions, the social role of bioenergy projects (job creation) is rather limited.

Waste to fuel: biodiesel production from bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) seed as a novel bio-based energy resource

Waste to fuel: biodiesel production from bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) seed as a novel bio-based energy resource

Energy strategies in the pulp and paper industry in Sweden: Interactions between efficient resource utilisation and increased product diversification

The pulp and paper industry faces several challenges linked to climate and environmental impact, resource efficiency, rising energy prices, increased competition for biomass resources, and declining demand for traditional printed paper products. However, these challenges also offer strategic opportunities for the industry to develop into a competitive, resource-efficient, and low-carbon industry in line with a biobased economy. Against this background, this paper aims to analyse current energy strategies in the pulp and paper industry in Sweden. Specifically, the paper analyses how companies combine continuous process efficiency to reduce energy costs with activities that could be developed into new energy-related products to increase revenue. Most of the analysed companies work to various degrees with both these strategies, employing methods that include improving energy efficiency, energy security, and energy conversion, as well as developing a wide range of biobased energy products. However, our study indicates that there is an untapped potential associated with energy product development, and we conclude that energy efficiency measures can free up resources, enabling the development of new energy products. Finally, several potential managerial outcomes and implications are outlined.