Concentrated Potassium Hydroxide Research Articles

Development and validation of an acid/alkaline digestion method for efficient microplastic extraction from wastewater treatment plant effluents: Sulfuric acid concentration and contact time do matter

Accurate analysis of microplastic particles (MPs) in environmental samples requires removal of interferences during sample preparation. Wastewater samples are interference-rich and thus particularly challenging, with concentrated sulfuric acid currently deemed impractical as a reagent. Therefore, this study aimed to establish a straightforward, effective, and safe method employing concentrated sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide to eliminate interferents from effluent samples obtained from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). We found that 80 % sulfuric acid at room temperature with a brief contact time of 5 min was viable through a qualitative spot test involving 37 plastics categorized into three types (I, II, and III) based on their polymer structure's oxygen position. A quantitative assessment revealed that treatments involving H2SO4 and KOH (20 %, 24 h, 48 °C), either separately or in combination, had no discernible physical impact on the overall plastics, except for a subtle one for Type III plastics (e.g., nylon and PMMA) known to be labile under harsh pH conditions. This acid/alkaline digestion (AAD) method, incorporating such conditions for H2SO4 and KOH treatments, yielded a high mass removal efficacy (97.8 ± 2.4 %, n = 13) for eliminating natural particle interferents for primary, secondary, and tertiary effluent samples. Furthermore, the AAD method allowed for the determination of MPs in effluents with high surrogate particle recoveries (e.g., 95.1 % for larger than 500 μm size fraction). This method is readily adaptable to create appropriate protocols for different types of environmental matrices.

Influence of Contact Pressure and Flow Rate on the Performance of Anion Exchange Membrane Electrolysis

Hydrogen production by electrolysis is a key aspect of a climate-neutral economy. However, there are still weak points in the established low-temperature technologies such as high material costs in case of PEM electrolysis and poor dynamic operations in case of alkaline electrolysis. The emerging electrolysis technology, the anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolysis, addresses these weaknesses and combines their advantages. Due to the solid polymer electrolyte and the alkaline environment, AEM water electrolysis is featured by a compact zero-gap cell design and inexpensive materials like non-noble metal catalysts. Hence, it offers the potential to a cost-effective and efficient electrolysis technology.To enable the breakthrough of this technology, we contribute by conducting performance evaluations of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) under application-oriented conditions. One focus is on non-noble metal MEAs with an active area of 25 cm2 operated with pure water and low concentrated potassium hydroxide solution.To ensure comparability of different MEAs, it is crucial to compare them at their performance optimum. This is achieved by determining the optimal set-up parameters like contact pressure and operation parameters like flow rate for each MEA type. Otherwise, deviation from the optimal operating point by up to 50 % may occur.The influence of the parameters contact pressure and flow rate on the MEA performance is discussed in this presentation. To investigate their impact, we analysed the MEAs in an electrolyser test station using polarisation curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and load tests at constant current and constant voltage.Some of the results presented are obtained within the project “REVAL – reversible anion exchange membrane electrolysis” (funding code 03ZZ0732D) funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

Sustainable Alkali-Activated Slag Binders Based on Alternative Activators Sourced From Mineral Wool and Glass Waste

In the present study, four different locally available waste glass materials (bottle glass-BG, glass wool-GW, stone wool-SW and cathode-ray tube glass-CRTG) were treated with hot concentrated potassium hydroxide (KOH) in order to obtain alternative alkali activators (AAAs). We evaluated the suitability of the solutions obtained for use as AAAs in the production of AAMs. AAMs were prepared using electric arc furnace slag and selected AAAs with a higher content of dissolved Si. We evaluated the performance of the AAMs in comparison to that of slags activated with KOH or potassium-silicate (K-silicate). The compressive strength of the AAMs prepared with KOH-based AAAs were high when Si and Al were simultaneously abundant in the AAA (9.47 MPa when using the activator sourced from the CRTG), and low with the addition of KOH alone (1.97 MPa). The AAM produced using commercial K-silicate yielded the highest compressive strength (27.7 MPa). The porosity of the KOH-based AAM was lowest when an alternative BG-based activator was used (24.1%), when it was similar to that of the AAM prepared with a K-silicate. The BG-based activator had the highest silicon content (33.1 g/L), and NMR revealed that Si was present in the form of Q0, Q1 and Q2. The concentrations of toxic trace elements in the AAAs used for alkali activation of the slag were also determined, and leaching experiments were performed on the AAMs to evaluate the immobilisation potential of alkali-activated slag. In the SW AAAs the results show acceptable concentrations of trace and minor elements with respect to the regulations on waste disposal sites, while in the activators prepared from BG, CRTG and GW some elements exceeded the allowable limits (Pb, Ba, Sb, and As).

A seed of Albizzia julibrissin wild plant as an efficient source for biodiesel production

The Albizzia julibrissin seed oil was studied for the first time as a promising unconventional raw material for the preparation of biodiesel fuel. We aim to optimize different oil extraction reaction parameters, alkali-catalyzed transesterification process for maximal biodiesel production and finally evaluated its compatibility with mineral diesel. In the present work, various solvents, as well as various catalysts were tested before potassium hydroxide was chosen for further study. The optimization factors in transesterification included the molar ratio of oil to methanol, stirring rate, reaction duration, catalyst concentration (potassium hydroxide) and biodiesel production temperature. The optimal conditions comprised the ratio of methanol to oil was 6:1 M, reaction time was 60 min, the amount of catalyst was 0.30 g, and the temperature was 65 °C. Under these conditions, the yield of Albizzia julibrissin methyl ester obtained was 98%. The Soxhlet extraction process provides the maximum Albizzia julibrissin oil content, in the range of 19–24%, followed by 9.9% of mechanical extraction. Gas chromatography provides a foundation for classifying the fatty acid composition of oils. The characterization of biodiesel products was carried out by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H and 13C), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The fuel characteristics of Albizzia julibrissin were determined according to the American Standard for Testing Material and European Norm test methods which confirmed it as a suitable alternative to petroleum diesel. In conclusion, Albizzia julibrissin seed oil can be considered as a new raw material for biodiesel production.

Reactions of Neptunium(V) in Alkali-Metal Hydroxides.

The preparation of two new neptunium hydroxide compounds synthesized in concentrated potassium and rubidium hydroxide is reported. The phases K4[(NpO2)2(OH)6]·4H2O and Rb4[(NpO2)4(OH)8]·2H2O were prepared and their chemical structures determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Raman spectra of the compounds are also presented. The newly synthesized phases are structurally related to Np2O5 and Na[NpO2(OH)2]. The potassium-containing phase reported here consists of infinite chains of edge-sharing neptunium hydroxide polyhedra but lacking the cation-cation interactions (CCIs) observed in Np2O5 and Na[NpO2(OH)2]. Rb4[(NpO2)4(OH)8]·2H2O is a an expanded three-dimensional framework based on NpO2+ CCIs like those observed in Np2O5 and Na[NpO2(OH)2]. Together these complexes begin to develop a structural series of neptunium(V) oxides and hydroxides of varying dimensionalities within the alkali-metal series. The potential roles of the alkali-metal cations and neptunyl(V) CCIs in directing the resulting structures are discussed.

The effect of corrosive substances on fingermark recovery: A pilot study

Corrosive substance attacks have become a growing issue within the UK. Although most commonly occurring in gang-related offences, there are high profile instances where this type of attack has been used to attack women to disfigure and destroy livelihoods. Despite the increase in such attacks, there has been very little published research into the recovery of forensic evidence from items used in these crimes. The effect of corrosive substances on the recovery of different types of forensic evidence is unknown, and there is no guidance for laboratories processing exhibits contaminated with corrosive substances regarding optimum treatments. This pilot study focused on establishing the effectiveness of a range of fingermark visualisation processes in recovering fingermarks on surfaces exposed to concentrated sulfuric acid (acid) and potassium hydroxide (alkali). Results indicate that on non-porous surfaces vacuum metal deposition and powder suspensions remain effective, and on porous surfaces fingermarks could still be visualised with physical developer. Alkalis were found to be more detrimental than acid environments in this limited study. The results demonstrate that fingermark recovery is still feasible on surfaces exposed to corrosive substances and provides encouragement that treatment protocols could be developed for this type of exhibit.

Textured stainless steel foil as efficient rear reflector for flexible black silicon

This paper reports textured SS foil as an efficient rear reflector for flexible b-Si. Wafer thinning by concentrated potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution followed by metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE) are used to fabricate the flexible b-Si with 67 μm thickness. After the MACE process, the b-Si exhibit nanowires (NWs) with average diameter of 100 nm and height of 1.25 µm. To texture the stainless steel (SS) foil, wet chemical etching involving hydrofluoric (HF) acid (49%) is used at room temperature for different durations; from 10 to 30 min. When increasing the etching time of the SS foil, the SS foil exhibits formation of random textures with the roughest morphology after being etched for 20 min. At the same etching time, the SS foil also shows the highest root mean square (RMS) surface roughness and peak texture angle with a broad angle distribution. With the textured SS foil, the flexible b-Si demonstrates absorption enhancement of 1.27 at wavelength of 1075 nm due to the enhanced light scattering at the b-Si/textured SS interface.

Impact of HHO gas enrichment and high purity biodiesel on the performance of a 315 cc diesel engine

Biodiesel and oxyhydrogen (HHO) gas have shown promising results in improving engine performance and emissions. In this work, the effects of HHO gas and 5% biodiesel blends (B5) and their combined use in a 315 cc diesel engine have been analyzed. Biodiesel is produced by base catalyzed transesterification and cleaned by emulsification. Its calculated cetane index (CCI) was 61.4. HHO gas is produced from electrolysis of concentrated potassium hydroxide solution. The use of 5% biodiesel blend resulted in a significant rise of 9.4% in the brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and a maximum reduction of 8.19% in the brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC). HHO enrichment of diesel and biodiesel at 2.81 L/min through the intake manifold improved the torque and power by an average of over 3%. HHO addition also improved the BTE of diesel by a maximum of 3.67%. The combination of high CCI biodiesel fuel and HHO creates a mixture that has shortened the ignition delay (ID) to the point that adverse effects were observed due to the premature combustion as shown by the average decrease in the BTE of 2.97% compared to B5. Thus, B5, on its own, is found to be the optimum fuel under these conditions.

Vitamin D analyses in veterinary feeds by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

This report examines the feasibility of determination of Vitamin D3, D2 and their 25-hydroxy metabolites utilizing Gas Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS/MS) as a potential alternative to popular Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometric (LC/MS/MS) methodologies. The GC/MS/MS approach was found to operate reasonably well despite long-standing concerns that gas-liquid chromatography of vitamin D compounds invoke thermal rearrangements owing to the relatively high inlet and capillary column temperatures used. The workup procedure involved incubation of feed samples with concentrated potassium hydroxide for overnight fat saponification, extraction of D Vitamins in n-hexane and reaction with N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide at 70 °C for 30 mins. In addition to parent compounds, small amounts of pyro-, isopyro-, and iso-vitamin D and isotachysterol3 variants were obtained from each Vitamin D-related compound upon extraction and GC/MS/MS analysis. Mass spectral and chromatographic behavior of these compounds are herein described and interpreted. Multiple Reaction Monitoring settings on GC/MS/MS included m/z 456→351 for Vitamin D3 and m/z 486→363 for Vitamin D2. Trimethylsilylation enabled single predominant peaks for Vitamins D3 and D2, and sample workup in the presence of deuterated Vitamin D analogs enabled accurate and precise sensitivity to 1 ppb (ng/g) in feeds. The method could be extended with reasonable accuracy to 25-hydroxy (25OH) compounds, but accuracies would be significantly improved by inclusion of respective 25OH-specific deuterated internal standards. The method was applied to 27 submissions of suspect dog foods of which 22% were discovered elevated and 44% were discovered to contain toxic levels of Vitamin D3. The described method was thus discovered to provide a suitable mass spectrometric approach for Vitamin D, proving itself here specifically of value in detection of ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol in animal feeds. The specificity and sensitivity of the tandem quadrupole approach can enable suitable applicability to serum determination if desired.

An affordable option to Au single crystals through cathodic corrosion of a wire: Fabrication, electrochemical behavior, and applications in electrocatalysis and spectroscopy

Faceting and nanostructuring of polycrystalline gold electrodes by cathodic corrosion in concentrated potassium hydroxide electrolytes has been systematically studied at different electrode potentials. Current-potential curves for the restructured Au electrodes in 0.1 M H2SO4 show characteristics of Au(111) in the double-layer and oxidation region. Thus, the modified Au electrodes adopt properties typically known for well-defined single crystal surfaces. Besides the preferential surface faceting, the electrochemically active surface area (EASA) is enhanced as a function of potential, concentration and time. Scanning electron micrographs show the formation of triangular pits and nanostructures with a specific orientation confirming the formation of (111)-facets. In this way, the behavior of single crystals is accompanied with the properties of nanoparticles which are of utmost interest in electrocatalysis and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The electrocatalytic activity of the newly formed “Au(111)” surface from an Au wire has been tested towards the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and for the formic acid oxidation reaction (FAOR). The study of electrocatalytic reactions at these nanostructured electrodes allows to identify active centers, which are absent for extended single crystal surfaces. Adsorbed pyridine on the nanostructured Au electrodes directly shows SERS activity, while untreated polycrystalline Au is SERS-inactive. The use of cathodic corrosion of simple wires is a paradigm of SERS-applications in electrochemistry with clean Au electrodes that provide properties of Au(111) single crystals.

Studies on Energy Cells Based on Si-, Si-Ge- and Ge-Air Systems

Silicon metal may be used as a fuel in Si-Air fuel cells. The most important characteristics of theseenergy cells is its thermodynamic reversibility. The Silicon-air energy cell is highly promising for electric vehicles due to its high theoretical energy density (8470 Wh kg-1) and its discharge products are non-toxic. For the first time, pure silicon and germanium powders are used as anode material. Nickel wire mesh embedded with charcoal and manganese dioxide powder as cathode and concentrated potassium hydroxide is used as electrolyte. Voltage-time curves have been presented in this study for pure silicon and germanium powder, and 5% and 10% germanium with silicon powder.

Surface morphological and optical properties of flexible black silicon fabricated by metal-assisted chemical etching

Flexible black silicon (b-Si) is a promising candidate to reduce technology cost while maintaining superior light absorption and high photocurrent in crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells. In this study, surface morphological and optical properties of flexible b-Si fabricated by metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE) have been investigated. Monocrystalline silicon (mono c-Si) wafers are thinned down to 65 μm by concentrated potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution to produce flexible wafers. Then, b-Si nanowires (b-Si NWs) are fabricated using one-step MACE process with different etching durations (5–25 min), utilizing silver (Ag) as catalyst. The flexible b-Si etched for 20 min exhibits nanowires with length of about 1.61 μm, which leads to the lowest average weighted reflectance (AWR) and the highest broadband absorption within 300–1100 nm wavelength region. The enhanced broadband light absorption is attributed to refractive index grading effect at the air/b-Si interface which increases light-coupling into the flexible b-Si absorber. With the 20 min etching, the maximum potential short-circuit current density (Jsc(max)) in the b-Si absorber increases to 40 mA/cm2, or 70.2% relative enhancement when compared to the c-Si reference.

Kinetics of active zinc dissolution in concentrated KOH solutions

The kinetics of zinc dissolution in concentrated potassium hydroxide solution were determined as a function of KOH concentration, amount of added ZnO, and temperature through linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The measurements were evaluated with a simplified reaction scheme in which an intermediate ZnI species is formed on the electrode surface that subsequently reacts to a soluble ZnII species. Analysis of the LSV data with a two-step Butler–Volmer kinetics showed that the transfer coefficients and the surface coverage of the intermediate are approximately constant in the entire range of operation conditions, whereas the exchange current density for the first reaction step is about five times larger than for the second step. Analysis of the dynamic EIS measurements resulted in very similar current densities than obtained from the quasi-stationary LSV method. For the first time, activation energies describing the temperature dependence of the exchange current density were also determined.

Non-Precious Electrodes for Practical Alkaline Water Electrolysis.

Water electrolysis is a promising approach to hydrogen production from renewable energy sources. Alkaline water electrolyzers allow using non-noble and low-cost materials. An analysis of common assumptions and experimental conditions (low concentrations, low temperature, low current densities, and short-term experiments) found in the literature is reported. The steps to estimate the reaction overpotentials for hydrogen and oxygen reactions are reported and discussed. The results of some of the most investigated electrocatalysts, namely from the iron group elements (iron, nickel, and cobalt) and chromium are reported. Past findings and recent progress in the development of efficient anode and cathode materials appropriate for large-scale water electrolysis are presented. The experimental work is done involving the direct-current electrolysis of highly concentrated potassium hydroxide solutions at temperatures between 30 and 100 °C, which are closer to industrial applications than what is usually found in literature. Stable cell components and a good performance was achieved using Raney nickel as a cathode and stainless steel 316L as an anode by means of a monopolar cell at 75 °C, which ran for one month at 300 mA cm−2. Finally, the proposed catalysts showed a total kinetic overpotential of about 550 mV at 75 °C and 1 A cm−2.

MOF-derived tremelliform Co3O4/NiO/Mn2O3 with excellent capacitive performance

Tremelliform Co3O4/NiO/Mn2O3 has been prepared by temperature-programmed calcination of the metal-organic framework (CoNiMn-MOF). The Co3O4/NiO/Mn2O3 possesses a quite large available surface area (123.9 m2 g−1) and riches of mesopores. It displays a superior specific capacitance of 3652 mF cm−2 in the concentrated potassium hydroxide solution when the current density is 1 mA cm−2, and the rate property of the Co3O4/NiO/Mn2O3 is much well than its counterparts (Co3O4/NiO and Co3O4/Mn2O3). The energy density of the asymmetrical supercapacitor of rGO//Co3O4/NiO/Mn2O3 reaches to 65.7 Wh kg−1 within 1.7 V potential window. Co3O4/NiO/Mn2O3 is a promising hybrid electrode materials for excellent performance supercapacitor as well as it provides a simple and economic way to fabricate supercapacitor composite materials.

PS01.091: A DANGEROUS FOREIGN BODY IN ESOPHAGUS: ALKALINE BATTERIES

Abstract Background Esophageal foreign bodies are an important clinical condition leading to serious morbidity and mortality. Foreign body swallowing is most common in the group of 6 months to 6 years. Although smooth edges have a lower morbidity in foreign bodies, alkaline batteries are very dangerous. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the results of patients who ingested alkaline batteries. Methods We conducted a retrospective single-center study of 20 patients who were diagnosed with esophageal foreign objects following alkaline battery ingestion between January 2001 and February 2018. All cases were evaluated with posteroanterior chest X-ray and lateral X-ray. Age and sex of the patients, symptoms, localization of foreign body, the method of removing the foreign body, the passing time, length of hospital stay and morbidity and mortality rates were reviewed. Results The cases were 12 males and 8 females. The mean age was 3.2 years (1 month to 14 years). Five cases within 4 hours, 8 cases within 12 hours, 5 cases within 24 hours and 2 cases after 24 hours were referred to our clinic. The foreign body was located in the cervical esophagus in 10 cases, in the midthoracic esophagus in 8 cases, and in distal esophagus in two cases. All cases were quickly taken to the operating room. All cases underwent rigid esophagoscopy under general anesthesia and foreign body was removed. Sixteen cases of esophageal mucosal injury and burns were seen. Perforation and mortality were not observed in any of the cases. Conclusion Severe esophageal injury can occur in a short time after interaction with alkaline battery. Alkaline battery; electrolyte leak, pressure necrosis, mercury toxicity, or alkaline environment. Concentrated potassium hydroxide release has a corrosive effect. In this case, mediastinitis or tracheoesophageal fistula may ocur. Alkaline battery ingestion may result in persistent sequelae with perforation and corrosive esophagitis leading to mediastinitis. For this reason, the battery should be immediately removed by rigid esophagoscopy to prevent the development of these complications. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Miniaturized Al/AgO coin shape and self-powered battery featuring painted paper electrodes for portable applications

This work presents the development and optimization of a very low cost, miniaturized and lightweight aluminum/silver oxide (Al/AgO) primary battery. The system is implemented on painted paper supported electrodes and it is activated using a small amount of water. The anode contains an improved composite based on aluminum powder. The cathode is made using an electrical conductive silver epoxy ink. The device displays a paper-based core comprising the electrodes and the paper matrix separator, modified with a highly concentrated dry potassium hydroxide salt, inside a flexible laminated plastic structure that provides sturdiness to the system making it safe and portable for the user. The battery turns on by applying 80 μl of water and as a result the system produces a maximum capacity of 0.5 mAh when 1.6 mA cm−2 are applied. The generated electrical power of two batteries in series is then used to power a LED during approximately one hour. Although there is room for improvement, these results allow envisaging the battery as a real commercial portable power source and allow planning potential uses of this energy to power microelectronics demanding low power consumption, such as sensors or wearable electronics.

(Invited) Operando X-Ray Absorption Investigations into the Oxygen Evolution Activity, Stability, and pH Dependency of NixFe1-XOy Nanoparticles

Mixed Ni-Fe metal oxides currently represent some of the most attractive anode catalysts for the electrochemical splitting of water due to their low overpotentials for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline electrolytes. The concentrated potassium hydroxide solutions and anion exchange membranes that are typically employed in alkaline water electrolyzers, however, are prone to carbonation which can lead to significant shifts in the electrolyte pH from alkaline to quasi-neutral conditions (pH = 7-10). So far a fundamental understanding of how changes in the local pH environment induced via carbonation affect the catalyst electronic and surface structure, and ultimately the catalyst stability and electrochemical OER activity, is lacking. The importance of understanding this behavior is further highlighted by the potential application of Ni-Fe oxides as anode catalysts in co-electrolysis, where the electrochemical reduction of CO2 and the anodic evolution of oxygen occur in a carbonated, quasi-neutral pH environment. Here we demonstrate a practical and scalable flame-spray pyrolysis synthesis capable of producing highly crystalline Ni-Fe oxide (Ni1-xFexOy) nanoparticles with high surface areas (SABET ≈ 20 - 75 m2/g). The research presented herein focuses on expanding the current understanding of the influence of the local electronic and surface structures on the OER activity and electrochemical stability in both alkaline (pH = 13) and carbonated, quasi-neutral (pH = 9) electrolyte. The resulting operando XANES and EXAFS analyses of the Ni and Fe K-edges permit useful insight into the nature of the valence states and rearrangements in local structure that occur under operating conditions representative of alkaline water electrolysis and co-electrolysis. Combined with a broad range of ex situ physical characterization techniques, we then relate the structural, electronic, and morphological changes to the observed electrochemical OER activity and stability.

Hydronium-Induced Switching between CO2 Electroreduction Pathways.

Over a broad range of operating conditions, many CO2 electroreduction catalysts can maintain selectivity toward certain reduction products, leading to materials and surfaces being categorized according to their products; here we ask, is product selectivity truly a property of the catalyst? Silver is among the best electrocatalysts for CO in aqueous electrolytes, where it reaches near-unity selectivity. We consider the hydrogenations of the oxygen and carbon atoms via the two proton-coupled-electron-transfer processes as chief determinants of product selectivity; and find using density functional theory (DFT) that the hydronium (H3O+) intermediate plays a key role in the first oxygen hydrogenation step and lowers the activation energy barrier for CO formation. When this hydronium influence is removed, the activation energy barrier for oxygen hydrogenation increases significantly, and the barrier for carbon hydrogenation is reduced. These effects make the formate reaction pathway more favorable than CO. Experimentally, we then carry out CO2 reduction in highly concentrated potassium hydroxide (KOH), limiting the hydronium concentration in the aqueous electrolyte. The product selectivity of a silver catalyst switches from entirely CO under neutral conditions to over 50% formate in the alkaline environment. The simulated and experimentally observed selectivity shift provides new insights into the role of hydronium on CO2 electroreduction processes and the ability for electrolyte manipulation to directly influence transition state (TS) kinetics, altering favored CO2 reaction pathways. We argue that selectivity should be considered less of an intrinsic catalyst property, and rather a combined product of the catalyst and reaction environment.

Study of the Effects of Ethanol As an Additive with a Blend of Poultry Litter Biodiesel and Alumina Nanoparticles on a Diesel Engine

AbstractWith the increasing population and rise in industrialization, the demand for petroleum reserves is increasing almost daily. This is causing depletion of the non-renewable energy resources. This work aims to find an alternative fuel for diesel engines. The use of poultry litter oil biodiesel obtained from poultry industry waste, which is a non-edible source for biodiesel, is very encouraging as an alternative fuel for diesel engines. The aim of this study is to observe and maximize the performance of poultry litter oil biodiesel by adding alumina nanoparticles and ethanol. The biodiesel is prepared with acid and the base catalysed transesterification of poultry litter oil with methanol using concentrated sulphuric acid and potassium hydroxide as catalysts. The experimentation is carried out on a CI engine with three different blends - B20 biodiesel blend, B20 biodiesel blend with 30 mg/L alumina nanoparticles, and B20 biodiesel blend with 30 mg/L alumina nanoparticles and 15 ml/L ethanol. The performance, combustion and emission characteristics of all three blends are compared with neat diesel. The results of the experiment show that ethanol as an additive improves the combustion and performance characteristics. It increases the brake thermal efficiency and peak cylinder pressure. It also reduces CO and UBHC emissions and there is a marginal increase in NOxemissions as compared to neat diesel.