Lignocellulosic Waste Research Articles

Conversion of lignocellulosic biomass waste into mycoprotein: current status and future directions for sustainable protein production

Conversion of lignocellulosic biomass waste into mycoprotein: current status and future directions for sustainable protein production

Scalable mesoporous biochars from bagasse waste for Cu (II) removal: Process optimisation, kinetics and techno-economic analysis

As the world faces the brink of climatological disaster, it is crucial to utilize all available resources to facilitate environmental remediation, especially by accommodating waste streams. Lignocellulosic waste residues can be transformed into mesoporous biochar structures with substantial pore capacity. While biochars are considered a method of carbon dioxide removal (CDR), they are in fact an environmental double-edged sword that can be used to extract metal ions from water bodies. Biochars possess high chemical affinities through chemisorption pathways that are tuneable to specific pH conditions. This work demonstrates how biochars can be enhanced to maximise their surface area and porosity for the removal of Cu (II) in solution. It was found that bagasse derived mesoporous biochars operate preferentially at high pH (basic conditions), with the 1.18 mKOH/mSCB material reaching 97.85% Cu (II) removal in 5 min. This result is in stark contrast with the majority of biochar adsorbents that are only effective at low pH (acidic conditions). As a result, the biochars produced in this work can be directly applied to ancestral landfill sites and carbonate-rich mine waters which are highly basic by nature, preventing further metal infiltration and reverse sullied water supplies. Furthermore, to assess the value in the use of biochars produced and applied in this way, a techno-economic assessment was carried out to determine the true cost of biochar synthesis, with possible routes for revenue post-Cu being removed from the biochar.

Advancements and challenges in catalytic hydrothermal liquefaction of lignocellulosic biomass: A comprehensive review

Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is one of the leading technologies for converting lignocellulosic biomass waste into liquid bio-oil to meet the growing energy demands and alleviate environmental crises. In this comprehensive review, an examination and comparison were conducted on three distinct technologies: HTL, Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Liquefaction (MA-HTL), and Co-hydrothermal Liquefaction (Co-HTL). The assessment encompassed various parameters, including production efficiency, bio-oil quality, production cost, and operational conditions. Furthermore, the pivotal role of catalysts in enhancing the bio-oil quality was explored. The corresponding catalytic attributes, spanning homogenous, heterogeneous, and combined catalysts, along with the associated mechanisms such as depolymerization, decarboxylation, decarbonylation, hydrogenation, dehydration, deoxygenation, and hydrodeoxygenation, were thoroughly examined. Additionally, the review delved into upgrading technologies and potential applications of bio-oil to broaden its utility. The current challenges and future prospects concerning bio-oil production using HTL technologies were also addressed.

Optimal Hybrid Renewable Energy System to Accelerate a Sustainable Energy Transition in Johor, Malaysia

As the world’s second-largest palm oil producer, Malaysia heavily depends on its extensive oil palm cultivation, which accounts for nearly 90% of the country’s lignocellulosic biomass waste. Approximately 20–22 tonnes of empty fruit bunches (EFBs) can be derived from an initial yield of 100 tonnes of fresh fruit bunches (FFBs) from oil palm trees. The average annual amount of EFBs produced in Johor is 3233 tonnes per day. Recognising that urban areas contribute significantly to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, and to support Malaysia’s transition from fossil fuel-based energy to a low-carbon energy system, this research employed HOMER Pro software 3.18.3 to develop an optimal hybrid renewable energy system integrating solar and biomass (EFB) energy sources in Johor, Malaysia. The most cost-effective system (solar–biomass) consists of 4075 kW solar photovoltaics, a 2100 kW biomass gasifier, 9363 battery units and 1939 kW converters. This configuration results in a total net present cost (NPC) of USD 44,596,990 and a levelised cost of energy (LCOE) of USD 0.2364/kWh. This system satisfies the residential load demand via 6,020,427 kWh (64.7%) of solar-based and 3,286,257 kWh (35.3%) of biomass-based electricity production, with an annual surplus of 2,613,329 kWh (28.1%). The minimal percentages of unmet electric load and capacity shortage, both <0.1%, indicate that all systems can meet the power demand. In conclusion, this research provides valuable insights into the economic viability and technical feasibility of powering the Kulai district with a solar–biomass system.

Life cycle assessment of tomato biomass residue anaerobic digestion preceded by ethanol-based organosolv and choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvent

Anaerobic digestion (AD) of lignocellulosic wastes (LW) has garnered substantial interest because of its notable energy and nutrient recovery, along with its potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the LW is resistant to degradation, and its hydrolysis typically requires harsh conditions, hence the need for a pretreatment. Conducting a life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate the pretreatment of LW is an effective way to assess the environmental impacts associated with various pretreatment methods. This work evaluates and compares three scenarios for handling lignified tomato green waste (TGW), generated in the Greater of Agadir in Morocco, in terms of their environmental impacts and energy demand, using the LCA approach, performed with OpenLCA software. To achieve this aim, the impact of these scenarios on 11 indicators is studied. The analyzed management options include a base case scenario S0 where TGW undergoes a direct anaerobic digestion (AD), organosolv pretreatment of TGW followed by AD of the free-lignin fraction (S1), and choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvent (DES) delignification followed by AD of the free-lignin fraction (S2). The data used for the analysis comes from the Tamelast landfill, laboratory tests, literature, CML-IA baseline and Monte Carlo simulation calculations. The results obtained showed that the introduction of pretreatments in S1 and S2 mitigates significantly the environmental impact in different categories compared to S0. Scenario S2, with its enhanced recovery processes, shows the highest positive environmental contributions, despite its reliance on additional external electricity. S1 and S0 both respect energy circularity. Through this study, it has been demonstrated that chemical pretreatment of LW is energy, water and solvent-intensive and requires a large investment. It opens up perspectives for further works on pretreatment using natural DES technology, its development and its applications in the delignification of ligneous biomass on an industrial scale.

Investigation of biochars derived from waste lignocellulosic biomass and insulation electric cables: A comprehensive TGA and Macro-TGA analysis

This study investigates the thermochemical decomposition and gasification performance of biochars produced from blends of waste lignocellulosic biomass and waste insulation electrical cables at varying temperatures. Characterization tests revealed changes, particularly in ash content (27.5 %–34 %) and elemental composition, with nitrogen content increasing notably in biochar samples compared to the original feedstock. Van Krevelen diagrams demonstrated a reduction in O/C and H/C ratios with increasing production temperature, resembling fossil fuels more closely. The thermogravimetric and the derived thermogravimetric profiles illustrated distinct degradation stages influenced by heating rates and production temperature. Macro-TGA tests provided insights into biomass residue behavior under gasification conditions, indicating higher reaction rates at elevated temperatures. Syngas analysis highlighted the impact of temperature and equivalence ratio on syngas composition, with higher temperatures favoring hydrogen-rich gas production. The observed trends in cold gas efficiency (42.61 %–50.40 %) and carbon conversion efficiency (45.83 %–50.40 %) underscore the significance of temperature control in maximizing gasification performance. Biochars produced at higher temperatures demonstrated superior gasification performance, suggesting potential for optimizing biochar production processes to enhance energy recovery and waste valorization.

Pretreatment and fermentation of lignocellulose from oil palm fronds as a potential source of fibre for ruminant feed: a review

AbstractOil palm fronds are plantation waste widely available in large quantities and have great potential as a source of ruminant feed due to their high fibre content. However, the lignocellulose content can inhibit feed digestion. This review examines methods that can reduce the lignocellulose content and improve the nutritional quality of palm fronds. The lignin content of palm fronds ranges from 17% to 20%, while the maximum lignin content in ruminant feed is 7%. Processing processes such as pretreatment are needed to reduce the lignocellulose content. Pretreatment can be done physically, chemically, biologically or in combination with other methods. Physical pretreatment aims to reduce the size of lignocellulose, chemical pretreatment seeks to break the crystallinity structure of lignocellulose with chemical solutions such as acids or alkalis, and biological pretreatment degrades the structure of lignocellulose with the help of enzymes produced by microbes. The protein content of palm fronds also does not meet the feed standard, which is only 5%, while according to Indonesian national standards, ruminant feed, especially cattle, must have a minimum protein content of 14%. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the nutritional quality of palm fronds through fermentation methods. The selection of the right microbes is the main factor in the success of increasing nutrition. The SSF fermentation method is frequently used in feed manufacturing. By synthesizing the current knowledge, this review also highlights the challenges of the pretreatment process as well as solutions that include prospects in the research of palm fronds as ruminant feed, which in turn can contribute to the increased utilization of lignocellulosic waste as animal feed.

Nexus approach: Valorising underrated lignocellulosic waste biomass through conjugated magnetic nanoparticles for thermal energy storage facilities

Abstract Converting waste to a value-added material is a fortune. At the meantime highlighting the utilization of renewable solar energy as an inconsumable energy cradle is a future prospect to overcome the energy shortage and crisis. In this regard, storing the solar energy for the use at the off-sun periods is essential. Introducing sawdust waste for thermal energy storage system is a ecological chance. Treated sawdust was mixed with the environmentally benign magnetite to be a composite and mixed with technical grade paraffin base PCM. The composite was characterized through X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Transmission electron microscopy, TEM analysis and Scanning Electron Microscope, SEM (augmented with Dispersive X-Ray Analysis, EDX). Micrographs and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) exhibited that the prepared composite substance is well prepared. The sawdust is subjected to the PCM system in various mass % ranged from 0.5 to 4%. Subsequently, the thermal system outline is presented and compared. The experimental data revealed that the addition of 2.0 weight percentage of the PCM of composite material showed the superior system performance. The system is achieved a heat gained reached to 82 kJ/min in comparison to 7 kJ/min for the 2.0% WCM-PCM and pristine PCM, respectively. Thereby, the current investigation is introducing the waste sawdust as an energy storage enhancement system that could be applied in heating application systems.

Compositional changes and physiological activities of fresh ginseng extracts prepared at various temperatures in subcritical water

BackgroundSubcritical water (SW) is regarded as an effective conversion technology for lignocellulosic biomass. The effect of SW on ginseng are limited to evaluate the ginsenoside composition of red ginseng, and there is little information on the effects of SW on fresh ginseng. MethodsThe general characteristics of ginseng extracts (GE) prepared with SW were evaluated in terms of brix, reducing sugar and residual solid content, and compositions of GE was estimated using chromatography. For utilization of GE as a bioactive food, the ginsenoside composition, antioxidative activity, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity, prebiotic potential and taste attributes were measured. ResultsIncreasing SW temperature decreased residual solid content of ginseng and the soluble compounds of GE were yielded by SW at 250 °C. Despite that ginsenoside content decreased with SW temperature, a steep increase in Rg5 was observed at 200 °C. The SW at 200–250 °C manifested the highest antioxidant activities and ACE inhibitory activity of GE. However, the GE prepared at greater than 250 °C completely lost prebiotic potentials. Based on electronic-tongue, umami taste was enhanced by SW at 200 °C, but sweetness and bitterness were dominated at 250–300 °C. ConclusionThe results demonstrated that SW has a potential application to convert lignocellulosic wastes generated from ginseng roots into bioactive food resource, and SW at ∼200 °C can be potentially used to enhance the physiological activities of GE.

Structure characteristics and gasification reactivity of co-pyrolysis char from lignocellulosic biomass and waste plastics: Effect of polyethylene

The rate limiting stage is char reactivity during gasification that can be influenced by its physicochemical structural characteristics. In this study, the effects of feedstock share, rice straw (RS) and polyethylene (PE), on the physicochemical properties and gasification reactivity of chars were investigated and their relationships were discussed. The char gasification reactivity was investigated via isothermal experiments using a thermal analyzer. The results indicated that the PE addition improved the specific surface area (SSA) and pore volume (Vp) of the char obtained from co-pyrolysis RS with PE. The SSA of the char increased by 1.31 times when the PE content was 60 wt%, compared with that of RS char. The order degree and gasification reactivity of the co-pyrolysis char samples increased with increasing PE content beyond 40 wt%. The char reactivity in the early stage of co-gasification was primarily determined by the order degree of carbonaceous and pore structure. The char reactivity in the later stage was influenced by these two factors and the silicon dioxide content could inhibit the char co-gasification reactivity.

Harnessing the hidden environmental power of Bjerkandera adusta laccase: Sustainable production, green immobilization, and eco-friendly decolorization of mixed azo dyes

This research unveils the untapped potential of laccase, derived from the Bjerkandera genus, utilizing it in an immobilized system aimed at detoxifying harmful azo dye effluents from the textile industry, thus contributing to environmental protection. Marking a pioneering achievement, we recorded the highest laccase activity at 94.52 U/g cultivating B. adusta's mycelium on brewer's spent grain, enhanced with lignocellulosic waste, under meticulously optimized conditions −2.69 g of alkali-pretreated beech sawdust, 0.91 g of cypress cone, and 8-day incubation period. The harvested laccase was subjected to an immobilization process on alkali-pretreated beech sawdust, where, through optimization, we established the ideal conditions (30 mg of carrier, pH 7, and 3.5 h), achieving an immobilization efficiency of 72.24% with a residual activity of 57.64%. Remarkably, both free and immobilized forms of the B. adusta TMF1 laccase enzyme demonstrated formidable efficacy in decolorizing a mix of three distinct azo dyes (Orange G, Eriochrome Black T, and Congo Red), eliminating over 63% of the coloration within just 30 min. The immobilized laccase showed consistent performance across four decolorization cycles. Moreover, the breakdown products of the azo dye mix were analyzed using the HPLC method, complemented by evaluations of potential antimicrobial activity, phytotoxicity and cytotoxicity, revealing a non-toxic composition without cytotoxicity, highlighting the process's safety for environmental release. The significance of this research is reflected in the distinguished construction of a green biocatalyst acting as a stable and time-efficient in remediation of targeted azo dye pollution from the textile industry following the principles of circular economy.

Novel Recycling, Defibrillation, and Delignification Methods for Isolating α-Cellulose from Different Lignocellulosic Precursors for the Eco-Friendly Fiber Industry.

Alpha-cellulose, a unique, natural, and essential polymer for the fiber industry, was isolated in an ecofriendly manner using eleven novel systems comprising recycling, defibrillation, and delignification of prosenchyma cells (vessels and fibers) of ten lignocellulosic resources. Seven hardwood species were selected, namely Conocorpus erectus, Leucaena leucocephala, Simmondsia chinensis, Azadirachta indica, Moringa perigrina, Calotropis procera, and Ceiba pentandra. Moreover, three recycled cellulosic wastes were chosen due to their high levels of accumulation annually in the fibrous wastes of Saudi Arabia, namely recycled writing papers (RWPs), recycled newspapers (RNPs), and recycled cardboard (RC). Each of the parent samples and the resultant alpha-cellulose was characterized physically, chemically, and anatomically. The properties examined differed significantly among the ten resources studied, and their mean values lies within the cited ranges. Among the seven tree species, L. leucocephala was the best cellulosic precursor due to its higher fiber yield (55.46%) and holocellulose content (70.82%) with the lowest content of Klasson lignin (18.86%). Moreover, RWP was the best α-cellulose precursor, exhibiting the highest holocellulose (87%) and the lowest lignin (2%) content. Despite the high content of ash and other additives accompanied with the three lignocellulosic wastes that were added upon fabrication to enhance their quality (10%, 11%, and 14.52% for RWP, RNP, and RC, respectively), they can be considered as an inexhaustible treasure source for cellulose production due to the ease and efficiency of discarding their ash minerals using the novel CaCO3-elimination process along with the other innovative techniques. Besides its main role for adjusting the pH of the delignification process, citric acid serves as an effective and environmentally friendly additive enhancing lignin breakdown while preserving cellulose integrity. Comparing the thermal behavior of the ten cellulosic resources, C. procera and C. pentandra exhibited the highest moisture content and void volume as well as having the lowest specific gravity, crystallinity index, and holocellulose content and were found to yield the highest mass loss during their thermal degradation based on thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis in an inert atmosphere. However, the other resources used were found to yield lower mass losses. The obtained results indicate that using the innovative procedures of recycling, defibrillation, and delignification did not alter or distort either the yield or structure of the isolated α-cellulose. This is a clear indicator of their high efficiency for isolating cellulose from lignocellulosic precursors.

Adduct of Pesticide and Lignocellulosic Waste via Cleavable Silaketal Linkages for Agricultural Double Reduction.

The abuse of hazardous agrochemicals leads to excessive toxic agricultural emissions, posing a tremendous threat to the natural surroundings and human well-being. In practice, the amount of pesticides in protecting crops is often far less than that lost into the environment through evaporation and leaching. Minimizing the use of pesticides as well as improving their use efficiency has been included in the policy of "agricultural double reduction," besides replacing the chemical fertilizer with straw returning. Here, we establish a strategy for controlling pesticide release from the lignocellulosic waste based on the stimulus-responsive cleavage of silaketal linkages. Noting that the cleavage of the silaketal linkages relies heavily on the substituent groups on silicon atoms, this pesticide-releasing system has the advantages of predictable service life and less environmental pollution in a desired time window. Instead of lengthy laboratory synthesis, outdoor instant synthesis can be conveniently realized with the help of a photothermal heating apparatus. After utilization, both silaketal linkages and lignocellulosic residuals are eco-friendly and can be a source of nutrients for soil. Referring to agricultural double reduction, this type of pesticide formulation is coined as a competitive approach to minimize pesticide pollution along with straw returning.

Mycelial growth, yield and decomposition capability of white oyster mushroom (Pleurotus florida) grown in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic and lignocellulosic wastes

White Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus florida) is one of the domesticated mushrooms in the Philippines and known to grow in various biodegradable wastes. Low Density Polyethelene (LDPE) plastic is one of the most common non-biodegradable wastes in the environment which causes pollution. At present, biodegradation process is one of the ways to degrade plastics because of its non-polluting mechanism and cost-effectiveness. Thus, this study aimed to determine if P. florida could grow in LDPE plastic and facilitate its decomposition. Fourteen treatments were used in the study, laid out in Complete Randomized Design, and replicated thrice. The first four (4) treatments were composed of substrates with no LDPE plastics (rice straw, sawdust and cocopeat) while the rests were substrates with certain percentage of LDPE plastics. Observation was done for eight (8) weeks in the PUP Lopez Mushroom Laboratory and the data obtained was analyzed using ANOVA. Result shows that slight decomposition happened in LDPE plastic mixed with lingo-cellulosic wastes. Small spots or dark holes appear in the surface of LDPE plastics observed under microscope which is a sign of decomposition. In terms of mycelial ramification, fruiting bags with LDPE plastics were first to occupy the fruiting bag. There was also a decreased weight of the fruiting bags after 8 weeks. In terms of yield, substrates without LDPE plastics grew mushrooms with the highest weight. However, yield in sawdust and cocopeat substrates were not significantly different with the yield of mushrooms grown in substrates with LDPE plastics.

Pre-treatment and its effect on the thermal conductivity of natural lignocellulosic rice straw stubble waste boards: Analysis vis a vis potential for the civil engineering applications

Once built, the residential or commercial building must maintain a temperature suitable for human comfort. Presently, according to an estimate, building energy consumption contributes about 40 % to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Thus, it is necessary to develop building materials that not only have low or zero carbon footprints during their production stage but also provide thermal insulation for buildings amidst variable climates. Among such materials, the use of straw waste boards can not only offer an opportunity to reduce the use of GHG-intensive materials but also provide excellent thermal insulation. The objective of the present work is to fabricate, characterize, and evaluate the thermal conductivity of composite boards made from rice (Oryza sativa) straw. The effect of water and alkali pre-treatment is also evaluated. Three different mass fractions (Mf) with 50 %, 60 %, and 70 % of straw by weight are considered, and three different matrix materials, viz., Polyethylene (PE), Polylactic acid (PLA), and epoxy resin, have been used. Among these, the epoxy matrix is found to be most suitable owing to its uniform dispersion, which leads to superior adhesion in the straw laminates. Subsequent morphological characterization techniques, such as energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), have been employed to evaluate the physicochemical structure changes of straw fibre and fibre boards. The microstructural characterization revealed that the alkali and water pre-treatment have a pronounced effect on the morphological properties of straw and composite boards. Thermal conductivity has been measured using the experimental setup based on the guarded hot plate method, and the lowest conductivity of heat is recorded in the order of 0.023 W/mK. The present research work attempts to demonstrate the development of a novel product using rice straw waste that can potentially replace/reduce the usage of EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) for building construction applications in the near future.

Valuation of the growth response of oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus) mushroom on partially composted sesame stalk with different blends of wheat straw

Aside from being a significant source of highly nutritious and medicinally valuable mushrooms, mushroom cultivation is an important means of environmental remediation. Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) is a versatile mushroom that can be grown in various environmental conditions and non-composted lignocellulosic wastes. The present study was conducted to assess the growth response of oyster mushroom on sesame stalk. Spawn was prepared from a mycelium culture grown on potato dextrose agar. The spawn was inoculated onto sesame stalk and wheat straw substrates and incubated at room temperature in the dark for 21 days. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used with five treatments, including the control (100% wheat straw), which were triplicated. Data was analyzed using Minitab version 19. Significant (P < 0.05) differences in days taken for mycelial colonization, primordial appearance, maturity and yield was observed between the substrate formulations. 100% SS (100% sesame stalk) was fastest (19.00 days) in mycelial colonization period but statistically parity with 75% SS + 25% WS (75% sesame stalk + 25% wheat straw). 75% SS + 25% WS (75% sesame stalk + 25% wheat straw) was faster (3.33 days) for primordial appearance while 100% SS(100% sesame stalk) was faster (6.67 days) in maturity. The highest yield (1850 g) and biological efficiency (185%) was recorded by 100% SS (100% sesame stalk). Pearson’s correlation showed that cap diameter and stipe length directly correlate yield and biological efficiency and faster substrate colonization leads to quicker maturation. The current study suggests that sesame stalk can be an alternative substrate for cultivation of oyster mushrooms.

High value-added chemical production through anaerobic codigestion of corn straw with a microbial consortium, cow manure and cow digestion solution

ObjectivesThis study investigated the codigestion of corn straw (CS) with cow manure (CM), cow digestion solution (CD), and a strain consortium (SC) for enhanced volatile fatty acid (VFA) production. The aims of this study were to develop a sustainable technique to increase VFA yields, examine how combining microbial reagents with CS affects VFA production by functional microorganisms, and assess the feasibility of improving microbial diversity through codigestion. MethodsBatch experiments evaluated VFA production dynamics and microbial community changes with different combinations of CS substrates with CM, CD, and SC. Analytical methods included measuring VFAs by GC, ammonia and chemical oxygen demand (COD) by standard methods and microbial community analysis by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. ResultsCodigesting CS with the strain consortium yielded initial VFA concentrations ranging from 0.6 to 1.0 g/L, which were greater than those of the other combinations (0.05–0.3 g/L). Including CM, and CD further increased VFA production to 1.0–2.0 g/L, with the highest value of 2.0 g/L occurring when all four substrates were codigested. Significant ammonium reduction (194–241 mg/L to 29–37 mg/L) and COD reduction (3310–5250 mg/L to 730–1210 mg/L) were observed. Codigestion with CM and CD had greater Shannon diversity indices (3.19–3.24) than did codigestion with the other consortia (2.26). Bacillota dominated (96.5–99.6 %), with Clostridiales playing key roles in organic matter breakdown. ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the feasibility of improving VFA yields and harnessing microbial diversity through anaerobic codigestion of lignocellulosic and animal waste streams. Codigestion substantially enhanced VFA production, which was dominated by butyrate, reduced ammonium and COD, and enriched fiber-degrading and fermentative bacteria. These findings can help optimize codigestion for sustainable waste management and high-value chemical production.

Catalyzing the metabolism through CoFe2O4 magnetic photocatalyst for photo fermentative biohydrogen production: Selectivity and recyclability across diverse strains

The interaction between the photo-induced charges from photo nanocatalysts (PNCs) and biohydrogen production strains plays a key role in controlling the metabolism mechanism in fermentative biohydrogen production from lignocellulosic biomass wastes. Thus, in the present study, two strains of Rhodopseudomonas palustris (PNSB) and a mixed consortium of HAU-M1 were evaluated for their biohydrogen production potential from corn stover (CS), whereas metabolism was catalyzed through photo-induced electrons from magnetic PNCs of cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4). The threshold concentration of CoFe2O4 (400 mg/L) produced 428.62 mL and 373.30 mL biohydrogen in PNSB and HAU-M1, which is 129.0 % and 81.12 % higher as compared to respective control groups (CGs), respectively. The presence of PNCs provides the photo-induced electrons, which catalyze the metabolic processes as butyric acid increases by 96.29 % and 94.87 % in PNSB and HAU-M1, respectively, hence increasing hydrogen production. The results were supported by microbial community investigation, which showed that the incorporation of the appropriate concentration of PNCs effectively changes the bacterial community dynamics and diversifies the phyla (Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes) and hydrogen-producing genus Clostridium. The recovered yield of CoFe2O4 PNCs from PNSB and HAU-M1 fermentative mediums in three consecutive cycles was (90.87 %, 88.94 %), (80.25 %, 72.25 %), and (69.75 %, 60.80 %) respectively showing potential for recycling catalysts during the fermentation process. Thus, selecting the right photocatalysts and strain can affect metabolism and biohydrogen production, while recyclability reduces environmental leaching.

Consolidated bioprocessing of lignocellulosic wastes in Northwest China for D-glucaric acid production by an artificial microbial consortium.

D-glucaric acid is a platform chemical of great importance and the consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) of lignocellulose by the microbial consortium of Trichoderma reesei C10 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae LGA-1C3S2 features prospects in biomanufacturing it. Here we compared some representative lignocelluloses in Northwest China including corn stover, wheat straw and switchgrass, and the leading pretreatments including steam explosion, subcritical water pretreatment, sodium hydroxide pretreatment, aqueous ammonia pretreatment, lime pretreatment, and diluted sulfuric acid pretreatment. It was found that sodium hydroxide pretreated switchgrass (SHPSG) was the best substrate for D-glucaric acid production, resulting in the highest D-glucaric acid titers, 11.69 ± 0.73g/L in shake flask and 15.71 ± 0.80g/L in 10L airlift fermenter, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest D-glucaric acid production titer from lignocellulosic biomass. This work offers a paradigm of producing low-cost D-glucaric acid for low-carbon polyethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate (PEF) and a reference on developing biorefinery in Northwest China.

Sustainable Modification of Naturally Available Resources for Metal-Ion Storage Applications

The adoption of naturally abundant resources for energy storage applications represents a pivotal strategy in advancing large-scale sustainable green energy solutions across diverse sectors. This presentation provides an overview of E2MC's approaches to the green modification of naturally occurring materials at a low cost, focusing on their metal-ion energy storage capabilities. Key natural materials discussed include molybdenum disulfides (MoS2), ilmenite and natural graphite minerals, as well as corn waste. (a) The thermal oxidation of MoS2 is explored as a straightforward and effective method to produce layer-structured molybdenum trioxide (α-MoO3) with crystalline defects, showing enhanced Li-ion storage kinetics. The molten salt treatment of MoS2 produces sodium dimolybdate with improved Li-ion and Na-ion storage performances. Additionally, a hybrid nanostructure comprising metastable monoclinic molybdenum trioxide (β-MoO3), hexagonal MoS2 secondary crystals and graphene nanosheets is produced through mechanochemical-molten salt treatment. This hybrid structure exhibits an interesting Li-ion storage performance. (b) Carbonization of largely available corn lignocellulosic waste in the presence of molten salt is discussed as a facile approach for the preparation of biocarbons with appropriate specific surface area, pore volume, and elemental carbon purity. The partial dissolution of biomass impurities into the molten salt enhances the Li-ion and Na-ion storage performance of the biocarbon. Additionally, the treatment of corn-derived silica with Fe2O3 and graphite-derived graphene nanosheets, leads to the preparation of a nanostructure in which ferric oxide particles are coated with iron silicate, and these hybrid nanostructures are integrated with graphene nanosheets, showcasing an interesting Li-ion storage performance. (c) Efficient exfoliation of naturally available graphite minerals in molten salt is introduced leading to the formation of carbon nanostructures with promising applications in both Li-ion and Na-ion storage. The economic and strategic advantages associated with utilizing such naturally available resources for energy storage applications are also discussed. References W. Zhu, A.R. Kamali*, J. Alloy Compd. 932 (2023) 167724W. Zhu, A.R. Kamali*, J Alloy Compd. 968 (2023) 171823A.R. Kamali*, H. Zhao, J. Alloy Compd. 949 (2023) 169819W. Zhu, A.R. Kamali*, J. Alloy Compd. 831(2020) 154781H. Zhao, A. Rezaei, A.R. Kamali*, J. Electrochem. Soc. 169 (2022) 054512A.R. Kamali*, J. Ye, Miner. Eng. 172 (2021) 107175S. Li, A.R. Kamali*, Chem. Eng. Sci. 265 (2023) 118222S. Li, A.R. Kamali*, Gels 9 (2023) 701S. Li, A.R. Kamali*, Colloids Surf. A 656 (2023) 130275H. Fu, A.R. Kamali* et al, Chem. Eng. J. (2023) 146936W. Zhu, A.R. Kamali*, J. Electrochem. Soc. 168 (2021) 046517