Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions Research Articles

Enhancing sustainable energy production through biomass gasification gas technology: a review

This proposed research investigates the sustainable and innovative use of biomass gasification for generating electricity. Biomass gasification is a versatile and eco-friendly technology that converts organic materials, such as agricultural residues, forestry waste, and even municipal solid waste, into a valuable source of clean energy. This research delves into the various aspects of this technology, including its processes, efficiency, environmental impact, and potential applications in power generation. Biomass gasification gas, often referred to as syngas, presents a promising avenue for addressing the rising energy demand while lowering greenhouse gas emissions and preventing climate change. This research seeks to offer a thorough insight into the principles and practices behind biomass gasification, highlighting its role in the transition towards a sustainable and renewable energy future. The research will investigate the technical and economic feasibility of utilizing biomass gasification gas for electricity generation, examining the benefits, challenges, and opportunities associated with this alternative energy source. By addressing critical issues such as feedstock availability, gasifier technology, gas cleaning processes, and power plant integration, this study seeks to offer valuable insights into the potential of biomass gasification gas as a clean and renewable energy solution.

Sustainable future of construction: the potential of concrete with basalt mini-bars as reinforcement

The paper concerns the influence of basalt minibars on the subcritical and critical behaviour of test specimens made of concrete with low-emission cement. Low-emission cement produces lower emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants than traditional cement. Analyses were conducted on changes in fracture mechanics parameters depending on the content of microfibers in the concrete mix (0, 2, 4, 8 kg/m³), the type of cement used, and the water-to-cement ratio (w/c). It was demonstrated that concrete reinforced with basalt microfibers exhibits increased resistance to crack initiation and propagation. An increase in the stress intensity factor was observed for CEMI 42.5R concretes at w/c=0.5 by 27%, at w/c =0.4 by 62%, and for CEM II 42.5R/A-V concretes at w/c=0.5 by 29%, and at w/c=0.4 by as much as 30%. It was shown that the addition of microfibers to concrete made with low-emission cement significantly increases the mechanical parameters of this material.

A Paradigm Shift towards Environmental Responsibility in Sustainable Green Tourism and Hospitality

The demand for various cultural experiences and easier access to travel has driven the exponential rise of the global tourism and hospitality industries in recent decades. However, the increased tourism has sparked worries about how it would affect the environment which led to a paradigm change in favour of sustainable methods. The phrase "green tourism" describes a collection of behaviors designed to reduce the adverse effects of tourism-related activities on the environment, society, and culture. This entails implementing eco-friendly programs, encouraging conservation, and cultivating community involvement. Similarly, green hospitality emphasizes eco-friendly procedures in lodging establishments, promoting waste minimization, energy efficiency, and ethical sourcing. The carbon footprint of travel is one of the main issues that green tourism and hospitality attempt to address. With the assistance of carbon offset programs and the promotion of environmentally friendly transportation options, like electric vehicles, the sector is coming to understand the significance of lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, the implementation of sustainable building designs, energy-efficient technologies, and renewable energy sources in hospitality facilities helps to reduce their overall environmental effect. An additional crucial component of green tourism is water conservation. Water-saving methods, like low-flow fixtures and effective irrigation systems, are being implemented by accommodations to reduce water usage and safeguard nearby ecosystems. Waste management is essential to reaching sustainability targets in the tourism and hospitality industries. There is a growing movement to reduce the use of single-use plastics, encourage recycling, and establish composting techniques. Establishments promote the circular economy and lessen environmental deterioration by encouraging guests to dispose of waste responsibly. The effectiveness of projects aimed at promoting green tourism depends on community involvement. Forming alliances with nearby communities guarantees equitable distribution of economic gains and promotes a sense of collective accountability for environmental preservation. Moreover, maintaining the uniqueness of sites is aided by fostering cultural sensitivity and respect for local knowledge. To sum up, green tourism and hospitality mark a significant turn in the direction of a more responsible and sustainable sector. The tourist and hospitality industry may make a substantial contribution to environmental preservation by implementing eco-friendly practices, reducing carbon footprints, preserving water resources, handling waste responsibly, and interacting with local people.

Driving innovation in energy and telecommunications: next-generation energy storage and 5G technology for enhanced connectivity and energy solutions

Driving innovation in energy and telecommunications involves leveraging next-generation energy storage and 5G technology to enhance connectivity and energy solutions. This review explores the intersection of these two domains, highlighting the importance of advancements in energy storage and 5G technology for a sustainable and connected future. Energy storage is crucial for balancing the supply and demand of electricity in modern power systems. Traditional energy storage methods, such as batteries and pumped hydro, have limitations in terms of scalability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Next-generation energy storage technologies, including advanced batteries, hydrogen storage, and thermal storage, offer promising solutions to overcome these limitations. These technologies enable efficient energy storage at scale, facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources like solar and wind into the grid. By storing excess energy generated during periods of low demand, next-generation energy storage systems ensure a reliable and stable power supply, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. In parallel, the evolution of telecommunications technology, particularly the advent of 5G networks, is revolutionizing connectivity and communication. 5G technology offers significantly higher data transfer speeds, lower latency, and increased network capacity compared to its predecessors. These capabilities are essential for supporting emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous vehicles, and smart grids. With 5G-enabled IoT devices, utilities can monitor energy consumption in real-time, optimize grid operations, and detect and respond to faults more efficiently. Moreover, 5G connectivity enhances the efficiency and reliability of energy storage systems by enabling seamless communication between distributed energy resources and grid operators. The convergence of next-generation energy storage and 5G technology presents numerous opportunities for driving innovation in both energy and telecommunications sectors. One of the key areas of innovation is the development of smart energy storage systems equipped with 5G connectivity. These systems can autonomously adjust their operation based on grid conditions, weather forecasts, and energy demand patterns, optimizing energy storage and distribution in real-time. Furthermore, advanced energy management algorithms leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms can optimize energy usage and storage, further improving the efficiency and reliability of the grid. Another area of innovation lies in the integration of renewable energy resources with 5G-enabled microgrids. Microgrids are localized energy systems that can operate independently or in conjunction with the main grid. By combining renewable energy sources with energy storage and 5G-enabled communication, microgrids can provide reliable, clean, and resilient power to remote or urban areas. These microgrids can also facilitate peer-to-peer energy trading, allowing consumers to buy and sell excess energy within their communities, fostering energy independence and sustainability. Furthermore, advancements in battery technology, such as solid-state batteries and flow batteries, are enhancing the performance and reliability of energy storage systems. Solid-state batteries offer higher energy density, faster charging rates, and improved safety compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. Flow batteries, on the other hand, provide scalability and long-duration storage capabilities, making them suitable for grid-scale applications. Integrating these advanced battery technologies with 5G-enabled monitoring and control systems enhances the overall resilience and flexibility of the energy infrastructure. In addition to technological advancements, driving innovation in energy and telecommunications requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including policymakers, regulators, industry players, and research institutions. Policies and regulations should incentivize the deployment of next-generation energy storage and 5G infrastructure, promote interoperability standards, and ensure data privacy and security. Public-private partnerships can facilitate the investment and deployment of innovative solutions, while research and development initiatives can spur further technological advancements. Driving innovation in energy and telecommunications through next-generation energy storage and 5G technology is essential for building a sustainable, connected, and resilient future. By leveraging advanced energy storage systems, smart grids, and 5G-enabled communication networks, we can optimize energy usage, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance the reliability and efficiency of our energy infrastructure. Collaboration and investment across various sectors are key to unlocking the full potential of these transformative technologies and achieving a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come. Keywords: Innovation, Energy, Telecommunications, Next-Generation, 5G technology, Enhanced connectivity.

The Future of Agriculture in A Carbon Constrained World

In a world grappling with the far-reaching consequences of climate change and a growing imperative to lower emissions of greenhouse gases, agriculture’s potential finds itself at a critical juncture. This paper explores the intricate dynamics of agriculture in a carbon-constrained world, presenting a nuanced analysis of the multifaceted challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. With a focus on sustainable practices, carbon sequestration, and innovative technologies, this study elucidates the pathways through which agriculture can transition towards a low-carbon and climate-resilient future. From precision farming and agroforestry to advanced breeding techniques and digital agriculture, a spectrum of strategies emerges to mitigate the carbon footprint of agriculture while concurrently enhancing productivity and food security. Moreover, the paper underscores the indispensable role of policy frameworks, international cooperation, and public-private partnerships in ushering in a transformative era for agriculture that aligns harmoniously with global climate goals. This review explores carbon foot printing methodologies in agriculture and their implications for sustainable practices. Additionally, it highlights role of carbon foot printing in informing decision-makers, examines emerging trends like precision agriculture, and addresses associated challenges. This review identifies these gaps and offers recommendations for future research. In elucidating these key themes, this paper advances to a thorough comprehensive understanding of the imperative to embrace innovation and sustainability as guiding principles for the future of farming in a carbon-constrained world.

Organic Farming vs. Integrated Nutrient Management: A Comparative Review of Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability

In an era where sustainable agriculture is crucial for global food security and environmental preservation, organic farming and Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) have emerged as leading practices. This review paper offers a comprehensive comparison of these two approaches, focusing on their impact on agricultural productivity and sustainability. Organic farming, with its emphasis on reducing the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, growth hormones, and feed additives, aligns closely with the principles of sustainability. It enhances food quality, promotes soil health, and mitigates adverse environmental effects by encouraging natural recovery cycles. However, organic farming's limitations, such as lower yields and a more labour-intensive approach have prompted interest in innovative solutions that blend organic practices with modern technologies. Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) presents a compelling alternative. By combining organic, inorganic, and biological nutrient sources, INM seeks to optimize nutrient use efficiency and maintain soil health. This approach offers a flexible nutrient management strategy, balancing organic and inorganic inputs to maintain crop productivity while reducing environmental impact. Studies have shown that INM can improve soil properties, such as bulk density, porosity, and water-holding capacity, leading to enhanced crop yields and lower greenhouse gas emissions. The paper explores how INM's integrated approach not only stabilizes crop production but also supports the growth of soil microbes, providing a source of energy and organic carbon. By using a combination of specific microorganisms, organic matter, and minimal doses of inorganic fertilizers, INM can achieve a harmonious balance that reduces environmental pollution and ensures long-term soil fertility. Ultimately, this review underscores the potential of combining organic and INM practices to create a sustainable and productive agricultural system. Through a comparative analysis, the paper aims to guide researchers, policymakers, and farmers towards adopting strategies that foster agricultural sustainability without compromising productivity.

Solar Energy's Role in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in Agriculture

The adoption of solar energy in agriculture has the potential to significantly contribute to achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to clean energy access (SDG 7), sustainable economic growth (SDG 8), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), and climate action (SDG 13). This review article examines the various applications of solar energy in agricultural practices, including irrigation, crop drying, greenhouse heating, and powering farm machinery. It analyzes the economic, environmental, and social benefits of transitioning to solar-powered agriculture, such as reduced reliance on fossil fuels, lower greenhouse gas emissions, improved energy security, and increased income for farmers. The article also discusses the challenges and barriers to widespread adoption, including high upfront costs, lack of awareness and technical expertise among farmers, and inadequate policy support. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature and case studies, this article highlights the immense potential of solar energy in transforming the agricultural sector and contributing to sustainable development. It concludes by emphasizing the need for concerted efforts from governments, international organizations, and the private sector to promote and facilitate the integration of solar energy in agriculture, particularly in developing countries where access to clean energy and sustainable farming practices are most crucial for achieving the SDGs.

Developing an environmental assessment framework for an insect farm operating in circular economy: The case study of a Montréal (Canada) mealworm farm

The concept of a circular food economy, particularly through insect farming using food waste, has gained increasing attention in recent years. This approach holds the potential to reduce the environmental impacts of food production by repurposing food waste as insect feed, while simultaneously offering an alternative source of protein. Although the environmental advantages of insect farming are well established, limited research exists on insect farming in colder regions with cleaner grid electricity, such as Quebec, Canada. In this paper, a framework is developed to evaluate the greenhouse gas emissions of a mealworm farm within a circular economy context. The benefits of circular economy practices are assessed through multiple different feed acquisition scenarios (virgin feed and feed diverted from composting, anaerobic digestion, and landfilling). Furthermore, the benefits of mealworm farming are assessed through a comparative analysis with other sources of protein. The framework consists of five stages: feed acquisition, transformation, heating, transportation, and fertilizer production. The results show that farming mealworms using virgin feed emits +14.94 Kg CO2eq/Kg protein. However, using diverted food waste as feed eliminates the need for conventional waste management and leads to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of −1.54, −2.48, and −16.39 Kg CO2eq/Kg protein for food waste diverted from composting, anaerobic digestion, and landfilling, respectively. This study highlights that mealworm farming with virgin feed generates lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to beef and pork and is on par with chicken production. Overall, this study demonstrates the environmental superiority of mealworm farming, whether or not food waste is utilized, in a Canadian context.

Straw management adopted by large farms sustains grain yield but mitigates greenhouse gas emissions

ContextStraw incorporation is a globally recommended strategy for enhancing soil fertility. The methods for straw incorporation adopted by large farms usually differ from those used by small households, primarily because of variations in cost affordability. However, the effects of straw management on rice yields and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have not been well explored at different farming scales. ObjectivesThis study aims to compare the grain yield and greenhouse gas emissions under different straw management adopted by large farms than small households. MethodsA three-year field experiment using split-plot design, with straw management as the main plot and preceding tillage as the sub-plot, was conducted in a wheat-rice rotation system. Four treatments were given as rotary tillage with straw removal (RT-S), rotary tillage with straw incorporation (RT+S; small households), ploughing tillage with straw removal (PT-S), and ploughing tillage with straw incorporation (PT+S, large farms) in the preceding wheat season. Soil tillage in the rice season was the same, which was rotary tillage after irrigation. ResultsStraw incorporation significantly increased methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, and 60%-62% of CH4 was emitted during the transplanting to jointing stages while 45–73% of N2O was emitted during the jointing to the booting stage. The stimulation of CH4 and N2O emissions by straw incorporation was closely correlated to enhanced soil organic carbon (SOC) and denitrification enzyme activity, respectively. In the last year, PT+S significantly reduced the global warming potential (GWP) compared to RT+S in the whole rice season, which can be attributed to the dramatically decline of CH4 emission, even though N2O emission was increased. Additionally, the decreased CH4 emission was mainly due to lower methanogenic activity, and the increased N2O emission was mainly resulted from lower nosZ abundance under PT+S compared to RT+S. Straw incorporation increased rice yield by 15.73% on average in the last two years, and rice yield of PT+S in the last year was significantly enhanced by 27.50%, resulting in a lower greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) by 25.54% compared to RT+S. ConclusionStraw management practices adopted by large farms (PT+S) have the potential to synchronize high rice yields with lower GHG emissions compared to small households (RT+S). ImplicationsOur findings provide some evidence that large-scale agricultural organization may be helpful for sustainable rice production in China.

Pathways towards net zero: Assessment of enablers and barriers in Nepal

Implementing mitigation measures to limit global temperatures to below 2 °C poses several challenges. Even though Nepal's global emission contribution remains minimal, the nation is committed to the net zero targets aligned with the Paris Agreement through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and Long-Term Low greenhouse gas Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDS) by 2045, where the biggest emitters like India, China and European Union (EU) aims to achieve net zero by 2070, 2060 and 2050 respectively. In this context, detailed and concrete insights on context specific factors that inhibit or enable Nepal’s mitigation measures to robust climate action are still at its infancy. We assessed the enablers and barriers to implementing mitigation measures across the energy, transport and forestry sectors. For this, an adapted version of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC’s) Feasibility Assessment Framework is used, with data triangulated through an extensive literature review, as well as qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews with sector-specific experts (n = 25), policymakers (n = 15) and industry managers (n = 10). Our results indicated that geophysical and topographical barriers are relatively less prominent. However, the institutional capacity and governance, and cross-sectional coordination inhibit the implementation of mitigation measures. Addressing institutional barriers, such as policy gaps, regulatory frameworks, capacity building and coordination challenges, is essential for unlocking the full potential of enablers and overcoming obstacles. This research serves as a valuable guide for countries like Nepal, helping them gain insights into the challenges they may encounter on their journey to net zero targets

Predicting Engine Emissions Using Eco-Friendly Fuels for Sustainable Transportation

In recent years, increasing concerns about vehicle emissions' environmental and public health impacts have led to the desire to use eco-friendly fuels as alternatives to traditional fossil fuels. Biofuels, hydrogen, and electric power offer lower greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality, resulting in their development and adoption globally. Predicting vehicle emissions using these fuels is crucial for assessing their environmental benefits. This study proposes using artificial neural networks (ANN), a machine learning technique, to accurately predict vehicle emissions associated with eco-friendly fuels across different compositions and engine speeds. The ANN model has a strong correlation between predicted and observed emissions values, indicating the effectiveness of its model. The research underscores the importance of adopting innovative approaches to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable transportation solutions. This study contributes to reducing the adverse effects of vehicle emissions on air quality and public health by assisting policymakers, car manufacturers, and city planners in making effective decisions. It promotes environmental sustainability by providing valuable insights into vehicle emissions prediction and guiding the development of eco-friendly fuels for a more efficient transportation system.

Study of Palm Oil Shell Utilization as Metallurgical Coke with Variation of Bondcrete Additive

Coke, an essential ingredient in the steel and metallurgical industries, is typically derived from bituminous coal. However, in Indonesia, where bituminous coal is rare, coke production is dependent on coal imports due to the high moisture content of local coal. An alternative approach is to use biomass, such as palm oil processing waste, for "biomass coke" to produce a more environmentally friendly coke with lower greenhouse gas emissions. Palm kernel shell waste rich in lignocellulose proved suitable for this purpose due to its compressive strength and carbon content. Pyrolysis, a technique for creating porous micro-structured carbon from palm kernel shells, was used to produce this coke substitute, offering a more sustainable energy source with a lower carbon footprint than fossil fuels. Bio-coke exhibits low moisture content (5.84%) and ash content (13.20%) due to the moisture and ash reduction effects of bondcrete adhesive during combustion. It also demonstrates substantial compressive strength (14 mPa), a high calorific value (6795 cal/g), and a favorable pore structure with a large surface area, indicating a positive influence of bondcrete adhesive on coke properties without compromising energy potential.

Utilizing Waste Cooking Oil for Sustainable Biodiesel Production: A Comprehensive Review

The environmental and economic challenges posed by the over-reliance on fossil fuels have driven the search for alternative and sustainable energy sources. Waste cooking oil (WCO) presents a viable feedstock for biodiesel production, offering a dual solution to waste management and renewable energy generation. This comprehensive review examines the current state of biodiesel production from waste cooking oil, exploring the benefits, challenges, and processes involved. Biodiesel derived from WCO has several environmental advantages, including lower greenhouse gas emissions, biodegradability, and enhanced engine lubricity compared to traditional fossil fuels. Moreover, utilizing it for biodiesel addresses waste disposal issues, reducing the contamination of land and water resources. Despite these benefits, several challenges remain, such as the variability in its composition, contamination, and the need for efficient purification and transesterification processes. The review explores various methods for converting WCO into biodiesel, highlighting the key stages of the transesterification process, including the use of catalysts, alcohols, and reaction conditions. Additionally, advanced techniques such as ultrasound-assisted and microwave-assisted transesterification are discussed for their potential to increase efficiency and reduce processing time. This paper also addresses the sustainability aspects of biodiesel production from it, emphasizing its role in promoting a circular economy and reducing waste. The use of its contributes to a closed-loop system, where waste is transformed into a valuable resource. Furthermore, the review explores the economic and social impacts of biodiesel production, noting its potential to create jobs, reduce import dependence, and support local communities. In conclusion, this review underscores the significant potential of waste cooking oil in sustainable biodiesel production. It calls for continued research and technological innovation to optimize processes, enhance efficiency, and overcome existing challenges, thereby contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape.

Integration of Shared Micromobility into Public Transit: A Systematic Literature Review with Grey Literature

Shared micromobility services have become increasingly prevalent and indispensable as a means of transportation across diverse geographical regions. Integrating shared micromobility with public transit offers opportunities to complement fixed-route transit networks and address first- and last-mile issues. To explore this topic, a systematic literature review was conducted to consolidate knowledge, analyze research achievements and best practices, and provide future research recommendations. This study examined 108 journal papers from the Web of Science (WoS) core collection from 2016 to 2022, along with grey literature. Citation and co-citation analyses were performed to build and illustrate the literature’s bibliometric networks. This analysis categorized the literature into four major study themes: policy, sustainability, the interaction between shared micromobility and public transportation, and infrastructure. The implementation approaches of integrating shared micromobility and public transportation in different cities were classified into four categories: physical integration, payment and fee integration, informational integration, and institutional integration. The findings indicate that the relationship between shared micromobility and public transportation varies with spatial–temporal conditions and the population density of the city. Overall, integrating micromobility into public transit can offer faster and more cost-effective mobility options for most trips, contributing to urban resilience, a better air quality, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and livable communities. Based on these insights, further research is recommended to explore dynamic and context-specific strategies for successful shared micromobility and public transit integration, considering diverse urban settings and demographic factors.

Shedding Light on Financial Sustainability: Analyzing the Economic Implications of Energy-Efficient Lighting in the Construction Industry

Energy is widely recognized as a critical production factor across numerous industries. Energy efficiency is a method by which the expansion of energy consumption is managed and restrained. The main goal of this research is to investigate the financial implications of energy-efficient lighting in the building sector.The objectives of the paper were to: evaluate the current adoption and market share of energy-efficient lighting technologies in the construction sector, assess the economic impact of energy-efficient lighting, including cost-effectiveness, potential energy savings, and greenhouse gas emission reductions, analyze the effects of energy-efficient lighting on worker safety, productivity, and overall project costs in the construction sector, identify barriers to adoption and recommend policy changes and incentives to promote the widespread use of energy-efficient lighting in the construction sector in Pakistan.The methodology of the research follows the quantitative approach, data which was used to achieve the objectives includes literature, data sources, and project details on the construction industry from 2015 to 2021. Literature analysis and Data metrics were used to analyze of data.Studies found that energy-efficient lighting not only provides significant long-term cost savings but also improves environmental sustainability by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. Further, the literature analysis shows the beneficial relationship between adequate lighting and improved worker well-being as well as project efficiency, even though empirical data on these topics may be scarce.The study suggested that to overcome barriers and optimize the advantages of energy-efficient lighting, it is important to increase knowledge, provide financial incentives, improve access to eco-friendly construction materials, and strengthen compliance with building energy codes.

Electrorefining for copper tramp element removal from molten iron for green steelmaking

Steel recycling is crucial for lowering greenhouse gas emissions and reducing the pressure on natural resources within the manufacturing sector. Yet, the challenge of effectively dealing with impurities like carbon and tramp elements (copper), in scrap materials, persists as a major obstacle that current technologies fail to fully overcome. This study introduces an innovative oxysulfide electrolyte for electrorefining that significantly enhances steel recycling by effectively removing carbon and copper impurities from molten iron. This method not only achieves simultaneous extraction of these elements but also generates liquid iron and sulfur as by-products. By applying an electromotive force, this approach propels non-spontaneous electrochemical reactions, achieving refining efficiencies surpassing traditional methods. Results indicate a substantial reduction in carbon levels and copper to as low as 790 ppmw from 0.43 wt% Cu from molten iron can be achieved. The electrorefining process using this electrolyte offers a promising solution for improving scrap recycling in secondary steel production, highlighting its potential for reducing emissions and overcoming current technological limitations.

Ornated hydrangea-like M-MO/graphitic porous carbon derived via direct carbonization of MOFs for electrooxidation of methanol in alkaline DMFC

Due to their low operating temperature, ease of storage, transportation, and low greenhouse gas emissions, direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) are considered the best choice of fuel cells for energy conversion. Although its theoretical thermodynamic energy conversion efficiency is ~97 %, its achievable energy conversion efficiency is still in the range of 30–40 %. To improve the reaction kinetics, it is important to look for an electrocatalyst with low cost and high efficiency. In the present study, direct carbonization of [Ni, Cu, and (Ni/Cu)] metal-organic framework (MOF) was carried out under a nitrogen gas flow at 800 °C for 2.5 h, where the MOF precursor was completely converted into graphitic porous carbon well ornamented with Metal/Metal oxides (M/MO). The as-prepared nanomaterials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectric spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller technique (BET). The prepared materials were used as electrocatalysts in a methanol oxidation reaction solution in an alkaline solution. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements for Ni-MOF, Cu-MOF, (Ni/Cu) MOF, Ni-MOF800, Cu-MOF800, and (Ni/Cu)MOF800 showed excellent current densities of 17, 1.05, 44.25, 30, 11.56, and 53 mA∙cm−2, respectively at 0.6 V with a scan rate of 50 mV∙s−1. Whereas, the retention percent value is (96.2 %) for Ni-MOF, (93.1 %) for (Ni/Cu) MOF800, (96.7 %) for (Ni/Cu) MOF, (87.5 %) for Ni-MOF800, (97 %) for Cu-MOF, and (50.2 %) for Cu-MOF800 after an hour. Since M/MO/C800 demonstrated remarkable catalytic activity in relation to methanol oxidation and an abundance of cheap value, it is regarded as a promising candidate for future electrooxidation catalysis of MeOH in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs).

Sun, Soil, and Sustainability: Opportunities and Challenges of Agri-Voltaic Systems in India

The rise in green energies attempts to fulfil worldwide energy needs while substituting fossil fuels. It does, however, necessitate a vast amount of land. On the other hand, food security is jeopardized by the effects of climate change as well as an expanding population, particularly in India. As India strives for net-zero emissions by 2050, the integration of photovoltaics (PV) with agriculture has unlocked an emerging field known as agrivoltaics (AV). Agrivoltaics not only provides a long-term solution to the issue of land competition, but it also increases agricultural yields, conserves water resources, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. To evaluate the elements influencing the efficiency of AV, studies on revolutionary technologies connected to solar systems and the latest generation of photovoltaics are examined. This paper looks at agrivoltaics as a climate-conscious farming option with its advantages and disadvantages in India. This article also reviews AV plant designs and how varied intervals, altitude, and density affect shadowing.

Oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane over boron-containing chabazite

We report that boron-containing zeolite chabazite (B-CHA) catalyzes the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane (ODHE) with high selectivity (>70 %) and excellent stability in the temperature range of 500–600 °C. ODHE rates, in fact, increase over time on stream. Ethane consumption rate has an apparent activation energy of 126 kJ mol−1, with Langmuirian dependence on the oxygen partial pressure and first-order dependence on the ethane partial pressure. Investigation of the catalyst before and after reaction by one-dimensional 11B magic angle spinning (1D 11B MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), two-dimensional 11B multiple quantum MAS (2D 11B MQMAS) NMR spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy identifies the B-OH group in defect trigonal boron (B(OSi)(OH)2) as the species initiating the ODHE reaction. This result could open a pathway to develop suitable catalysts for industrial ethylene production with lower greenhouse gas emissions than current non-oxidative dehydrogenation routes.

Effectiveness of areca fiber and cement on the engineering characteristics of compressed stabilized earth blocks

This study investigates the potential of integrating areca fiber as a reinforcement agent in Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks (CSEBs), used in combination with cement. Traditional earth-based construction methods, once prevalent, have seen a decline in industrialized nations with the advent of modern building materials. However, there is a growing resurgence in the use of earth-based materials, motivated by their economic, social, and environmental sustainability benefits. This renewed interest in CSEBs is primarily due to their superior energy efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions, especially when compared to conventional materials like fired clay bricks or concrete blocks. Areca catechu, widely recognized as the areca palm, thrives in the tropical regions of the Pacific, Asia, and East Africa. The fibers derived from areca nutshells, often regarded as agricultural waste, present an intriguing material for study. While the application of areca fiber in soil reinforcement has been previously acknowledged in scholarly literature, its specific role in enhancing the engineering properties of CSEBs represents a novel area of exploration, which this research aims to address comprehensively. In this research endeavor, CSEBs were manufactured with varying proportions of areca fibers, spanning from 0 % to 3 %, based on the dry mass of soil. Subsequently, these blocks underwent comprehensive testing to assess their strength and durability characteristics. Strength properties were evaluated through unconfined compression, split tensile strength, and flexural strength tests, while durability was meticulously examined using wet strength, water absorption, submersion, and efflorescence tests. Here, CSEBs displayed increases in compressive strength (107.04–436.38 %), split tensile strength (208.66–358.08 %), and flexural strength (16.49–82.47 %). Durability tests revealed enhanced wet compressive strength (up to 100.42 % increase) and optimized water absorption rates. A notable finding is identifying 2 % areca fiber content as optimal, yielding significant improvements in strength and durability parameters. Microstructural analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) further confirmed the benefits of 2 % fiber content, showing a compact and cohesive internal structure with reduced voids and fissures. This microstructural integrity underlines the enhanced bonding and stability imparted by the areca fibers. Another essential aspect of the study was evaluating the compliance of CSEBs with various international standards on earthen construction. The fiber-reinforced blocks met or exceeded several standards, demonstrating their suitability for broader construction applications. Finally, this study underscores the promise of areca fiber as a valuable reinforcement material in CSEBs stabilized with cement. This innovative approach offers a sustainable and eco-friendly building material option, aligning with the growing emphasis on environmentally conscious construction practices.