Reaction Intensification Research Articles

Lipoprotein(a) levels in acute myocardial infarction patients and their associations with prior events and coronary artery disease severity: a real-world cohort study

Abstract Introduction Circulating lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] has been associated with the risk of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD) and is an emergent therapeutic target. The objective of this study is to explore the association between serum levels of Lp(a) and previous myocardial infarction (MI) and/or coronary revascularization and the extension of obstructive CAD in patients with acute MI undergoing coronary angiography. Methods All consecutive patients with MI who underwent coronary angiography and Lp(a) measurement between May and November 2023 were included. Patient data were either registered prospectively or completed retrospectively using electronic health records. Lp(a) was measured using the Immunoturbidimetric Assay method with reaction intensification by particles, employing the World Health Organization/International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (WHO/IFCC) International Reference Reagent (SRM2B), on the "Roche Cobas C702" chemistry analyzer. The number of major coronary arteries (left main, left anterior descending, left circumflex and right coronary arteries) with stenosis >50% on the coronary angiography were registered. In the primary analysis we explored the association between Lp(a) levels using tertiles and previous occurrence of MI/revascularization, as well as the extension of obstructive CAD. In the secondary analysis we compared Lp(a) levels in patients with and without previous MI/revascularization and patients with 3-4 major vessels CAD vs. 0-2 vessels. Results A total of 116 patients were enrolled, with a mean age of 62±13 years, 79% males, 29% with known coronary artery disease, 71% with dyslipidemia, 24% with diabetes, 65% with hypertension, and 58% were either active or former smokers. The median Lp(a) level was 72 (20-183) nmol/L. In the primary analysis (table 1), the number of previous MI/revascularizations was significantly higher in the third tertile of Lp(a) (T3) versus T1 (p=0.044). No significant differences were found for the remaining analyses. In the secondary analysis (figure 1) the level of Lp(a) was significantly higher in patients with 3-4 vessel CAD vs. 0-2 vessel (158.4±145.2 nmol/L vs. 103.16±104.6 p=0.044). Conclusion In this small real-world cohort population with acute MI, the number of previous MI or coronary revascularization was higher in patients with increased levels of Lp(a) and this marker of atherosclerotic disease was greater in patients with more extensive CAD.

Explosion risks: Variety of deflagration-to-detonation transition scenarios in smooth tubes

In the framework of comprehensive assessment of explosion risks on board of spacecrafts and on the facilities of launch places, the paper is focused on the detailed analysis of particular scenarios of deflagration-to-detonation transition taking place in smooth tubes filled with acetylene-oxygen mixtures of different compositions. By means of precise numerical simulation it is demonstrated that various scenarios of detonation onset can take place depending on the mixture composition and its initial thermodynamic state. It is demonstrated that independent on the particular scenario always the basic mechanism of detonation onset via the formation of strong enough shock wave takes place. In more reactive mixtures the strong shock originates from the self-sustained process of joint pressure build up and reaction intensification exactly at the flame front. In less reactive mixtures the transient flow behavior leads to the shock waves generation and interaction. As a result, a brand new reaction kernel could arise in the area of shock waves interaction. In number of cases, that leads to the coupling between the shock wave and the newborn reaction front and results in the strong shock formation and further detonation onset.

Novel Approach to Organization of Structured Cobalt-Based Fischer–Tropsch Catalyst

Structured Fischer–Tropsch synthesis catalysts were tested in tubular reactors of industry-standard diameters of 0.5 or 0.75 inches. The structured catalyst bed was manufactured by the obturation of a straight bunch of graphite-based extrudates (D = 1.5 mm, L = 30 mm). A conventional loose bed of granulated catalyst (D = 1.5 mm, L = 3 mm) was tested as a reference. In a 1000–3000 h−1 syngas space velocity range, structured and loose catalyst bed testing showed no significant differences in their main catalytic parameters. Nevertheless, their C5+ hydrocarbon group composition was quite different, i.e., the alkene fraction rose from 9 to 23%, while n-alkanes dropped from 81 to 64%. This could be a result of secondary reaction intensification in the conventional loose bed due to its zeolite acid site’s higher availability. Further FTS testing of the structured catalysts in 4000–6000 h−1 manifested distinctive limits in C5+ productivity for 0.5 and 0.75 inches of 512 kg C5+/(m3 reactor·h) and 362 kg C5+/(m3 reactor·h), respectively. This may be explained by limitations in structured bed thermal conductivity. It suggests that the arrangement of extrudates in the structured catalyst can significantly affect the reaction heat and mass transfer conditions and affords new opportunities for group composition control by means of catalyst bed organization.

Development of a bifunctional material incorporating carbon microspheres for the intensified hydrogen production by sorption-enhanced glycerol steam reforming

Glycerol steam reforming is a green and sustainable alternative to hydrocarbon steam reforming for hydrogen production. Reaction intensification by in-situ CO2 removal using Ni/CaO-based bifunctional sorbent-catalyst materials was investigated in this paper to improve the hydrogen yield and purity significantly. Employing carbon microspheres as the foundation for sorbent synthesis resulted in the development of a hollow CaO sphere sorbent with higher and more stable sorption capacity over multiple adsorption/regeneration cycles compared to sorbents synthesized with conventional methods. The incorporation of different stabilizers improved further the capacity and stability of sorbents. The sorbent materials were tested under different sorption and regeneration temperatures in a dry and wet atmosphere. The intensified sorption-enhanced steam reforming process was evaluated under various reaction temperatures, weight hourly space velocities, and steam-to-carbon molar feed ratios. The bifunctional materials synthesized with carbon microspheres led to improved reaction performances, including a more extended pre-breakthrough period and a more stable behavior during reaction/regeneration cycles.

Catalytic Reaction Intensification by a Novel Cryogenic Auxiliary Synthesized Fe-PAN Membrane

Catalytic Reaction Intensification by a Novel Cryogenic Auxiliary Synthesized Fe-PAN Membrane

Solvent Engineering for Nonpolar Substrate Glycosylation Catalyzed by the UDP-Glucose-Dependent Glycosyltransferase UGT71E5: Intensification of the Synthesis of 15-Hydroxy Cinmethylin β-d-Glucoside.

Sugar nucleotide-dependent glycosyltransferases are powerful catalysts of the glycosylation of natural products and xenobiotics. The low solubility of the aglycone substrate often limits the synthetic efficiency of the transformation catalyzed. Here, we explored different approaches of solvent engineering for reaction intensification of β-glycosylation of 15HCM (a C15-hydroxylated, plant detoxification metabolite of the herbicide cinmethylin) catalyzed by safflower UGT71E5 using UDP-glucose as the donor substrate. Use of a cosolvent (DMSO, ethanol, and acetonitrile; ≤50 vol %) or a water-immiscible solvent (n-dodecane, n-heptane, n-hexane, and 1-hexene) was ineffective due to enzyme activity and stability, both impaired ≥10-fold compared to a pure aqueous solvent. Complexation in 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin enabled dissolution of 50 mM 15HCM while retaining the UGT71E5 activity (∼0.32 U/mg) and stability. Using UDP-glucose recycling, 15HCM was converted completely, and 15HCM β-d-glucoside was isolated in 90% yield (∼150 mg). Collectively, this study highlights the requirement for a mild, enzyme-compatible strategy for aglycone solubility enhancement in glycosyltransferase catalysis applied to glycoside synthesis.

Amphiphilic heteropolyacid-based sulfonic acid-functionalised ionic liquids as efficient catalysts for biodiesel production

Aiming to address the mass transfer limitation in biphasic transesterification reactions for biodiesel production, as well as the poor affinity between conventional catalysts and feedstock oils, a series of amphiphilic heteropolyacid-based sulfonic acid-functionalised ionic liquids (AHPA-SFILs) were synthesised. Impressively, the solid-state AHPA-SFILs as catalysts would dissolve in the reaction medium during the transesterification of palm oil with methanol, enabling efficient homogeneous catalysis. Subsequently, the AHPA-SFILs could be easily precipitated and recovered by evaporating the methanol. Under the reaction temperature of 140 °C, methanol/oil molar ratio of 20, catalyst dosage of 7 wt%, and reaction time of 1.8 h determined by response surface methodology, the optimum AHPA-SFIL, namely [C16N-‍PS]-HPMo-1, exhibited a 95.86% yield of biodiesel. As revealed by experiments and quantum chemical calculations, the C16 chain of [C16N-PS]-HPMo-1 on one hand enhanced the mass transfer by promoting the dissolution of methanol in oil phase, and on the other hand facilitated the enrichment of triglycerides through intensified van der Waals interaction, thereby triggering the remarkable catalytic performance. This reaction intensification effect derived from long alkyl groups provided a theoretical basis for the design of future ILs. Furthermore, [C16N-PS]-HPMo-‍1 AHPA-SFIL showed satisfactory generality in the biodiesel production from different oils, signifying its promising application potential.

Numerical study in the pressure effects on coal catalytic hydrogasification in the bubbling fluidized bed

Pressurized fluidized bed coal catalytic hydrogasification is a promising coal-to-SNG technology. Its scale-up faces some challenges, such as hot-spot controlling, particle-size selection, and char residue discharging. Pressure is recognized as a critical influencing factor. In order to reveal the pressure effects, numerical simulations are carried out at different pressures (1 MPa, 2 MPa, 3 MPa, and 4 MPa), and last for the whole residence time by using the validated MP-PIC model. The pressure effects are carefully analyzed in terms of bubble size, bed temperature, global conversion, particle-scale dynamics, and individual reactivity. Results show that elevated pressure contributes to the generation of small bubbles, and the reaction is intensified at the place where small bubbles accumulate. But pressure over 3 MPa should be avoided, otherwise, the hot spot of 1400 K will occur. Then pressure selection is suggested as a compromise between reaction intensification and avoiding the hot spot. Based on different pressure results, the particle size distribution for the current process is also suggested in the range between 50 μm and 350 μm. Finally, the optimal interrelationship between pressure, particle size, and gas velocity is found, which provides useful guidance for the scale-up of the CCHG reactor.

Reaction intensification for biocatalytic production of polyphenolic natural product di-C-β-glucosides.

Polyphenolic aglycones featuring two sugars individually attached via C-glycosidic linkage (di-C-glycosides) represent a rare class of plant natural products with unique physicochemical properties and biological activities. Natural scarcity of such di-C-glycosides limits their use-inspired exploration as pharmaceutical ingredients. Here, we show a biocatalytic process technology for reaction-intensified production of the di-C-β-glucosides of two representative phenol substrates, phloretin (a natural flavonoid) and phenyl-trihydroxyacetophenone (a phenolic synthon for synthesis), from sucrose. The synthesis proceeds via an iterative two-fold C-glycosylation of the respective aglycone, supplied as inclusion complex with 2-hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin for enhanced water solubility of up to 50 mmol/L, catalyzed by a kumquat di-C-glycosyltransferase (di-CGT), and it uses UDP-Glc provided in situ from sucrose by a soybean sucrose synthase, with catalytic amounts (≤3 mol%) of UDP added. Time course analysis reveals the second C-glycosylation as rate-limiting (0.4-0.5 mmol/L/min) for the di-C-glucoside production. With internal supply from sucrose keeping the UDP-Glc at a constant steady-state concentration (≥50% of the UDP added) during the reaction, the di-C-glycosylation is driven to completion (≥95% yield). Contrary to the mono-C-glucoside intermediate which is stable, the di-C-glucoside requires the addition of reducing agent (10 mmol/L 2-mercaptoethanol) to prevent its decomposition during the synthesis. Both di-C-glucosides are isolated from the reaction mixtures in excellent purity (≥95%), and their expected structures are confirmed by NMR. Collectively, this study demonstrates efficient glycosyltransferase cascade reaction for flexible use in natural product di-C-β-glucoside synthesis from expedient substrates.

H2-Driven Reduction of Flavin by Hydrogenase Enables Cleaner Operation of Nitroreductases for Nitro-Group to Amine Reductions

Hydrogenase-mediated reduction of flavin mononucleotide by H2 is exploited to enable cleaner application of nitroreductase enzymes for reduction of aromatic nitro functional groups. This turns the overall reaction into a biocatalytic hydrogenation. Use of flavin-containing nitroreductases in industrial biotechnology typically relies upon NADH or NADPH as reductant, together with glucose dehydrogenase and glucose as a regeneration system for the reduced nicotinamide cofactor, with 3 equivalents of the carbon-intensive glucose required for a single 6-electron nitro to amine conversion. We show here that reduced flavin mononucleotide is an alternative reductant for nitroreductases, and by combining this with H2-driven recycling of reduced flavin, we avoid glucose, thereby enabling atom-efficient biocatalytic nitro reductions. We compare this biocatalytic system, via green chemistry metrics, to existing strategies for biocatalytic nitro-group reductions, particularly with respect to replacing glucose with H2 gas. We take steps towards demonstrating industrial viability: we report an overexpression system for E. coli hydrogenase 1, giving a 12-fold improvement in enzyme yield; we show a reaction in which the hydrogenase exhibits > 26,000 enzyme turnovers; and we demonstrate reasonable solvent tolerance of the hydrogenase and flavin reduction system which would enable reaction intensification.

Differential Quercus spp. pollen-particulate matter interaction is dependent on geographical areas

Particulate matter (PM) and pollen interaction, either airborne or at the respiratory mucosa needs further clarification, as allergic reaction intensification can be related to the PM physical characteristics and toxicity. This study aimed to investigate the physical-chemical properties of PM that can adhere to the pollen wall during its transport or inhalation, using Quercus spp. as a model, in three Portuguese cities with different geographical locations, meteorological influence and urbanization levels. Possible sources were evaluated through air masses trajectory analysis using the HYSPLIT model and correlation with meteorological factors. The sampling was performed using a 7-days Hirst-type volumetric sampler, and the pollen grains were observed using a Field Emission Electron Probe Microanalyser for PM analysis. A secondary electron image of each pollen grain was taken, to determine the adhered particles characteristics and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) spectra were obtained for individual particles. A total of 484 pollen grains was observed, with 7683 particles counted and 1914 EDS spectra analyzed. The particle's equivalent diameter ranged from 0.3-16 μm, with most having a diameter < 3 μm. For the three cities, there were significant differences in the number of particles per pollen and the % area occupied by the particles. Particles adhered were mainly Si-rich, but variations in other dominant groups were observed. For Évora and Guarda, Ca-rich, SO-rich were second and third more representative, while Porto were Organic and Cl-rich. Metals&Oxides were found in all cities with the highest number in Porto. P-rich particles were only found in Évora. Sea salt particles were observed in Évora, coincide with air mass trajectories possible carrying them from the Mediterranean Sea. In conclusion, the PM physical characteristics are similar between the studied cities, however, the dominant chemical composition is different, certainly impacting the exposome influence and pollen-allergy intensification towards the same pollen type and concentration.

Lipase catalyzed green epoxidation of oleic acid using ultrasound as a process intensification method

Epoxidized fatty acids are important green intermediates for chemical industry. This work was focused on the direct epoxidation of oleic acid (OA) using immobilized lipase Novozym® 435 as the catalyst and hydrogen peroxide (HP) as the epoxidation agent. The impacts of reactant molar ratio (HP:OA = 1…2), reaction temperature (30–60 °C), catalyst loading (7 wt-%) and stirring rate (500–1000 rpm) on the fatty acid conversion and epoxide selectivity were evaluated Acoustic irradiation and an advanced stirring system were implemented for reaction intensification and different ultrasound amplitudes (0–90%) were screened. Novozym® 435 revealed to be an efficient and durable catalyst for fatty acid epoxidation. The reaction was promoted by an excess of HP. The highest epoxide selectivity was about 80% at full conversion of oleic acid reached within 200 min. Ultrasound irradiation (90% amplitude) enhanced the initial reaction rate by a factor two compared to silent conditions and higher oleic acid conversions were reached compared to silent experiments. The catalyst preserved its activity and selectivity rather well, which was confirmed by catalyst recovery experiments conducted in the absence and presence acoustic irradiation. The main ring-opening agent is the fatty acid itself, which resulted in the formation of esters.

Climate Neutrality Concepts for the German Chemical–Pharmaceutical Industry

This paper intends to propose options for climate neutrality concepts by taking non-German international experiences and decisions made into account. Asia-Pacific and Arabic countries do have already same lessons learned by large-scale projects with regard to economic evaluations. Quite a few conceptual studies to generate the climate neutrality of the chemical–pharmaceutical industry in Germany have been published recently. Most of the studies differ even in magnitude but do not refer to or evaluate the other ones. These are all first theoretical feasibility studies. Experimental piloting is not far developed; only few and only stand-alone parts are operated, with no overall concepts. Economic evaluation is missing nearly completely. Economic analysis shows a factor 3 more expensive green technologies. Even if a large optimization potential of about 30% during manufacturing optimization is assumed as significant, cost increases would result. To make green products nevertheless competitive, the approach is to increase the carbon-source cost analogue, e.g., by CO2/ton taxes by around EUR 100, which would lead to about factor 3 higher consumer prices regarding the material amount. Furthermore, some countries would not participate in such increases and would have benefits on the world market. Whether any customs-duties policy could balance that is generally under question. Such increasing costs are not imaginable for any social-political system. Therefore, the only chance to realize consequent climate neutrality is to speed up research on more efficient and economic technologies, including, e.g., reaction intensification technologies such as plasma ionization, catalyst optimization, section coupling to cement, steel and waste combustion branches as well as pinch technology integration and appropriate scheduling. In addition, digital twins and process analytical technologies for consequent process automation would help to decrease costs. All those technologies seem to lead to even less personnel, but who need to be highly educated to deal with complex integrated systems. Research and education/training has to be designed for those scenarios. Germany as a resource-poor country could benefit from its human resources. Germany is and will be an energy importing country.

Immobilization-Stabilization of β-Glucosidase for Implementation of Intensified Hydrolysis of Cellobiose in Continuous Flow Reactors

Cellulose saccharification to glucose is an operation of paramount importance in the bioenergy sector and the chemical and food industries, while glucose is a critical platform chemical in the integrated biorefinery. Among the cellulose degrading enzymes, β-glucosidases are responsible for cellobiose hydrolysis, the final step in cellulose saccharification, which is usually the critical bottleneck for the whole cellulose saccharification process. The design of very active and stable β-glucosidase-based biocatalysts is a key strategy to implement an efficient saccharification process. Enzyme immobilization and reaction engineering are two fundamental tools for its understanding and implementation. Here, we have designed an immobilized-stabilized solid-supported β-glucosidase based on the glyoxyl immobilization chemistry applied in porous solid particles. The biocatalyst was stable at operational temperature and highly active, which allowed us to implement 25 °C as working temperature with a catalyst productivity of 109 mmol/min/gsupport. Cellobiose degradation was implemented in discontinuous stirred tank reactors, following which a simplified kinetic model was applied to assess the process limitations due to substrate and product inhibition. Finally, the reactive process was driven in a continuous flow fixed-bed reactor, achieving reaction intensification under mild operation conditions, reaching full cellobiose conversion of 34 g/L in a reaction time span of 20 min.

H2SO4‐catalyzed isobutane alkylation under low temperatures promoted by long‐alkyl‐chain surfactant additives

AbstractTo deeply understand the role of surfactants on the acid/C4 hydrocarbon miscibility, the catalytic activity and molecular‐level interfacial properties of long‐alkyl‐chain cationic surfactants (hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, CATB and dihexadecyldimethylammoniumchloride, DDAB) and anionic one (sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate, SDBS) were studied as additives for H2SO4 alkylation using experiments and molecular dynamics simulations. Surfactant additives are found to efficiently decrease by‐products and promote higher selectivity of trimethylpentanes (TMPs) and higher research octane number (RON), which is attributed to the improvement of acid/hydrocarbons interface, including better interfacial dispersion, higher I/O ratio, and lower interfacial tension. Surfactant additives show an interfacial intensification, quite different from intrinsic reaction intensification by low temperature. Combination of SDBS additive and lower temperature contributes to significantly higher TMP selectivity and higher RON up to 84.20 wt% and 99.07 at 269.2 K from 60.21 wt% and 94.34 at 281.2 K, respectively. The information provides good reference for the industrial H2SO4 alkylation.

Framework of the kinetic analysis of O2-dependent oxidative biocatalysts for reaction intensification

A framework for kinetic modelling and evaluation of the reaction intensification of O2-dependent enzyme catalyzed reactions is built from measurements of consumption rates of the initially dissolved O2 in homogeneous liquid phase.

Microwave energy inductive fluidized metal particles discharge behavior and its potential utilization in reaction intensification

Microwave-induced metal discharge (MMD) technology offers a novel methodology for efficient gas-phase catalytic reaction due to its unique heating effect, plasma effect and discharge effect. Herein, we successfully used a special kind of uniformly distributed particles with synergistic microwave-induced fluidized-metal discharge (MFD) effect. A lab-scale atmospheric quartz tube fluidized bed reactor was designed. Apparatus like high-speed camera, fiber spectrometer and infrared thermometer were used to record the discharge phenomena. The effects of operating conditions such as gas velocity, microwave power, carrier gas type, and metal type on the discharge behavior were investigated in detail. Subsequently, the MFD was applied into the methane dry reform reaction (MDR) with excellent conversion compared with the conventional heating conditions. Gratifyingly, the metal particles can both be the converter of microwave and the catalyst of the reaction. The reported conclusion provides a novel way to intensification the reaction process and utilize microwave energy.

Demystifying the Flow: Biocatalytic Reaction Intensification in Microstructured Enzyme Reactors.

Continuous (flow) reactors have drawn a wave of renewed interest in biocatalysis. Many studies find that the flow reactor offers enhanced conversion efficiency. What the reported reaction intensification actually consists in, however, often remains obscure. Here, a canonical microreactor design for heterogeneously catalyzed continuous biotransformations, featuring flow microchannels that contain the enzyme immobilized on their wall surface are examined. Glycosylations by sucrose phosphorylase are used to assess the potential for reaction intensification due to microscale effects. Key variables are identified, and their corresponding relationship equations, to describe, and optimize, the interplay between reaction characteristics, microchannel geometry and reactor operation. The maximum space-time-yield (STY_max) scales directly with the enzyme activity immobilized on the available wall surface. Timescale analysis, comparing the characteristic times of reaction (τreac ) and diffusion (τdiff ) to the mean residence time (τres ), reveals operational conditions for optimum reactor output. Theoretical insight into determinants of microreactor performance is applied to biocatalytic syntheses of α-d-glucose 1-phosphate and α-glucosyl glycerol. Process boundaries for enzyme showing, respectively, high (80 U mg-1 ) and low (4 U mg-1 ) specific activities are thus established and options for process design revealed. Opportunities, and limitations, of the application of principles of microscale flow chemistry to biocatalytic transformations are made evident.

Significant and Synergistic Intensification of Aerobic Oxidation of Activated Alcohols in Water at Ambient Condition by Adding Perfluoro‐Surfactant

AbstractA general strategy for significantly intensifying aerobic oxidation of activated alcohols at “green” surrounding is reported (water as dispersion phase, molecular oxygen as oxidant, under room temperature and one standard atmosphere pressure). The reaction system consists of CuCl/DMAP/TEMPO as catalyst, and critically a certain amount of per‐fluorine surfactant as co‐catalyst. The selective transformation of activated alcohol has been significantly accelerated, with more than 200 times increase of the value of the observed first order rate constant (kobs). A synergistic reaction mechanism was proposed by comparing the types and the loading amount of surfactant. Notably, it was found that the charge of the surfactant determined the location of the active species, which almost dominated the conversion of substrate. This strategy was applicable to a variety of aromatic alcohols and heteroaromatic alcohols. Our work represents an innovative approach in multiphase reaction intensification and will provide some new insights on performing green reactions.

Greatly enhanced reactivity of CaC2 with perchloro- hydrocarbons in a stirring ball mill for the manufacture of alkynyl carbon materials

Calcium carbide (CaC2) is a potential feedstock for various alkynyl chemicals, but its actual activity is very low due to its high lattice energy and insolubility. A stirring ball mill was used here to intensify its reaction with perchloro-hydrocarbons (PCHCs), namely hexachlorobenzene (HCB), hexachloroethane (HCE), tetrachloroethene (TCE) and tetrachloromethane (TCM), forming corresponding alkynyl carbon materials (ACMs), viz. ACMHCB, ACMHCE, ACMTCE and ACMTCM, respectively. The reaction intensification may be ascribed to the activation of CaC2 and its effective collision with PCHCs by the intensive impingement of the milling balls. The as-prepared ACMs were characterized by XRD, Raman, elemental analysis, XPS, SEM and BET analysis, and their adsorption performance was evaluated. These ACMs are mesoporous materials with over 70% carbon content, varying amount of acetylenic groups, rich micro-pores and high specific areas ranging from 270 to 970 m2 g−1. ACMHCB is found to be a promising sorbent with adsorption capacity of 514.7 mg-Hg g−1 for HgCl2 aqueous solution and 24.4 mg-S g−1 for DBT oil, which is much superior to most of carbonaceous sorbents due to its rich micro-porosity and abundant acetylenic groups.