Alternative Renewable Sources Research Articles

Evaluating the Energy Requirements for Uganda: Case for Natural Gas

About 89 percent of Uganda’s total primary energy consumption is generated through biomass. With the country aspiring to become an upper middle-income country by 2040, the total energy requirement is estimated to be 41,738 MW. Currently, 2,000 MW are being produced and the energy mix is dominated by biomass. With a population projected to be 85 million by 2040, there is an urgent need to increase on the generation capacity and diversify and introduce new alternative renewable sources of energy supply especially at the household level. This study was conducted to assess the extent of energy requirements and usage in the country and challenges that need to be addressed to enable the country transition to clean, more sustainable energy sources, with the focus on natural gas. The overall aim was to identify potential demand for natural gas and readiness for its use in the industry and household level. 227 households were visited and the top 25 energy consuming companies. It was discovered that the average LPG consumption per capita is 0.2 – 0.5 kg/year compared to other sub-Sahara countries with an average LPG per capita consumption of 3 kg/year. Even though 22% of the population can afford LPG at the household level, only 0.8-1% use it due to negative attitude, safety concerns, difficult access and the high initial cost of purchasing the cylinders. All industrial stakeholders are eager and ready to take on natural gas to meet their energy needs as long as the cost/benefit analysis is favourable. The natural gas that will be required to produce 550,0000 tpa of liquid steel by 2024 will be 165-176 million Nm³ per year. The most favourable source of supply of natural gas to Uganda is from Tanzania.

Biofuel Production from Waste Cooking Oils and its Physicochemical Properties in Comparison to Petrodiesel

Haphazard mining and consumption of fossil fuels have reduced petroleum reserves causing fossil fuel depletion and environmental degradation; thus, reflecting the need of the cheaper, renewable and eco-friendly alternative source of petroleum to meet the fuel demand. Million liters of edible oil used for cooking foods and date expired oils from oil manufacturers are discarded into sewage. This study primarily intends to study the feasibility of biodiesel production using such waste oils. In this work, biodiesel was prepared from waste cooking oils by a process called transesterification with NaOH as a catalyst. Our results showed that methyl ester (biodiesel) (92.67±0.90%), soap materials (1.33±0.224%) and glycerol (6±0.68%) were obtained after the transesterification of waste cooking oil. The physicochemical properties of biodiesel such as density, viscosity, volatility, surface tension and flashpoint were analyzed, which were found to be 0.862±0.006 g/cm3, 2.23±0.021 cP, 0.327×10-3±4.5×10-6 g/s, 32.03±0.138 dyne/cm, 169.67±0.810°C, respectively. These properties were compared with that of commercial diesel as well as with the values specified by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D6751. The density and the surface tension of the biodiesel were found similar to that of petrodiesel but its volatility was 3 times lower. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra of the biodiesel showed methyl ester functional group at 1436 cm-1. Based on the cost of the materials used for production, the cost of biodiesel was estimated to be about 81 Nepalese rupees (0.67 USD) per liter. The properties of biodiesel also met the standard values of ASTM D6751. These findings indicate that waste oil is one of the feasible biodiesel sources and it can be used as a suitable alternative to petrodiesel.

Polyurethane adhesive based on polyol monomers BHET and BHETA depolymerised from PET waste

During the development of the polyurethane (PU) industry, one of its biggest challenges has been synthesis and formulation-related due to a lack of renewable resources and thus an over-reliant dependence on fossil reserves which has led to considerable research effort focused on alternative renewable sources of supply. In this study, PET bottle waste and castor oil have been considered as alternative sources for the synthesis of a PU adhesive. A cheap and environmentally friendly synthesis pathway for polyols is provided using depolymerization reactions of recyclable materials. The structures of the polyols have been demonstrated using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Different NCO/OH ratios with calculated amounts of MDI were used to prepare polyols which were then employed during PU preparation and their effects on the resultant PUs were investigated. Solvent-free polyurethane adhesives were synthesized. Changes in the properties of PU synthesized by the addition of castor oil and boron species to the structure were also determined. The thermal behaviour of PU samples were characterized by DSC-TG; and functional group detection and covalent bonding formation were investigated via FTIR analysis.

Correction of Hemoglobin E/Beta-Thalassemia Patient-Derived iPSCs Using CRISPR/Cas9.

HbE/β-thalassemia is one of the most common thalassemic syndromes in Southeast Asia and Thailand. Patients have mutations in βhemoglobin (HBB) gene resulting in decreased and/or abnormal production of β hemoglobin. Here, we describe a protocol for CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene correction of the mutated hemoglobin E from one allele of the HBB gene by homology-directed repair (HDR) in HbE/β-thalassemia patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) using a CRISPR/Cas9 plasmid-based transfection method and a single-stranded DNA oligonucleotide (ssODN) repair template harboring the correct nucleotides. Our strategy allows the seamless HbE gene correction with the editing efficiency (HDR) up to 3%, as confirmed by Sanger sequencing. This protocol provides a simple one-step genetic correction of HbE mutation in the patient-derived iPSCs. Further differentiation of the corrected iPSCs into hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells will provide an alternative renewable source of cells for the application in autologous transplantation in the future.

Modification of a groundwater prospect zone index using remotely sensed data and the analytic network process in the eastern part of Lesvos island, Greece.

Because of climate change and overpopulation, the demand for water is increasing. Groundwater constitutes an alternative renewable source of aquifer, so the spatial distribution of ground water provides important information on its qualitative and quantitative status. This paper develops a methodology for delineating potential ground water zones using remotely sensed data and GIS. The developed methodology was based on the empirical index GPI (MGPI – Modified Groundwater Potential Index) and was applied to the eastern part of Lesvos Island, Greece. To evaluate the criteria used for the result, the Analytic Network Process (ANP) was applied to weight each parameter. The dataset used consists of satellite images derived from Sentinel 2 and Landsat 8, which were combined with vector and raster data, to create the necessary thematic layers. To validate the results, existing ground water zones from the Municipal Water Company of Lesvos were used.

Tandem conversion of lignin to catechols via demethylation and catalytic hydrogenolysis

Lignin is regarded as a potential source of various aromatic compounds and chemicals, replacing petrochemicals. Catechol and its derivatives are important platform chemicals in many industrial sectors, including agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals. The global market of catechols is expected to increase with emerging demand in end-use industries. Considering that the current production of catechols relies on fossil fuels, it is critical to seek alternative renewable sources to respond to sustainability challenges. In this respect, lignin is viewed as a promising material due to its abundance and renewable character. Also, the structural similarity to catechols has made lignin a potential feedstock for the production of bio-catechols. However, the lignin-to-catechols conversion approach is still in an early stage because the intractable nature of lignin and the complex mixture of the depolymerized products make its valorization less feasible. Herein, we report a selective production of catechols via tandem conversion of lignin, namely, demethylation followed by catalytic hydrogenolysis (DFCH). The DFCH of lignin resulted in catechol- and catechol derivatives-rich liquid, accounting for 80 % in the identified products. The reaction mechanisms were also studied by quantum calculations to provide a fundamental understanding of the conversion. The result proves that selective modification of lignin structure is a promising approach to produce specific platform chemicals, providing insights toward an efficient strategy for lignin valorization.

Роль геополитических факторов в формировании мирового нефтяного рынка. Анализ и систематизация литературы

Oil export revenues still constitute a considerable part of the national budget, and influence the business cycle, in Russia as well as other oil-exporting countries. Therefore, the identification of the main factors influencing oil prices, an adequate assessment of their significance, as well as a forecast of market developments and possible actions in the international arena are necessary for competent public policy planning and realistic evidence-based budgeting. The activities of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) are traditionally considered among the main geopolitical factors that significantly influence oil price dynamics.Although at present it is too early to make a full-fledged impact assessment for all factors that influenced oil prices during the current crisis, the first attempts are already being made through situation analyses and academic articles in peer-reviewed journals. However, an analysis of the available studies carried out since the end of the 1960s for all cases of significant oil price fluctuations helps systematize existing findings and answer the following research question: under what circumstances do geopolitical factors play a defining role, and when is their influence extremely limited or completely absent? The goal of this analysis is to identify and generalize the main trends in the oil market and relevant academic research, as well as to clarify OPEC’s role in the current stage of the oil market’s development.Based on this analysis several conclusions are drawn. First, geopolitical factors had varying significance in oil price dynamics depending on the historic period: in the 1960s and 1970s, the influence was determinative; it then started to weaken and became less important compared to economic variables (especially on the demand side). Second, a key feature of the influence of geopolitical factors on the oil market is indirectness: expectations about future events that theoretically could lead to changes in market conditions, primarily oil supply, have a greater impact on prices than the events themselves. Third, OPEC (+) activities and the political processes taking place among its members are still the most significant geopolitical factors affecting the oil market. Moreover, OPEC’s influence as a cartel has been steadily declining since the 1980s. It has lost price-setting power, and now its major function is the adjustment of market-defined prices. Finally, OPEC’s influence has decreased due to several major factors: oil market transformation from the sale of commodities to the sale of financial products, the shale revolution, the development of production in non-OPEC countries that, in case of the United States, are also the largest consumers, and the development of alternative energy and renewable sources.

Thermal Profile of a Low-Concentrator Photovoltaic: A COMSOL Simulation

With the gradual reduction of fossil fuels, it is essential to find alternative renewable sources of energy. It is important to take advantage of substitutes that are less expensive and more efficient in energy production. Photovoltaic concentrators (CPVs) are effective methods through which solar energy can be maximized resulting in more conversion into electrical power. V-trough concentrators are the simplest types of low-CPV in terms of design as it is limited to the use of two plane mirrors with a flat photovoltaic (PV) plate. A consequence of concentrating more solar radiation on a PV panel is an increase in its temperature that may decrease its efficiency. In this work, the thermal profile of the PV plate in a V-trough system will be determined when this system is placed in different geographical locations in Saudi Arabia. The simulation is conducted using COMSOL Multiphysics software with a ray optics package integrated with a heat transfer routine. The 21st of June was chosen to conduct the simulation as it coincides with the summer solstice. The employment of wind as a cooling method for V-troughs was investigated in this work. It was found that with the increase in wind speed, the PV panel temperature dropped significantly below its optimum operating temperature. However, due to the mirrors’ attachment to the PV panel, the temperature distribution on the surface of the panel was nonuniform. The temperature gradient on the PV surface was reduced with the increase of wind speed but not significantly. Reducing the size of the mirrors resulted in a partial coverage of solar radiation on the PV surface which helped in reducing the temperature gradient but did not eliminate it. This work can assist in testing numerous cooling models to optimize the use of V-troughs and increase its efficiency especially in locations having high ambient temperatures.

Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Synechocystis sp to be Used as a Flocculant Agent with Different Microalgae Strains

Background: Biofuels produced from trans-esterification of high lipid content in microalgae represent a promising alternative renewable source of energy to the limited and depleted global fossil fuel reservoir. The most critical step in such a process is the harvesting of algal cells. Objective: We aimed to improve the current methodology for microalgae harvesting via utilizing biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Synechocystis sp. ElfSCS31 as an eco-friendly, stable, and affordable flocculant agent. Methods: AgNPs were prepared by the green synthesis method using the alcoholic extract of Synechocystis sp. ElfSCS31. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by Zeta sizer, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and UV-Vis Spectroscopy. Biosynthesised AgNPs were applied for harvesting 20 microalgae strains, and then, harvesting efficiency was determined by UV Spectrophotometry. Results: Our results revealed an average size of polydispersed nanoparticles ranging from 10 to 100 nm for prepared AgNPs and the potential of 1.78 mV, with an average crystallite size of 22 nm. Biosynthesised AgNPs exhibited harvesting efficiency towards different strains of microalgae, which reached 97% in some strains as in Chlorella lobophora and Chlorococcum oleofaciens. Conclusion: The presented study introduces a feasible strategy using biosynthesized AgNPs as a flocculant agent to harvest different strains of microalgae at normal growth conditions of light and temperature. Our developed method could replace the classical high-cost step of harvesting that leads to unravelling the full potential of microalgae as a promising and fascinating source for biofuels production.

INTERNATIONAL ENERGY TRANSITION: A REVIEW OF ITS STATUS ON SEVERAL CONTINENTS

Many of the more developed countries and other members of the United Nations organization are already working hard on energy transition issues, which is nothing more than the independence of fossil energy sources and the technological foray into clean energy sources. This independence is generally achieved by replacing conventional energy sources with alternative renewable sources, and because of this, it is also necessary to adapt or replace systems using these conventional sources with systems using alternative sources. In the United States of America, they have set to work seeking to reduce dependence on oil and increasing the production of natural gas and biofuel, which will save eighteen hundred barrels of oil. In England, decarbonization and energy efficiency increase plans are carried out that proposes an 80% reduction in emissions. Likewise, efforts are made in the European Union to increase energy efficiency and renewable energy, as well as CO2 capture and nuclear energy generation, as well as cost reductions of all renewable energies of up to 53%. For its part, China represents almost half of the world's investment in renewable energy in something they call the energy revolution, despite the fact that it has also been a major importer of oil. In Latin America, Brazil is aiming at decarbonization by designing adequate mechanisms and policies for sustained development in the use of renewable energy sources, in addition to increasing the use of solar electric power generation sources, among others. In this paper, you can find the efforts made and projections on energy transition in some countries.Keywords: Energy transition, Consumption Reduction, Energy Efficiency, Decarbonization, Renewable Sources.JEL Classifications: L78, L90, O31, Q20DOI: https://doi.org/10.32479/ijeep.10116

Role of microbial lipases in transesterification process for biodiesel production

Bio-diesel is a fuel produced by transesterification reaction of oil or fat in the presence of a catalyst. It is an alternate renewable source for petrol and diesel, which helps in reducing greenhouse gases emissions. Chemical catalysts such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sulfuric acid are used in the conventional methods of biodiesel production. This review focusses on application of lipase enzyme in transesterification of different types of oils such as: soybean, sunflower, rapeseed, palm oil, and waste cooking oil. Worldwide production of biodiesel via lipase enzyme and its economic as well as future aspects are also discussed. Various researchers have used free lipase in biodiesel production however, some lipases are also utilized as immobilized form. There are number of fungal and bacterial species that have been used to synthesize lipases, some of the microbial species are as follows: Aspergillus niger, Burkholderia cepacia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis etc. Solid-state fermentation and broth culture of fungus is suitable for crude lipase production. Immobilized lipase plays very significant role in transesterification process. Lipases enzymes act as a good catalyst therefore, its production and utilization may be a better alternative of chemical catalysts.

Greener and sustainable production of bioethylene from bioethanol: current status, opportunities and perspectives

AbstractThe economic value of bioethylene produced from bioethanol dehydration is remarkable due to its extensive usage in the petrochemical industry. Bioethylene is produced through several routes, such as steam cracking of hydrocarbons from fossil fuel and dehydration of bioethanol, which can be produced through fermentation processes using renewable substrates such as glucose and starch. The rise in oil prices, environmental issues due to toxic emissions caused by the combustion of fossil fuel and depletion of fossil fuel resources have led a demand for an alternative pathway to produce green ethylene. One of the abundant alternative renewable sources for bioethanol production is biomass. Bioethanol produced from biomass is alleged to be a competitive alternative to bioethylene production as it is environmentally friendly and economical. In recent years, many studies have investigated catalysts and new reaction engineering pathways to enhance the bioethylene yield and to lower reaction temperature to drive the technology toward economic feasibility and practicality. This paper critically reviews bioethylene production from bioethanol in the presence of different catalysts, reaction conditions and reactor technologies to achieve a higher yield and selectivity of ethylene. Techno-economic and environmental assessments are performed to further development and commercialization. Finally, key issues and perspectives that require utmost attention to facilitate global penetration of technology are highlighted.

Cost-effective production of dextran using Saccharum officinarum juice (SOJ) as a potential feedstock: downstream processing and characterization

Dextrans are exo-polysaccharides prominently used as biomaterial on the grounds of their biodegradability and biocompatibility characteristics. There is an increasing interest and need to identify alternative cost-effective and renewable carbon source for dextran to reduce the production cost and to improve the overall economy of dextran production. In this work, dextran was produced using Saccharum officinarum juice (SOJ) as a low-carbon source by Leuconostoc mesenteroides MTCC 7337. The suitable condition/parameter for the production of dextran was found to be medium pH, 7; shaking speed, 150 rpm; inoculum size, 5% v/v; and nitrogen source, yeast extract. The different downstream factors including screening of solvent, supernatant to solvent ratio and precipitation time on the recovery of dextran, were studied. The organic solvent, ethanol with volume ratio of 1:4 (supernatant to solvent ratio), and precipitation time of 16 h were selected based on the maximum recovery of dextran from SOJ medium. The purified dextran was characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) analysis. The results of rheological studies indicate that dextran solution behaves like a pseudoplastic fluid at higher concentrations of dextran solution. Based on the results, it was found that SOJ could be used as an alternate substrate for the production of dextran.

LyondellBasell will build a chemical recycling facility

Constant increase in energy demand has necessitated exploration of renewable and sustainable alternative sources of energy. Oleaginous yeast can serve as a potential feedstock for biodiesel production and the recovered de-oiled biomass can be used for production of energy-dense bio-crude by hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL), a precursor for advanced bio-fuels. Life cycle assessment (LCA) of yeast based biofuel production is of existing and must be performed to gauge the possible environmental impacts and obtain a holistic picture. Accordingly, a detailed LCA study encompassing all the sub-processes in biodiesel and bio-crude production in a yeast biorefinery model was executed. Combined analysis of the mid-point and end-point indicators revealed that HTL and transesterification have comparatively higher impacts than the other sub-processes. Climate change indicator results show an emission of 4.02E3 kg CO2 eq. for HTL step and resource depletion for transesterification was estimated to be $773. The major reason for the impacts can be attributed to the usage of large amount of input energy/electricity for both the processes. The use of solvents, namely, methanol and glycerol in various downstream processing steps have contributed to around 60–70% towards the impact categories. Sensitivity analysis revealed higher lipid productivity can reduce CO2 emissions by 16% and resource depletion by 6.5%. The environmental performance of the process can be improved by replacing the electricity from fossil fuel with renewable energy sources such as solar or hydroelectric power with simultaneous recycling and reuse of the solvents and waste heat.

Smart grids, prosumers and energy management within a smart city integrated system

Abstract Due to a significant increase in electricity consumption globally, governments have to look and to identify better, more efficient and effective alternatives and sustainable energy sources to meet this high demand. This becomes more and more important in the context of implementing modern approaches such as those that might be applied in cases of smart cities and cultural and creative communities. Electricity can be produced based on conventional sources, but also on an emergent use of renewable sources. The electricity grid is usually designed as unidirectional. We consider that in case of smart cities and creative-innovative communities there is a need to implement mostly new smart grids that are bidirectional. This may allow and support the emergency of a new type of electricity user, called “prosumers”, who produces electricity from renewable sources, next uses & shares them smartly within the smart grid and finally stores them. Globally, photovoltaic energy prosumers are considered one of the most important actors in the energy transition and seem to be ready to introduce significant amounts of electricity within the grid. We anticipate that people living in households in smart cities and communities among most regions of the world will tend in the future to improve their self-consumption from the production of smart energy. This paper supports the idea that using mostly electricity from renewable alternative sources, especially solar, can be also developed with the help of households acting within smart cities and communities. The paper will also present briefly an overview of the scientific literature dedicated to this topic. We will also provide further interesting insights through a number of case studies representing good practices regarding prosumers in Italy and Romania.

Qualitative and quantitative estimation of algal lipids for biofuel production

The current rising demand for energy, global warming, and depletion of fossil fuels have led to increased consideration of alternate renewable biofuel sources. Microalgae serve as an excellent feedstock for biofuel production. Many qualitative and quantitative methods are available for lipid estimation from microalgae. In this review, we describe the various lipid estimation methods. Among the various methods discussed viz., conventional, and non-conventional methods, Nile red method offers a high throughput technique for rapid screening of high neutral lipid producing microalgae.

Environmental impact analysis of oleaginous yeast based biodiesel and bio-crude production by life cycle assessment

Constant increase in energy demand has necessitated exploration of renewable and sustainable alternative sources of energy. Oleaginous yeast can serve as a potential feedstock for biodiesel production and the recovered de-oiled biomass can be used for production of energy-dense bio-crude by hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL), a precursor for advanced bio-fuels. Life cycle assessment (LCA) of yeast based biofuel production is of existing and must be performed to gauge the possible environmental impacts and obtain a holistic picture. Accordingly, a detailed LCA study encompassing all the sub-processes in biodiesel and bio-crude production in a yeast biorefinery model was executed. Combined analysis of the mid-point and end-point indicators revealed that HTL and transesterification have comparatively higher impacts than the other sub-processes. Climate change indicator results show an emission of 4.02E3 kg CO2 eq. for HTL step and resource depletion for transesterification was estimated to be $773. The major reason for the impacts can be attributed to the usage of large amount of input energy/electricity for both the processes. The use of solvents, namely, methanol and glycerol in various downstream processing steps have contributed to around 60–70% towards the impact categories. Sensitivity analysis revealed higher lipid productivity can reduce CO2 emissions by 16% and resource depletion by 6.5%. The environmental performance of the process can be improved by replacing the electricity from fossil fuel with renewable energy sources such as solar or hydroelectric power with simultaneous recycling and reuse of the solvents and waste heat.

Smart renewable electricity portfolios in West Africa

The worldwide growth of variable renewable power sources necessitates power system flexibility to safeguard the reliability of electricity supply. Yet today, flexibility is mostly delivered by fossil fuel power plants. Hydropower can be a renewable alternative source of flexibility, but only if operated according to adequate strategies considering hourly-to-decadal and local-to-regional energy and water needs. Here, we present a new model to investigate hydro–solar–wind complementarities across these scales. We demonstrate that smart management of present and future hydropower plants in West Africa can support substantial grid integration of solar and wind power, limiting natural gas consumption while avoiding ecologically harmful hydropower overexploitation. We show that pooling regional resources and planning transmission grid expansion according to spatiotemporal hydro–solar–wind synergies are crucial for optimally exploiting West Africa’s renewable potential. By 2030, renewable electricity in such a regional power pool, with solar and wind contributing about 50%, could be at least 10% cheaper than electricity from natural gas. A smart management of hydropower, combined with solar and wind energy, can provide the flexibility needed to power West Africa and at cheaper cost than using natural gas, according to a simulation model.

A Sustainable Route to Synthesize Graphene Oxide/Ordered Mesoporous Carbon as Effect Nanocomposite Adsorbent.

Rice husk is an agricultural waste that provides an alternative renewable source of bioenergy. Burning rice husk can produce rice husk ash. The rice husk ash is a potential resource of low-cost precursor for synthesizing high value-added materials. This paper reports the synthesis of SBA-15 mesoporous silica from recycled rice husk ash waste. Next, graphene oxide/ordered mesoporous carbon (GO/CMK-3) nanocomposite was synthesized using the SBA-15 template. The composite was investigated by X-ray diffractometer, field-emission scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, Raman spectrometer and surface area analyzer. Experimental results confirmed that GO/CMK-3 composite possessed high surface area (936 m²/g), large pore volume (1.077 cm³/g), and uniform pore size (4.35 nm). The mesopore structure was not destroyed by the introduction of GO. Methylene blue was employed as an adsorbate to evaluate the adsorption capacity of GO/CMK-3 composite. The GO/CMK-3 revealed much higher adsorption capacity levels than did pure CMK-3 and SBA-15. The adsorption capacity decreased with increasing solution temperature, and increasing initial concentration of dye. The thermodynamic observation indicated that the total adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic. The conversion of rice husk ash waste into GO/CMK-3 composites can be regarded as an economically beneficial by-product for reducing environmental pollution.

Utilization of rice husk wastes in synthesis of graphene oxide-based carbonaceous nanocomposites

Rice husk is an agricultural waste-based biomass that can provide an alternative renewable source of bioenergy. Rice husk carbon and rice husk ash are major solid residues obtained after converting rice husk to bioenergy. This paper reports the synthesis of two graphene oxide-based activated carbons using rice husk carbon through H3PO4 and ZnCl2 activation, respectively. By contrast, mesoporous silica was produced using recycled rice husk ash. Graphene oxide/ordered mesoporous carbon was prepared using mesoporous silica as a template source. These composites were inspected using a Raman spectrometer, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, transmission electron microscope, field-emission scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer, and surface area analyzer. Experimental results indicated that graphene oxide-based H3PO4 activated carbon, ZnCl2 activated carbon, and ordered mesoporous carbon had a surface area of 361, 732, and 936 m2/g, respectively; a pore volume of 0.299, 0.581, and 1.077 cm3/g, respectively; and an average pore size of 2.31, 3.17, and 4.35 nm, respectively. The carbonaceous composites with graphene oxide exhibited a higher adsorption ability than did pure carbon materials without graphene oxide. The maximum adsorption capacities using methylene blue as adsorbate followed the order of ordered mesoporous carbon (1591 mg/g) > ZnCl2 activated carbon (899 mg/g) > H3PO4 activated carbon (747 mg/g). The isothermal adsorption and kinetics study for graphene oxide/ordered mesoporous carbon indicated that adsorption followed the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-second order kinetic model. Rice husk waste has excellent prospective potential for producing highly valuable nanoproducts and for reducing environmental pollution.