Renewable Alternatives Research Articles

Reducing the Highway Networks Energy Bills using Renewable Energy System

Jordan has significant renewable energy potential due to its remarkable geographical location and climate conditions. This potential elevates engaging several innovative renewable alternatives in energy development, which may efficiently minimize the excessive import of traditional energy sources. The objective of this research is to study the potential of utilizing clean and affordable solar energy along roadways such as Jordan’s Desert Highway-15 to be in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDG’s) by installing selected solar panels that possess adequate friction and the ability to allow solar radiation to reach the solar cells, in addition to allowing the load to be bypassed around the cells. The shoulder of the highway, with a length of 315 km and a width of 3.0 meters, has been exploited in order to supply the neighboring areas with energy for those roads, particularly those paved roads, which are poorly lit at night. Furthermore, this study provides direction and guidance concerning the structural performance of non-traditional pavement materials, which are a form of subgrade or pavement reinforcement. The performance of a prototype board on a variety of structural bases has also been evaluated. Overall, this paper found that it is possible to design a solar road panel to withstand traffic loading and that the concrete structural base allows for a significant improvement of the analyzed prototype design, especially in countries with limited energy sources and dependent on imports such as Jordan. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2023-09-11-019 Full Text: PDF

Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Prospects of the Solar Cell Market

The production and consumption of energy must be converted to renewable alternatives in order to meet climate targets. During the past few decades, solar photovoltaic systems (PVs) have become increasingly popular as an alternative energy source. PVs generate electricity from sunlight, but their production has required governmental support through market interventions due to their lack of competitiveness on the energy market. Despite 40 years of attempts to establish PV technology through such interventions, the aim of this paper is to find out what general conclusions can be drawn regarding different technologies. Our study examines peer-reviewed studies from the start of PV technology up to 2023 to answer these questions. The literature indicates that not only developed countries but also developing and emerging nations possess significant potential to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change by adopting renewable energy sources. Leading market players can offer support to these less developed countries by subsidizing both equipment and installation processes. As a result, this initiative can contribute to sustainable development on our planet.

Novel study on enhancing the ignition pattern of waste and inedible feedstock in a modified diesel engine-enhancing its effectiveness as renewable alternative

The objective of the present investigation is to enhance the performance of diesel engine using Capparis spinoza fatty acid distillate biodiesel (CFAB100) at various compression ratios. The experiments were carried out at compression ratios of 16.5:1, 17.5:1, 18.5:1, and 19.5:1. It was noted that an increase in compression ratio from 16.5 to 18.5 resulted in better engine characteristics for CFAB100 and reduced at compression ratio 19.5. Brake-specific fuel consumption of CFAB100 decreased from 0.42 to 0.33 kg/kWh with an increase in compression ratio. The brake thermal efficiency of CFAB100 at a compression ratio of 16.5 is 29.64% lower than diesel, whereas it is 11.32% low at a compression ratio of 18.5. The brake thermal efficiency of CFAB100 is 26.03% higher at a compression ratio of 18.5 compared to 16.5. Due to shorter ignition delay and reduced premixed combustion, the net heat release rate of CFAB100 is lower than diesel at all compression ratios. The peak cylinder pressure for diesel is 56.21 bar, and CFAB100 at compression ratios 16.5, 17.5, 18.5, and 19.5 were 52.36, 55.12, 61.02 and 58.25 bar at full load condition. CFAB100, at a compression ratio of 18.5, had the highest nitrogen oxide emissions (2400 ppm). Carbon monoxide, unburnt hydrocarbon, and smoke showed an average reduction of 46.58%, 40.68%, and 54.89%, respectively, when the compression ratio varied between 16.5 and 19.5. At an optimum compression ratio of 18.5, the CFAB100 resulted in improved performance and emission characteristics that can replace diesel to a possible extent.

Investigation of alternative two-phase solvent systems for purification of natural products by centrifugal partition chromatography.

Centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) is a liquid-liquid chromatography characterised by its solvent flexibility. The compounds undergoing separation are subjected to a continuous partition process between two immiscible phases in a column space free of solid support. In the context of green chemistry, it is important to substitute halogenated and petroleum-based solvents commonly used in purification processes. The main goal of the current study was to replace classical solvents used in CPC (e.g., hexane and methanol) by green and renewable alternatives. Solvents were first selected based on literature. Their commercial availability, price, recyclability, toxicity and ability to form two phases were particularly sought after. The new two-phase solvent systems were evaluated for the purification of two compounds of interest: piperine and cannabidiol. Using these alternative two-phase solvent systems allows us to isolate natural products with a high purity level (> 95%). Substituting petroleum-based solvents with bio-sourced, renewable alternatives reduces the environmental impact of CPC. Herein, new biphasic solvent systems were built using hexamethyldisiloxane, ethyl isobutyrate and 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran in combination with ethanol and water. Furthermore, this research provides a scientific basis for developing new and sustainable solvent systems in CPC.

Structure-activity relationships of ZrO2 crystalline phases in the catalytic transfer hydrogenation of methyl levulinate with ethanol

The depletion of fossil resources is driving the research towards renewable alternatives, like lignocellulosic biomass. Therefore, the development of efficient continuous-flow processes, allowing to achieve better productivity compared to batch processes, will play a crucial role in promoting a sustainable transition. In this context, we report on the continuous-flow, gas-phase, catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) of methyl levulinate and ethanol over zirconia catalysts, in particular focusing on the effect of two different crystalline phases (i.e. monoclinic, m-ZrO2, and tetragonal, t-ZrO2) on catalyst performance. An in-depth catalyst characterisation was coupled with both computational and 1H NMR relaxation studies to assess the structure-activity relationship, providing fundamental insights into the catalytic process and future catalyst optimization. The results, indicate that the higher Lewis acidity and basicity along with the lower affinity with ethanol of m-ZrO2 with respect to t-ZrO2 are responsible for the promotion of undesired oligomerisation reactions of angelica lactones responsible for catalyst deactivation.

Tricyclic Diester and 2,5-Furandicarboxylic Acid for the Synthesis of Biobased Hydrolysis Copolyesters with High Glass Transition Temperatures.

The reluctance of a polyester with high glass transition temperature (Tg) and mechanical properties to hydrolyze is a well-known fact, for instance, the high hydrolysis resistance of aromatic polyesters based on terephthalic acid and 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). The synthesis of polyesters that have a high Tg (>100 °C) and a fast hydrolytic degradation quality at the same time is a valuable topic. Herein, a renewable rigid diester, N,N'-trans-1,4-cyclohexane-bis(pyrrolidone-4-methyl carboxylate) (CBPC), was obtained via Michael addition. CBPC was copolymerized with FDCA and ethylene glycol to prepare a series of copolyesters PECxEFy with a high Mn over 30 kDa. PECxEFy showed a Tg range of 75.2-109.2 °C which outdistanced the most biobased polyesters. The thermal stability of all PECxEFy remained unchanged with the introduction of CBPC. Moreover, PECxEFy presented superior mechanical performances which were matching or exceeding those of commercial polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polylactic acid (PLA). PECxEFy was stable in air but was able to undergo noticeable hydrolytic degradation, proving their enhanced degradability. And the regulation between CBPC and FDCA composition can be leveraged to adjust the degradation and environmental durability of PECxEFy, up to practical applications. Computational studies systematically revealed the relationship between CBPC with a tricyclic structure and the improved Tg and hydrolyzation properties. The outstanding thermal and mechanical performances and hydrolysis of these copolyesters appear to be promising candidates for renewable alternatives to industrial petrochemical polyesters.

From micro to macro: Physical-chemical characterization of wheat starch-based films modified with PEG200, sodium citrate, or citric acid

Needing to extend the shelf-life of packaged food and the evolving consumer demands led researchers to seek innovative, eco-friendly, and biocompatible packaging solutions. Starch is among the most promising natural and renewable alternatives to non-degradable plastics. Here, we deeply study the structural features of starch films modified by adding citric acid (CA) or sodium citrate (SC) as a cross-linker and polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG200) as a plasticizer and obtained through solvent casting. The substances' influence on starch films was evaluated through Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) and Solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (ss-NMR) spectroscopies. Films' macroscopic properties, such as swelling index, solubility, thermo-mechanical features, and moisture absorption, were also assessed to foresee potential applications. Proper amounts of CA, CS, and PEG200 improve film properties and inhibit starch chains' retrogradation and recrystallization. Besides, the chemical neighbourhood of nuclei observed through ss-NMR significantly changed alongside the polymer chains' mobility. The latter result indicates a different polymer chain structural organization that could justify the film's higher resistance to thermal degradation and elongation at the break. This methodological approach is effective in predicting the macroscopic behaviour of a polymeric material and could be helpful for the application of such products in food preservation.

Internal active cooling of a crystalline silicon photovoltaic module: Development of a modeling framework

Renewable energy sources are experiencing a resurgence in popularity due to growing environmental concerns. Solar technologies are the best renewable energy alternatives for meeting ever-increasing energy demand. The photovoltaic (PV) modules installed in a solar power plant get heated up quickly, resulting in significant reduction in their operating efficiency. This paper presents a mathematical model and its validation for a novel 'internal' active cooling mechanism, proposed elsewhere, for lowering the temperature of a crystalline silicon PV module. Specifically, a 3D mathematical model using COMSOL Multiphysics® software was developed to predict a silicon solar cell's temperature for conventional external and proposed internal cooling methods. The developed model was validated with the experimental data borrowed from the patent application (no. 202211050095). When compared to external air convection at a flow rate of 2 m/s, the proposed internal cooling method reduced the temperature of a Si solar cell by at least 5 °C. Finally, an economic analysis revealed that internal cooling could result in a 9.6 % net gain in the output of a solar power plant, compared to the 4.6 % net gain offered by external air cooling.

Process optimization for blended waste frying oil in biodiesel production using CaO derived from African periwinkle shell catalyst through response surface methodology

Biodiesel is one of the renewable energy alternatives for fossil fuel because of its biodegradability, no toxicity, and environmentally friendly nature. Investigations have been made on transesterifying blended waste frying oil (BWFO) into biodiesel using African periwinkle shells (APS) heterogeneous catalyst. The BWFO, a mixture of 60:40 groundnut oil and waste palm oil, usually causes serious environmental problems when indiscriminately disposed. After being calcined, the non-activated APS (RAPS) was further sulphonated to create an acid-activated APS (AAPSA) catalyst. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method (BET), and other techniques were used to characterize the produced RAPS and AAPSA. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to evaluate the produced biodiesel. Besides, a series of physiochemical properties including acid value, density, kinetic viscosity, flash point, cloud point, pour point, and other fuel properties of produced BWFO, were evaluated using ASTM standard methods. The central composite design (CCD) of the response surface methodology (RSM) was utilized for modeling and process optimization of biodiesel production from BWFO.The characterization results revealed that CaO (62.07 %) is the main constituent of AAPSA. The RPSA's pore volume and BET surface area were 0.34 cm3/g and 68.93 m2/g, respectively. BET surface area (30.9%) and pore volume (48.2 %) increased for the AAPSA. The significant increase in surface area and pore volume of AAPSA indicates an enhanced number of acid sites and catalytic activity of the acid-modified catalyst towards higher produced biodiesel yield. The optimal conditions for the reaction temperature, reaction time, catalyst loading, and methanol to oil ratio (mtOH/oil) were 55 °C, 142.5 min, 2.5 wt%, and 14.25:1. This resulted in the maximum yield of biodiesel, which was 91.5 %. Moreover, the AAPSA catalyst performed excellently, and the resulting biodiesel fuel's properties are comparable with those of ASTM D6751 and EN 14214 standards. Hence, AAPSA is a potential solid acid bifunctional heterogeneous catalyst to produce biodiesel from BWFO. Therefore, this study's novelty comprises the synthesis of solid acid bifunctional heterogeneous catalyst from giant African land snail shells and the optimization of the process variables involved in the production of biodiesel from BWFO.

Thermal stability of levopimaric acid and its oxidation products

Biofuels are renewable alternatives to fossil fuels. Levopimaric acid‒base biofuels have attracted increasing attention. However, their stability remains a critical issue in practice. Thus, there is a strong impetus to evaluate the thermal stability of levopimaric acid. Through thermogravimetry (TG) and a custom-designed mini closed pressure vessel test (MCPVT) operating under isothermal and stepped temperature conditions, we investigated thermal oxidation characteristics of levopimaric acid under oxygen atmosphere. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and iodimetry were used to measure the hydrogen peroxides generated by levopimaric acid oxidation. A high pressure differential scanning calorimeter (HPDSC) was used to assess hydroperoxide thermal decomposition characteristics. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to characterize the oxidation products. The thermal decomposition kinetics of levopimaric acid were thus elucidated, and a high peroxide value was detected in the levopimaric acid. The decomposition heat (QDSC) and exothermic onset temperature (Tonset) of hydroperoxides were 338.75 J g−1 and 375.37 K, respectively. Finally, levopimaric acid underwent a second-stage oxidation process at its melt point (423.15 K), resulting in complex oxidation products. Thermal oxidation of levopimaric acid could yield potential thermal hazards, indicating that antioxidants must be added during levopimaric acid application to protect against such hazardous effects.

Theoretical analysis of the electrical characteristics of lead‐free formamidinium tin iodide solar cell

AbstractGreen energy transition and climate change have gathered significant momentum in the world because of the rising population and increased clean energy demands. For this reason, renewable energy alternatives such as inexhaustible photo energy from the sun appear to be the ultimate solution to the world's energy needs. Formamidinium tin tri‐iodide (HC(NH2)2SnI3)‐based perovskites are found to be more efficient and stable than their methylammonium tin tri‐iodide (MASnI3) counterparts because of its wider bandgap and better temperature stability. A device simulation of FASnI3‐based solar cell is numerically performed using solar cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS‐1D). The focus is to investigate the effect of changing working temperature, metal back contact, absorber thickness, defect density, and doping concentration on the performance of the proposed solar cell device. The optimised solar cell parameters of the proposed solar cell were: short‐circuit current density (Jsc) of 28.45 mAcm−2, open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.0042 V, fill factor of 63.73%, and power conversion efficiency of 18.21% at 300 K, thus, paving the way for novel perovskite solar cells which are environmentally benign because they are lead‐free, have better absorption efficiency, and can be injected into the production work flow for commercial applications.

Impact of Product Diversification on the Economic Sustainability of Second-Generation Ethanol Biorefineries: A Critical Review

The replacement of fossil-based products with renewable alternatives is today a major research topic. Biofuels, such as second-generation ethanol, offer a promising way to overcome dependence on fossil fuels. However, second-generation biorefineries still face bottlenecks that hinder their economic sustainability. These include challenges in pretreatment (formation of inhibitors and high costs of chemicals) and hydrolysis (high enzyme costs and low solid content) and maximizing the utilization of biomass components. To achieve economic sustainability, biorefineries can adopt approaches such as integrating first and second generation (1G and 2G) technologies, using different production alternatives, or diversifying the product portfolio. This last alternative could include the simultaneous production of biomaterials, building blocks, and others from all fractions of the materials, favoring biorefinery profitability. Techno-economic assessment plays a crucial role in assessing the economic feasibility of these approaches and provides important information about the process. This article discusses how product diversification in cellulosic biorefineries enhances their economic sustainability, based on simulation techniques and techno-economic analysis, with a comprehensive and critical review of current possibilities and future trends. The information discussed can inform stakeholders about investing in 2G ethanol biorefineries, including strategies, associated risks, and profitability, allowing better planning of different options of future ventures.

On the complementarity of wave, tidal, wind and solar resources in Ireland

The use of renewable energy sources has been recognised as a key strategy for combating anthropogenic climate change. These energy sources are regarded as sustainable because they are naturally replenished and do not produce greenhouse gases. A vital step in achieving a low-carbon economy and addressing the global challenge of climate change is the implementation of renewable energy alternatives. This “green revolution” has been led by solar and wind energy. Incorporating new forms of renewable energy resources, such as wave and tidal energy, into the current mix of resources will aid in the transition to a fully 100% renewable energy future due to the abundance of such resources [1]. The complementarity assessment of renewable energy resources is crucial to design the optimal mix of these resources to meet load requirements in a jurisdiction. Multiple studies in the literature discuss the complementarity of renewable energy modalities for different jurisdictions. A review of such studies is presented in [2]. The review shows that most of these studies focus on wind, solar and hydro-power generation, with most focusing on just two of these three modalities. However, recent efforts have been made to assess the temporal complementarity of more than two resources, including marine renewable energy resources (wave and tidal) for US and UK jurisdictions [3], [4], concluding that marine renewable resources may have significant value to a future power system in terms of reduced balancing requirements and valuable capacity contribution. Similarly, Ireland may enjoy similar benefits from combined resource exploitation due to its island topography and good marine resource. Fig. 1, by way of example, presents renewable resource generation profiles (hourly resolution) for four seasonal weeks in 2017 and illustrates the potential benefits of combining marine resources at Inishtrahull Sound, Ireland. For example, wind and tidal are low in the autumn week (highlighted section), while wave and solar resources are available. However, the summer week sees low wind and wave resources, while tidal and solar provide complementary benefits. Another critical aspect of the complementarity studies is the set of metrics and indices used to assess the complementarity. Such metrics and indices are reviewed in [5]. Correlation coefficients are commonly used in the literature to evaluate complementarity between energy sources. However, there are several issues related to the correlation metrics reported in the literature, including the inability to handle nonlinearities in the data and the inability to handle more than two resources [6], to name a few. 
 In this paper, we present a complementarity assessment of the four renewable resources, i.e. wave, tidal, wind and solar, around the island of Ireland (including Northern Ireland) using the new complementarity indices based on the mathematical concept of the total variation [6], which allow for complementarity assessment of more than two resources. We also comment on the possible benefits of the temporal characteristics of the marine renewable resources on the Irish generation mix. 
 
 Please see attached file for Figures and references.

Biofuels for a sustainable future: Examining the role of nano-additives, economics, policy, internet of things, artificial intelligence and machine learning technology in biodiesel production

As the global population and economy grow, so does the energy demand. Over-reliance on non-renewable resources leads to depletion and price spikes, making renewable alternatives necessary. Biodiesel is an eco-friendly and non-toxic fuel that closely resembles traditional fossil fuels. It is produced from various sources, including animal fat, palm oil, and non-edible plant oil. Biodiesel releases fewer harmful air pollutants and greenhouse gases than fossil fuels and is simpler to manage. Despite these advantages, it cannot replace traditional diesel fuel on a large scale. This overview summarizes biodiesel production, explaining the different types of feedstock utilized and their benefits and drawbacks. Various biodiesel production methodologies are discussed. The primary objective of this article is to inform engineers, industrialists, and researchers involved in waste biodiesel, as well as to highlight waste biodiesel as a potential substitute for fossil fuels. This review article discusses the nano-additives in biodiesel and applications of internet of things, artificial intelligence, and machine learning in biofuel. This review shows that nano-additives can potentially improve biodiesel fuel properties, favorable economic and policy environments promoting biodiesel production, and internet of things, artificial intelligence, and machine learning technologies optimize the biodiesel production processes. These advances can help promote biodiesel as a cleaner, renewable energy source, lowering the consumption of fossil fuels. It also suggests further biofuel development by improving efficiency, expanding feedstock options, creating policy support, developing infrastructure, and increasing public awareness.

Experimental Investigation of Naphthalene Induced Degradation of Reversible Solid Oxide Cells Operated on Bio-Syngas

To tackle the demand for renewable alternatives to natural gas and for renewable energy, the operation of reversible solid oxide cells (rSOC) with syngas from biomass gasification is a highly efficient option. The fuel gas, produced close to carbon neutrality by the gasifier can be either converted to electrical power via the fuel cell mode or energetically upgraded via the electrolysis mode for e.g. utilization in chemical synthesis processes. Due to the reversible operation, a system based on an rSOC perfectly fits in an energy system with a high share of fluctuating renewable energy. However, impurities in fuel gas result in a fast degradation of the cells performance. This requires a comprehensive syngas cleaning to enable a stable operation of the cell. For the design of such a system, a deeper knowledge about the degradation processes is required. Especially the influence of tars is part of an ongoing research due to their ambivalent role as fuel and poison.In this work, the model tar Naphthalene is used to experimentally investigate the influence of polycyclic aromatic components on the performance of 10 x 10 cm² fuel-electrode supported solid oxide cells operated at artificial bio-syngas under internal reforming conditions. Two different fuel electrodes based on yttrium-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and gadolinium-doped ceria (GDC) are investigated. A parameter study of the operational temperature and the operation mode is conducted with the YSZ based fuel electrode to quantify the effect on the degradation. The influence of the set-up is investigated by an experiment without the cell. The cell temperature distribution, the pressure drop and the fuel off-gas composition is measured. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is used to characterize the cell prior to the experiment and to monitor its performance during the poisoning and regeneration process. The measurements are interpreted via the distribution of relaxation times.The electrolysis mode is observed to be more vulnerable towards poisoning with the tar than the fuel cell mode. The poisoning effects, whether it is a performance degradation or carbon deposition, are not only dependent on the tar but also on the operational conditions. The GDC fuel-electrode did not show the expected high robustness. The investigated cells are prototypes of an ongoing development process; hence a more detailed investigation is required when the development is finished.

A self-sustaining renewable energy driven hydrogen refuelling system utilising a metal hydride-based compressor

The transition towards carbon-free transportation is only possible by the adoption of renewable energy alternatives. Hydrogen-based transportation is an attractive option considering the availability of the required refuelling infrastructure. A well-established network of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure is important for the widespread commercialization of fuel-cell electric vehicles. The most expensive H2 refuelling components originate from hydrogen compression. Due to their ability to run on solar thermal energy, a metal hydride hydrogen compressor is used in this study. In this communication, the aim is to present a study on solar thermal based hydrogen compressors for a hydrogen refuelling station. An analytical study is presented on the energy assessment of a metal hydride compressor by considering three candidate pairs of metal hydrides (Pair 1: Ti0.95Zr0.05Cr0.8Mn0.8V0.2Ni0.2/Ti0.8Zr0.2Cr0.95Fe0.95V0.1; Pair 2: TiCr1.55Mn0.2Fe0.2/Ti0.9Zr0.1Mn1.4Cr0.35V0.2Fe0.05, Pair 3: La0.35Ce0.45Ca0.2Ni4.95Al0.05/Ti0.8Zr0.2Cr0.95Fe0.95V0.1) to achieve refuelling pressure of 700 bar. The variation in thermal efficiency of the compressor and thermal energy requirements with changes in heat source temperature, supply pressure and heat losses are presented. Furthermore, the economics of three pairs of alloys for high-pressure compression is compared. It was found that Ti0.95Zr0.05Cr0.8Mn0.8V0.2Ni0.2/Ti0.8Zr0.2Cr0.95Fe0.95V0.1 pair has the maximum compressor efficiency of 7.2% at supply pressure and heat source temperature of 25 bar and 150 °C, respectively. In addition, the study revealed that heat losses from the reactor could reduce efficiency by around 12.5%. The economic study revealed that the Ti0.95Zr0.05Cr0.8Mn0.8V0.2Ni0.2/Ti0.8Zr0.2Cr0.95Fe0.95V0.1 pair has the least cost for hydrogen compression among the other chosen pairs.

Potential Assessment of Solar and Wind in Himachal Pradesh, India

India is second in population with 1.3 billion people in 2022. A large population means a huge electricity consumption. Renewable energy—hydropower, solar, wind, etc.—supplies 37% of India’s power requirement in 2021. Coal, crude oil, nuclear power, natural gases, and others make up the rest. Due to continued exploitation of conventional resources, we have had to develop and convert to renewable energy alternatives. Solar and wind power are among the easiest and cheapest green energy sources. Thus, we must promote eco-friendly energy production to reduce pollution and greenhouse gases. In Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh, solar panels and wind turbines may provide green energy. Based on the results of the optimization, the best solution is to use parts with an NPC of $41,338. Table 9 shows that the proposed system needs 7 kW of PV panels, a 1.9 kW converter, and a 10 kW battery. The levelized COE of the proposed system is $0.65, and the OC is $1047.

Photoinduced organocatalytic lignin C–C bond cleavage in mixed binary solvents

Lignin presents a renewable alternative of fossil feedstock to produce value-added aromatic chemicals. Oxidative cleavage of C−C bonds in lignin is of great importance, but obtaining aromatic monomers in high selectivity under mild conditions is challenging. Herein, we report a novel strategy of photoinduced oxidative C–C cleavage of lignin β–O–4 derivatives using photoredox organocatalysts, among which Mes-10-phenyl-Acr+-BF4– exhibited high yields of aromatic aldehydes and phenyl formate. Besides, mixed binary organic solvents were demonstrated to promote bond cleavage and inhibit over-oxidation side reactions. The absorbance, excitation, and interaction with the lignin model of the photocatalyst in different solvents were investigated by UV-Vis, PL, and CV tests. Furthermore, through mechanism studies, a C-centered radical intermediate was captured, providing evidence for the direct Cα−Cβ bond cleavage mechanism during the reaction. This work presents a new photocatalytic strategy and provides deep insights into the bond cleavage mechanism for lignin valorization.

Life Cycle Assessment of construction materials: Methodologies, applications and future directions for sustainable decision-making

This review paper presents a comprehensive analysis of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies applied to construction materials. It begins with an introduction highlighting the significance of LCA in the construction industry, followed by an overview of LCA principles, phases and key parameters specific to construction materials. The methodological approaches utilised in LCA, including inventory analysis, impact assessment, normalisation, allocation methods and uncertainty analysis, are discussed in detail. The paper then provides a thorough review of LCA studies on various construction materials, such as cement, concrete, steel and wood, examining their life cycle stages and environmental considerations. The review also explores recent advances in LCA for construction materials, including circular economy principles, renewable alternatives, technological innovations and policy implications. The challenges and future directions in LCA implementation for construction materials are discussed, emphasising the need for data quality, standardisation, social aspects integration and industry-research collaboration. The provides valuable insights for researchers, policymakers and industry professionals to enhance sustainability in the construction sector through informed decision-making based on LCA.

Catalytic conversion of defatted rice bran into value added chemicals using copper ferrite: A sustainable approach

The most crucial and demanding universal issue lies in the enrichment of sustainable drive technology. As traditional resource, petrochemical becomes increasingly scarce in the future; mankind must turn to renewable alternatives to yield liquefied fuels and valuable commodities through sustainable process. It has been reported that furan compounds serve as an excellent platform molecule derived from defatted rice bran. The current work aims at the synthesis of copper ferrite nano catalyst by microwave assisted solution incineration approach. The catalytic properties stood verified by X-ray diffraction, SEM, EDAX and BET techniques. The catalytic performance of the copper ferrite catalyst were reinforced through in-situ microwave assisted acetalization reaction of furfural with discrete solvents like methanol, ethanol, and 1-propanol at optimum reaction conditions for the preparation of wide range of commodity chemicals such as carboxylic acids, alkyl esters, di alkyl acetals, di ketones which are of commercial importance. The comparative study of relative yield of the products with different solvents is reported. The formation of the value-added products were confirmed by GC-MS, FT-IR technique. The catalysts from the reaction mixture are recovered by magnetic field.