Rich Renewable Resources Research Articles

Greener Production and Application of Slow-Release Nitrogen Fertilizer Using Plasma and Nanotechnology: A Review

The potential of both plasma and nanotechnology in producing slow-release fertilizer is immense. These technologies, when combined, may offer green and inexpensive nitrogen fertilizers, from rich renewable resources available in local areas. Together, these technologies may overcome some limitations of conventional synthetic fertilizers, which are currently expensive and associated with low nitrogen use efficiency and significant environmental concerns. This review explores the utilization of recent advances in plasma and nanotechnology, which can be leveraged to create new slow-release nitrogen fertilizers. It emphasizes their crucial role in addressing nitrogen depletion and improving crop production. Despite the lack of attempts to develop slow-release nanofertilizers from low-cost liquid nitrate generated by emission-free nonthermal plasma, the effectiveness of plasma nitrate matches that of conventional fertilizer for crop production. We propose a more efficient electrocatalytic conversion of plasma nitrate to ammonium salt, then coating it with plant-based cellulose nanoparticles to create a slow-release form. This set of processes would synchronize nutrient release with the dynamic N requirements of plants. Formulations using agro-based, low-cost cellulose nanomaterials could replace high-cost carrier hydrogels associated with low mechanical strength. This review also highlights the isolation of nanocellulose from various plant materials and its characterization in different formulations of slow-release nanoplasma N fertilizer. Additionally, we discuss mechanisms of N loss, slow-release, and retention in the soil that can contribute to the production and use of efficient, sustainable fertilizers to improve food security and, consequently, the health of our planet.

Decarbonising electricity systems in major cities through renewable cooperation – A case study of Beijing and Zhangjiakou

It is essential to decarbonise the electricity systems in the city-level, especially the major cities, such as Beijing. This work explores how major cities can decarbonise their electricity systems through renewable cooperation by conducting a case study of Beijing and Zhangjiakou. Beijing, as a city with deficient renewable resources, is well suited for electricity cooperation with the city of Zhangjiakou, which will co-host the 2022 Winter Olympics with Beijing and have rich renewable resources. We therefore construct an hourly Zhangjiakou–Beijing Renewable Electricity Cooperation (Z-BREC) system based on the EnergyPLAN model. Four scenarios—restricted/unrestricted Zhangjiakou with/without energy storage scenarios—are simulated and analysed. We present a method of calculating the range for two cities to cooperate over renewable electricity and analyse detailed hourly output curves in exploring the role of energy storage. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis is conducted on the effects of the transmission capacity and losses in the transmission and distribution system. Results show that the amount of renewable electricity that can potentially be exported from Zhangjiakou to Beijing is 19.7–31.8 TW h in 2020 and 45.0–61.5 TW h in 2030, respectively accounting for 17%–27% and 30%–41% of Beijing’s electricity demand. By 2030, energy storage can increase the amount of generated renewable energy exported from Zhangjiakou to Beijing by 4.8–5.65 TW h.

Research on Alginate Fiber and its Application to Textiles

With the development of the society, in the field of textile people begin to pursue comfort, health and nature clothing. Traditional textile materials rely too such on petroleum and chemical industry, while global crude oil price is rising and the production process is easy to cause environmental pollution. All of these promote the research and development of new textile fiber. Alginate fiber taken from the ocean having rich renewable resources and excellent environmental protection features opens a new and important source of fiber. This paper mainly introduces the development situation, the characteristics and the application prospect of alginate fiber, and elaborates the alginate fiber application in the clothing products.