Coconut Research Articles

AI based early identification and severity detection of nutrient deficiencies in coconut trees

Coconut trees are vital in various agricultural and economic sectors. Their susceptibility to nutrient deficiencies poses a significant threat to growth and productivity. Traditional nutrient assessment methods are time and labour-intensive, relying on manual inspection and chemical testing. There has been no significant research on detecting nutrient deficiencies in coconut trees. Additionally, assessing deficiency, and severity automatically and recommending suitable fertilizers remain unexplored. This research leverages the YOLOv9 model to identify macro and micronutrient deficiencies in coconut trees and proposes an Image Analysis based Severity Detection (IASD), to determine the severity of these deficiencies. Along with these a Severity Index Calculation Model (SICM) is also introduced that calculates the Severity Index (SI) of these deficiencies. For each identified deficiency, the appropriate fertilizer and its application quantity are suggested. Four deep learning models—RetinaNet, Faster Regional Convolutional Neural Network (Faster R-CNN), You Only Look Once version 5 (YOLOv5), and version 9 (YOLOv9) —were compared for the prediction of nutrient deficiencies in coconut trees using a dataset of 5,720 images of nutrient-deficient coconut tree leaves. YOLOv9 outperformed other models with Accuracy, Precision, and Recall values of 80 %, 98.59 %, and 80.37 %, respectively. Manual verification ensured the correctness of IASD and SICM predictions during model creation, providing farmers and agricultural professionals with a precise, automated tool for managing coconut plantations.

Impact of High-density Planting Spacing on Physiological Traits of Cocoa Grown under Coconut Trees

High-density planting (HDP) maximizes land productivity. Optimizing cocoa spacing under coconut trees enhances physiological traits and yield potential. Despite cocoa's integration into coconut agroforestry, spacing's impact on cocoa physiology is unclear. Studying this influence provides insights for better planting strategies, improved crop performance, and sustainable cocoa production in agroforestry settings. The experiment was conducted at the Coconut Farm of the Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. Employing a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments replicated three times, the study aimed to explore how different spacing levels influence physiological traits in cocoa cultivation. The treatments involved in the experiment included a double row of cocoa planted between two rows of coconut trees, with spacing configurations as follows: T1 (3m x 1.2m), T2 (3m x 2m), T3 (3m x 2.5m), and T4 (3m x 3m). Additionally, a single row of cocoa between two coconut rows was examined, with spacings represented by T5 (1.5m), T6 (2m), T7 (2.5m), and T8 (3m). Results indicated distinct patterns among spacing treatments, with significant differences observed in various physiological characteristics. Notably, T1 (3m x 1.2m) demonstrated the highest leaf area (462.71cm2) and leaf area index (4.85), while T8 (3m) exhibited the highest light interception (74.12%). Additionally, T3 (3m x 2.5m) showcased the highest chlorophyll index (40.52) in cocoa leaves. These findings underscore the importance of spacing configurations in influencing key physiological parameters in cocoa cultivation, providing valuable insights for optimizing planting practices.

Proximate Analysis and Nutritional Fortification of Tapioca with Phoenix dactylifera, Cocos nucifera and Glycine max Flour

Proximate Analysis and Nutritional Fortification of Tapioca with Phoenix dactylifera, Cocos nucifera and Glycine max Flour

The Use of Liquid Smoke from Coconut Shell as a Natural Food Preservative in the Processing of Flying Fish

The Use of Liquid Smoke from Coconut Shell as a Natural Food Preservative in the Processing of Flying Fish

Effect of drilling process parameters on agro-waste-based polymer composites reinforced with banana fiber and coconut shell filler

Effect of drilling process parameters on agro-waste-based polymer composites reinforced with banana fiber and coconut shell filler

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of MYB Transcription Factor Family in Response to Various Abiotic Stresses in Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.).

Abiotic stresses such as nitrogen deficiency, drought, and salinity significantly impact coconut production, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying coconut's response to these stresses are poorly understood. MYB proteins, a large and diverse family of transcription factors (TF), play crucial roles in plant responses to various abiotic stresses, but their genome-wide characterization and functional roles in coconut have not been comprehensively explored. This study identified 214 CnMYB genes (39 1R-MYB, 171 R2R3-MYB, 2 3R-MYB, and 2 4R-MYB) in the coconut genome. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these genes are unevenly distributed across the 16 chromosomes, with conserved consensus sequences, motifs, and gene structures within the same subgroups. Synteny analysis indicated that segmental duplication primarily drove CnMYB evolution in coconut, with low nonsynonymous/synonymous ratios suggesting strong purifying selection. The gene ontology (GO) annotation of protein sequences provided insights into the biological functions of the CnMYB gene family. CnMYB47/70/83/119/186 and CnMYB2/45/85/158/195 were identified as homologous genes linked to nitrogen deficiency, drought, and salinity stress through BLAST, highlighting the key role of CnMYB genes in abiotic stress tolerance. Quantitative analysis of PCR showed 10 CnMYB genes in leaves and petioles and found that the expression of CnMYB45/47/70/83/85/119/186 was higher in 3-month-old than one-year-old coconut, whereas CnMYB2/158/195 was higher in one-year-old coconut. Moreover, the expression of CnMYB70, CnMYB2, and CnMYB2/158 was high under nitrogen deficiency, drought, and salinity stress, respectively. The predicted secondary and tertiary structures of three key CnMYB proteins involved in abiotic stress revealed distinct inter-proteomic features. The predicted interaction between CnMYB2/158 and Hsp70 supports its role in coconut's drought and salinity stress responses. These results expand our understanding of the relationships between the evolution and function of MYB genes, and provide valuable insights into the MYB gene family's role in abiotic stress in coconut.

Degradation mechanism and ecotoxicity analysis of levofloxacin by palladium-modified nano zero-valent iron doped coconut shell biochar

The palladium-modified nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) doped coconut shell biochar (Pd-nZVI/BC) was successfully obtained through bimetallic modification and liquid-phase reduction. The synthesized Pd-nZVI/BC was further enhanced by the addition of an H2O2 co-catalyst for the removal of antibiotic levofloxacin (LVF). Results demonstrated that removal of LVF by Pd-nZVI/BC accomplished 94.6 % under proper conditions. Adsorption and degradation processes were involved in the LVF removal, and the predominant free radicals were •OH and •O2-. Adsorption relied mainly on electrostatic interactions, π-π interactions, and hydrogen bonding. While demethylation, deamidation, quinolone ring aldolization, depiperazinylation, deacetylation, decarboxylation, dehydroxylation, and oxidative breakage of the piperazine ring occurred during the degradation processes. Based on the degradation pathways, the ecotoxicity of LVF and its degradation intermediates were compared and assessed. Results implied that majority of the antibiotic LVF pollutant was eliminated or mineralized, and the toxicity potential of LVF was reduced in the Pd-nZVI/BC system. Simultaneous biochar utilization and pollutants removal could be achieved.

Performance of A Triboelectric Nanogenerator Utilising Coconut Husk Layer

Triboelectric nanogenerators, known as TENGs, offer great potential as versatile energy harvesting devices. In recent years, there has been a rise in TENG designs that prioritize compatibility with sustainable biomaterials, leading to new possibilities in green technology. The novelty of this work lies in its pioneering exploration of utilizing sustainable biomaterials, particularly coconut husk, within the field of Tribo-electric nanogenerators (TENGs). This study focuses on evaluating and characterizing coconut husk as TENG material considering factors such as rotational speed, vane count, and coarseness, all of which influence the output potential of the B-TENG. The B-TENG model employed in this research operates on a rotational sliding mode, featuring a biobased material layer of coconut husk, a layer of PTFE, and copper as electrodes. The B-TENG has a diameter of 100 mm with varying vane configurations (3-vane, 4-vane, and 5-vane). The sliding mode demonstrated impressive versatility, yielding output voltages spanning from 0.73 V to 4.0 V across rotational speeds of 200 RPM to 1400 RPM. Remarkably, the 5-vane fine-grained coconut husks achieved a maximum power of 121.10 mW at 10 Ohm and a power density of 3.84 mW/cm2. This research carries global significance, contributing to the advancement ofenergy harvesting technology. Its applications range from harnessing the motion of human bodies to rotating machineries in any industry.

Production technique of Encarsia guadeloupae for the management of Rugose Spiralling Whitefly (Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin) on coconut

In the years 2020-23, a field experiment on Encarsia production technique for managing Rugose Spiraling Whitefly (Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin) in coconut palms was conducted at the AICRP (Palms), RCRS, Bhatye, Dist. Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, to evaluate the efficacy of Encarsia parasitoids in controlling the rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW) on coconut palms. The study employed a completely randomized block design with five treatments and four replications. Single palms of susceptible coconut varieties were selected for each treatment. Empty plastic bottles (1-liter capacity) were collected and modified by creating three holes (5x5 cm) in the middle region. These holes were covered with muslin cloth (30x20 cm) secured by rubber bands. The modified bottles were then hung on coconut fronds. Twenty healthy RSW nymphs were identified and placed in each designed plastic bottle cage. Field-collected Encarsia parasitized pupae of RSW were released into the cages, and the bottle mouths were plugged with cotton. The number of healthy and parasitized RSW nymphs on leaflets was recorded at 7, 10, and 15 days after treatment application. Encarsia parasitized pupae of RSW at a rate of 10 per palm resulted in the highest parasitism (62.08%). This treatment significantly outperformed T2 (Encarsia parasitized pupae of RSW at 5 per palm, 45.69%), T1 (Encarsia parasitized pupae of RSW at 3 per palm, 40.13%), and the control (T5, 7.36%). Encarsia parasitized pupae of RSW at 8 per palm achieved a parasitism rate of 54.86%, comparable to T4. The mass production technique of Encarsia guadeloupae under field conditions appears safe, eco-friendly, and effective for managing rugose spiralling whitefly in coconut palms. Key words: Coconut, Encarsia, Mass production, Rugose spiralling whitefly

First report of invasive nesting whitefly Paraleyrodes bondari Peracchi (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae): Impact on coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.) in Jaffna, Sri Lanka

An invasive whitefly species Paraleyrodes bondari Peracchi was recorded during January 2024, for the first time in Sri Lanka. Its occurrence was observed in association with Aleurodicus. dispersus and Aleurodicus rugioperculatus and Pseudococcus sp. on the underside of the coconut palm leaves (Cocos nucifera L.) from home gardens in Jaffna district. This species is commonly known as Bondar’s nesting whitefly, and is added as a new member for the coconut whitefly complex in Northern Province in Sri Lanka. Key words: Bondar’s nesting whitefly, Coconut Jaffna, Paraleyrodes bondari, Sri Lanka.

Biodegradation of Spent Automobile Engine Oil in Soil Microcosms Amended with Coconut Shell

Food insecurity and low yield have resulted from the detrimental effects of petroleum hydrocarbon pollution on agricultural soils over time. This study was carried out to determine the bioremediation efficacy of coconut shell on microbiological composition and total petroleum hydrocarbon degradation in spent engine oil polluted soil. Top soil (0-15 cm depth) samples were randomly collected from areas with history of spent engine oil pollution within Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria. One kilogram of the polluted-soil was measured into each of nine plastic containers. Coconut shell collected from the Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, was standardly prepared and mixed with the soil at the rate of 0, 50 and 100 g kg-1 soil in triplicate. The experiment used a completely randomized design. Soil samples were taken from each container at 0 and 28 days for hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria and total petroleum hydrocarbon determination using standard methods. Data obtained from the experiment were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. The species identified were Enterobacter sp and Escherichia coli, with Enterobacter sp being the most predominant isolate. The total petroleum hydrocarbon (mgkg-1) of the soil on day 0 was 59.78 ± 1.85. After the amendments (at control, 50 and 100 g kg-1), the total petroleum hydrocarbon (mgkg-1) values were 44.92 ±2.26, 34.82 ± 1.78 and 31.49 ± 0.87 at 28 days respectively. Coconut shell and the high level carbon utilizing bacteria, Enterobacter sp, significantly enhanced the biodegradation process as an impressive 47.32% remediation efficiency was achieved 28 days after amendment in soil treated with 100g of coconut shell. It is recommended that a biostimulation strategy that uses coconut shell and Enterobacter sp be employed in the remediation of spent engine oil and petroleum hydrocarbon polluted soils.

Techno-Economic Feasibility Study of Tractor Pto Operated Shredder Cum Pulverizer

India's agricultural sector faces a challenge of widespread crop residue burning. An estimated 90-140 million tonnes of crop residues are burned annually by farmers across the country. The shredder cum pulverizer focuses on the shredding and pulverizing of coconut husks and fronds (Cocos nucifera), corn stalks (Zea mays L.) and subabul branches (Leucaena leucocephala). This shredded and pulverized crop residue is used to prepare the vermin compost, biomass production and various other purposes. The experiment was conducted at the IGKV, Raipur (C.G.). The detailed specifications parameters were optimized for each unit of the shredder cum pulverier. This study was conducted with four levels of feed rate varies with four levels of different speeds of operation at four moisture content) as the independent parameters. Their effects were studied on dependent parameters. The detailed data were analyzed statistically by SPD (Split Plot Design) with the three replications. The various performance parameters were also calculated. The result of the experiments showed that the shredding capacity and size of reduction of the shredder cum pulverizer with different feed rates of crop residues of coconut husks, coconut fronds, corn stalks, and subabul branches at different feed rates are 79.65 kg/h, 86.98 kg/h, 82.65 kg/h, and 94.64 kg/h, respectively, and the resultant size reductions of crop residues are 1.26mm, 2.66mm, 1.73mm, and 2.57mm, respectively. The result showed that the maximum shredding capacity 94.64kg/h was found on subabul branches were observed at 400kg/h feed rate, 40m/s speed of operation and 24% moisture content and the maximum size of reduction 1.26mm was found on coconut husks were observed at 600kg/h feed rate, 70m/s speed of operation and 24% moisture content. The cost of operation of shredder cum pulverizer was observed to be 983.25 Rs/h.

Energy-efficient removal of trace VOCs from humid air using metal-organic gel derived porous carbon

The development of granular adsorbents for the efficient capture of low-concentration volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from humid air are highly desirable. Herein, we report the synthesis of granular ZIF-8 monolith (monoZIF-8) featuring high surface area (2312 m2/g) and mesoporous structure by shortening the synthesis time and optimizing the reactant concentrations, which was further carbonized at 1000 °C to obtain porous granular carbon. As-prepared ZIF-8-C1000 exhibited high surface area (1623 m2/g), hierarchical porous structure (0.5–10 nm) and hydrophobicity (water contact angle 145.8°), thus it showed very high adsorption performance for trace VOCs like toluene and hexanal under both dry and humid conditions (relative humidity 30 %-80 %) at 25 °C, much higher than commercial activated carbon (AC) such as BPL-AC, coconut shell AC, and representative MOFs including HKUST-1, monoHKUST-1, monoMIL-100(Fe), MIL-101(Cr) and MOF-235. Additionally, ZIF-8-C1000 could be rapidly regenerated under mild temperatures (60 °C to 80 °C), while BPL-AC requires a higher desorption temperature and more time due to disordered porosity. The exceptional adsorption and desorption performance of granular ZIF-8-C1000 over BPL-AC can be attributed to its interconnected micropores and mesopores.

Skin Prick Tests and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays among Allergic Patients Using Allergenic Local Pollen Extracts.

Allergic respiratory diseases are prevalent in the Philippines, with allergic rhinitis and asthma occurring at 20% and 8.7% of the population, respectively. The diagnosis of respiratory allergies is achieved by a combination of patient history and different screening tools, especially for the identification of the allergic triggers such as allergy skin prick test (SPT) and serum-specific IgE enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (sIgE ELISA). The Philippines, being a tropical country, have a wide variety of plant species with potential to produce allergenic pollen grains. Knowledge of the sensitization profiles of Filipino allergic patients to our local pollen allergens is currently limited. The aim of this study is to determine the sensitization profile of patients with respiratory allergies (allergic rhinitis and/or asthma) through the allergy skin prick test (SPT) using allergenic local pollen extracts. It also aimed to determine if there is a positive agreement between the SPT and sIgE ELISA positivity rate and whether the results have relationship with the pollen purity and the protein content of the extracts. Pollen allergens were extracted from Amaranthus spinosus (pigweed), Mimosa pudica (makahiya), Tridax procumbens (wild daisy), Imperata cylindrica (cogon), Oryza sativa (rice), Pennisetum polystachion (foxtail grass), Sorghum halepense (Johnson grass), Albizia saman (acacia), Cocos nucifera (coconut), Leucaena leucocephala (ipil-ipil), and Mangifera indica (mango). SPT was performed at the Allergy Clinic of the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital on patients with allergic rhinitis and/or bronchial asthma. Blood samples were collected from patients who developed wheal diameters of 3 mm or more than the negative control. Sera were tested against the same pollen extracts using ELISA. Of the one hundred sixty-five (165) patients who submitted for skin prick test, 129 showed positive SPT results to the pollen extracts. Weeds were the most sensitizing (51.9%-58.1%). Blood samples were collected from these patients and tested for sIgE ELISA and among them, 71 were positive in the sIgE ELISA. Highest sensitization rates in sIgE ELISA were found in coconut, pigweed, Johnson grass, and rice. The highest positive agreements or the proportion of patients with positive sIgE ELISA among those with positive SPT were in coconut, followed by Johnson grass, pigweed, and rice. Most of the pollen sensitized patients on SPT are polysensitized. SPT is a safe, simple, and rapid method for the diagnosis of IgE-mediated allergy. The lower number of positive patients in sIgE ELISA may be attributed to the low serum IgE levels and low quantities of effectual allergen components in extracts. Results of both SPT and ELISA must be correlated with a patient's clinical history, particularly the patient's exposures, and physical examination.

Исследование характера изменения твердости композиционных материалов с алюминиевой матрицей, упрочненной золой кокосовой скорлупы и красным шламом, с использованием анализа Тагучи

Introduction: in present scenario, light and high strength aluminium metal matrix composite are extensively used due to its high mechanical and tribological properties. Aluminium metal matrix composite reinforced with ceramic and industrial waste can customize its mechanical-chemical behavior. The purpose of the work: to create an aluminum matrix composite material using ceramic (primary) and industrial (secondary) waste represented by red mud and coconut shell ash, respectively. The mass fraction of the strengthening phase varied from 5 to 12.5 wt. % respectively with the residual mass percentage of the aluminum alloy. Method of investigation: nine specimens of composite materials were prepared by stir casting. Stirring was carried out at a speed of 50 to 100 rpm for 20 minutes at a temperature of 800 °C. Result and Discussion: the hardness behavior of the aluminum metal matrix composite was studied at an indentation load of 10, 15 and 20 kN. Taguchi method with L27 orthogonal array was selected to conduct analysis of variance (ANOVA) and regression analysis by selecting the mass percentage of red mud and mass percentage of coconut shell ash. The indentation load was used as an input parameter, and the hardness behavior was taken as an output parameter. The signal-to-noise ratio, response rank table, contour plot, and normal probability plot are investigated and it is found that hardness values improve with the addition of both reinforcing components and indenter load. The results show that the hardness value varies from 33.34 HB to 53.44 HB, and the effect of red mud mass percentage is more significant than the indenter load and coconut shell ash mass percentage.

Whole-Genome Resequencing Identifies SNPs in Sucrose Synthase and Sugar Transporter Genes Associated with Sweetness in Coconut.

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is an important agricultural commodity with substantial economic and nutritional value, widely used for various products, including coconut water. The sweetness is an important quality trait of coconut water, which is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. In this study, we utilized next-generation sequencing to identify genetic variations in the coconut genome associated with the sweetness of coconut water. Whole-genome resequencing of 49 coconut accessions, including diverse germplasm and an F2 population of 81 individuals, revealed ~27 M SNPs and ~1.5 M InDels. Sugar content measured by °Bx was highly variable across all accessions tested, with dwarf varieties generally sweeter. A comprehensive analysis of the sugar profiles revealed that sucrose was the major sugar contributing to sweetness. Allele mining of the 148 genes involved in sugar metabolism and transport and genotype-phenotype association tests revealed two significant SNPs in the hexose carrier protein (Cnu01G018720) and sucrose synthase (Cnu09G011120) genes associated with the higher sugar content in both the germplasm and F2 populations. This research provides valuable insights into the genetic basis of coconut sweetness and offers molecular markers for breeding programs aimed at improving coconut water quality. The identified variants can improve the selection process in breeding high-quality sweet coconut varieties and thus support the economic sustainability of coconut cultivation.

Ru-doped Mo2C grown on coconut shell derived 3D hierarchical carbon as robust electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction

Biomass, as a low-cost, environmental friendly and renewable carbon source with natural porous structure can be used as carriers. Molybdenum carbide (Mo2C), possessing metallic characteristics and a platinum-like d-band electronic structure, has recently emerged as promising candidate for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In this study, we fabricate a new electrocatalyst by embedding ruthenium (Ru) into Mo2C on carbonized coconut shell (Ru-Mo2C@CSC). Doping of Ru into Mo2C significantly activates the inherent HER activity by altering the surface state, which enhances electron accumulation and transfer between the intermediate and electrocatalyst surface. The obtained Ru-Mo2C@CSC exhibit a remarkably low overpotential of 40 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in 1 M KOH, matching the benchmark Pt/C. Both experimental and density functional theory (DFT) reveal that this outstanding electrocatalytic activity stems from its unique three-dimensional (3D) architecture and the altered electronic structure by Ru-doping. The distinct 3D hierarchical porous structure aids electrolyte penetration, increases exposure of active sites, and facilitates the release of gas products. Substituting Ru atoms notably diminish the proton adsorption strength at the Mo and C atom coordination sites and electronic modification of Mo by charge transfer from Ru to Mo which was observed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A synergetic interaction at the Ru-Mo interface is generated to optimize the adsorption–desorption energetics toward H intermediate and accelerate water dissociation.

Socio-Demographic Profile, Farming Challenges and Local Government Unit (LGU) Support to Rubber Farmers in Tampilisan, Zamboanga Del Norte: A Pre and Actual Pandemic Analysis

This study investigates the socio-demographic profile, farming challenges, and the Local Government Unit (LGU) support to rubber farmers in Tampilisan, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines. The research employed a pre and actual-pandemic analysis to assess the effectiveness of LGU extension services in empowering rubber farmers. Data from 50 rubber farmers across 15 barangays were analyzed using a descriptive-correlation method. Findings reveal that rubber farmers in Tampilisan are predominantly middle-aged, have a high school education level, and have low monthly incomes. Farmers engage in diverse farming practices, including intercropping and integrated farming systems, demonstrating adaptive strategies for income diversification. While participation in LGU extension services was high before the pandemic, it significantly declined during the pandemic due to restrictions and limitations. Farmers identified several key challenges, including low rubber prices, capital constraints, and lack of skilled labor, which persisted before and during the pandemic. Despite these challenges, farmers reported moderate agreement on the benefits derived from LGU extension services, particularly regarding education for their children and food security for their families. Findings also suggest that farmers' income correlates with the types of crops planted, indicating that diversifying crops like coconut, banana, and fruit trees can lead to increased income. More so, the correlation between farmer participation and the acquisition of farming tools and planting materials underscores the positive impact of active engagement on resource access. Analyzing the above results, the study revealed the importance of sustained farmer engagement in extension services for enhancing agricultural resilience and livelihood sustainability. The insights elicited from this study include strengthening technical training and infrastructure, promoting farmer group participation, and fostering collaboration between the Local Government Unit (LGU), educational institutions, and government agencies to ensure the effectiveness of extension programs and support sustainable rubber farming practices in Tampilisan.

Synthesis and Characterization of Coconut-Derived Graphene Nano Sheet (GNS) and Its Properties in Nickel/GNS and Zinc/GNS Hybrid Electrodes

This study introduces a sustainable method of producing a graphene nano sheet (GNS) from coconut shells and investigates its application in GNS, Ni/GNS, and Zn/GNS electrodes for advanced energy storage devices. The GNS was synthesized in a scalable manner using a pyrolysis and impregnation technique, with its successful synthesis verified by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Raman spectroscopy, and electrical conductivity measurement characterizations. The study highlights the enhanced performance of Zn/GNS electrodes, which outperform both pure GNS and Ni/GNS variants. This superior performance is attributed to the smaller particle size of Zn (mean = 2.356 µm) compared to Ni (mean = 3.09 µm) and Zn’s more favourable electron configuration for electron transfer. These findings demonstrate the potential of bio-derived GNS composites as efficient, high-performance electrodes, paving the way for more sustainable and cost-effective energy storage solutions.

Analysing the thermal and electrical properties of Cocos nucifera shell-based nanofluids as coolant feasibility proton exchange membrane fuel cell

For an enhancement of the thermal and electrical conductivity of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), extensive research is actively conducted on various waste bio sources. PEMFC offers the cleanest form of energy, an electrochemical energy conversion device that possesses zero emissions with by-products such as heat and water. In PEMFC, conventional coolants such as water and water:ethylene glycol mixture does not attain the substantial results in terms of heat dissipation, which impacts performance gradually reduces the operating life of the cell. Usually, bio-sources are environmentally friendly and have merits over chemically prepared methods. Bio-based nanofluids have remarkable performance in terms of heat transfer, lower electrical conductivity, and low corrosiveness in the system compared to other metal-based fluids and base fluids, which have also gained a great deal of scrutiny over the past few decades. In this research, bio-sourced Cocos nucifera shell (CNS) is utilised at various concentrations, such as 0.1 vol.-%, 0.3 vol.-% and 0.5 vol.-%, dispersed with a base fluid such as water (W), and ethylene glycol (EG) (80:20) is analysed prior to actual full stack PEMFC. Consequently, heat transfer has been improved by 13% for CNS in 80:20 (W:EG) at 0.5% volume concentration compared with W:EG (80:20). On the basis of findings on thermal, hydraulic and electrical conductivity, various properties have also been determined. Despite the drawbacks of the experimental design, it was concluded that up to 0.5 vol.-% CNS in an 80:20 (W:EG) nanofluid could be used as a cooling medium for PEMFCs with no adverse effects on the electrical performance. It was also observed that the nanofluid improved the efficiency of the fuel cells by reducing the ohmic losses.