Source Of Chemical Energy Research Articles

Urea assimilation and oxidation support activity of phylogenetically diverse microbial communities of the dark ocean

Abstract Urea is hypothesized to be an important source of nitrogen and chemical energy to microorganisms in the deep sea; however, direct evidence for urea use below the epipelagic ocean is lacking. Here, we explore urea utilization from 50 to 4000 meters depth in the northeastern Pacific Ocean using metagenomics, nitrification rates, and single-cell stable-isotope-uptake measurements with nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry. We find that on average 25% of deep-sea cells assimilated urea-derived N (60% of detectably active cells), and that cell-specific nitrogen-incorporation rates from urea were higher than that from ammonium. Both urea concentrations and assimilation rates relative to ammonium generally increased below the euphotic zone. We detected ammonia- and urea-based nitrification at all depths at one of two sites analyzed, demonstrating their potential to support chemoautotrophy in the mesopelagic and bathypelagic regions. Using newly generated metagenomes we find that the ureC gene, encoding the catalytic subunit of urease, is found within 39% of deep-sea cells in this region, including the Nitrososphaeria (syn., Thaumarchaeota; likely for nitrification) as well as members of thirteen other phyla such as Proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Plantomycetota, Nitrospinota, and Chloroflexota (likely for assimilation). Analysis of public metagenomes estimated ureC within 10–46% of deep-sea cells around the world, with higher prevalence below the photic zone, suggesting urea is widely available to the deep-sea microbiome globally. Our results demonstrate that urea is a nitrogen source to abundant and diverse microorganisms in the dark ocean, as well as a significant contributor to deep-sea nitrification and therefore fuel for chemoautotrophy.

Chemolithoautotrophic bacteria flourish at dark water-ice interfaces of an emerged Arctic cold seep.

Below their ice shells, icy moons may offer a source of chemical energy that could support microbial life in the absence of light. In the Arctic, past and present glacial retreat leads to isostatic uplift of sediments through which cold and methane-saturated groundwater travels. This fluid reaches the surface and freezes as hill-shaped icings during winter, producing dark ice-water interfaces above water ponds containing chemical energy sources. In one such system characterized by elevated methane concentrations - the Lagoon Pingo in Adventdalen, Svalbard (~10mg/L CH4, <0.3mg/L O2, -0.25°C, pH7.9), we studied amplicons of the bacterial and archaeal (microbial) 16S rRNA gene and transcripts in the water pond and overlaying ice. We show that active chemolithoautotrophic sulfur-oxidizing microorganisms (Sulfurimonas, Thiomicrorhabdus) dominated a niche at the bottom of the ice in contact with the anoxic water reservoir. There, the growing ice offers surfaces interfacing with water, and hosts favorable physico-chemical conditions for sulfide oxidation. Detection of anaerobic methanotrophs further suggests that the ice led to a steady-state dark and cold methane sink under the ice throughout winter, in two steps: first methane is oxidized to carbon dioxide and sulfates concomitantly reduced to sulfides by the activity of ANME-1a and SEEP-SRB1 consortia, in a second time energy from sulfides is used by sulfur- oxidizing microorganisms to fix carbon dioxide into organic carbon. Our results underline ice- covered and dark ecosystems as a hitherto overlooked oasis of microbial life and emphasize the need to study microbial communities in icy habitats.

Plant supercomplex I + III2 structure and function: implications for the growing field.

Mitochondrial respiration is major source of chemical energy for all free-living eukaryotes. Nevertheless, the mechanisms of the respiratory complexes and supercomplexes remain poorly understood. Here, I review recent structural and functional investigations of plant supercomplex I + III2 from Arabidopsis thaliana and Vigna radiata. I discuss commonalities, open questions and implications for complex I, complex III2 and supercomplexes in plants and non-plants. Studies across further clades will enhance our understanding of respiration and the potential universal mechanisms of its complexes and supercomplexes.

Flame propagation mechanism of methanol fuel spray explosion in a square closed vessel

Methanol, as an important chemical raw material and clean energy source, easily forms explosive droplet clouds during its production, processing, and usage. Therefore, understanding the evolution and propagation mechanisms of methanol spray explosion flames is crucial for its widespread use and the design of safety measures. This paper studies the flame propagation behavior of methanol spray explosions using a 16.2-L visualized enclosed vessel. The results indicate that the flame structure of methanol spray explosions is similar to that of premixed gas explosions but significantly differs from traditional fossil fuels. It demonstrates homogeneous combustion characteristics primarily governed by the kinetics-controlled regime. As the methanol spray concentration increases, both the maximum flame propagation speed and the maximum explosion pressure initially increase and then decrease, reaching their peak at a concentration of 224.68 g/m3, with values of 9.96 m/s and 0.72 MPa, respectively. The heat losses during combustion exhibit a trend opposite to that of explosion pressure. Numerical simulation results indicate that the concentrations of key radicals such as O, H, and OH vary significantly between lean and rich combustion states. The increase in H radical concentration enhances the elementary reactions that suppress flame temperature and promotes chain-terminating reactions.

Decomposition products of tetrazoles as starting reagents of secondary chemical and biochemical reactions

Rapid processes of tetrazole decomposition serve as sources of chemical energy stored in the five-membered ring, as well as gaseous products, primarily molecular nitrogen. Due to these properties, energetic tetrazole derivatives have found applications in various fields of science, engineering and technology, for example as components of energetic materials and products, as well as in emergency rescue equipment. The review presents an alternative view of the processes of tetrazoles decomposition, focusing on the diversity, differences, and similarities of the mechanisms and degradation products formed under the action of external energy sources. Some of these products are valuable reagents for the synthesis of previously inaccessible substances, as well as promising objects of analytical, medical, and bioorthogonal chemistry.&lt;br&gt; Bibliography includes 140 references.

Research on the potential of biomass as a chemical energy source

Biomass is an important renewable energy source, derived directly or indirectly from photosynthesis in plants. At present, the world relies heavily on traditional fossil energy, which are hydrocarbons or their derivatives, formed by the accumulation of ancient fossils over time. This paper analyzes and compares the energy produced by various chemical energy sources, as well as their environmental impact and energy efficiency to study the feasibility of substances as bio-energy sources. As energy is indispensable for the survival of human beings, how to discover more green energy and utilize it will become a major challenge for us in the future. Biomass, as a kind of chemical energy has the potential to solve the problem of lack of chemical energy. This paper finally concludes that biomass is feasible as a future chemical energy source, and its super renewable capacity and its nature for solar energy tell us about its huge potential.

Analysis of the Effect of Surface Preparation of Aluminum Alloy Sheets on the Load-Bearing Capacity and Failure Energy of an Epoxy-Bonded Adhesive Joint.

Surface preparation is an important step in adhesive technology. A variety of abrasive, chemical, or concentrated energy source treatments are used. The effects of these treatments vary due to the variety of factors affecting the final strength of bonded joints. This paper presents the results of an experimental study conducted to determine the feasibility of using fiber laser surface treatments in place of technologically and environmentally cumbersome methods. The effect of surface modification was studied on three materials: aluminum EN AW-1050A and aluminum alloys EN AW-2024 and EN AW-5083. For comparison purposes, joints were made with sandblasted and laser-textured surfaces and those rolled as reference samples for the selected overlap variant, glued with epoxy adhesive. The joints were made with an overlap of 8, 10, 12.5, 14, and 16 mm, and these tests made it possible to demonstrate laser processing as a useful technique to reduce the size of the overlap and achieve even higher load-bearing capacity of the joint compared to sandblasting. A comparative analysis was also carried out for the failure force of the adhesive bond and the failure energy. The results show the efficiency and desirability of using lasers in bonding, allowing us to reduce harmful technologies and reduce the weight of the bonded structure.

A global database of Mars-relevant hydrovolcanic environments on Earth with potential biosignature preservation

Abstract Basaltic hydrovolcanic environments on Earth produce abundant glass (sideromelane), which readily alters and acts as an important source of chemical energy for lithotrophic microorganisms; as such, these sites are significant for potential origins-of-life and early life research. Similar environments were identified on Mars and should be considered potential targets for astrobiological investigation. Pleistocene to recent phreatomagmatic and glaciovolcanic structures on Earth include tuff cones, tuff rings, maars, tuyas, and tindars. Such hydrovolcanic deposits contain abundant glass that is variably hydrothermally altered, and some areas contain published evidence of putative microbial habitation and microbially mediated alteration, including microtubules and granular alteration. We analyzed the literature on terrestrial hydrovolcanic environments and created a global database of 45 volcanic fields on Earth with compositions, alteration histories, and structures relevant to Mars. These sites have geochemistry, mineralogy, and syn- and post-eruptive environmental conditions that make them suitable targets for Mars-analogue astrobiological research. Relevant alteration products include palagonite, zeolites, clays, and calcite. Seven of these sites have evidence of microbially mediated alteration, which could be considered a useful biosignature in a Mars-analogue context. The sites are Wells Gray–Clearwater Volcanic Field, Canada; Fort Rock Volcanic Field, Western Snake River Plain Volcanic Field, and Upsal Hogback, USA; Reykjanes Volcanic Field and Western Volcanic Zone, Iceland; and Carapace Nunatak, Antarctica. Based on the properties of these already confirmed sites, along with comparing the remaining 38 Earth volcanic fields to volcanic rocks on Mars, we recommend 11 volcanic fields in particular from our database for future investigations: Auckland and South Auckland volcanic fields, New Zealand; O’ahu, Black Rock Desert, and Black Point, USA; Tuya Volcanic Field, Canada; Karapınar Volcanic Field, Türkiye; Vestmannaeyjar Archipelago, Iceland; Llancanelo Volcanic Field, Argentina; São Miguel Volcanic Field, Azores; and Icefall Nunatak, Antarctica. We recommend reviewing palagonitized tuff samples from these sites for evidence of microbial alteration, in addition to performing geochemical and mineralogical analyses to constrain their magmatic and alteration properties. By studying the rock record of hydrovolcanic environments on Earth to infer habitability and biological alteration, we contribute to establishing the conditions favorable for the origination, survival, and proliferation of life in a Mars-relevant setting.

Enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production performance of g-C3N4 with rich carbon vacancies

Hydrogen energy is globally recognized as one of the clean and renewable chemical energy sources. Development of photocatalysts that can efficiently utilize sunlight for photocatalytic hydrogen production is an urgent mission at present. In this study, g-C3N4 with abundant pore structure and carbon defects for photocatalytic hydrogen generation was prepared by heat treatment of g-C3N4 using ammonium carbonate. The results of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution experiments demonstrate that the 5NHC sample (2 g g-C3N4 was mixed with 5.0 g ammonium carbonate) exhibits the highest hydrogen precipitation rate (972.3 μmol g-1h−1), which is 4.29 times higher than that of the reference g-C3N4 (183.6 μmol g-1h−1). Moreover, the 5NHC sample shows excellent structural stability during the hydrogen production cycling experiments, confirmed by the experimental results. Cr(VI) reduction results further demonstrate excellent photocatalytic performance of 5NHC, which is 1.54 times higher than that of the reference g-C3N4. The defective energy levels induced by carbon vacancies will lead to a rapid separation of photoinduced charge pairs, which will result in boosted photocatalytic performance. This work provides an effective strategy for development of highly performance g-C3N4.

Bridging the gap: glucose transporters, Alzheimer's, and future therapeutic prospects.

Glucose is the major source of chemical energy for cell functions in living organisms. The aim of this mini-review is to provide a clearer and simpler picture of the fundamentals of glucose transporters as well as the relationship of these transporters to Alzheimer's disease. This study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Electronic databases (PubMed and ScienceDirect) were used to search for relevant studies mainly published during the period 2018-2023. This mini-review covers the two main types of glucose transporters, facilitated glucose transporters (GLUTs) and sodium-glucose linked transporters (SGLTs). The main difference between these two types is that the first type works through passive transport across the glucose concentration gradient. The second type works through active co-transportation to transport glucose against its chemical gradient. Fluctuation in glucose transporters translates into a disturbance of normal functioning, such as Alzheimer's disease, which may be caused by a significant downregulation of GLUTs most closely associated with insulin resistance in the brain. The first sign of Alzheimer's is a lack of GLUT4 translocation. The second sign is tau hyperphosphorylation, which is caused by GLUT1 and 3 being strongly upregulated. The current study focuses on the use of glucose transporters in treating diseases because of their proven therapeutic potential. Despite this, studies remain insufficient and inconclusive due to the complex and intertwined nature of glucose transport processes. This study recommends further understanding of the mechanisms related to these vectors for promising future therapies.

Recent Advances in Electrochemical Detection of Cell Energy Metabolism.

Cell energy metabolism is a complex and multifaceted process by which some of the most important nutrients, particularly glucose and other sugars, are transformed into energy. This complexity is a result of dynamic interactions between multiple components, including ions, metabolic intermediates, and products that arise from biochemical reactions, such as glycolysis and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), the two main metabolic pathways that provide adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the main source of chemical energy driving various physiological activities. Impaired cell energy metabolism and perturbations or dysfunctions in associated metabolites are frequently implicated in numerous diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disorders. As a result, altered metabolites hold value as potential disease biomarkers. Electrochemical biosensors are attractive devices for the early diagnosis of many diseases and disorders based on biomarkers due to their advantages of efficiency, simplicity, low cost, high sensitivity, and high selectivity in the detection of anomalies in cellular energy metabolism, including key metabolites involved in glycolysis and mitochondrial processes, such as glucose, lactate, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutamate, and ATP, both in vivo and in vitro. This paper offers a detailed examination of electrochemical biosensors for the detection of glycolytic and mitochondrial metabolites, along with their many applications in cell chips and wearable sensors.

AN APPLICATION OF ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK TOWARD THE MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF MHD TANGENT HYPERBOLIC NANOFLUID ACROSS A VERTICAL STRETCHING SURFACE

The Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) back propagation (BP) artificial neural networks (ANNs) (LM-BP-ANNs) procedure is used in this analysis to show the computational strategy of neural networks for the simulation of magnetohydrodynamics tangent hyperbolic nanofluid flow comprised of motile microorganism across a vertical slender stretching surface. The fluid flow were examined under the significance of chemical reaction, magnetic field, activation energy, and heat source. The modeled equations were simplified to the ordinary system of differential equations using similarity variables substitution. The Lobatto IIIA formula based on the finite difference method was employed for the nano-liquid flow problem with an accuracy up to five decimal points. The robustness of Lobatto IIIA is its straightforward execution of very nonlinear coupled differential equations. Several operations involving testing, authentication, and training were carried out by developing a scheme for different fluid problem elements using reference datasets. The accuracy of LM-BP-ANNs was tested through mean-square error, error histogram, curve fitting figures, and regression plot. Moreover, the examination of flow model factors for concentration, mass, and momentum outlines are expressed through graphs. It was perceived that the velocity field declines with the flourishing influence of the magnetic field and lessens with the upshot of Weissenberg number and power law index.

BUTEN-1-in BUTEN-2-yə İZOMERLƏŞMƏSİ REAKSİYASINDA BİNAR KOBALT TƏRKİBLİ KATALİZATORLARIN AKTİVLİYİ

Hydrogen is considered the main source of chemical energy that can be converted directly into electricity and with the help of fuel cells into zero emissions of harmful waste, such as volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides and carbon. The production of hydrogen in accordance with the generation of energy using a fuel cell is considered a promising alternative to stationary and portable power generation plants in the future. Various methods are used to produce hydrogen: water electrolysis, gasification, partial oxidation of heavy oil and steam corrugation of organic compounds. Currently, in industry, about 90% of hydrogen is produced by the reaction of high-temperature steam reforming of light fractions of natural gas or oil. An attractive alternative to hydrogen production is the reaction of ethanol steam reforming. The activity of binary iron-cobalt, zinc-cobalt and magnesium-cobalt oxide catalysts in the reaction of isomerization of butene-1 to butenes-2 was studied. Iron-cobalt, zinc-cobalt and magnesium-cobalt oxide catalysts were prepared by co-precipitation from aqueous solutions of iron, zinc, magnesium and cobalt nitrate salts. The resulting mixture was evaporated at 95-100°C, then the resulting precipitate was dried at 100-120°C and then decomposed at 250°C until the nitrogen oxides were completely separated. The resulting solid was calcined at 700°C for 10 hours. Thus, 27 catalysts were prepared satisfying the following conditions: mA/NB, where A is Mo, Ti, Cu; cis, m,n=1-9, m+n=10. The isomerization reaction of butene-1 to butene-2 was carried out at a rate of 1200 h-1 volume of feedstock in the temperature range of 150-400°C. The reactor was filled with 5 mL of 1-2 mm thick catalyst and fed with a reaction mixture consisting of butene-1 and nitrogen. The ratio of butene-1 to nitrogen is 1:9. It is shown that with increasing cobalt content in the Fe-Co-o catalyst composition, its activity in the isomerization reaction reaches a maximum on catalysts with equivalent ratio of initial elements. The ratio of trans- and cis-butenes-2 practically does not change and is equal to 1.2. It is found that both Lewis acid centers and Bransted acid centers are present on the surface of this catalyst in approximately equal amounts. It was found that with increasing zinc content in the catalyst composition, the degree of butene-1 isomerization decreases and the ratio of trans-butene-2 to cis-butene-2 increases from 0 to 2.1, indicating the presence of Lewis and Bronsted acid centers on the surface of Zn-Co-O catalysts. It is found that for the Mg-Co-O catalytic system the ratio of trans and cis butenes-2 yields varies in the range 0.8-1.5. It is shown that, in the whole temperature range studied, the atomic ratio of cobalt and magnesium has a strong influence on their activity in the reaction of Butene-1 isomerization into Butene-2. It is found that the number of Lewis and Bronsted acid centers is practically independent of the composition of the Mg-Co-O catalytic system. Based on the study of the reaction of butene-1 to butene-2 isomerization on binary cobalt-containing catalysts, it was found that the samples with equimolar ratios of primary elements in Fe-Co-O catalysts, as well as samples with one of the predominant elements in the catalytic systems Zn-Co-O and Mg-Co-O are active. Keywords: Isomerization, butene-1, butenes-2, binary catalysts Cobalt oxide.

Experimental and computational studies of concentration and flow field variation of syngas released

AbstractSyngas is an important chemical energy source with broad application prospects. The main problem with using syngas is its hazards, such as high storage pressure, high dispersion, low mass density, explosive, and toxic. The aim of this article is to find the key factors for the diffusion of syngas leakage and analyze the distribution of the dangerous concentration range from the diffusion behavior and hazard range characteristics of syngas leakage under complex working conditions. Therefore, a syngas leakage experimental bench is established, and a three‐dimensional simulation of syngas leakage was modeled. The results show that the initial pressure is the most critical factor, and the concentration distribution under different initial pressures is significantly different. The time required for carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) to reach their maximum concentration increased as the initial pressure or temperature decreased. The volume ratio had little effect on the time when CO and H2 reached the maximum concentration. In the horizontal direction, CO diffused further than H2 in the buoyant jet. The max volume fraction of H2 and CO did not exceed 1% and 2.5%, respectively. The research results are expected to give guidelines for the safety protection and standard improvement of syngas leakage.

Electricity production from palm oil mill effluent (POME) through the integration of a microbial fuel cell and bilirubin oxidase-producing bacteria

The microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a device that harnesses microbial metabolism to convert chemical energy into bio-electrical energy. Extensive research has demonstrated its efficacy in both wastewater treatment and power generation applications. This study focused on the integration of a microbial fuel cell (MFC) with a biocathode constructed using the oxidoreductase-producing bacterium &lt;em&gt;Bacillus&lt;/em&gt; sp. MCO22 and rice straw as a cost-effective substrate. The MFC utilized palm oil mill effluent (POME) as a chemical energy source for electricity generation in the anodic chamber. The ability of the MFC was evaluated by monitoring biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) activity and electrochemical properties. Post-operation, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and color removal were measured. The results revealed that the MFC with the BOD-based cathode achieved a maximum current density and power density of 0.58±0.01 A/m&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; and 0.17±0.00 W/m&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;, respectively. Furthermore, it exhibited high COD and color removal rates of 95.10±0.10% and 98.53±0.33%, respectively, without requiring an external power supply. This study presents novel insights into utilizing a BOD-producing bacterium as a whole-cell biocatalyst on the MFC cathodic surface for both electricity generation and agricultural wastewater treatment.

Development of operation algorithm of electric drive of an electric vehicle in urban cycle

BACKGROUND: Increasing energy efficiency of an electric vehicle is one of the most relevant issues at the current state of transport development. It is known that chemical current sources used in traction electric drive of vehicles have low specific power, low efficiency and high cost that makes the electric transport development difficult.&#x0D; AIMS: Making the choice of strategy of manufacturing of electric vehicle with batteries.&#x0D; METHODS: The mathematical models of various vehicle driving cycles, such as: the UNECE Regulation 83 urban cycle, NEDC, WLTC, JC08, EPA HWEET were used in the study that made possible to confirm adequacy of the developed structural model of the electric drive.&#x0D; RESULTS: The structural layout of the traction electric drive of an electric vehicle with combined energy source has been developed; the algorithm of its operation in the urban driving cycle has been defined. Electric transport efficiency was assessed during the study. The analysis showed that vehicles with solely chemical on-board energy sources do not have any prospects due to unsatisfactory technical properties and consumer attributes. Review of capacitors was performed in order to define the possibility of using them as energy source for next-generation vehicles. The study revealed sufficient advantages of capacitors in many respects. Analysis of vehicle motion in urban cycle was performed in order to develop the optimal design. The electric drive layout with a lithium-ion traction battery as the main energy source and a capacitor as the additional energy source was chosen.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: This solution makes it possible to develop the electric drive with optimal mass and dimensional parameters, to increase service life of energy storage and mileage without recharging of a vehicle. In addition, the combination of two electric energy accumulators and the developed algorithm of their operation makes it possible to achieve high efficiency of energy transferring.

Analisis Ekonomi Pengoperasian Ketel Uap Bantu Laboratorium Permesinan Kapal Polimarin Dengan Variasi Bahan Bakar

Heat energy and steam pressure are very important properties in various life applications. The steam production process in a boiler can occur in a container or in a pipe. Fuel as a source of chemical energy for steam boilers can use solid, liquid or gas types. The use of solid fuel is relatively easier to use, by simply putting it into the fire kitchen. Use of gas as boiler fuel can use a gas burner as in a gas stove. The type of fuel oil used as boiler fuel is diesel oil. Diesel oil in order to be used as boiler fuel requires a burner as a fogger combined with compressed air. This study was conducted for the purpose of studying the performance of the boiler when operated from cold conditions to the maximum achievable pressure. Specifically, to determine the specific fuel consumption and the amount of fuel cost required. The experimental method was chosen for the study. Steam pressure and the amount of fuel required during combustion and steam production were the two parameters measured. There are 3 types of diesel oil grades that will be analysed in this study. Fuel type and quality affect the time required to reach maximum pressure. Bio diesel takes the longest time, dexlite takes a shorter time, and pertamina dex takes the shortest time. Total difference in fuel consumption for one operation of bio diesel oil, dexlite, and pertamina dex is 4.68, 4.38, and 4.19 litres respectively. The amount of cost required to pay for bio diesel oil, dexlite, and pertamina dex is Rp 31,824, Rp 62,415, and Rp 64,526 for one operation respectively. Fuel consumption for laboratories is recommended to use dexlite with better quality than bio diesel at a lower price than using Pertamina dex.

Hydropower coupled with hydrogen production from wastewater: Integration of micro-hydropower plant (MHP) and microbial electrolysis cell (MEC)

Wastewater is considered as a source of chemical and hydraulic energy. Generating hydropower and H2 production from wastewater by microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) is an emerging technology. A substantial amount of external energy is needed for large MEC which is considered as a big challenge to emerge as financially viable technology. In this research work, for the first time an effort has been taken to integrate MEC with micro hydropower plant (MHP) scheme at the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) for uninterrupted supply of electricity to MEC. Based on the available head, an MHP can be planned either upstream or downstream of WWTP and some of the generated electricity can be used to power the MECs. RET Screen Expert, energy management software has been used to analyse the technical and economical aspect of MHP as well as integrated MEC and MHP assuming four scenarios. Out of these scenarios, best calculated results were 1.4 GW with a payback period of 2 years. It is expected that integrated approach of MEC and MHP will exhibit most opted future energy positive technology for wastewater.

Composite membranes for fuel cells

The current ecological situation attracts particular attention to alternative energy sources with no detrimental impact on the ecosystem. In comparison with conventional energy sources, fuel cells exhibit the following advantages: small and compact size, light weight, lack of noise when working, and cost-effectiveness in terms of fuel consumption. Most importantly, fuel cells are environmentally friendly, since no harmful substances are released into the atmosphere during their operation. Their goal is to convert chemical energy from various sources into environmentally friendly electric power. At present, chemical sources of energy are used everywhere, including batteries for mobile phones, laptops, as well as cars and uninterruptible power supplies, to name a few. The main components of solid polymer fuel cells are proton-exchange membranes, the main function of which is to ensure the transfer of protons from the anode to the cathode. The proton conductivity of such materials is determined by the presence of hydrophilic channels that transport mobile protons. The proton-exchange membrane must meet the following requirements: electrochemical and chemical stability in aggressive chemical environments, mechanical and thermal strength, low permeability to reagent gases (fuel and oxidizer), high ion exchange capacity and electrical conductivity, as well as a relatively low cost. This paper considers perfluorinated sulfonic acid membranes, organic–inorganic and acid–base composite membranes, as well as hybrid membranes obtained by sol-gel process, which can contribute to the development of technologies related to fuel cells in the future.

Recent Advances in Polydopamine for Surface Modification and Enhancement of Energetic Materials: A Mini-Review

Polydopamine (PDA), inspired by the adhesive mussel foot proteins, is widely applied in chemical, biological, medical, and material science due to its unique surface coating capability and abundant active sites. Energetic materials (EMs) play an essential role in both military and civilian fields as a chemical energy source. Recently, PDA was introduced into EMs for the modification of crystal phase stability and the interfacial bonding effect, and, as a result, to enhance the mechanical, thermal, and safety performances. This mini-review summarizes the representative works in PDA modified EMs from three perspectives. Before that, the self-polymerization mechanisms of dopamine and the methods accelerating this process are briefly presented for consideration of researchers in this field. The future directions and remaining issues of PDA in this field are also discussed at last in this mini-review.