Specific Energy Research Articles

Productivity and energy consumption as performance criteria to overcome bias caused by membrane resistance

Membrane scientists and engineers routinely compare the performance of membranes for different applications. Such comparisons are required to optimize surface chemistries and to evaluate and select the best membrane to scale-up industrial applications. In most cases, the potential of the feed to foul membrane surfaces is also critical. When different membranes under consideration have different resistances Rm, such comparisons must be done with care. Here we elucidate the impact of Rm on fouling kinetics for a range of fouling mechanisms and experimental protocols. We show that traditional plots of flux versus time for constant pressure operation, or pressure versus volume in constant flux operation, obscures two important performance criteria: accumulated volume over a defined time period (i.e., productivity) and energy consumption; practical implications include the risk that higher performance may be attributed to membranes that actually have lower productivity and/or that consume more energy, and that lower performing membranes may be inadvertently chosen from screening studies as offering superior performance. To facilitate membrane comparison with different Rm, we have developed a graphical approach using normalized coordinates. This approach yields linear plots having slopes that are a function of fouling parameters only, and are independent of membrane resistance Rm. Therefore, such normalization coordinates, presented for each fouling mechanism and each operation mode, can be employed to isolate fouling potential. In addition, we developed a new graphical approach employing contour plots of iso-volume or iso-energy lines to visualize the potential trade-offs between antifouling performance, membrane permeability, and either productivity in the case of constant pressure operation, or specific energy in the case of constant flux operation. This study provides a framework for judging the performance of different membranes under fouling conditions, considering fouling, energy consumption and productivity as metrics, independent of membrane resistance. This framework will help guide process design and the design and preparation of antifouling membranes.

Parametric optimization of bio-inspired engineered sandwich core

The present study aims to design an efficient honeycomb cell structure for enhanced energy absorption. Elytra and bamboo bio-inspired parts were compared using a multi-criteria decision-making methodology (COPRAS) and finite element analysis (through Abaqus/CAE) to select the optimal candidate geometry for the study. A circular elytra-inspired geometry featuring four reinforcing cylinders was selected, demonstrating an increase in Specific Energy Absorption (SEA) of over 68% compared to a baseline geometry of the same mass. Structure optimization, aided by a genetic algorithm (NSGA-II), significantly improved crashworthiness parameters, presenting optimized values for design variables, This resulted in an increase in SEA by up to 94% and a 34% improvement in Crushing Force Efficiency (CFE) compared to a baseline geometry. The robust correlation between the algorithm and Finite Element Method (FEM) results highlights its usefulness for initial design, reducing computational demands. The research selects a circular elytra-inspired geometry featuring four reinforcing cylinders and showcasing the potential of multi-objective optimization algorithm in conjunction with FEM analysis in creating high-performance, lightweight structures for passive safety in aeronautics.

Effect of pulsed electric field processing on microbial and enzyme inactivation in blended plant-based milk alternatives: A case study on a microbial challenge test for a non-presterilized oat-based beverage enriched with pea protein

Microbial and enzyme inactivation by pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment was assessed in a blended plant-based milk alternative (PBMA) containing oats and pea protein without the application of presterilization. This was conducted to investigate a novel approach that permits PEF process validation for PBMA containing heat-labile components (protein and starch). Continuous PEF processing at moderate field strengths (9–10 kV/cm) combined with mild preheating (30–45 °C) for 25 s was applied over a range of specific energy inputs (77–245 kJ/L). Selective plating permitted bacterial enumeration of inoculated surrogate organism, despite the presence of natural microbial contaminants in the non-presterilized product. A minimum 5-log reduction of inoculated surrogates Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua alongside native microbiota was identified after preheating to 35–45 °C followed by PEF at 192–215 kJ/L. α-amylase activity was reduced by up to 89% during a similar PEF treatment (205 kJ/L, 40 °C). Overall, continuous PEF combined with mild preheating temperature was shown to achieve microbial inactivation in the pea protein enriched PBMA in compliance with current food safety regulations. Industrial relevancePresterilization is typically applied prior to conducting microbial challenge testing on food products to validate novel pasteurization treatments according to current regulatory requirements that a minimum 5-log reduction of relevant inoculated food pathogens must be achievable. However, for a variety of blended PBMA containing heat-labile proteins, presterilization is not advisable as the occurrence of irreversible changes in the product quality linked to protein coagulation and phase separation will affect the inactivation efficacy during subsequent microbial challenge testing. Hence, an alternative approach is presented utilizing a non-presterilized PBMA and thorough microbiological analysis, combining non-selective and selective plating techniques. This allows an identification of PEF treatment parameter with a minimum 5-log reduction of inoculated surrogate organism alongside naturally present microbial contaminants. This may serve as a valuable guideline for stakeholders in the food industry when addressing the efficacy of novel preservation treatments such as PEF in PBMA products with similar heat-induced product stability challenges.

Clean and efficient preparation of metallic bismuth from methane-sulfonate electrolyte in the membrane electrolysis cell

As a prevailing hydrometallurgical extraction system for bismuth sulfide concentrate, the acidic chloride solution has superior applicability to raw materials and high recovery ratio of metallic bismuth. Nevertheless, it has disadvantages of being easily volatile and strongly corrosive, as well as large energy consumption and poor deposition morphology during chloride electrolysis. Methane-sulfonic acid (MSA) solution is widely considered as the next generation of green hydrometallurgical system, due to its excellent physicochemical properties such as high metal salts solubility, low volatility, and biodegradability. In this study, membrane electrolysis technique was adopted based on the acidic bismuth methane-sulfonate leaching solution, and the influence of electrolyte composition, cathode current density (CCD), and temperature parameters on the bismuth conversion ratio (BCR) and deposition rate (BDR), techno-economic indicators and cathodic bismuth morphology were studied. The results show that the CCD affects the deposits morphology significantly, and the bismuth metal is partially dark and composed of loose ellipsoidal particles at high current density. Under the optimal conditions (70g/L Bi3+ ions, 5g/L Fe2+ ions, 110g/L MSA, 35 °C, 180A/m2), high-purity metallic bismuth (Bi 99.97%) with silver-white luster is obtained. The BCR and BDR are 9.43% and 0.46kg/(h·m2), respectively. The cathodic current efficiency (CCE) reaches over 98%, and specific energy consumption (SEC) is less than 715 kWh/t Bi. Compared with the traditional chloride system, the MSA-based membrane electrolysis medium has advantages of environmental friendliness, low occupational risks, low carbon and energy consumption, and can thus provide a sustainable green solution for bismuth hydrometallurgy.

A facile synthesis of novel binder-free NiSe-SnSe electrode: With enhanced electrochemical performance and superior life span

Fossil fuels depletion and deteriorating environmental conditions have deepened the growing demand for new energy solution. The bimetallic transition metal selenides, which a smaller bandgap and greater electrical conductivity than nanometals, are the subject of recent research on hybrid supercapacitors, composite systems integrating battery-like energy storage capability with capacitive charging. Herein, a new binder NiSe-SnSe composite system for supercapacitors has been developed through facile hydrothermal method, and its structural features, morphological characteristics as well as electrochemical properties are systematically studies in this work. Additionally, a thorough understanding of the electrode physicochemical properties are presented. Practically, a NiSe-SnSe||AC|KOH ASC had excellent specific capacitance (618 F/g at 1 A g−1), mainly owing to fast charge transport in electrochemical action. More importantly, the NiSe-SnSe||AC|KOH ASC electrode exhibits a high specific power of 8400 W kg−1 at a high specific energy of 55.4 Wh kg−1 with remarkable cycling stability by 96.4 % maintenance of initial capacitance after 5500 cycles. Our findings provide a profound understanding and possible use of this newly developed asymmetric supercapacitor in energy storage.

Design and optimization of a corrugated tubular shell structure based on triply periodic minimal surface

A novel corrugated tubular shell structure based on triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) was proposed in this study. The initial diamond tubular thin-walled structure (D-TTS) and corrugated tubular thin-walled structures (C-TTS) model were designed and then fabricated using selective laser melting (SLM). The 3D-printed model deviation distribution was obtained by using computed tomography (CT) scanning. Compressive behaviors and energy absorption capacity of the tubular thin-walled structures were investigated using experimental and numerical methods. To obtain optimal designs of C-TTS, a surrogate model was established and multi-objective optimization was carried out. The maximal specific energy absorption (SEA) and the minimal peak crushing force (PCF) were obtained by non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II). Compared with the initial D-TTS, maximal SEA is increased by 9.34%, and the minimal PCF is reduced by 58.96%. This structure enhances the diversity of tubular structure designs while also inspiring innovative approaches for developing energy absorption devices and structures utilizing TPMS.

Optimization of Flywheel Design for the Engine CT-195 to Reduce Weight & Minimized Cost

Abstract: A flywheel stores energy in the form of kinetic (rotational) energy. Whereas each energy storage system has its inherent advantages and disadvantages compared to the others, it is the overall system performance and simplicity of flywheels that make them especially attractive for a variety of applications. Flywheel is mechanical device which is used to store the kinetic energy. There are many causes of flywheel failure. But maximum tensile and bending stresses induced in the web and rim under the action of centrifugal forces are the main causes of flywheel Failure. By changing the dimensions and shape and the materials and use such materials which increases stored energy and maintain minimum stresses with reduce mass of flywheel. It shows that smart design of flywheel geometry could both have a significant effect on the Specific Energy performance and reduce the operational loads exerted on the shaft/bearings due to reduced mass at high rotational speeds. we will compare the theoretical values of moment of Inertia with the Creo-Mechanic values so that the clear objective of the project can be seen. Our Main object is to optimise the flywheel weight without changing other important parameter like moment of inertia and its kinetic energy storage capacity.

Controllable synthesis of porous NiSe2 nanowires to boost energy storage performance for supercapacitors

Porous nanowires can improve energy storage performance due to their fascinating one-dimensional architecture, and large exposed surface areas. Developing high-performance porous electrode materials is essential for enhancing the energy storage performance of supercapacitors. In this study, porous NiSe2 nanowires (NWs) with abundant nanocavities were obtained by treating α-Ni(OH)2 NWs with Se powder under an Ar atmosphere. The amount of Se powder had a significant impact on the specific surface (SS) and capacitive performance. Compared to NiSe2–100 and NiSe2–300, NiSe2–200 exhibited the highest SS and pore volume of 83.8 m2 g−1 and 0.463 cm3 g−1, respectively. The NiSe2–200 electrode achieved a maximum specific capacity of 653.3C g−1 at 0.25 A g−1, attributed to its highly accessible surface, abundant active sites, and short charge transfer path. Additionally, the assembled NiSe2–200//activated carbon hybrid supercapacitor (NiSe2–200//AC HSC) delivered high specific capacitance (88.3 F g−1 at 1.0 A g−1), remarkable specific energy (35.4 Wh kg−1 at 850 W kg−1), and robust cycling durability. Furthermore, a homemade NiSe2–200//AC HSC successfully powered a clock for about 8 min. This study not only provides a simple method for preparing porous NiSe2 NWs but also shows its promising application in HSCs.

Modulating Ionic Conduction and Accelerating Sulfur Conversion Kinetics through Oxygen Vacancy Engineering for High‐Performance Solid‐State Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries

AbstractPoly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)‐based solid‐state lithium‐sulfur batteries (SSLSBs) have garnered considerable attention as potential energy storage solutions owing to their exceptional specific energy, ease of processing, and economic viability. Nevertheless, the inherently low Li+ conductivity of the PEO electrolyte and the inevitable dissolution of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) within the sulfur cathode hinder the solid‐state sulfur conversion kinetics and lead to significant loss of active materials, thus posing challenges for practical applications. Herein, these concerns are addressed by incorporating oxygen vacancy enriched‐Nb22W20O102‐x (NWOx) nanorods as cathode additives in high‐performance PEO‐based SSLSBs. The uniformly dispersed NWOx nanorods effectively modify the coordination environment of Li ions by increasing the concentration of free Li ions in the PEO catholyte and alleviating the shuttle effect of dissolved LiPSs. Consequently, the developed SSLSB demonstrates excellent cyclic stability and rate capability. Specifically, it achieves a high discharge capacity of 1208.6 mAh g−1 during the initial cycle and maintains 927.8 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.1 C. Moreover, such a configuration can accommodate a high loading of active materials with stable capacity retention. Overall, this study presents an effective approach for developing solid‐state sulfur cathodes in PEO‐based SSLSBs.

A large-strain and ultrahigh energy density dielectric elastomer for fast moving soft robot.

Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) with large actuation strain and high energy density are highly desirable for actuating soft robots. However, DEAs usually require high driving electric fields (>100 MV m-1) to achieve high performances due to the low dielectric constant and high stiffness of dielectric elastomers (DEs). Here, we introduce polar fluorinated groups and nanodomains aggregated by long alkyl side chains into DE design, simultaneously endowing DE with a high dielectric constant and desirable modulus. Our DE exhibits a maximum area strain of 253% at a low driving electric field of 46 MV m-1. Notably, it achieves an ultrahigh specific energy of 225 J kg-1 at only‍‌ ‌‌40‍‌ MV m-1, around 6 times higher than natural muscle and twice higher than the state-of-the-art DE. Using our DE, soft robots reach an ultrafast running speed of 20.6 BL s-1, 60 times higher than that of commercial VHB 4910, representing the fastest DEA-driven soft robots ever reported.

Enhancing Energy and Environmental Metrics of Aqueous Ammonia Emulsified Diesel Fuel using Carbon-Metal Oxide Nanocomposites: An Experimental Study

The study explores the impact of a zinc oxide (ZnO) induced carbon nanotube (CNT) nanocomposite on ammonia decomposition in aqueous ammonia (AA) emulsified diesel fuel, while evaluating performance and emissions. Functionalized CNTs induced with ZnO underwent structural and surface morphology analysis. Different concentrations of ammonium hydroxide (5% and 10%) were mixed with plain diesel fuel (PDF), and 100 ppm of ZnO/CNT was blended with 10% AA emulsified fuel. Fuel performance was assessed under various brake power conditions compared to PDF. The results demonstrate that the absorption of latent heat by ammonia and its higher decomposition energy result in a longer ignition delay, thereby increasing peak in-cylinder pressure and net heat release rate. The post-combustion reaction of AA emulsified fuels contributes to increased brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), brake specific energy consumption (BSEC), hydrocarbon (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and smoke opacity. However, the dispersion of nanocomposite in AA emulsion enhances the catalytic effect and promotes ammonia decomposition, resulting in combustion characteristics similar to PDF. Notably, there is an observed improvement in BSFC by 8.1% and BSEC by 10.9%, respectively. Furthermore, emission metrics such as oxides of nitrogen, HC, CO, and smoke opacity decrease by 4.5%, 18.8%, 11.4%, and 5%, respectively.

Validation of the thermo-chemical approach to modelling of the CO2 conversion in sub-atmospheric pressure microwave gas discharges

Abstract The CO2→CO+½O2 conversion experiment [F~A~D’Isa et al. 2020 Plasma Sources Sci. Technol. 29 105009] has been compared with thermo-chemical calculations. The experiment is a 2.45 GHz plasma torch with straight channel in the effluent. The 1.5D model of the CO2/CO/O2/O/C mixture without turbulent transport has been applied with plasma acting only as prescribed heat source. The parameter range covered is specific energy input (SEI) 0.3-5 eV/molecule at pressure p=0.9 bar, and SEI=0.6-2 eV/molecule at p=0.5, 0.2 bar. The calculated conversion χ is always close to experimental values. At the same time, the calculated temperatures T deviate significantly from the experiment, especially for p=0.2 bar. The calculated T were also found to be sensitive with respect to the uncertain model parameters, but χ is not sensitive. According to the model the net conversion is driven mainly by the radial diffusion of CO and O from the hot core toward the wall and steep radial temperature gradients. The main factor which reduces the energy efficiency is re-oxidation of CO at the edge of the hot plasma region and downstream. The net conversion in the model is driven to large extent by the radial diffusion of CO and O 
from the hot core toward the wall and steep radial temperature gradients. The main factor which reduces the energy efficiency is re-oxidation of CO at the edge of the hot plasma region and downstream. The 1.5D approximation applied has the principle limitation that the impact of the realistic bulk flow field on the chemical process could not be studied. Hence the results must be considered as 
preliminary and have to be confirmed with a more elaborate and accurate model of the vortex stabilized flows inside the reactor.

An autotransferable alloy overlayer toward stable sodium metal anodes.

Sodium (Na) metal anodes receive significant attention due to their high theoretical specific energy and cost-effectiveness. However, the high reactivity of Na foil anodes and the irregular surfaces have posed challenges to the operability and reliability of Na metals in battery applications. In the absence of inert environmental protection conditions, constructing a uniform, dense, and sodiophilic Na metal anode surface is crucial for homogenizing Na deposition, but remains less-explored. Herein, we fabricated a Tin (Sn) nanoparticle-assembled film conforming to separator pores, which provided ample space for accommodating volumetric expansion during the Na alloying process. Subsequently, a seamless Na-Sn alloy overlayer was formed and transferred onto the Na foil during Na plating through a separator-assisted technique, thereby overcoming conventional operational limitations of metallic Na. As compared to traditional volumetrically expanded cracked ones, the present autotransferable, highly sodiophilic, ion-conductive, and seamless Na-Sn alloy overlayer serves as uniform nucleation sites, thereby reducing nucleation and diffusion barriers and facilitating the compact deposition of metallic Na. Consequently, the autotransferable alloy layer enables a high average Coulombic efficiency of 99.9% at 3.0mAcm-2 and 3.0 mAh cm-2 in the half cells as well as minimal polarization overpotentials in symmetric cells, both during prolonged cycling 1200h. Furthermore, the assembled Na||Sn-1.0h-PP||Na3V2(PO4)3@C@CNTs full cell delivers high capacity retention of 97.5% after 200 cycles at a high cathodic mass loading.

Исследование физико-механических свойств ийолит-уртита в условиях одноосного и трехосного сжатия

The study of deformation and failure processes in rock masses is often carried out in laboratory conditions on samples. Widely used test equipment is used for this purpose, which makes it possible to create loading conditions similar to those inside the rock mass. Basically, the loading mode is implemented when forces are applied only to one side of the sample (along one axis), that is, uniaxial compression or tension. Test equipment that allows creation of loading along three axes, i.e. triaxial compression, is used less frequently. Such equipment is often very expensive, and testing requires a lot of time and resources. Nevertheless, this loading mode is one of the most interesting, since it is close to real conditions in the rock mass. This paper presents the results of experimental studies of ijolite-urtite samples (rocks from the Khibiny massif, the Kola Region) in conditions of uniaxial and triaxial compression. The purpose of the research is to establish how the values of the compressive strength of this rock change, to assess the critical values of the specific strain energy, as well as the tendency to dynamic destruction during the transition from the uniaxial loading mode to the triaxial one. The experimental studies revealed that there exists a sharper increase in the values of compressive strength and the critical values of specific strain energy of the ijolite-urtite samples in conditions of triaxial compression than under uniaxial compression. It has been established that the studied rock is prone to dynamic failure under uniaxial compression and preserve its tendency to this type of failure under triaxial compression.

Optimizing reverse osmosis desalination from brackish waters: Predictive approach employing response surface methodology and artificial neural network models

A mathematical model frame has been developed to optimize the performance of reverse osmosis (RO) desalination in brackish waters with medium to high salt concentrations using response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN), specifically catered towards efficiently operating RO desalination systems. The RSM model aims at predicting RO performance with second-order polynomials based on 15 experimental datasets. Inputs for RSM model include feed TDS concentration, feed water flow rate, and concentration-to-desalination ratio, while the outputs consider rejection, membrane flux, performance index, and specific energy consumption. The Genetic Algorithm optimized back-propagation Neural Network was employed to update network weights and biases, leading to an optimal ANN network structure of 3–10-4. A ratio of 70 % training, 15 % validation, and 15 % test data was chosen to establish an ANN model that predicts the performance of RO desalination. The ANN model demonstrated significantly higher prediction accuracy than the RSM model, with impressive correlation coefficients of 0.9936 for the performance index and 0.9932 for SEC prediction, and low RMSE of 0.85 for rejection. To maximize the performance index and minimize specific energy consumption, a two-step optimization method was further set up by applying the RSM model to initially determine optimal process conditions followed by the ANN model to enhance the accuracy of performance forecasts. Optimal process conditions were proposed for specific feed TDS scenarios, which involved setting a feed TDS concentration limit to meet drinking water standards.

Metal Organic Framework Derived Spinel Nickel‐Ferrites Employing Reduced Graphene Oxide Template for Supercapacitor and Photocatalytic Dye Degradation

AbstractSpinel oxides from transition metals are the most crucial components for producing supercapacitive electrodes and photocatalytic semiconductor materials. However poor electrical conductivity and restricted specific energy of these materials are two main drawbacks for energy storage applications. This investigation used reduced graphene oxide templated spinel nickel ferrites nanoparticles (RGO@SNFs), synthesized using Fe2Ni MIL‐88 MOF via hydrothermal conditions followed by a pyrolysis process. The structural properties and morphology of the hybrid are characterized through several methods, including XRD, FTIR, BET‐PSD, and FESEM. Superconducting electrochemical studies such as Galvano static charge‐discharge, impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry are carried out on a hybrid electrode to examine the impact of the RGO template on SNF nanoparticles. This electrode may be an alluring choice for supercapacitor applications because of its capacitance 115 F/g and retention rate of approximately 95 % following 2000 cycles. Additionally, a model dye degradation process utilizing Rhodamine B (RhB) was used to examine the photodegradation action of these materials. The designed catalyst also represents excellent photo‐degradation activity toward RhB, and seventy‐five minutes of sun light were enough to destroy about 99 % of the dye.

Assessing the suitability of desalination techniques for hydraulic barriers

Seawater intrusion is a worldwide increasing challenge, which lowers the freshwater availability by salination of fresh groundwater resources in coastal areas. The abstraction-desalination-recharge (ADR) methodology can combat seawater intrusion, whereby desalination is hereby the key factor for the overall efficiency of aquifer remediation. Which desalination technique is suitable within ADR depends on several factors and was not discussed before. We use a multi-criteria decision analysis and cost analysis to compare nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, electrodialysis, and (membrane) capacitive deionization and show for three case scenarios which desalination technique is most suitable within ADR. Overall, electrodialysis, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis have shown the best utility value for saline groundwater salinity of 1–10 g L−1, whereby electrodialysis is more suitable for lower salinities. The lowest desalination costs are calculated for nanofiltration and reverse osmosis with 0.3–0.6 € m−3 depending on specific energy costs. Even capacitive deionisation can be a suitable alternative for low, slightly saline groundwater (1 g L−1) if the technology readiness level and a lifetime of electrodes increase and material costs decrease. These new insights provide a data analysis, costs, and decision support for desalination which are needed for the holistic approach to counteract seawater intrusion.

Energy consumption optimization model and system for the pellet drying process of straight grate

The drying process is a crucial stage in the thermal treatment of iron ore pellets in a straight grate, as it has a direct impact on pellet quality and energy consumption. Consequently, this paper develops a simulation model for the pellet bed drying process, which is validated through industrial data and enables the visualization of temperature and moisture distribution within the pellet bed. Based on the simulation model, an optimization model for the drying process is developed to minimize the specific energy consumption per tonne of green pellets. The constraints of the drying process are the moisture content requirements and burst temperature. A genetic algorithm is employed to optimize the parameters such as trolley speed, pellet bed thickness, air temperature, and air pressure. The results show that, with an absolute error criterion of 10 °C, the temperature calculation accuracy of the simulation model exceeds 86%, effectively describing the drying process in a straight grate sintering machine. Under yield limitations, the optimal cumulative energy consumption per tonne of green pellet is reduced by 1.50% during the drying process. Finally, a simulation and optimization system for the drying process in the straight grate is implemented in C++. This system not only generates essential data for designing the drying section in a straight grate but also lays a theoretical foundation for system optimization and optimal control.

Lithium‐Metal‐Free Sulfur Batteries with Biochar and Steam‐Activated Biochar‐Based Anodes from Spent Common Ivy

Lithium‐sulfur batteries are emerging as sustainable replacements for current lithium‐ion batteries. The commercial viability of this novel type of battery is still under debate due to the extensive use of highly reactive lithium‐metal anodes and the complex electrochemistry of the sulfur cathode. In this research, a novel sulfur‐based battery has been proposed that eliminates the need for metallic lithium anodes and other critical raw materials like cobalt and graphite, replacing them with biomass‐derived materials. This approach presents numerous benefits, encompassing ample availability, cost‐effectiveness, safety, and environmental friendliness. In particular, two types of biochar‐based anode electrodes (non‐activated and activated biochar) derived from spent common ivy have been investigated as alternatives to metallic lithium. We compared their structural and electrochemical properties, both of which exhibited good compatibility with the typical electrolytes used in sulfur batteries. Surprisingly, while steam activation results in an increased specific surface area, the non‐activated ivy biochar demonstrates better performance than the activated biochar, achieving a stable capacity of 400 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 and a long lifespan (>400 cycles at 0.5 A g−1). Our results demonstrate that the presence of heteroatoms, such as oxygen and nitrogen positively affects the capacity and cycling performance of the electrodes. This led to increased d‐spacing in the graphitic layer, a strong interaction with the solid electrolyte interphase layer, and improved ion transportation. Finally, the non‐activated biochar was successfully coupled with a sulfur cathode to fabricate lithium‐metal‐free sulfur batteries, delivering a specific energy density of ~600 Wh kg−1.

Comparative study on enzyme activity, microstructure, drying kinetics, and physicochemical properties of apple slices affected by microwave and steam blanching

Abstract The influence of microwave blanching (MWB) at different times (30–120 s) on the physicochemical properties, microstructure, and drying characteristics of apple slices, compared to steam blanching (SB) was investigated. Results showed that MWB resulted in greater weight loss and more efficient enzyme inactivation efficiency than SB. The MWB process facilitated the moisture diffusion, resulting in a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in drying time of up to 27.78 % and specific energy consumption of up to 50.00 %. Microstructural observations confirmed that this result stemmed from the development of microporous channels within the cellular tissue structure. The Page model exhibited a higher applicability to the drying of apple slices. Moreover, MWB was more effective than SB in inhibiting browning and retaining phenolic compounds. However, concerning amino acid retention, the dried samples treated with SB for 30 s (21.36 ± 0.83 mg/g DW) showed superior performance compared to dried samples treated with MWB. In addition, molecular docking results suggested that amino acids could form the distinctive flavor of dried apple slices through hydrogen bonding with taste receptors.