Supply Of Fossil Fuels Research Articles

Experimental investigation on diesel engine performance and emission characteristics using waste cooking oil blended with diesel as biodiesel fuel

Biodiesel production from waste cooking oil is a potential feedstock to alternative fuel sources. Produced alternative fuel sources were to have a strong emphasis on energy efficiency to substitute the declining world supply of fossil fuels while also improving emission characteristics in diesel engine applications. The development of industrialization and mechanization causes increased fossil fuel consumption and its usage. This study aimed at an experimental investigation of biodiesel blended fuel combustion efficiency for single-cylinder diesel engines under varying engine loads at constant engine speed 1500 rpm. The transesterification process was used to produce biodiesel from waste cooking oil using NaOH as catalysts. Biodiesel reaction takes place with oil to methanol ratio of 6:1 at 60 °C reaction temperature for 90 min with 600 rpm stirring speed while 90% yield gained. Eight sample biodiesel blends were prepared with percentage value B5%, B10%, B15%, B20%, B25%, B30%, B35%, B40% v/v and B100% to investigate the effect of biodiesels on engine performances. The experimental result reveals that the mixed biodiesel blends have lower average value in terms of brake torque, brake power, and brake thermal efficiency than diesel fuels as a percentage of 16.79%, 4.08%, and 27.9% respectively. In addition, the average BSFC of biodiesel blends was increased by 4.8% than baseline diesel fuel. Related to exhaust gases emission test results were shows that the average CO and HC emissions decreased by 52.2% and 60% with increasing loads and blends and the increment of CO2 and NOx by 28.1% and 45.4% respectively than baseline fuel with increasing blends and loads. Biodiesel derived from waste cooking oil was less costly and environmentally friendly and viable to substitute petro-diesel.

Demise of fossil fuels part I: Supply and demand

According to United Nations , the world needs to reduce the emission of CO2 and other global warming gases by 45 % by 2030 and to negligible amount by 2050. According to UN, this is necessary to keep the goal of keeping earth temperature not exceeding 1.5 °C compared to pre-industrial level temperatures.To achieve this objective means reducing the fossil fuel consumption. Fossil fuels are largely responsible for emitting CO2; therefore, without significant reduction in fossil fuels consumption by 2050, the net zero emission by 2050 is not possible.One argument advanced in support of reducing fossil fuels consumption is limited supply. Using the principle of “Peak Oil Theory,” proponents state that fossil fuels is a limited resource and the world will simply run out of it. Based on the available data, we demonstrate that supply of fossil fuels is relatively abundant, and we will not run out of fossil fuels in near term. Using shale formations as an example, we demonstrate how the success of drilling horizontal wells with hydraulic fractures have significantly increased the oil and gas resource available for exploitation. To reduce fossil fuels demand, the available solutions include improving energy efficiency, reducing subsidies on fossil fuels, imposing carbon tax and life choice changes. We discuss some of those alternatives. Fossil fuel supply is relatively abundant and only possible solution to reduce the consumption is to reduce the demand. By comparing developed countries' consumption with developing countries’ consumption, we see a pathway where growth in GDP can be achieved without significant increase in fossil fuels consumption. Because of efficiency gains in energy usage, GDP in developed countries continues to grow without increase in fossil fuels consumption. Faster we reach the efficiency stage in developing countries, easier it would be reduce the fossil fuel consumption in the world.

Comparative Analysis and Performance Evaluation of Dual Active Bridge Converter Using Different Modulation Techniques

The development in the renewable energy systems and the necessity of the enhanced grid that includes the conventional energy sources and the renewable energy sources and storage systems have realized the importance of power electronics conversion systems. These interfaces are crucial for enhancing the efficiency as well as the control in bi-directional power flow. The use of HEVs as a means of preserving the future supply of fossil fuels, as well as the need for improving the efficiency of the power electronics interfaces required for efficient power management between the two energy sources of the vehicle, is discussed. Furthermore, the improvements in the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems and regenerative power systems also require sophisticated power electronic conversion systems. To address these issues of modern technologies, the Dual Active Bridge (DAB) converter comes in as a potential solution. In this paper, several modulation techniques employed in DAB converters are discussed and compared in detail in order to find the best approach to control the converter’s performance in the whole range of its operation. The paper also presents an enhanced modulation strategy applied to DAB converters and built with FPGAs and MPC to minimize the power loss. This proposed optimization technique is more general and easier than the current ones. The performance of the converter is assessed in terms of efficiency, current stress, and the power of backflow, in addition to the proposed optimization and modulation techniques. The article also looks at the closed-loop performance under step load fluctuations and circuit performance as well as efficiency.

Vapor-phase reduction synthesis of N, S co-doped graphene/MWCNT hybrid membrane for all-solid-state supercapacitors and adsorption of organic pollutants

Owing to the limited reserves of fossil fuels, many researchers are focused on seeking advanced materials to relieve the drawbacks caused by the imbalance between the supply and demand of fossil fuels. In this study, a N, S co-doped graphene/multi-walled carbon nanotubes hybrid membrane (GMHE) was synthesized by flow-directed assembly followed by vapor-phase reduction. The resulting hybrid membrane not only exhibited excellent capacitance performance, but also good adsorption capacity for organic pollutants owing to its high electrochemical activity, well-developed pore structure, and rich surface state. The assembled GMHE all-solid-state symmetric supercapacitor delivered a high power density of 6000 W·kg−1 at an energy density of 16.0 W·h·kg−1 and superior capacitance stability (retaining 97.2 % of its initial capacitance value at 3 A·g−1). The adsorption capacity of the GMHE for organic pollutants was 50 times (chlorobenzene) its own mass. In addition, the hybrid membrane exhibited remarkable reusability over in adsorption–combustion cycles. The judiciously designed bifunctional membrane material developed herein can be directly applied in energy storage and oil pollution cleanup, supporting sustainable economic development.

Investigating the influence of nanofluid on photovoltaic-thermal systems concerning photovoltaic panel performance

Solar energy has much promise to replace the planet's finite supply of fossil fuels as it is sustainable and eco-friendly. Photovoltaic (PV) panels are one example of the proper technology that may transform solar energy into electrical energy. On the other hand, high temperatures may reduce photovoltaic cells' ability to produce power efficiently. As a result, a study was carried out to use the PV/T (Photovoltaic Thermal) collector system and evaluate the effects of CuO, TiO2, and Al2O3 nanofluids as cooling agents on the performance and operating temperature of PV panels. In Surakarta, Indonesia, an experimental study was conducted with nanoparticle concentrations of 0.2 vol% and a flow rate of 3 L/m at an intensity of radiation of 1000 W/m2. The results showed that, in comparison to uncooled PV panels, employing CuO, TiO2, and Al2O3 nanofluids in the PV/T system resulted in temperature reductions of 18.84 °C, 18.12 °C, and 17.62 °C, respectively. Moreover, measurements of the electrical efficiency produced by PV and PV/T panels using CuO, TiO2, and Al2O3 nanofluids showed that the respective values were 10.98%, 13.92%, 13.65%, and 13.39%. This study contributes to the development of solar energy technology by demonstrating the potential of nanofluid-based cooling devices to improve solar panel performance in hot conditions.

Investigating and predicting the role of photovoltaic, wind, and hydrogen energies in sustainable global energy evolution

The global shift toward next-generation energy systems is propelled by the urgent need to combat climate change and the dwindling supply of fossil fuels. This review explores the intricate challenges and opportunities for transitioning to sustainable renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydrogen. This transition economically challenges traditional energy sectors while fostering new industries, promoting job growth, and sustainable economic development. The transition to renewable energy demands social equity, ensuring universal access to affordable energy, and considering community impact. The environmental benefits include a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a lesser ecological footprint. This study highlights the rapid growth of the global wind power market, which is projected to increase from $112.23 billion in 2022 to $278.43 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.67%. In addition, the demand for hydrogen is expected to increase, significantly impacting the market with potential cost reductions and making it a critical renewable energy source owing to its affordability and zero emissions. By 2028, renewables are predicted to account for 42% of global electricity generation, with significant contributions from wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, particularly in China, the European Union, the United States, and India. These developments signify a global commitment to diversifying energy sources, reducing emissions, and moving toward cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions. This review offers stakeholders the insights required to smoothly transition to sustainable energy, setting the stage for a resilient future.

Linear diophantine multi-fuzzy soft similarity measures: An analysis on alternative-fuel

Every day, the globe becomes more contemporary and industrialized. As a result, the number of vehicles and engines is growing. However, the energy sources utilized in these engines are scarce and dwindling over time. This circumstance prompts the search for alternate fuel. As civilization develops, transportation becomes a need for daily living. The largest issue is the diminishing supply of fossil fuels and the expanding population. As a result, everyone needs alternate energy sources for their automobiles. Therefore, in this investigation, we identify the best substitute for petrol. We offer the similarity measure(SM) for a hybrid structure of a Linear Diophantine Multi-Fuzzy Soft Set(LDMFSS) with the goal of determining this issue. Because the range of grade values has been expanded, decision-makers now have greater freedom in selecting their grade. An exemplary case study is illustrated that shows the appropriateness of our recommended approach. A comparative analysis is provided to show the outcomes of the proposed method are more achievable and beneficial than those of the existing methodologies. Additionally, its applicability and attainability are evaluated by comparing its structure to those of the already used procedures.

Europe’s independence from Russian natural gas — Effects of import restrictions on energy system development

With the Russian invasion on Ukraine in 2022 and the following disruption of Russian natural gas imports, Europe’s energy reliance on Russia has become more apparent than ever. To tackle the resulting challenges of a limited supply of fossil fuels from Russia and especially its effects on energy system development, short and long-term effects need to be investigated thoroughly. This paper aims to quantitatively analyze the impact of reduced natural gas availability from Russia on the European energy system, both in the coming years, as well as in the future. Using the Global Energy System Model (GENeSYS-MOD), three scenarios with varying amounts of Russian natural gas and further impacts of reduced fossil fuel imports from Russia are calculated. Results show that strong effects are mostly observed in the short to medium-term, but an overall earlier phase-out of fossil fuels can be achieved in the long-term. The reduction of natural gas imports is tackled by an increase in LNG imports and domestic natural gas production to overcome the supply gap. Strong reactions are seen in the levelized costs of electricity generation between 2022 and 2025, with higher costs in scenarios with restrictions on Russian natural gas imports, but with a negligible difference in the long-term. Most importantly, lower emissions in scenarios with reduced natural gas supply from Russia highlight the positive effect of an early reduction in fossil fuels and investment in renewable technologies, resulting in a near 100% emission-free energy system by 2045, 5 years before the Base scenario with unrestricted Russian gas imports. The results find that a limitation of Russian fossil imports does not pose a long-term threat to the European energy system or its required transition away from fossil fuels, but can rather accelerate its decarbonization and energy demand reductions.

Novel solid catalyst sulfonic acid functionalized carbonaceous material for biodiesel production

A one-pot hydrothermal carbonization-sulfonation procedure was employed to develop robust, carbon-based solid catalyst sulfonic acid functionalized carbonaceous material (SAFACAM) possessing acidic functions up to 5.31 mmol g−1 for the first time at 80 °C. With its atom-efficient, one-pot preparation from a plentiful natural biomass derivative (glucose), the current catalyst benefits the environment and has the potential to lower the overall cost of producing biodiesel by converting cheap raw materials. The diminishing supply of fossil fuels coupled with the polluting effects of their use is driving the quest for more sustainable sources of energy. The pursuit of producing biodiesel from affordable, non-edible oil has become progressively significant due to its dual benefits of sustainability and cost-efficiency. In this context, Jatropha curcas oil (JCO) has gained attention in the energy sector, as it holds promise as a viable feedstock for biodiesel manufacturing and a renewable energy solution for numerous nations. Additionally, the catalyst exhibited exceptional physical stability and reactivity throughout 5 consecutive cycles, establishing its potential as a highly promising catalyst for sustainable biodiesel manufacture.

Amaranthus hybridus waste solid biofuel: comparative and machine learning studies.

The diminishing supply of fossil fuels, their detrimental environmental effects, and the challenges associated with the disposal of agro-waste necessitated the development of renewable and sustainable alternative energy sources. This study aims at developing bio-briquettes from Amaranthus hybridus waste, with cassava starch as a binder; both are agricultural wastes. Before and following delignification, alkali-treated Amaranthus hybridus (TAHB) and untreated (UAHB) briquettes were evaluated in terms of combustion and physicochemical parameters. FTIR and SEM were utilized to monitor the morphological transformation and bond restructuring of TAHB and UAHB samples. EDXRF was used to assess the Potential Toxic Elements (PTEs) composition and environmental friendliness of both TAHB and UAHB. Furthermore, Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) and fuzzy c-means (FCM) clustering machine learning models were used to optimize the production process and predict the efficiency of bio-briquettes. After delignification, a lower lignin value of 11.47 ± 0.00% in TAHB compared to 12.31 ± 0.01% (UAHB) was recorded. Calorific values of 10.43 ± 0.25 MJ kg-1 (UAHB) and 12.53 ± 0.30 MJ kg-1 (TAHB) were recorded at p < 0.05. EDXRF results showed a difference of 0.016% in Pb concentration in both samples. SEM reveals morphological restructuring, while FTIR reveals a 4 cm-1 difference in the C-O stretch. The root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and mean absolute error (MAE) gave values of 0.0249, 2.104, and, 0.0249; (MAE, training) and 0.0223 (MAE, testing) respectively. This shows that the model's predictions match the reality, thereby suggesting a strong agreement between the predicted and experimental data. The finding of this study shows that delignification-disruption improved the solid biofuel's ability to burn cleanly and sustainably.

Photoreforming of lignocellulose into hydrogen

&lt;p&gt;The naturally plentiful, clean, and sustainable biomass resource has the ability to partially replace the limited supply of fossil fuels as a feedstock for the long-term, sustainable production of high-value chemicals and fuels. Meantime, the straightforward, gentle, and ecologically friendly photocatalytic technique seems to be a novel line of inquiry for the conversion of lignocellulose into hydrogen and other fuels. In this perspective, the photoreforming of lignocellulose into H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; including their fundamentals, some typical examples, and significant scientific discussion are rigorously examined.&lt;/p&gt;

The The Need for the Green Economy Factors in Assessing the Development and Growth of Russian Raw Materials Companies

Approaches to assessing economic development and growth in the context of transition to a green and low-carbon economy are considered on the example of the Russian raw materials business. The implementation of carbon regulation leads not only to the expected environmental results, but also to a change in market conditions. With the spread of protectionist measures and restrictions, the assessment of the former integral indicator is distorted. It is shown that the curtailment of long-term contracts for the supply of fossil fuels and restrictions on investments in traditional energy projects adjust the assessment. In this article, its author drew attention to the need to take into account the factors of the green economy in the context of the development and growth of Russian developing companies. Indices, ratings, as well as such indicator systems as ESG may be of interest as a criterion of success. One of the factors of sustainable development and growth of raw materials companies is the number of proven reserves of recoverable resources, the potential of hard-to-recover resource and the inability to reproduce natural resources. Based on the analysis of dependencies, it is proposed to develop strategies, which allow us to identify new opportunities. The system for assessing economic development and economic growth of raw materials and energy companies, built on a single-criterion approach, should consider the conditions of subsurface use, the level of reserves, and use additional indicators to consider the impact of external circumstances. The assessment of the Russian raw materials and energy business on market principles may show negative dynamics in the short term, but in the long term, expectations are optimistic. This situation is largely explained by the inconsistency of the set goals for climate protection and the delay or inadequacy of actions taken as an example.

Application of Modified Seed Oils of Selected Fruits in the Synthesis of Polyurethane Thermal Insulating Materials.

The use of alternative raw material sources in polyurethane chemistry is necessary given the limited supply of fossil fuels, their rising prices and the concern for sustainability. The production of biopolyols from edible vegetable oils such as rapeseed oil, soybean oil or sunflower oil is often proposed. In order to avoid conflict with the global food economy, non-edible or waste oils are hoped to find application in chemical synthesis. The possibility of using oils from selected fruit seeds to obtain biopolyols is analyzed in this manuscript. Five biopolyols were obtained from watermelon, cherry, black currant, grape and pomegranate fruit seeds using the transesterification reaction of the oils with triethanolamine. Thermal insulating polyurethane foams were then obtained by replacing 75% of petrochemical polyol with the biopolyols in polyurethane systems. Based on an analysis of the foaming process, it was found that the incorporation of triethanolamine molecules into the biopolyols causes a catalytic effect. The use of such biopolyols allows eliminating the catalyst from a polyurethane foam formulation. The polyurethane biofoams obtained with the pomegranate-seed-based biopolyol were characterized by the highest content of closed cells (45 vol.%). The lowest content was found for the foams containing the currant-seed-based biopolyol (9%). The foams were characterized by thermal conductivity coefficients between 32 and 35 kW/m·K and densities of approximately 40 kg/m3. Good dimensional stability and compressive strength between 100 and 250 kPa make them suitable for use in construction.

Fuel-constrained joint heat and power dynamic economic environmental dispatch

The economical use of available fuel for producing electricity has been a very important challenge for power companies due to the continuously declining supply of fossil fuels. FCJHPDEED (fuel-constrained joint heat and power dynamic economic environmental dispatch) and JHPDEED (joint heat and power dynamic economic environmental dispatch) with DSM (demand-side management) integrating solar PV plants, WTGs (wind turbine generators), and PHS (pumped hydro storage) plants have been presented. Using SPEA 2 (strength Pareto evolutionary algorithm 2) and NSGA-II (non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II), FCJHPDEED and JHPDEED have been solved. It is seen that the results obtained without fuel constraints are more optimal than the results obtained with fuel constraints. The joint heat and power dynamic economic dispatch cost obtained with fuel constraints is approximately 2.14% more than the cost obtained without fuel constraints and joint heat and power dynamic emission dispatch, and the emission obtained with fuel constraints is approximately 6.7% more than the emission obtained without fuel constraints.

Prospects for Russian Gas in China for the Period until 2035

The article presents an analysis of the current state and forecasts for the longterm development of the Chinese natural gas market, as well as the prospects for increasing Russian supplies of fossil fuels to this market. It is expected that by the end of 2030 China can catch up and overtake Europe in terms of gas consumption. By 2030, the total demand for gas in China will be 390–560 billion cubic meters. m, which is almost 1.5 times higher than in 2022. During the period of economic slowdown, the imbalance of supply and demand in the global hydrocarbon market leads to its destabilization. In order to predict such situations in advance, specialists from international and Russian organizations (International Energy Agency, BP plc, Energy Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Energy Economics of Japan) and consulting companies (IHS Markit) periodically prepare papers on the evolution of world energy markets and the consequences for major countries. gas consumers. Almost all studies are not yet ready to name the period of peak demand for gas in China in the foreseeable future, which gives grounds to name the 21st century of gas transformation. In this article, a study was made of the Chinese gas market and an analysis of the factors of the longterm dynamics of demand for this energy resource. The author also made an attempt to assess the expansion of our country’s participation in the Chinese gas market, and prepared interim recommendations on using the potential for developing energy cooperation between China and Russia. At the same time, the northeastern provinсes of China, located near the Russian border, after the launch of the Power of Siberia gas pipeline, will be saturated with Russian gas. At the same time, the insufficient development of gas infrastructure — pipeline capacities, gas storage facilities, distribution networks — in China will not allow increasing exports when Russia builds additional capacities. To an even greater extent, this applies to the Power of Siberia — 2 gas pipeline project. The most promising way to increase Russian gas exports to China is the organization of Russian LNG supplies to the coastal regions of China, where a steady growth in gas demand is predicted.

Comprehensive review of key parameters for improving the performance of Solar Air Heaters

Due to declining supplies of once-affordable fossil fuels, research into renewable energy sources is being prioritized. Using solar energy for passive cooling and heating can significantly reduce the demand for primary energy sources. In this survey, we look at how changing a few variables might affect how well a solar air heater functions. It helps researchers learn more about these systems’ development, properties, and potential uses. This research analyses the current literature to emphasize the value of thermal properties. Focusing on laminar sublayer creation and increasing the heat transfer coefficient, it explores ways to increase the efficiency of solar air heaters. After reviewing several articles, it has been determined that rib roughness elements and their geometric characteristics play a significant role in enhancing the thermal performance of solar air heaters. The relative roughness height, pitch, angle of attack, and width are all important factors to consider.

Valorization of durian peel waste and sewage sludge as bio-briquette

Renewable energy is an alternative to fossil fuels due to the limited supply of fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emission contribution. Bioenergy is one of the renewable energies that is derived from biomass. Biomass waste, namely durian peel and sewage sludge, has the potential as raw material for bioenergy because of its energy content. Moreover, the carbonization of biomass water can improve the heating value of biomass material. This study aims to investigate bio-briquette properties from durian peel and sewage sludge with various biomass compositions and types of binder materials. Tapioca starch, rejected papaya, and cow manure were used as binding materials. The density of 1.01 g/cm3 and the 5288 kcal/gram calorific value were obtained from 90% durian peel and 10% tapioca starch binder. The bio-briquette with 90% durian peel has a moisture content of 10%, volatile matter of 21%, fixed carbon of 61%, and ash content of 18%. Although the calorific value and fixed carbon satisfy the quality standard of briquettes, the moisture content, volatile matter, and ash content still did not comply with the standard. The result shows that the rejected papaya is promising binder material that does not compete with the food commodity of tapioca flour.

Metabolomics of Escherichia coli for Disclosing Novel Metabolic Engineering Strategies for Enhancing Hydrogen and Ethanol Production.

The biological production of hydrogen is an appealing approach to mitigating the environmental problems caused by the diminishing supply of fossil fuels and the need for greener energy. Escherichia coli is one of the best-characterized microorganisms capable of consuming glycerol-a waste product of the biodiesel industry-and producing H2 and ethanol. However, the natural capacity of E. coli to generate these compounds is insufficient for commercial or industrial purposes. Metabolic engineering allows for the rewiring of the carbon source towards H2 production, although the strategies for achieving this aim are difficult to foresee. In this work, we use metabolomics platforms through GC-MS and FT-IR techniques to detect metabolic bottlenecks in the engineered ΔldhΔgndΔfrdBC::kan (M4) and ΔldhΔgndΔfrdBCΔtdcE::kan (M5) E. coli strains, previously reported as improved H2 and ethanol producers. In the M5 strain, increased intracellular citrate and malate were detected by GC-MS. These metabolites can be redirected towards acetyl-CoA and formate by the overexpression of the citrate lyase (CIT) enzyme and by co-overexpressing the anaplerotic human phosphoenol pyruvate carboxykinase (hPEPCK) or malic (MaeA) enzymes using inducible promoter vectors. These strategies enhanced specific H2 production by up to 1.25- and 1.49-fold, respectively, compared to the reference strains. Other parameters, such as ethanol and H2 yields, were also enhanced. However, these vectors may provoke metabolic burden in anaerobic conditions. Therefore, alternative strategies for a tighter control of protein expression should be addressed in order to avoid undesirable effects in the metabolic network.

Synthesis of Platinum Nanoparticles Supported on Fused Nanosized Carbon Spheres Derived from Sustainable Source for Application in a Hydrogen Generation Reaction

The dwindling supply of fossil fuels has prompted the search for an alternative energy source that could effectively replace them. Potential renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, tidal, and geothermal are all promising but each has its own drawbacks. Hydrogen gas on the other hand can be combusted to produce energy with only water as a byproduct and can be steadily generated via the aqueous media hydrolysis reaction of Sodium Borohydride (NaBH4). This study successfully synthesized fused carbon spheres derived from sugar and decorated them with platinum nanoparticles to form a novel composite material (PtFCS) for catalyzing this reaction. The platinum nanoparticles were produced by reducing chloroplatinic acid in a solution with sodium borohydride and using sodium citrate as a capping agent for the nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize and determine the size and shape of the Pt nanoparticles (PtNPs) and fused carbon spheres. TEM was able to determine the average size of the fused carbon spheres to be 200 nm and the average size for the PtNPs to be 2–3 nm. The PtFCS composite was tested for its ability to catalyze the hydrolysis of NaBH4 under various reaction conditions including various solution pH, various temperatures, and various dosages of sodium borohydride. The catalyst was found to perform the best under acidic solution conditions (pH 6), producing hydrogen at a rate of 0.0438 mL/mgcat·min. The catalyst was determined to have an activation energy of 53.0 kJ/mol and could be used multiple times in succession with no loss in the volume of hydrogen produced. This sugar-derived composite catalyst shows promise and could be implemented as a sustainable catalyst for the generation of hydrogen fuel.

Silver-Nanoparticle-Decorated Fused Carbon Sphere Composite as a Catalyst for Hydrogen Generation

The dwindling supply of fossil fuels has resulted in a search for an efficient alternative energy source. Hydrogen gas offers an abundant, clean-burning supply of energy that can be readily produced over time via the water-splitting reaction of sodium borohydride (NaBH4). This study explored the synthesis of a novel catalyst comprised of silver nanoparticles supported on fused carbon spheres (AgNP-FCS). This composite catalyst was then tested for its ability to optimize the hydrolysis reaction of NaBH4. The fused carbon spheres (FCS) were synthesized via a sustainable source, namely a dextrose solution. The synthesized AgNP-FCS catalyst was characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The average diameter of silver nanoparticles on the catalyst was found to be 30 nm with 3.7% loading. This catalyst was tested under various reaction conditions, including temperatures, doses of NaBH4, and solution pHs. The activation energy of the reaction as catalyzed by AgNP-FCS was determined to be 37.0 kJ mol−1, which was competitive when compared to similar catalysts for this reaction. A study of the reusability of this catalyst suggests that the catalyst can be used multiple times consecutively with no loss in hydrogen generated. This material presents an opportunity for a sustainable catalyst to optimize the amount of hydrogen generated via the hydrolysis of NaBH4.