Zero Carbon Emissions Research Articles

Alternative Metallic Fillers for the Preparation of Conductive Nanoinks for Sustainable Electronics

AbstractThe development of electronics with net zero carbon emissions through more efficient and environmentally friendly materials and processes is still a challenge. Here, alternative chemical synthesis routes of metal conductive nanoparticles, based on biodegradable materials are explored, such as nickel, iron–nickel alloy and iron nanoparticles, to be used, in the long term, as fillers in inks for inject printing. Thus, Ni and FeNi metal nanoparticles of 25–12 nm, forming aggregates of 614–574 nm, respectively, are synthesized in water in the presence of a polyol and a reducing agent and under microwave heating that enables a more uniform and fast heating. Iron nanoparticles of 120 ± 40 nm are synthesized in polyol that limits the aggregation and the oxidation degree. Commercial metal nanoparticles of iron and nickel, are coated with ethylene glycol and used for comparison. The conductivity of nanoparticles when pressed into pellets remains similar for both commercial and synthesized samples. However, when deposited on a strip line and heated, synthesized Ni, FeNi, and Fe nanoparticles show significant conductivity and interesting magnetic properties. It is demonstrated that the nanosize facilitates sintering at reduced temperatures and the capping agents prevent oxidation, resulting in promising conductive fillers for printed electronic applications.

Energetic, Exergetic, and Techno-Economic Analysis of A Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Utilization Process via Integrated Torrefaction–CLC–Methanation

Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) or utilization (BECCU) allows net zero or negative carbon emissions and can be a breakthrough technology for climate change mitigation. This work consists of an energetic, exergetic, and economic analysis of an integrated process based on chemical looping combustion of solar-torrefied agro-industrial residues, followed by methanation of the concentrated CO2 stream with green H2. Four agro-industrial residues and four Italian site locations are considered. Depending on the considered biomass, the integrated plant processes about 18–93 kg h−1 of raw biomass and produces 55–70 t y−1 of synthetic methane. Global exergetic efficiencies ranged within 45–60% and 67–77% when neglecting and considering, respectively, the valorization of torgas. Sugar beet pulp and grape marc required a non-negligible input exergy flow for the torrefaction, due to the high moisture content of the raw biomasses. However, for these biomasses, the water released during drying/torrefaction and CO2 methanation could be recycled to the electrolyzer to eliminate external water consumption, thus allowing for a more sustainable use of water resources. For olive stones and hemp hurd, this water recycling brings, instead, a reduction of approximately 65% in water needs. A round-trip electric efficiency of 28% was estimated assuming an electric conversion efficiency of 40%. According to the economic analysis, the total plant costs ranged within 3–5 M€ depending on the biomass and site location considered. The levelized cost of methane (LCOM) ranged within 4.3–8.9 € kgCH4−1 but, if implementing strategies to avoid the use of a large temporary H2 storage vessel, can be decreased to 2.6–5.3 € kgCH4−1. Lower values are obtained when considering hemp hurd and grape marc as raw biomasses, and when locating the PV field in the south of Italy. Even in the best scenario, values of LCOM are out of the market if compared to current natural gas prices, but they might become competitive with the introduction of a carbon tax or through government incentives for the purchase of the PV field and/or electrolyzer.

A Tri-party Collaboration Empowering Tenants and Employees to Strive Towards Sustainability Goals – The Industry-first ESG Partnership Programme

Abstract With the global aspiration for net zero carbon emissions by 2050, it has become common practice in building design to strive for the implementation of smart and innovative technologies in development projects. This is done to achieve excellent energy and environmental performance while minimizing carbon emissions. However, despite the adoption of various sustainable strategies during the design and construction phases, it should be acknowledged that operational carbon can still contribute significantly to the total carbon emissions over the building’s lifecycle. To effectively work towards the carbon net zero target in building development, a suggested approach is the implementation of a Landlord-Individual-Tenant (LIT) ESG Partnership Programme. This program aims to realize the potential for carbon reduction during the operational phase. In the case study of The Henderson, which is Henderson Land Development Company Limited’s upcoming flagship commercial development in Central Hong Kong, an industry-first Landlord-Individual-Tenant (LIT) ESG Partnership Programme is set to be launched. The LIT ESG Partnership Programme involves a three-way collaboration that includes not only corporate tenants of the commercial development but also their individual employees, all working together to pursue ambitious, data-driven sustainability goals. The ultimate goal of the program is to reshape the current ESG landscape in the property sector by showcasing that an effective ESG partnership program can create synergy between the developer, tenants, and individual occupants to achieve carbon reduction targets.

Zero Carbon Emissions Due to Ultra-High RES Penetration in Interconnected Island

Zero Carbon Emissions Due to Ultra-High RES Penetration in Interconnected Island

Renewable Energy Technical Potential Performance for Zero Carbon Emissions.

Global 2021 energy flows indicate sectors with the greatest opportunities for efficiency improvements and emissions reduction. Analysis of the International Energy Agency's 2050 Net Zero Emissions (NZE) Scenario with respect to the 2021 energy profile as a reference point provides a model for changes in energy efficiency, emissions reduction, cost, and land use resulting from substitutions of fossil fuels with renewable options at the levels required for net zero emissions by 2050. Even with optimized outcomes, the probability of such widespread changes occurring over the next 30 years is reduced by the need for large investments, infrastructure changes, and the successful deployment of technologies still under development. Achievement of the technical potential outcomes for alternative solar energy to fuels conversion technologies, including cultivated microalgae biomass and biofuels and photocatalytic and photobiological hydrogen, would reduce reliance on mature renewable technologies and provide increase in net energy ("power to wheels") to help meet the demands of a growing population while reducing cost and CO2 emissions compared to the baseline 2050 NZE scenario. Such technical potential performance along with those for solar and wind represents 4 billion tons of CO2 removal (a 28% increase) over the baseline 2050 NZE Scenario but still requires another 9.5 billion tons of carbon capture and removal (CCR) to achieve NZE.

A numerical investigation on the influence of trench holes upon the film cooling effectiveness of hydrogen- and ammonia-enriched gas turbine vanes

Hydrogen- or ammonia-enriched gas turbines are gaining increased attention for their environmentally friendly operation. To comprehend the effect of low-carbon fuels on vane cooling, this study employs numerical simulations to investigate for the first time the film cooling performance of a C3X turbine vane under hydrogen or ammonia combustion, with the mainstream water vapor content (MWVC) ranging from 0% to 100%. The simulations are conducted with the SST γ-θ transition model in the commercial software Ansys CFX. The results reveal a tendency of decreasing cooling effectiveness with increasing MWVC. However, serrated trench exhibits an effective guiding effect, thus enhancing the coolant lateral diffusion. Additionally, the serrated trench design minimizes the risk of coolant separation from the wall. The simulations indicate that the serrated trench significantly mitigates the decline in film cooling effectiveness caused by the MWVC increment, resulting in a noteworthy enhancement of cooling effectiveness by 122.49% to 193.54% over conventional cylindrical film holes. This study represents a preliminary exploration of turbine vane cooling for hydrogen- or ammonia- enriched gas turbines, establishing a foundation for subsequent turbine vane film cooling structure design. Its significance lies in facilitating the efficient operation of these turbines towards achieving zero-carbon emission targets and advancing innovative green technologies.

Synergetic Catalytic Effect between Ni and Co in Bimetallic Phosphide Boosting Hydrogen Evolution Reaction.

The application of electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) for renewable energy conversion contributes to the ultimate goal of a zero-carbon emission society. Metal phosphides have been considered as promising HER catalysts in the alkaline environment, which, unfortunately, is still limited owing to the weak adsorption of H* and easy dissolution during operation. Herein, a bimetallic NiCoP-2/NF phosphide is constructed on nickel foam (NF), requiring rather low overpotentials of 150 mV and 169 mV to meet the current densities of 500 and 1000 mA cm-2, respectively, and able to operate stably for 100 h without detectable activity decay. The excellent HER performance is obtained thanks to the synergetic catalytic effect between Ni and Co, among which Ni is introduced to enhance the intrinsic activity and Co increases the electrochemically active area. Meanwhile, the protection of the externally generated amorphous phosphorus oxide layer improves the stability of NiCoP/NF. An electrolyser using NiCoP-2/NF as both cathode and anode catalysts in an alkaline solution can produce hydrogen with low electric consumption (overpotential of 270 mV at 500 mA cm-2).

Trust as a sensory mode of engaging culturally diverse communities in net zero futures

ABSTRACT This article examines the role of trust – as a sensory mode of knowing and engaging in everyday environments – in generating community-based routes toward sustainable futures in a culturally diverse situation. To do this we outline a theory of trust and apply trust as a conceptual frame for understanding international students’ relationships to their everyday environments. We focus on how trust can participate in carving new pathways to net zero carbon emissions, in processes whereby decolonization and decarbonization become interwoven trajectories. In doing so, we draw on ethnographic research undertaken with culturally diverse local and international students and staff on a university campus committed to working toward net zero emissions. Treating such sites as living labs for investigating how net zero comes about simultaneously demonstrates and surfaces the role of sensory and embodied modes of trust and engagement in this process. Thus, we argue that trust and the sensory knowing it entails offer a conceptual and practical prism with applications across community initiatives.

Special Issue on “Application of Power Electronics Technologies in Power System”

Over the years, all countries have agreed to alleviate the greenhouse effect and promote net zero carbon emissions [...]

Techno-Economic and Environmental Analysis of the Integration of PV Systems into Hybrid Vessels

Solar energy is one type of clean energy resource, and currently the IMO, EU and UK are targeting net zero carbon emissions by 2050. This paper delves into the integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems into hybrid vessels in order to meet their strategies and targets. The technical challenges that come with designing such systems as well as their economic and environmental impacts are examined. By optimizing the usage of harnessed solar energy, we discover the operational strategy that provides maximal benefits through day-to-day savings as well as over the 25 year lifespan of solar panels. It demonstrates impressive economic viability, with cost savings of up to GBP 4.55 per day and a payoff period as short as 9 years. It also displays a modest emission reduction of up to 8.002 kg of CO2, which serves as proof for a pathway to greener practices in the maritime industry. This report highlights the operational flexibility that a hybrid vessel possesses once paired with a PV system through the ability to withstand regulatory and market changes. Also, when looking ahead, further adoption of PV technology creates opportunities for innovation in adopting renewable energy solutions in maritime transportation.

Techno-economic optimization of a hybrid energy system with limited grid connection in pursuit of net zero carbon emissions for New Zealand

As New Zealand moves towards net zero carbon emissions by 2050, multiple factors must be considered including increased electrical load due to electrification, variability of renewable energy generators, required storage capacity, system economics and limitations on grid transmission capacity. Complex and region-specific interactions between the various design choices involved are likely to require an understanding of a range of optimal and near-optimal designs for proposed micro-grid systems as opposed to a single optimal point. This work develops a novel multiscale optimization algorithm for optimization from a univariate capacity optimization approach to a multivariate one. This enhanced algorithm is applied to a grid-connected hybrid energy system consisting of local wind and solar generation, battery storage, and a limited grid connection for industrial and residential loads. This analysis is repeated for current 2023 and forecasted net zero 2050 grid conditions. Development of local generation allows for a 36.8% reduction of levelized cost of electricity in the 2023 case and a 38.6% reduction in the 2050 case. This results in a projected reduction of 19920 tonnes of CO2/yr. The algorithm and methodology developed are broadly applicable to optimization of next-generation energy grids.

Impact of Internal Baffle Designs on Liquid Hydrogen Sloshing in Cryogenic Aircraft Fuel Tanks

Hydrogen because of its zero carbon emissions and highly energy-dense nature has a strong potential to be used as an aviation fuel. There are currently two main ways that hydrogen is being considered for use in aircraft: it can be vaporized and mixed with air before being burned in the jet engine, or it can be used to power fuel cells that generate electricity, which can be used to power electric motors. Both these scenarios would require storing liquid hydrogen (LH2) in cryogenic tanks on board as it minimizes the tank size. But a major challenge with cryogenic hydrogen storage is the dynamic movement of the fuel which can lead to fuel boil off and bubble formation. In the current paper, the sloshing motion of LH2 in a CHEETA type thin-walled composite fuel tank, under acceleration data obtained from an Airbus A-320 in cruising conditions, is investigated. The dynamic fluid structure interaction problem is solved numerically using the Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian (CEL) technique in ABAQUS. The developed modelling strategy is then employed to study the impact of various internal baffle designs on the sloshing behavior of the fuel under different fill levels. This study not only establishes that sloshing is a major cause for concern when it comes to LH2 aircraft fuel storage, but also advances our understanding in devising potential mitigative strategies.

A FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS OF ZERO-CARBON EMISSION THROUGH ELECTRIC VEHICLE

The transition towards zero-carbon emissions represents a critical imperative in combating climate change and promoting sustainable development. This master thesis project explores the feasibility of achieving zero-carbon emissions through the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). Framed within the context of entrepreneurship and innovation, the study examines the current trends, challenges, and opportunities surrounding EVs and green energy initiatives. A comprehensive literature review highlights the environmental, performance, and cost-related disparities between EVs and traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, while also identifying key barriers to adoption such as range anxiety and infrastructure limitations. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research synthesizes secondary and primary data sources to propose strategic interventions aimed at accelerating EV adoption, including the establishment of residential charging stations, mobile EV charging units, and discounted charging infrastructure. Furthermore, the study advocates for the development of a centralized application to streamline EV charging accessibility and utilization. By addressing these challenges and implementing targeted solutions, this thesis underscores the pivotal role of innovation and collaboration in realizing a future powered by zero-carbon emissions through electric mobility.

Assessing the impact of CH[formula omitted]/H[formula omitted] blends on the thermodynamic performance of aero-derivative gas turbine CHP configurations

To attain a net zero-carbon emissions energy system, the grid needs dispatchable and flexible power production capable of responding to wind and solar energy variability. Hydrogen-fired gas turbines could play a role in meeting this requirement in the electricity grid; however, research and development are needed to assess the impact of the fuel change on these systems. This study aims to determine the effect of fuel switching on the cycle performance of a typical aero-derivative gas turbine, ranging from 25-35MW when combined with various steam-based bottoming cycles using Aspen Plus thermodynamic simulations. The gas turbine cycle’s efficiency and net output power increased by about 2.26% and 5.24%, respectively, when fueled with hydrogen for the constant TIT control strategy compared with the base case. The other two control strategies—constant TOT and heat input—are also positive. The performance of the combined heat and power configurations, expressed by the fuel charged to power, is better for almost all the hydrogen-fired cases compared with the methane case. This implies that using hydrogen as fuel in the gas turbine and duct-firing requires less fuel to produce heat and electricity. Although hydrogen integration into the overall system may pose challenges with auxiliary equipment, storage, supply, and combustion, hydrogen as fuel shows promise in improving the performance of gas turbine combined heat and power units.

CoFeBP Micro Flowers (MFs) for Highly Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction and Oxygen Evolution Reaction Electrocatalysts.

Hydrogen is one of the most promising green energy alternatives due to its high gravimetric energy density, zero-carbon emissions, and other advantages. In this work, a CoFeBP micro-flower (MF) electrocatalyst is fabricated as an advanced water-splitting electrocatalyst by a hydrothermal approach for hydrogen production with the highly efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The fabrication process of the CoFeBP MF electrocatalyst is systematically optimized by thorough investigations on various hydrothermal synthesis and post-annealing parameters. The best optimized CoFeBP MF electrode demonstrates HER/OER overpotentials of 20 mV and 219 mV at 20 mA/cm2. The CoFeBP MFs also exhibit a low 2-electrode (2-E) cell voltage of 1.60 V at 50 mA/cm2, which is comparable to the benchmark electrodes of Pt/C and RuO2. The CoFeBP MFs demonstrate excellent 2-E stability of over 100 h operation under harsh industrial operational conditions at 60 °C in 6 M KOH at a high current density of 1000 mA/cm2. The flower-like morphology can offer a largely increased electrochemical active surface area (ECSA), and systematic post-annealing can lead to improved crystallinity in CoFeBP MFs.

Assessing Hydrogen–Ammonia Ratios to Achieve Rapid Kernel Inception in Spark-Ignition Engines

Abstract In the quest for decarbonizing internal combustion engines, ammonia (NH3) is recognized as a viable alternative fuel due to its zero-carbon emission profile, positioning it as a potential substitute for conventional petroleum fuels. However, the suboptimal combustion characteristics of ammonia pose challenges for its direct application in engines. The introduction of hydrogen (H2) as a combustion enhancer shows promise in improving ammonia viability for engine use. While previous studies have confirmed the benefits of hydrogen addition to ammonia for enhanced engine performance, comprehensive analysis of the precise ammonia-to-hydrogen ratio for optimal efficacy remains scarce. This research aims to bridge this gap by evaluating hydrogen–ammonia mixtures for achieving methane-equivalent laminar flame speeds under typical engine conditions, with a focus on the kernel inception process primarily driven by laminar flames. The findings indicate that a minimum of 20% hydrogen mixed with ammonia is necessary to facilitate rapid spark inception, although it does not reach the laminar flame speed of methane. Additionally, employing a high compression ratio and operating near stoichiometry could lower the required hydrogen–ammonia ratio. Considering the challenges in generating ample hydrogen with NH3 dissociators and the need for operational conditions like full-load and low-speed to lessen hydrogen demand, ammonia–hydrogen fuel blends are deemed most suitable for stationary engine applications in the near term.

Optimizing Direct Air Capture Solvents to Minimize Energy Consumption of CO2 Release in a Carbonate Electrolyzer

Addressing climate change by carbon management is critical to achieving the goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. In this work, we examined the electrochemically-driven recovery of CO2 during alkaline solvent regeneration for solvent-based direct air capture. A mathematical model was developed by incorporating carbonate chemistry with water electrolysis to predict the energy consumption per unit of CO2 released. The predicted results were consistent with the experimental data, in which the experimental work was achieved by characterizing alkalinity and carbon loading values of solvent collected from a flow carbonate electrolyzer. Through this study, we learned that minimizing the energy expended on CO2 release can be achieved by using an anolyte with a lower alkalinity, increasing the electric charge input to the electrolyzer, and reducing the ohmic resistance of the electrolyzer. Furthermore, using a supporting electrolyte, e.g., Na2SO4 in the present work, effectively compensates for the higher ohmic resistance from using an anolyte with a lower alkalinity.

The effect of methylene blue on stearic acid-aged quartz/CO2/brine wettability: Implications for CO2 geo-storage

Carbon dioxide sequestration in geological formations has been proposed as a promising solution to reach net zero carbon emissions but the success of underground CO2 storage in sandstone formations depends on the brine/CO2 wettability of sandstone. Research evidence showed that natural geological formation is hydrophobic even in the presence of minute concentration of inherent organic acids. This study investigates the effect of methylene blue (MB) on CO2 wettability of organic-acid contaminated quartz through the tilted plate contact angle measurement method. Pure quartz substrates were aged in a stearic acid/n-decane solution for one week and subsequently modified with different concentrations of MB (ranging from 10 to 100 mg/L) at a temperature of 60 °C. Advancing (θa) and receding (θr) contact angles were measured under varying conditions of temperature (25 °C and 50 °C), pressure (ranging from 10 to 20 MPa), and salinity (0–0.3 M). The experimental results indicate that pure quartz, when aged in a stearic acid solution, becomes CO2-wet at all temperature, pressure, and salinity conditions. However, at any physio-thermal condition, the wettability of the quartz surfaces was reversed when treated with different concentrations of MB, transitioning to a water-wet state. The findings of this research demonstrate the potential of MB to modify the wetting behaviour of quartz surfaces and enhance CO2 residual trapping in sandstone formations.

Experimental investigation of the characteristics of combustion in the full hydrogen blending range of methane-hydrogen mixtures in a MILD model combustor

MILD combustion technology is expected to enable safe and stable low-emission combustion of hydrogen-doped fuels, or pure hydrogen fuels, in gas turbines designed for zero-carbon emissions. To improve combustion stability at high hydrogen content while maintaining low NOx emissions, a MILD model combustor was modified, specifically the upstream fuel/air distribution and mixing method. And the combustion stability of the modified MILD combustor was significantly extended. Here, the combustion characteristics of the modified MILD combustor are experimentally investigated at 0–100% hydrogen contents. The investigation results demonstrate that unlike the combustion stability region at low hydrogen concentrations, a narrow thermoacoustic instability region occurs at 60% hydrogen content. As the hydrogen content increases, the instability region becomes narrower while shifting towards lower equivalence ratios. The change in hydrogen content is accompanied by a significant peak energy migration of the dynamic pressure. The OH* chemiluminescence images showed that the heat release zone became more concentrated with increasing hydrogen content. And the dominance of high-frequency peak energy correlates to lateral motion, whereas the dominance of low-frequency peak energy corresponds to axial motion. This transition in flame dynamics occurs not only for different hydrogen contents but also for different equivalence ratios of pure hydrogen combustion. In contrast, NOx emissions are not sensitive to hydrogen content. At the same time, the MILD model combustor produces low emissions, with NOx emissions of less than 10 ppm@15%O2 at adiabatic flame temperatures ranging from 1200 K to 2100 K. These results show that the MILD model combustor has favorable fuel suitability.

Multifunctional composite materials of rGO with RAFT initiated polymers with terminal amine or protonated amine functionalities for chemical eliminations HCHO and acidic pollutants at ambient conditions

In this paper, the contribution of self-assembled composite material of bifunctional polymer prepared by RAFT polymerization and rGO to the removal of low concentration HCHO and acids from air were systematically studied. Experimental results demonstrate that the condensation reaction between HCHO and the protonated amino group at the terminal of the rGO-py-pAMHS-NH3+-ph chain effectively can eliminate HCHO chemically, resulting in the release of H2O as the sole by-product following oxime bonds formation. rGO alone is incapable of chemically removing gaseous HCHO, but when combined with the py-pAMHS-NH3+-ph, efficient HCHO conversion can be achieved, well elucidating the remarkable HCHO removal capability via rGO-py-pAMHS-NH3+-ph. The HCHO chemical removal performance of composite is evaluated by a self-made device at the 1000 mL/min N2 velocity under 25 °C and 50 % RH and it is found that 206.41 mg of HCHO can be removed in approximately 4 h by using 1.0 g of rGO-py-pAMHS-NH3+-ph. In addition, cycling experiments demonstrate the rGO-py-pAMHS-NH3+-ph possesses good durability. We also find that the rGO-py-pAMHS-NH2-ph has the ability to remove acids when the terminal protonated amino groups have been converted into amine functionalities. This green and zero-carbon emission methodology for chemical removal of HCHO degradation and acid pollutants could provide valuable reference for developing other efficient strategies to remove other pollutants such as VOCs etc.