• Energy Research

AbstractChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.

Microwave (MW) and conventional heating (CH) strategies were compared for the synthesis of fuel additives (alkyl levulinates) obtained from levulinic acid.

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) (ZnCl2 and urea) have been used to solubilize organic matter from sewage sludge (SS), followed by subsequent hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) to obtain low-nitrogen-content hydrochar. The nitrogen content in hydrochar obtained after DES addition decreased to 1.93 from 3.15% (no DES) at 210 °C. DES can notably dissolve proteins and lipids during HTC of SS. HTC of polysaccharides was enhanced, increasing the degree of carbonization. The key role of DES in SS during HTC was the dissolution of proteins, promoting carbonization of polysaccharides, Maillard reactions, deamination, and decarboxylation of proteins. ZnCl2 was probably converted into β-Zn(OH)C1 and ZnO during HTC. Results pointed to relevant enhancements when DES was added, useful for organic waste valorization such as SS, food waste, poultry manure, and related waste feedstock.

AbstractThe direct electron transfer (DET) process, which does not require a mediator, is highly advantageous and holds significant potential for application in biosensors. Enzyme‐based biosensors are simple, cost‐efficient, and easy to use. This review highlights key enzymes with redox‐active sites that are suitable for DET processes using various modified electrodes and their applications in biosensors. The review discusses enzyme classification, distinguishing between single‐cofactor and multi‐cofactor enzymes according to their number of prosthetic groups, with a focus on internal electron transfer processes and the role of redox‐active centers. Methods for enzyme immobilization on electrodes are explored with an emphasis on their impact on electron transfer rates in biosensors. A comparison of sensitivity, electron transfer rates, and the linear detection range of molecules (e.g., glucose and lactose) is provided to illustrate the impact of different immobilization techniques on biosensor performance.

An efficient methodology based on low temperature microwave-induced pyrolysis has been developed for syngas production from macroalgae.

Lignin in advanced energy applications: source, extraction methodolgy, structure/property relationships.

Plastic waste is an underutilized resource that has the potential to be transformed into value-added materials. However, its chemical diversity leads to cost-intensive sorting techniques, limiting recycling and upcycling opportunities. Herein, we report an open-loop recycling method to produce graded feedstock from mixed polyolefins waste, which makes up 60% of total plastic waste. The method uses heat flow scanning to quantify the composition of plastic waste and resolves its compatibility through controlled dissolution. The resulting feedstock is then used to synthesize blended pellets, porous sorbents, and superhydrophobic coatings via thermally induced phase separation and spin-casting. The hybrid approach broadens the opportunities for reusing plastic waste, which is a step towards creating a more circular economy and better waste management practices.

BTL-FT processes for hydrocarbon production from syngas obtained from biomass gasification are becoming increasingly trendy as suitable alternatives to produce various high quality fuels for different applications. Many investigations are ongoing to test the suitability of biomass syngas for FTS using the traditionally employed catalysts. The choice of catalysts for these processes is normally restricted to Fe and Co-based materials as they provide the best compromise between performance and price. In this perspective, we aim to provide a comparative overview of the performance between Fe and Co-based high performance FTS catalysts for hydrocarbon production via BTL-FTS processes.