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Abstract This paper summarizes observations and ideas on cellulose pyrolysis products and structural studies on cellulose chars with a focus on conceptual integration. Information is presented on the larger gas phase oligosaccharides in cellulose pyrolysates, their mechanism of formation and the implications for the processes in the initial stages of char formation. A model for the formation of a new thermally synthesized three-dimensional network polymer is proposed.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) has matured over the past decades and become part of the broader field of sustainability assessment. To strengthen LCA as a tool and eventually increase its usefulness for sustainability decision-making, it is argued that there is a need to expand the ISO LCA framework by integration and connection with other concepts and methods. This paper explores the potential options for deepening and broadening the LCA methodologies beyond the current ISO framework for improved sustainability analysis. By investigating several environmental, economic and social assessment methods, the paper suggests some options for incorporating (parts of) other methods or combining with other methods for broadening and deepening the LCA.

Abstract Since the discovery of electricity, the demand for effective energy storage methods has increased. Energy storage devices are efficient tools used to manage power supply and produce resilient and cost-effective energy frameworks. Advanced technologies in modern economy and society require the application and design of inexpensive, highly efficient, and various infrastructures for energy storage systems. For instance, fuel cells, batteries, electrochemical capacitors, and conventional capacitors are used as energy storage devices because they can enhance energy or power densities. They can also supply energy within short or long periods. Their performances have also been improved. This review emphasizes carbon nanotubes as electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries and electrochemical capacitors. Different types of substrates and thin films may yield various structural and electrochemical properties of carbon nanotubes. This review also discusses their electrochemical performance observed through cyclic voltammetry and charge-discharge.

Abstract In a trial, 10 cucumber plants ( Cucumis sativus , variety ‘Virgo’ F 1 hybrids) were exposed continuously to a concentration of negative air ions exceeding 50 000/c.c. for a period of 40 days. The yield and productivity of the treated plants were compared with those of a control group of 10 plants in a matched-pairs experiment. An Index of Initial Vigour was developed to allow the subsequent production of the previously nursery-grown young plants to be related to their condition at the beginning of the trial. No effect on the total production or productivity at the end of the 40-day period was discerned, but the interim results (e.g. for the 10th day) are consistent with a model of reaction to stress governed by a negative-feedback mechanism. No harmful effects of the use of negatively ionised air were detected.

Abstract The direct carbon fuel cells with solid oxide electrolyte (DC-SOFC) and anodes deposited by inject printing (EM/DCIJP) were studied. The cells were fed with carbon fuel obtained by the direct RF plasma splitting of methane. Since the (EM/DCIJP)M/DCIJP technology allows easy modification of electrode material, the effect of Cu addition to the Ni–YSZ anode was investigated. The significant improvement of the cell performance with the new anode was observed.

AbstractIn this manuscript we reply to the issues raised by G. Bagheri and C. Bonadonna in their comment 2019JB017697. We reiterate our definition of particle Reynolds number, which is appropriate for our data set of experimental measurements, and we show that the poor performance of Bagheri and Bonadonna (2016, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.powtec.2016.06.015) model discussed in Dioguardi et al. (2018, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017JB014926) was mainly due to the typos in the equations presented in their original manuscript. We believe that the iterative methodology for calculating the drag coefficient is not strictly necessary for our data set. In this reply, however, we also include results of the intercomparison study among different drag models using the iterative methodology. Results show that the performance of the different drag models considered in the intercomparison study is not significantly affected by the employed methodology (direct vs. iterative) and that, regardless the employed methodology and unlike what has been stated in the comment 2019JB017697, our model has the best performance in reproducing the experimentally measured terminal velocities.