Energy technologies and sustainability

Nitrogen co-doped with fluorine on reduced graphene oxide (N-F-rGO) was prepared by one-pot hydrothermal treatment method. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and X-ray photoelectron microscopy (XPS) spectra revealed the successful doping of nitrogen and fluorine into the rGO. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) results demonstrated high surface area of N-F-rGO that are favorable for O2 adsorption. The results show that N-F-rGO catalyst has improved the catalytic performance electrode for the ORR in alkaline environment than the fluorine undoped N-rGO. The Koutechy-Levich (KL) analysis and rotating ring disk electrode (RRDE) measurements suggest that N-F-rGO dominantly favors a 4e- reduction process. The nitrogen co-doped with fluorine on rGO exhibited remarkable long-term stability towards the ORR than Pt/C. These improved electrochemical properties indicate that N-F-rGO will be promising candidates for cost-effective electrode materials for application of non-polluting alternative energy sources.

In this study, pyrolysis and catalytic pyrolysis of the plum seed was investigated. For this purpose, the characteristics of the raw materials were determined by proximate analysis (moisture, ash, volatile matter, fixed carbon), structural analysis (holocellulose, hemicellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, oil, protein and extractive material) and ultimate analysis .The pyrolytic behavior of the feedstocks was studied by thermogravimetric analysis. Then pyrolysis temperature, which is a significant pyrolysis parameter, investigated the effect of heating rate on pyrolysis product yields. When the pyrolysis temperature is 550°C, the nitrogen flow rate is 100 cm3/min and the heating rate is 100°C/min, the highest liquid product yield is achieved. In order to improve the quality of the liquid product obtained as the next process, catalytic pyrolysis of the raw material in optimum conditions is carried out. Catalytic pyrolysis experiments were carried out by adding 10% of Purmol CTX-1 catalyst to the raw material. Liquid products are characterized with spectroscopic and chromatographic methods such as GC-MS, FT-IR, 1H-NMR

Oil palm shells (OPS) are a solid residue of the extraction of palm oil having excellent characteristics for production of activated carbon. OPS worldwide production amounts to 17.214 ton (2018) from which Colombia participates with 364 ton. Oil palm shells were first carbonized in a horizontal oven under N2 atmosphere until 850 °C for 30 min. Carbonized samples were than submitted to physical activation with steam in the same horizontal oven. A variation of process parameters was performed. Activation temperatures of 750, 800, 850 and 900 °C were studied. Residence time varied between 60 and 400 minutes. H2O flow rates between 1 a 5 ml / min were used. 50 g of carbonized oil palm shells were used for each experiment. The influence of the process conditions on pH, soluble water content, extractable acid content, methylene blue index, BET surface area from N2 adsorption and density were determined. Visual inspection through scanning electron microscopy and determination of surface functional groups through infrared spectroscopy were performed. The obtained activated carbons show suitable characteristics for its use in aqueous phase. Results obtained were useful to determine its optimal production conditions.

Energy is the base for development in present time. A sustainable renewable energy source is needed to overcome the requirement of special conditions and infrastructure for the development of rural areas. Saltwater is available in abundance and energy can be harnessed directly with ease. The study analysed saltwater energy potential of three salt companies by varying salt concentration at the rate of 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5% and 10 %. The company with higher energy potential was further analyzed at increased concentration of 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40% and 50%. The sustainability of the energy was determined in terms of carbon emission as compared to kerosene lamp widely used in rural areas as a fuel. The energy potential of saltwater energy is low but can be successfully used in rural areas for lightning purpose. The concluded that saltwater energy

New York City Department of Environmental Protection, (DEP), owns and operates 14 water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) which treat a combined average dry weather flow of 57 m3/sec. DEP in association with the City College of New York, (CCNY), has embarked on a long term project to assess thermal hydrolysis pretreatment of the combined sludge to enhance production of anaerobic digester gas, (ADG), and take advantages of improve reduction of volatile solids and sludge dewatering. This paper will focus on the initial phases of thermal hydrolysis.