Preparation and Characterisation of Activated Carbon from Palm Mixed Waste Treated with Trona Ore

Phytochemistry, nutritional composition, health benefits and future prospects of Mespilus germanica L. (Medlar): A review

Mespilus germanica L., commonly known as medlar, is one of two species of the Rosaceae family. The medlar plant has a long history of use in gastronomy and healthcare. Medlar waste is used to extract hazardous heavy metals from contaminated water. The nutritional value of M. germanica fruits comes from their composition of carbohydrates, carotenoids, amino acids, organic acids, proteins, vitamins, fatty acids, and vital components. M. germanica fruit contains a high concentration of important phenolic components, which contribute to its anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties. Additionally, several studies have identified diverse biological properties of the M. germanica plant, including the cytotoxic, neurodegenerative, and antibacterial properties of its fruits and leaves. Scientists are investigating underutilized plant species to address sustainability issues in food production. This review study will provide a comprehensive examination of its chemical composition, medical applications, plant waste utilization, and potential biological activities.

Cd2+ removal efficiency of activated carbon from Prosopis juliflora: Optimization of preparation parameters by the Box-Behnken Design of Response Surface Methodology

The study focuses on the preparation of activated carbon from Prosopis juliflora (PJAC) wood by pyrolysis and chemical activation. The objective is to assess its effectiveness as an adsorbent for synthesizing a composite adsorbent coating (CAC) for Cadmium (Cd2+) removal from aqueous solution. The effect of preparation factors related to Cd2+ removal efficiency was assessed. The Design of Experiments (DoE) for the adsorption of Cd2+ on the PJAC were done using the Box-Behnken Design (BBD) of the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) (Design Expert software version 11). The influence of impregnation ratio (IR), carbonization time (t), and carbonization temperature (T) on the Cd (II) percent (%) removal was evaluated. The response surface graphs in 3D were also generated for the response variable, and the higher R2 coefficient values were fitted into the polynomial quadric model. The results indicated that all the variable preparation factors were significant in the Cd2+ removal by PJAC with carbonization temperature being the most significant. At the optimum conditions i.e. impregnation ratio (1.8), carbonization temperature (595 °C) and carbonization time (174 min), the model predicted a 99.9 % Cd2+ removal efficiency while the adsorption experiment obtained a 96.7 % removal efficiency, respectively. Later, the morphological and chemical properties of the PJAC prepared with optimal parameters were analyzed using different characterization techniques including SBET, SEM-EDX, pHPZC, FTIR and XRD. The SEM images revealed a rough and porous morphological surface with an SBET of 600.4 m2/g and a near neutral pHPZC of 6.92. The XRD pattern indicated the crystalline nature of the prepared adsorbent. The pre and post adsorption FTIR spectrum of the PJAC demonstrated a distinct difference with the latter showing a reduction in peak intensity and height. These results underpin the potential of utilizing invasive plants like Prosopis Juliflora as adsorbents for heavy metal removal.

Energy and economic assessment of mixed palm residue utilisation for production of activated carbon and ash as fertiliser in agriculture

The resultant residues after thermal processes can be reused in the form of activated carbon (AC) production or used for soil amelioration. However, the economic and energy optimisation of the waste revaluation process is necessary for the prediction of technology requirements, investment boundaries and cost-benefit analysis. Mass, energy and cost estimation of the entire process were systematically executed relative to equipment sizing and type of product, as major factors in the evaluation. The economic analysis and process optimisation were quantified and evaluated with the Aspen Plus economy and an SPSS statistical tool for economic analysis. Simulation results were concomitant with economic analysis to determine the approximate annualised return on investment, profitability index and payback period, using optimised variables in the process. The four processes examined: process scenario 1-4 (pyrolysis, gasification, combustion and combined) have 16, 17, 14 and 17.2% return on investment for the 8.5, 8.2, 9.8 and 8-year payback period, respectively. The results provide a technology assessment and economic guide for investors and policymakers among others. This work is also useful for researchers in achieving the goal of efficient biomass utilisation. Palm waste ash as a potential alternative to chemical fertiliser, especially for the treatment of ultisol and acidic soils, were evaluated and it was confirmed that it is a good alternative to typical inorganic fertiliser. Finally, the results indicate that using such wastes in the AC market is a viable business option, though with high initial capital investment even though palm waste ash can be produced locally.

Employing an Artificial Neural Network in Correlating a Hydrogen-Selective Catalytic Reduction Performance with Crystallite Sizes of a Biomass-Derived Bimetallic Catalyst

A predictive model correlating the properties of a catalyst with its performance would be beneficial for the development, from biomass waste, of new, carbon-supported and Earth-abundant metal oxide catalysts. In this work, the effects of copper and iron oxide crystallite size on the performance of the catalysts in reducing nitrogen oxides, in terms of nitrogen oxide conversion and nitrogen selectivity, are investigated. The catalysts are prepared via the incipient wetness method over activated carbon, derived from palm kernel shells. The surface morphology and particle size distribution are examined via field emission scanning electron microscopy, while crystallite size is determined using the wide-angle X-ray scattering and small-angle X-ray scattering methods. It is revealed that the copper-to-iron ratio affects the crystal phases and size distribution over the carbon support. Catalytic performance is then tested using a packed-bed reactor to investigate the nitrogen oxide conversion and nitrogen selectivity. Departing from chemical characterization, two predictive equations are developed via an artificial neural network technique—one for the prediction of NOx conversion and another for N2 selectivity. The model is highly applicable for 250–300 °C operating temperatures, while more data are required for a lower temperature range.

Indigenous Materials as Catalyst Supports for Renewable Diesel Production in Malaysia

High energy demand from the market due to the rapid increment of the human population worldwide has urged society to explore alternatives to replace non-renewable energy. Renewable diesel produced from biomass could be the next potential energy source for its high stability, long-term storage, and comparable performance with diesel fuels. In producing renewable diesel, the application of catalyst is essential, and the catalyst support is synthesized with the catalyst to enhance the reaction rate and catalytic properties. In this review, the type of catalyst support will be reviewed along with a brief introduction to biodiesel and renewable diesel production, especially focusing on zeolites as the catalyst support. The enhancement of catalyst support will be critically discussed to improve the catalytic performance of support in renewable diesel production and important aspects such as the stability and recyclability of the supported catalyst are included. The application of the supported catalyst in increasing the selectivity and yield of renewable diesel is significant, in which the catalytic properties depend on the interaction between catalyst and catalyst support. The supported catalyst as a favorable substance to assist in enhancing renewable diesel yield could lead to a sustainable and greener future for the biofuel industry in Malaysia.