{"title":"High-gravity chemical engineering in volatile organic compounds capture","authors":"Suhail Abbas , Chi Che , Zhi Qian","doi":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101072","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101072","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Efficient capture of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) remains a significant challenge in industrial emissions control. High-gravity (HiGee) technology particularly through the use of rotating packed beds (RPBs) depicts an innovation in this field. RPBs offer a compact, energy-efficient solution for optimizing VOC elimination, addressing both hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds. As industries face growing regulator pressures and ambitious environmental targets, the adoption of RPBs becomes increasingly attractive for VOC mitigation. This review delves into the mechanism underlying HiGee technology and its role in VOC capture, highlighting its unique ability to fine-tune functionality for specific industrial applications. The discussion encompasses the various applications of HiGee technology in VOC treatment, providing a comprehensive overview of its environmental impacts. The review also identifies future research directions aimed at enhancing the efficiency and expanding the applicability of RPBs in VOC mitigation processes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":292,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 101072"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143175426","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Importance of oxidative steps in zero-valent iron reductive processes for the treatment of organic pollutants: a short review","authors":"Antonio Arques, Lucas Santos-Juanes","doi":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101074","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101074","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Zero-valent iron (ZVI) is a reductive process commonly employed in groundwater remediation; however, in this process, there is a possibility for oxidative pathways to occur, and they might be of importance for pollutant remediation. In the first part of this work, we provide information on key parameters ruling this process. In the second part, we emphasize on the importance of oxidative steps in ZVI treatment, in particular, Fenton-like process driven by hydrogen peroxide generated mainly in aerated media. Also, we describe the use of ZVI as reservoir of iron for neutral Fenton process or for persulfate activation and provide examples of the implementation of sequential reductive and oxidative processes with potential niche applications. Throughout the work, key mechanistic aspects are addressed, and examples of waste valorization to obtain ZVI-based materials and processes are given, also reporting on the role of dissolved organic matter as auxiliary.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":292,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 101074"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143175423","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kayla M Kent , William R Dean-Kersten , Christine E Duval , Anna G Servis
{"title":"Distributed sustainable metals production: opportunities for intensifying separations & alternative feedstocks","authors":"Kayla M Kent , William R Dean-Kersten , Christine E Duval , Anna G Servis","doi":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101075","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101075","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Meeting the increased demand for rare earth elements and uranium for clean energy technologies requires additional sources beyond primary mined ore. Secondary sources like phosphogypsum, coal fly ash, used nuclear fuel, and electronic waste are concentrated sources of critical minerals. One strategy for a resilient supply chain is to decentralize sourcing and hydrometallurgical processing of metals. Rotating packed beds (RPBs) for solid-phase extraction and liquid–liquid extraction are gaining momentum for their ability to increase process throughput by 5–10x the state of the art. This review discusses advances in hydrometallurgical RPB processes and opportunities for implementation in distributed metals production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":292,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 101075"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143175425","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Solvent-free membrane manufacturing via melt processing","authors":"Samuel S Hays , Jonathan K Pokorski","doi":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101061","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101061","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Polymer membranes are an energy-efficient separation technique useful for liquids, gases, and biologics. Traditional membranes are manufactured using a solvent-based system that is very scalable but relies on the use of large volumes of toxic solvents. An alternative manufacturing route is melt processing, which eliminates organic solvents. Micro- and ultra-filtration applications are well suited for melt-manufactured membranes with strong separation performance demonstrated that is comparable to solvent-based manufacturing techniques. Melt manufacturing of membranes for gas separations remains difficult, however. New routes of membrane design are proposed, allowing for melt manufacturing to create membranes for a more complete spread of applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":292,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 101061"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143175422","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Recent developments of high-gravity (reactive) distillation in rotating packed beds","authors":"Isabel Pazmiño-Mayorga , Qing Li , Anton A Kiss","doi":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101071","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101071","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Gravitation dictates the allowable flow phases and the achievable mass transfer rates in classic distillation columns, which are tall for that exact reason. High-gravity (HiGee) devices use a high centrifugal field to increase the interfacial area through high-speed rotating packing, resulting in a large enhancement of gas–liquid mass transfer and thus smaller equipment volumes. HiGee is an effective process intensification approach to enhance both reaction and separation efficiency. Combining reaction and distillation in a HiGee equipment (R-HiGee) is a topic that attracts significant attention. This paper summarises recent developments in HiGee (reactive) distillation technologies, including process synthesis and design, modelling and analysis of rotating packed bed systems, and equipment design. It also highlights future directions for developments in order to facilitate the systematic evaluation and application of high-gravity (reactive) distillation technologies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":292,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 101071"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143175424","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
An-Sheng Wang , Jie-Xin Wang , Yuan Le , Dan Wang , Yuan Pu , Xiao-Fei Zeng , Jian-Feng Chen
{"title":"Synthesis of monodispersed inorganic nanoparticles by high gravity technology for multifunctional applications","authors":"An-Sheng Wang , Jie-Xin Wang , Yuan Le , Dan Wang , Yuan Pu , Xiao-Fei Zeng , Jian-Feng Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101060","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101060","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Monodispersed nanoparticles are the pivotal in optimizing the performance of nanomaterials and propelling innovation in nanotechnology applications. This paper reviews advancements in the synthesis of monodispersed inorganic nanoparticles, such as metals, metal oxides, and inorganic salts, within liquid systems by high gravity technology. Special focus is given on the critical role of <em>in situ</em> modification in achieving monodispersed and morphologically uniform particles. Leveraging the superior mixing capabilities of high gravity technology and the precise control offered by <em>in situ</em> modification, these nanoparticles demonstrate significant enhancements in their applications within organic systems. Catalytic efficiency is markedly increased, and the properties of composite materials are optimized. This underscores the successful integration of high gravity technology with materials science in propelling the development of practical functional materials. Looking ahead, monodispersed inorganic nanoparticles synthesized and the composites they formed via high gravity technology and <em>in situ</em> modification are poised to usher in a new era in nanotechnology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":292,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 101060"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142722043","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shahnaz Ghasemi , Ali Parastesh , Mohsen Padervand , Haitao Ren , Ximing Li , Abdelkader Labidi , Michela Signoretto , Elmuez A Dawi , Tayebeh Hamzehlouyan , Eric Lichtfouse , Chuanyi Wang
{"title":"Recent progress on Z- and S-scheme photocatalysis: mechanistic understanding toward green applications","authors":"Shahnaz Ghasemi , Ali Parastesh , Mohsen Padervand , Haitao Ren , Ximing Li , Abdelkader Labidi , Michela Signoretto , Elmuez A Dawi , Tayebeh Hamzehlouyan , Eric Lichtfouse , Chuanyi Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101059","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101059","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Photocatalysis has been widely used to address the environmental issues and energy crises that threaten the future of planet Earth. One of the main drawbacks to developing photocatalysts for practical applications is the electron–hole recombination concept, which seriously hinders the photoreaction rate. To resolve this, heterojunctions with different patterns, including Z and S schemes, showed great potential to enhance photoactivity and thus attracted increasing attention. Herein, we concisely reviewed recent progress in various types of such systems, focusing on the mechanistic understanding of clean energy and environmental applications. The principles of constructions based on optoelectronic properties and semiconducting behavior are comprehensively discussed. The advantages and disadvantages of each system are also considered to make a logical conclusion and inspirational perspectives.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":292,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 101059"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142706006","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jia-Min Lu , Yu-Gan Zhu , Yan-Bin Li , Guang-Wen Chu , Jian-Feng Chen
{"title":"New advance in application research of high-gravity process intensification technology","authors":"Jia-Min Lu , Yu-Gan Zhu , Yan-Bin Li , Guang-Wen Chu , Jian-Feng Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101057","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101057","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Process intensification (PI) has generated considerable interest as a potential avenue for sustainable and green development within the chemical industry. High gravity (HiGee) technology is regarded as a significant breakthrough in PI, as it has possessed the potential to increase the mass transfer rate by ∼1–3 orders of magnitude in comparison to conventional equipment. Rotating packed bed (RPB), as a classical HiGee apparatus, has been proven to have great advantages for application in various chemical engineering fields, for it can provide large contact area between phases, faster surface renewal rate and more homogeneous nucleation sites, and so on. As research on HiGee technology has become more advanced, it is necessary to collate the various studies on the application of HiGee technology in different fields systematically. This work mainly reviews the research progresses of HiGee technology in synthesis of chemicals, preparation of particles, and separation in recent 5 years. Specifically, the latest applications of HiGee technology under different demands and novel structures of RPB designed for various working conditions are presented. Finally, the opportunities and further research directions of the HiGee technology are proposed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":292,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 101057"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142657456","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Distillation in high gravity chemical engineering","authors":"Guangquan Wang, Jianbing Ji","doi":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101058","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101058","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Distillation is the most widely used separation process in industry, typically carried out in large, tall columns that dominate the skylines of chemical facilities. High gravity technology (Higee) aims to enhance mass transfer through the application of high centrifugal forces, presenting a promising approach to significantly reduce the size of distillation columns. However, Higee has not yet been fully integrated into distillation processes. A key reason for this limited application is that Higee devices need to be customized to meet the specific requirements of distillation. This article introduces a generally preferred Higee structure designed for this purpose, taking into account several critical considerations, including liquid distribution, dynamic sealing, intermediate feeding, and multirotor configurations. Most importantly, to tackle the longstanding issue of variable flow cross-sections in traditional Higee devices, an innovative rotor design with constant vapor flow area was proposed. This rotor, combined with the advantageous features of the favorable Higee structure, will open up new opportunities for the application of Higee technology in distillation processes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":292,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 101058"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142656921","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Gas–liquid and liquid–liquid vortex technology for process intensification","authors":"Afroditi Kourou, Siyuan Chen, Yi Ouyang","doi":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101056","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101056","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The quest for efficient, sustainable chemical processes drives the advancement of process intensification methods. This study evaluates vortex technology, which utilizes controlled, confined swirling flows to enhance mixing and mass and heat transfer, improving process efficiency. Its potential is assessed by examining its principles, design and optimization parameters, current and prospective applications, and challenges in scaling up and commercialization. It is particularly suited when enhanced efficiency in mixing, transport performance, and cavitation is required, especially in systems involving fast reactions, short residence times, and space constraints. Furthermore, it shows promise in developing compact and efficient contacting devices with reduced energy consumption.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":292,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering","volume":"46 ","pages":"Article 101056"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142552946","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}