Faisal Muhammad, Jan Nisar, Ghulam Ali, Farooq Anwar, Wan Azlina Wan Abdul Karim Ghani, Ahsan Sharif and Ejaz Ahmed
{"title":"Pyrolysis of sweet lemon (Citrus limetta) waste: effect of zeolite β, ammonium on kinetics and bio-oil yield","authors":"Faisal Muhammad, Jan Nisar, Ghulam Ali, Farooq Anwar, Wan Azlina Wan Abdul Karim Ghani, Ahsan Sharif and Ejaz Ahmed","doi":"10.1039/D4YA00600C","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4YA00600C","url":null,"abstract":"<p >This study aims to explore the potential of citrus waste for valuable products. A special pyrolysis chamber was used to produce bio-oil through thermo-catalytic pyrolysis of sweet lemon (<em>Citrus limetta</em>) waste with a zeolite β, ammonium catalyst. The kinetic parameters were derived from thermogravimetric data using the Kissinger equation. The activation energy and frequency factor values for hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin were determined to be 83.14, 108.08, and 124.71 kJ mol<small><sup>−1</sup></small> and 6.3 × 10<small><sup>4</sup></small>, 9.4 × 10<small><sup>6</sup></small>, 2.6 × 10<small><sup>9</sup></small> min<small><sup>−1</sup></small>, respectively. GC-MS analysis of the bio-oil revealed a variety of fuel-range hydrocarbons. Additionally, the biochar generated from non-catalytic and catalytic pyrolysis was compared, exhibiting different surface characteristics, as evident by scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy images. Our findings indicated that zeolite β, ammonium served as an effective catalyst by reducing the activation energy and lowering the temperature required for maximum degradation during pyrolysis, ultimately yielding a diverse array of useful products from citrus waste compared to the non-catalyzed reaction. Based on the fuel properties, it was concluded that the bio-oil, if slightly upgraded using the appropriate techniques, has a promising future as a green fuel.</p>","PeriodicalId":72913,"journal":{"name":"Energy advances","volume":" 3","pages":" 414-423"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ya/d4ya00600c?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143611986","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Reflecting on another successful year of Energy Advances","authors":"Volker Presser","doi":"10.1039/D4YA90053G","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4YA90053G","url":null,"abstract":"<p >A graphical abstract is available for this content</p>","PeriodicalId":72913,"journal":{"name":"Energy advances","volume":" 1","pages":" 8-10"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ya/d4ya90053g?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142994048","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Graphite particles modified by ZnO atomic layer deposition for Li-ion battery anodes†","authors":"Ahmad Helaley, Han Yu and Xinhua Liang","doi":"10.1039/D4YA00518J","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4YA00518J","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Graphite, with a modest specific capacity of 372 mA h g<small><sup>−1</sup></small>, is a stable material for lithium-ion battery anodes. However, its capacity is inadequate to meet the growing power demands because the formation of an irregular solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) can result in unstable performance. In this research, we used a few cycles of atomic layer deposition (ALD) to deposit ZnO on graphite particles as an anode with improved electrochemical stability. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that ZnO was in the form of nanoparticles due to the inert surface properties of graphite and only a few cycles of ALD. Electrochemical characterization demonstrated that the ZnO ALD nanoparticles significantly inhibited dendrite growth, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that side reactions at the electrolyte–electrode interface were inhibited with the deposition of ZnO. The SEI layer was stabilized, which improved the cycling stability of the ZnO–graphite composite electrode. The electrode made of graphite with 2 cycles of ZnO ALD had about 20% higher discharge capacity than that of pristine graphite, and it remained stable at 420 mA h g<small><sup>−1</sup></small> after 500 cycles of charge/discharge. This surface modification technique can significantly increase the potential use of widely available graphite composites for high-performance batteries.</p>","PeriodicalId":72913,"journal":{"name":"Energy advances","volume":" 2","pages":" 249-261"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ya/d4ya00518j?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143404051","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Princess Stephanie Llanos, Alisa R. Bogdanova, Filipp Obrezkov, Nastaran Farrahi and Tanja Kallio
{"title":"Impact of powder and electrode ALD coatings on the performance of intercalation cathodes for lithium–ion batteries†","authors":"Princess Stephanie Llanos, Alisa R. Bogdanova, Filipp Obrezkov, Nastaran Farrahi and Tanja Kallio","doi":"10.1039/D4YA00583J","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4YA00583J","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The desire to obtain higher energy densities in lithium–ion batteries (LIBs) to meet the growing demands of emerging technologies is faced with challenges related to poor capacity retention during cycling caused by structural and interfacial instability of the battery materials. Since the electrode–electrolyte interface plays a decisive role in achieving remarkable electrochemical performance, it must be suitably engineered to address the aforementioned issues. The development of coatings, particularly on the surface of cathode materials, has been proven to be effective in resolving interfacial issues in LIBs. The use of atomic layer deposition (ALD) over other surface coating techniques is advantageous in terms of coating uniformity, conformity, and thickness control. This review article provides a summary of the impact of various ALD-engineered surface coatings to the cycling performance of different intercalation cathode materials in LIBs. Since ALD allows coating development on complex substrates, this article provides a comprehensive discussion of coatings formed directly on a powder active material and composite electrode. Additionally, a perspective regarding the fundamental deposition parameters and electrochemical testing data to be reported in future research is provided.</p>","PeriodicalId":72913,"journal":{"name":"Energy advances","volume":" 3","pages":" 364-386"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ya/d4ya00583j?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143611982","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yogita Padwal, Ratna Chauhan, Indra Jeet Chaudhary, Dattatray J. Late, Muthupandian Ashokkumar and Suresh Gosavi
{"title":"In situ synthesis of VO2@C nanocomposites for enhanced visible-light photocatalysis in wastewater remediation and sustainable hydrogen generation","authors":"Yogita Padwal, Ratna Chauhan, Indra Jeet Chaudhary, Dattatray J. Late, Muthupandian Ashokkumar and Suresh Gosavi","doi":"10.1039/D4YA00587B","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4YA00587B","url":null,"abstract":"<p >In this study, we explored the efficacy of VO<small><sub>2</sub></small>/carbon nanocomposites as promising photocatalysts for hydrogen generation and dye degradation under natural sunlight. These nanocomposites were synthesized using a facile one-step hydrothermal method at 180 °C using dextrose as the carbon source with optimized reaction time. The synthesized materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, to confirm their structural and physiochemical properties. FESEM analysis revealed the monoclinic crystalline structure of VO<small><sub>2</sub></small>, accompanied by the formation of nanosheets surrounding carbon spheres of ∼50 nm in diameter. Optical analysis indicated that the material shows broad absorption in the visible region with a band gap range from 2.24 to 1.87 eV. XPS and Raman spectroscopy provided further confirmation of the successful formation of the VO<small><sub>2</sub></small>/C composite. Among the synthesized samples, the VO<small><sub>2</sub></small>/C composite synthesized within 48 hours of hydrothermal treatment (VC-5) exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity. The VC-5 composite exhibited a hydrogen production rate of 2545.24 μmol h<small><sup>−1</sup></small> g<small><sup>−1</sup></small> and demonstrated notable photocatalytic efficiency, achieving 97% degradation of methylene blue within 5 minutes and 80% degradation of Victoria blue within 15 minutes under natural sunlight. The enhanced photocatalytic performance of these hybrid nanomaterials is attributed to their large surface area, high porosity, uniform morphology, and the synergistic interaction between VO<small><sub>2</sub></small> and carbon. These factors enhance visible light absorption and charge carrier dynamics, significantly improving the photocatalytic performance of VO<small><sub>2</sub></small>/C nanocomposites.</p>","PeriodicalId":72913,"journal":{"name":"Energy advances","volume":" 2","pages":" 281-295"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ya/d4ya00587b?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143404086","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Wei Keat Ng, Chun Yik Wong, Nur Adiera Hanna Rosli, Kiranraj Vaiyanan Kannan, Kee Shyuan Loh, Bee Lin Chua and Wai Yin Wong
{"title":"The impact of double crosslinking and alkaline activation strategies on the multifaceted characteristics of quaternized poly(vinyl alcohol) anion exchange membranes","authors":"Wei Keat Ng, Chun Yik Wong, Nur Adiera Hanna Rosli, Kiranraj Vaiyanan Kannan, Kee Shyuan Loh, Bee Lin Chua and Wai Yin Wong","doi":"10.1039/D4YA00555D","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4YA00555D","url":null,"abstract":"<p >This study investigates the effects of crosslinking strategies and KOH activation on the multifaceted characteristics of quaternized poly(vinyl alcohol) (QPVA) membranes for anion exchange membrane (AEM) applications. <em>In situ</em> and combined <em>in situ</em>/<em>ex situ</em> crosslinking with glutaraldehyde were evaluated at 5 M, 6 M, and 8 M KOH concentrations. Multifaceted characteristics on the membranes including ionic conductivity, swelling degree, thermal and oxidative stability are studied. Four types of membranes: M1 (<em>in situ</em> crosslinked, heated), M2 (<em>in situ</em> crosslinked, no heating), M1 2x (<em>in situ</em>, heated and <em>ex situ</em> crosslinked), and M2 2x (<em>in situ</em>, no heating and <em>ex situ</em> crosslinked) were synthesized. The M1 5 M KOH membrane (<em>in situ</em> crosslinked, heated activation) demonstrated the highest ionic conductivity (40.93 mS cm<small><sup>−1</sup></small> before equilibrium, 33.41 mS cm<small><sup>−1</sup></small> after equilibrium) and moderate oxidative stability (81.10%). Combined crosslinking and higher activation temperatures improved the membrane stability and mechanical properties but reduced the oxidative stability owing to potential alkaline attack on glutaraldehyde crosslinked groups. Oxidative stability is critical for AEMs because they are exposed to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during fuel cell operation or electrolysis. Poor oxidative stability can lead to degradation of the membrane, reducing its lifespan and overall performance in these applications. The novelty of this work lies in the dual crosslinking strategy, which significantly enhances the mechanical and thermal properties of QPVA membranes, while also highlighting the impact of KOH activation on crystallinity and ion transport. This study emphasizes the importance of optimizing crosslinking and activation conditions to develop high-performance QPVA membranes for energy conversion and storage applications such as fuel cells and electrolyzers.</p>","PeriodicalId":72913,"journal":{"name":"Energy advances","volume":" 3","pages":" 400-413"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ya/d4ya00555d?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143611985","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Well pad-level geospatial differences in the carbon footprint and direct land use change impacts of natural gas extraction†","authors":"Amir Sharafi and Marie-Odile P. Fortier","doi":"10.1039/D4YA00585F","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4YA00585F","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Thorough accounting of the climate change impacts of natural gas is crucial to guide the energy transition towards climate change mitigation, as even decarbonization roadmaps project continued natural gas use into the future. The climate change impacts of natural gas extraction have not previously been assessed at the well pad level, accounting for a multitude of geospatial differences between individual pads. Well pads constructed across a varied landscape lead to a range of well pad areas, earth flattening needs, well pad lifetimes, total gas production, and direct land use change (DLUC) effects such as loss of original biomass, soil organic carbon loss, change in net primary productivity, and altering the surface albedo of the site. Using existing well pad data, machine learning techniques, and satellite imagery, the spatial extents of thousands of well pads in New Mexico were delineated for site-specific data collection. A parametric life cycle assessment (LCA) model of natural gas-producing well pads was developed to integrate geospatial differences and DLUC effects, yielding scenario analysis results for each identified well pad. The DLUC effects contributed a median of 14.4% and a maximum of 59.0% to natural gas extraction carbon footprints. The use of well pad-level data revealed that the carbon footprint of natural gas extraction ranges across orders of magnitude, from 0.016 to 46.4 g CO<small><sub>2</sub></small>eq per MJ. The results highlight the need to quantify the climate change impacts of establishing a well pad and extracting natural gas case-by-case, with geographically specific data, to guide new installations towards lower emissions.</p>","PeriodicalId":72913,"journal":{"name":"Energy advances","volume":" 4","pages":" 536-552"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ya/d4ya00585f?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143809068","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
R. Ito, K. Nozawa, N. Saitoh, N. Yoshizawa, T. Suemasu and K. Toko
{"title":"Effects of annealing conditions on the battery anode properties of multilayer graphene due to layer exchange","authors":"R. Ito, K. Nozawa, N. Saitoh, N. Yoshizawa, T. Suemasu and K. Toko","doi":"10.1039/D4YA00505H","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4YA00505H","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The annealing conditions of the layer-exchange synthesis of multilayer graphene significantly affected its crystallinity and lithium-ion battery anode properties. We demonstrated excellent capacity retention and fast charge–discharge properties in multilayer graphene synthesized at low temperatures (400 °C). These results could contribute to the realization of flexible thin-film batteries.</p>","PeriodicalId":72913,"journal":{"name":"Energy advances","volume":" 2","pages":" 239-243"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ya/d4ya00505h?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143404049","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pin-Yi Zhao, Kwang-Leong Choy, Yongyi Song, Shudong Zhang and Rui Ma
{"title":"Enhanced electrochemical performance by alumina-coated graphite anodes via spray coating†","authors":"Pin-Yi Zhao, Kwang-Leong Choy, Yongyi Song, Shudong Zhang and Rui Ma","doi":"10.1039/D4YA00582A","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4YA00582A","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are essential for energising portable devices, electric cars, and energy storage systems. Graphite is a frequently utilised anode material; nonetheless, the continual formation of a solid electrolyte interface (SEI) during cycling results in capacity degradation owing to electrolyte depletion. This study tackles this issue by employing alumina coatings on graphite electrodes <em>via</em> the spray coating technique, which is cost-effective and scalable. Electrodes with different alumina concentrations (1 wt%, 4 wt%, and 7 wt%) were assessed for electrochemical performance. The 1 wt% alumina-coated electrode demonstrated enhanced cycling stability, with 94.97% capacity retention after 100 cycles, in contrast to 91.74% for the uncoated graphite. The Al<small><sub>2</sub></small>O<small><sub>3</sub></small> coating functions as a preformed SEI, diminishing electrolyte decomposition and improving the cycling performance and rate capability of electrodes, particularly at elevated C-rates. This research illustrates that using spray-coated alumina is an effective technique for enhancing the durability and performance of graphite anodes in lithium-ion batteries, with the potential for extensive applications in energy storage systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":72913,"journal":{"name":"Energy advances","volume":" 2","pages":" 244-248"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ya/d4ya00582a?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143404050","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Prince J. J. Sagayaraj, Kavinkumar S., Keishi Oyama, Naoko Okibe, Hyoung-il Kim and Karthikeyan Sekar
{"title":"Extending the accessibility of catalytic active sites through l-cysteine assisted sulfidation for promoting the hydrogen evolution reaction†","authors":"Prince J. J. Sagayaraj, Kavinkumar S., Keishi Oyama, Naoko Okibe, Hyoung-il Kim and Karthikeyan Sekar","doi":"10.1039/D4YA00578C","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4YA00578C","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Green hydrogen production has been a particular focus in recent times for implementing sustainable fuels in the future energy economy. One of the most effective ways to produce clean and green hydrogen is electrocatalytic overall water splitting. Various researchers with their persistent explorations have made this topic, the research hotspot in understanding the catalysis mechanism and developing new novel materials. As the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) kinetically limits the overall water splitting reaction, this work demonstrates the <small>L</small>-cysteine assisted synthesis of millerite nickel sulfide dispersed as particles on nickel foam (NS/NF) by a simple one-step hydrothermal process as a self-supported working electrode. The controlled phase of NiS is confirmed by XRD and TEM analysis and the size and morphology of the catalyst are characterised by SEM analysis. XAS analysis further explores the bulk structure and chemical coordination within the crystal system according to the XANES and EXAFS findings. The HER performance of the NS/NF catalyst exhibits superior activity to bare NF, requiring an overpotential of 140 mV to deliver a current density of −10 mA cm<small><sup>−2</sup></small> with a Tafel slope of 112.3 mV dec<small><sup>−1</sup></small>. The catalyst demonstrated excellent durability for 50 h with further electro-activation of NS/NF under reduction conditions. In a two-electrode system, NS/NF||RuO<small><sub>2</sub></small> required only 1.79 V as the overall cell voltage to generate a current density of 10 mA cm<small><sup>−2</sup></small>. This study illustrates a simple and facile route for NiS synthesis with extendable electrochemical surface area (ECSA), demonstrating superior HER activity over time, under alkaline conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":72913,"journal":{"name":"Energy advances","volume":" 2","pages":" 296-303"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ya/d4ya00578c?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143404062","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}