Utilization of the UAE date palm leaf biochar in carbon dioxide capture and sequestration processes

Carbon Dioxide Capture and Conversion Using Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) Materials: A Comprehensive Review

The escalating threat of anthropogenic climate change has spurred an urgent quest for innovative CO2 capture and utilization (CCU) technologies. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as prominent candidates in CO2 capture and conversion due to their large specific surface area, well-defined porous structure, and tunable chemical properties. This review unveils the latest advancements in MOF-based materials specifically designed for superior CO2 adsorption, precise separation, advanced photocatalytic and electrocatalytic CO2 reduction, progressive CO2 hydrogenation, and dual functionalities. We explore the strategies that enhance MOF efficiency and examine the challenges of and opportunities afforded by transitioning from laboratory research to industrial application. Looking ahead, this review offers a visionary perspective on harnessing MOFs for the sustainable capture and conversion of CO2.

Co-Pyrolysis of Date Palm Waste and Salicornia Bigelovii: Insights for Bioenergy Development in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions

Bioenergy is predicted to significantly contribute to the global energy needs of both developed and developing economies. Co-pyrolysis of halophytes offers a solution for a sustainable supply of feedstock in coastal and water-scarce regions. This novel research introduces an experimental investigation of co-pyrolysis of saline-tolerant flora (date palm waste and Salicornia bigelovii) to address sustainable waste management, bioenergy production, and efficient resource utilization in xeric regions. To examine the impact of the thermic condition on the pyrolysis products (bio-oil, biochar, and gas), the experiments have been conducted at three different temperatures (400, 500, and 600 °C). This pioneering study revealed that the co-feed bio-oil is acidic (pH 3.76-4.39) and has a high energy content (HHV 32.29-36.29 MJ/kg) that surpasses most woody biomass. The produced biochar was chemically stable, high in ash (40.09-47.62 wt %), high in fixed carbon (30.12-38.12 wt %), highly alkaline (pH 9.37-10.69), and low in HHV (16.30-17.2 MJ/kg). Increased pyrolysis temperature enhances biochar stability and fixed carbon, thus benefiting long-term carbon sequestration if applied in the soil. However, due to its high alkalinity, the application of this biochar in naturally alkaline sandy soils, such as in coastal deserts, requires careful monitoring. The hydrogen content in the gaseous phase significantly improves with rising temperature, reaching HHV = 24.12 MJ/kg at 600 °C, due to the enhanced ash catalytic effect. Overall, this study constitutes an important contribution to advancing bioenergy, sustainable feedstock, carbon capture, and waste management strategies in drought-prone areas.

Camel Dung-Derived Biochar for the Removal of Copper(II) and Chromium(III) Ions from Aqueous Solutions: Adsorption and Kinetics Studies

This study explores an innovative approach to tackle the critical issue of heavy metal ion contamination in aqueous solutions through the utilization of camel dung-derived biochar. In the context of global environmental concerns and the adverse impacts of heavy metal pollution on ecosystems and human health, the investigation focuses on copper(II) and chromium(III) ions, which are among the most pervasive pollutants originating from industrial activities. The research revealed that camel dung-derived biochar exhibits exceptional potential for the removal of copper(II) and chromium(III) ions, with removal efficiencies of more than 90% and adsorption capacities of 23.20 and 23.36 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption processes followed second-order kinetics, and the data fitted both the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models. The underlying mechanisms governing this adsorption phenomenon seem to be grounded in complexation reactions, cation exchange, and cation-π interactions, underscoring the multifaceted nature of the interactions between the biochar and heavy metal ions. This research not only advances our understanding of sustainable materials for water purification but also harnesses the underutilized potential of camel dung as a valuable resource for environmental remediation, offering a promising avenue for addressing global water pollution challenges.

The Capture and Transformation of Carbon Dioxide in Concrete: A Review

Concrete is one of the most commonly used engineering materials in the world. Carbonation of cement-based materials balances the CO2 emissions from the cement industry, which means that carbon neutrality in the cement industry can be achieved by the carbon sequestration ability of cement-based materials. Carbon dioxide is a symmetrical molecule and is difficult to separate. This work introduces the important significance of CO2 absorption by using cement-based materials, and summarizes the basic characteristics of carbonation of concrete, including the affected factors, mathematical modeling carbonization, and the method for detecting carbonation. From the perspective of carbon sequestration, it mainly goes through carbon capture and carbon storage. As the first stage of carbon sequestration, carbon capture is the premise of carbon sequestration and determines the maximum amount of carbon sequestration. Carbon sequestration with carbonization reaction as the main way has been studied a lot, but there is little attention to carbon capture performance. As an effective way to enhance the carbon sequestration capacity of cement-based materials, increasing the total amount of carbon sequestration can become a considerably important research direction.

Advances in the utilisation of carbon-neutral technologies for a sustainable tomorrow: A critical review and the path forward

Global industrialisation and overexploitation of fossil fuels significantly impact greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in global warming and other environmental problems. Hence, investigations on capturing, storing, and utilising atmospheric CO2 create novel technologies. Few microorganisms, microalgae, and macroalgae utilise atmospheric CO2 for their growth and reduce atmospheric CO2 levels. Activated carbon and biochar from biomasses also capture CO2. Nanomaterials such as metallic oxides, metal-organic frameworks, and MXenes illustrate outstanding adsorption characteristics, and convert CO2 to carbon-neutral fuels, creating a balance between CO2 production and elimination, thus zeroing the carbon footprint. The need for a paradigm shift from fossil fuels and promising technologies on renewable energies, carbon capture mechanisms, and carbon sequestration techniques that help reduce CO2 emissions for a better tomorrow are reviewed to achieve the world's sustainable development goals. The challenges and possible solutions with future perspectives are also discussed.

Adsorption of Arsenic on Fe-Modified Biochar and Monitoring Using Spectral Induced Polarization

This work demonstrates the potential of Fe-modified biochar for the treatment of arsenic (As) simulated wastewater and the monitoring of adsorption in real-time. Specifically, we propose the utilization of date-palm leaves for the production of biochar, further modified with Fe in order to improve its adsorption function against inorganic pollutants, such as As. Both the original biochar and the Fe-modified biochar were used for adsorption of As in laboratory batch and column experiments. The monitoring of the biochar(s) performance and As treatment was also enhanced by using the spectral induced polarization (SIP) method, offering real-time monitoring, in addition to standard chemical monitoring. Both the original and the Fe-modified biochar achieved high removal rates with Fe-modified biochar achieving up to 98% removal of As compared to the 17% by sand only (control). In addition, a correlation was found between post-adsorption measurements and SIP measurements.