Adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system-genetic algorithm versus response surface methodology-desirability function algorithm modelling and optimization of biodiesel synthesis from waste chicken fat

Removal of an agricultural herbicide (2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) using magnetic nanocomposite: A combined experimental and modeling studies

This study focused on modeling the removal of one of the widely used agricultural herbicides known as 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) using polypyrrole-coated Fe2O3 nanoparticles (Fe2O3@PPy). The Fe2O3@PPy nanocomposite was synthesized by surface-coating the Tabebuia aurea leaf extract synthesized Fe2O3 nanoparticles with polypyrrole. After characterization, the adsorptive potential of the nanocomposite for removing 2,4-D from aqueous solution was examined. Central composite design (CCD) was employed for optimizing the adsorption, revealing an adsorption efficiency of 90.65% at a 2,4-D concentration of 12 ppm, a dosage of 3.8 g/L, an agitation speed of 150 rpm, and 196 min. Adsorption dataset fitted satisfactorily to Langmuir isotherm (R2: 0.984 & χ2: 0.054) and pseudo-second-order kinetics (R2: 0.929 & χ2: 0.013) whereas the exothermic and spontaneous nature were confirmed via the thermodynamic study. The predictive models, including adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), artificial neural network (ANN), and response surface methodology (RSM), demonstrated good precision for the prediction of 2,4-D adsorption, with respective R2 of 0.9719, 0.9604, and 0.9528. Nevertheless, statistical analysis supported ANFIS as the better forecasting tool, while RSM was the least effective. The maximum adsorption capacity of 2,4-D onto the Fe2O3@PPy nanocomposite was 7.29 mg/g, significantly higher than a few reported values. Therefore, the Fe2O3@PPy nanocomposite could serve as a competent adsorbent to remove 2,4-D herbicide from aqueous streams.

The 2022 Russia invasion on Ukraine: The biofuel energy security challenge on Ukraine and some related countries

Europe, United States and other countries make moves to compensate for the loss of Ukraine's exports by diverting crops meant for biofuels into food production and to relax some of the biofuels mandates due to the challenges of 2022 Russian invasion on Ukraine (RIU). Ukraine as a leading exporter of cereals and oil crops in the world has suffered reduction in exports of grain products since the inception of the invasion. This work critically evaluates the immediate and remote potential effects of the RIU on Ukraine's biofuel capacity and potentials, energy strategies and policies, direct impacts of the war on Ukraine and Russia and other countries' biofuels policies were evaluated. Ukraine is found to be a very important big player on global biofuels energy security and policies. It was observed that there are more significant impacts of the war on Ukraine biofuel industry than that of Russia due to very low priority on the development of Liquid biofuels (LBs) in Russia. Recommendations based on the concepts of national energy security and independence were elucidated. Post invasion-strategies such as development of framework for management of post-war waste, ensuring strict adherence to EU biofuels sustainable directives, and implementation of Bioplus-project for Ukraine government were underpinned. This article provides useful information, guidelines and directives that would enable Ukraine government and other countries facing energy insecurity and political crises to restore energy independence and national economy.

Renewable diesel synthesis from sesame indicum (bene) seed oil using novel heterogeneous biocatalyst derived from the Chrysophyllum albidium seed coat

The synthesis, characterization, optimization and oxidation stability improvement of biodiesel from the seed oil of sesame indicum using a novel nano-heterogeneous bio-catalyst derived from the Chrysophyllum albidium seed coat (CASC) is reported. The heterogeneous catalyst was produced by calcination and activation at 400 °C, 600 °C and 800 °C using acetic acid. The catalyst was characterized using scanning electron monograph (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and x-ray diffraction (XRD). The seed oil was extracted using mechanical press milling and the biodiesel produced were characterized using AOAC 2019 edition and ASTM D-6151, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and gas chromatography (GC) methods. The results indicated that calcined Chrysophyllum albidum seed coat contains nano-particles and alkaline elements (75 % graphite). The calcination process improved the size reduction and structural arrangement of the particles. The 600 °C calcination temperature had the highest biodiesel yield of 88 % at 3.0 wt % catalyst concentration, 12:1 M ratio of alcohol to oil and 500 rpm. The reusability of catalyst indicated 71.50 % after fifth (5th) cycle. After 28 days storage duration in the presence of the natural, renewable and eco-friendly antioxidant (1 % turmeric), the oxidation instability of the produced biodiesel was reduced by 50 %. The quality of the biodiesel indicates agreement with standards and literature as well as high potential for effective application in diesel engine.

Artificial Intelligence Techniques and Response Surface Methodology for the Optimization of Methyl Ester Sulfonate Synthesis from Used Cooking Oil by Sulfonation

Herein, the impacts of sulfonation temperature (100-120 °C), sulfonation time (3-5 h), and NaHSO₃/methyl ester (ME) molar ratio (1:1-1.5:1 mol/mol) on methyl ester sulfonate (MES) yield were studied. For the first time, MES synthesis via the sulfonation process was modeled using the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), artificial neural network (ANN), and response surface methodology (RSM). Moreover, particle swarm optimization (PSO) and RSM methods were used to improve the independent process variables that affect the sulfonation process. The RSM model (coefficient of determination (R²) = 0.9695, mean square error (MSE) = 2.7094, and average absolute deviation (AAD) = 2.9508%) was the least efficient in accurately predicting MES yield, whereas the ANFIS model (R² = 0.9886, MSE = 1.0138, and AAD = 0.9058%) was superior to the ANN model (R² = 0.9750, MSE = 2.6282, and AAD = 1.7184%). The results of process optimization using the developed models revealed that PSO outperformed RSM. The ANFIS model coupled with PSO (ANFIS-PSO) achieved the best combination of sulfonation process factors (96.84 °C temperature, 2.68 h time, and 0.92:1 mol/mol NaHSO₃/ME molar ratio) that resulted in the maximum MES yield of 74.82%. Analysis of MES synthesized under optimum conditions using FTIR, ¹H NMR, and surface tension determination showed that MES could be prepared from used cooking oil.

A Heterogeneous Bifunctional Carbon Nanocatalyst from Plastic Waste to Efficiently Catalyze Waste Cooking Oil into Biodiesel

In this study, black carbon derived from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) wastes was utilized as the precursor for heterogeneous bifunctional nanocatalyst, which successively catalyzed waste cooking oil into biodiesel. The nano-sized catalysts were prepared by impregnation method with different heat treatment techniques, such as reflux, hydrothermal, and microwave solvothermal, to provide good distribution of K2O and NiO particles on PET activated carbon mesoporous surface. The sample treated with microwave solvothermal technique (MAC-K2O-NiO) exhibited a high surface area of 120 m2/g with good dispersion of nanoparticles, as shown by FESEM image, large crystallite size of 62.2 nm, and consisted of a highest density of basicity (2.58 mmol/g) and acidity (1.79 mmol/g) for improving transesterification to a maximum yield. The catalytic transesterification of MAC-K2O-NiO was optimized with 3 wt.% of catalyst loading, 18: 1 methanol-oil molar ratio, 65 °C for 3 h of reaction, with a maximum yield of 97.2%. The catalyst reusability was performed, and it was found to maintain the catalytic activity up to six reaction cycles, with a yield of 72.9%. The physiochemical quality of the optimized biodiesel was examined in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials, ASTM D6751 testing method.