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Wang Y, Yang S, Liu J, Wang J, Xiao M, Liang Q, Ren X, Wang Y, Mou H, Sun H. Realization process of microalgal biorefinery: The optional approach toward carbon net-zero emission. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 901:165546. [PMID: 37454852 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Increasing carbon dioxide (CO2) emission has already become a dire threat to the human race and Earth's ecology. Microalgae are recommended to be engineered as CO2 fixers in biorefinery, which play crucial roles in responding climate change and accelerating the transition to a sustainable future. This review sorted through each segment of microalgal biorefinery to explore the potential for its practical implementation and commercialization, offering valuable insights into research trends and identifies challenges that needed to be addressed in the development process. Firstly, the known mechanisms of microalgal photosynthetic CO2 fixation and the approaches for strain improvement were summarized. The significance of process regulation for strengthening fixation efficiency and augmenting competitiveness was emphasized, with a specific focus on CO2 and light optimization strategies. Thereafter, the massive potential of microalgal refineries for various bioresource production was discussed in detail, and the integration with contaminant reclamation was mentioned for economic and ecological benefits. Subsequently, economic and environmental impacts of microalgal biorefinery were evaluated via life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA) to lit up commercial feasibility. Finally, the current obstacles and future perspectives were discussed objectively to offer an impartial reference for future researchers and investors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Wang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Shufang Yang
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Laboratory for Algae Biotechnology and Innovation, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jia Wang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Mengshi Xiao
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Qingping Liang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xinmiao Ren
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Marine Science research Institute of Shandong Province, Qingdao 266003, China.
| | - Haijin Mou
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.
| | - Han Sun
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
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Biomimetic apposition compound eye fabricated using microfluidic-assisted 3D printing. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6458. [PMID: 34753909 PMCID: PMC8578215 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26606-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
After half a billion years of evolution, arthropods have developed sophisticated compound eyes with extraordinary visual capabilities that have inspired the development of artificial compound eyes. However, the limited 2D nature of most traditional fabrication techniques makes it challenging to directly replicate these natural systems. Here, we present a biomimetic apposition compound eye fabricated using a microfluidic-assisted 3D-printing technique. Each microlens is connected to the bottom planar surface of the eye via intracorporal, zero-crosstalk refractive-index-matched waveguides to mimic the rhabdoms of a natural eye. Full-colour wide-angle panoramic views and position tracking of a point source are realized by placing the fabricated eye directly on top of a commercial imaging sensor. As a biomimetic analogue to naturally occurring compound eyes, the eye's full-colour 3D to 2D mapping capability has the potential to enable a wide variety of applications from improving endoscopic imaging to enhancing machine vision for facilitating human-robot interactions.
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3
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Elvis Cao X, Hong T, Hong S, Erickson D. Engineering waveguide surface by gradient etching for uniform light scattering in photocatalytic applications. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL ADVANCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ceja.2021.100192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Assunção J, Malcata FX. Enclosed “non-conventional” photobioreactors for microalga production: A review. ALGAL RES 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2020.102107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Nguyen MK, Moon JY, Bui VKH, Oh YK, Lee YC. Recent advanced applications of nanomaterials in microalgae biorefinery. ALGAL RES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2019.101522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Nwoba EG, Parlevliet DA, Laird DW, Alameh K, Moheimani NR. Light management technologies for increasing algal photobioreactor efficiency. ALGAL RES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2019.101433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Cho C, Nam K, Seo YH, Kim K, Park Y, Han JI, Lee JY. Study of Optical Configurations for Multiple Enhancement of Microalgal Biomass Production. Sci Rep 2019; 9:1723. [PMID: 30742048 PMCID: PMC6370833 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-38118-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microalga is a promising biomass feedstock to restore the global carbon balance and produce sustainable bioenergy. However, the present biomass productivity of microalgae is not high enough to be marketable mainly because of the inefficient utilization of solar energy. Here, we study optical engineering strategies to lead to a breakthrough in the biomass productivity and photosynthesis efficiency of a microalgae cultivation system. Our innovative optical system modelling reveals the theoretical potential (>100 g m−2 day−1) of the biomass productivity and it is used to compare the optical aspects of various photobioreactor designs previously proposed. Based on the optical analysis, the optimized V-shaped configuration experimentally demonstrates an enhancement of biomass productivity from 20.7 m−2 day−1 to 52.0 g m−2 day−1, under the solar-simulating illumination of 7.2 kWh m−2 day−1, through the dilution and trapping of incident energy. The importance of quantitative optical study for microalgal photosynthesis is clearly exhibited with practical demonstration of the doubled light utilization efficiencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changsoon Cho
- Graduate School of Energy, Environment, Water, and Sustainability (EEWS), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Kibok Nam
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeong Hwan Seo
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.,Agency for Defense Development, Daejeon, 34188, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoohyun Kim
- Department of Physics, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.,Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - YongKeun Park
- Department of Physics, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.,Tomocube Inc., Daejeon, 34051, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-In Han
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jung-Yong Lee
- Graduate School of Energy, Environment, Water, and Sustainability (EEWS), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
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Huang Y, Zheng Y, Li J, Liao Q, Fu Q, Xia A, Fu J, Sun Y. Enhancing microalgae biofilm formation and growth by fabricating microgrooves onto the substrate surface. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2018; 261:36-43. [PMID: 29653332 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2018.03.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/30/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Attachment of cells to substrate surface is the premise for biofilm formation. To shelter microalgae cells from fluid shear stress and offer larger areas for microalgae attachment, the inerratic microgrooves, which can act as anchor points that offer larger areas for microalgae attachment and induce vortex to protect cells from hydraulic shear stress, were designed and fabricated into substrate surface. The results indicated that the shear stress on the surface with V-grooves was weaker than that on the surface with U-grooves, and 45° V-grooves with the width of 200 μm were benefit for cells attachment. The initial attachment time was shortened to 50 min under the hydraulic shear stress of 0.02 Pa compared to that of 135 min on the surface without microgrooves. Subsequently, the biofilm biomass concentration on the surface with 45° V-grooves increased by 14.29% to 165.84 g m-2 compared with that on flat substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Huang
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Yaping Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Jun Li
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Qiang Liao
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China.
| | - Qian Fu
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Ao Xia
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Jingwei Fu
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Yahui Sun
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
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Kim HN, Vahidinia S, Holt AL, Sweeney AM, Yang S. Geometric Design of Scalable Forward Scatterers for Optimally Efficient Solar Transformers. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2017; 29:1702922. [PMID: 29034980 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201702922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 08/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
It will be ideal to deliver equal, optimally efficient "doses" of sunlight to all cells in a photobioreactor system, while simultaneously utilizing the entire solar resource. Backed by the numerical scattering simulation and optimization, here, the design, synthesis, and characterization of the synthetic iridocytes that recapitulated the salient forward-scattering behavior of the Tridacnid clam system are reported, which presents the first geometric solution to allow narrow, precise forward redistribution of flux, utilizing the solar resource at the maximum quantum efficiency possible in living cells. The synthetic iridocytes are composed of silica nanoparticles in microspheres embedded in gelatin, both are low refractive index materials and inexpensive. They show wavelength selectivity, have little loss (the back-scattering intensity is reduced to less than ≈0.01% of the forward-scattered intensity), and narrow forward scattering cone similar to giant clams. Moreover, by comparing experiments and theoretical calculation, it is confirmed that the nonuniformity of the scatter sizes is a "feature not a bug" of the design, allowing for efficient, forward redistribution of solar flux in a micrometer-scaled paradigm. This method is environmentally benign, inexpensive, and scalable to produce optical components that will find uses in efficiency-limited solar conversion technologies, heat sinks, and biofuel production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Na Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 3231 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Sanaz Vahidinia
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, 209 South 33rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- The Nature Conservancy, 4245 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA, 22203, USA
| | - Amanda L Holt
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, 209 South 33rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Alison M Sweeney
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, 209 South 33rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Shu Yang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 3231 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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Sun Y, Liao Q, Huang Y, Xia A, Fu Q, Zhu X, Zheng Y. Integrating planar waveguides doped with light scattering nanoparticles into a flat-plate photobioreactor to improve light distribution and microalgae growth. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2016; 220:215-224. [PMID: 27573475 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2016.08.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Revised: 08/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Industrially manufactured planar waveguides doped with light scattering nanoparticles, which can dilute and redistribute the intense incident light within microalgae suspension more uniformly, were introduced into a flat-plate photobioreactor (PBR) with a width of 25cm to alleviate the adverse effect of poor light penetrability on microalgae growth. Compared with the flat-plate PBR without waveguides, the illumination surface area per unit volume in the proposed PBR was increased by 10.3 times. During the whole cultivation period, the illuminated volume fractions in the proposed PBR were 21.4-410% higher than those in the flat-plate PBR without waveguides. Consequently, attributed to the optimized light distribution in the proposed PBR, a 220% improvement in biomass production was obtained relative to that in the flat-plate PBR without waveguides. Furthermore, higher light output intensities emitted from the planar waveguide surfaces and increased microalgae growth rates were achieved by decreasing the length of planar waveguides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahui Sun
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Qiang Liao
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China.
| | - Yun Huang
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Ao Xia
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Qian Fu
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Xun Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Yaping Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
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11
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Ooms MD, Dinh CT, Sargent EH, Sinton D. Photon management for augmented photosynthesis. Nat Commun 2016; 7:12699. [PMID: 27581187 PMCID: PMC5025804 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms12699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Microalgae and cyanobacteria are some of nature's finest examples of solar energy conversion systems, effortlessly transforming inorganic carbon into complex molecules through photosynthesis. The efficiency of energy-dense hydrocarbon production by photosynthetic organisms is determined in part by the light collected by the microorganisms. Therefore, optical engineering has the potential to increase the productivity of algae cultivation systems used for industrial-scale biofuel synthesis. Herein, we explore and report emerging and promising material science and engineering innovations for augmenting microalgal photosynthesis. Photosynthetic microalgae could provide an ecologically sustainable route to produce solar biofuels and high-value chemicals. Here, the authors review various optical management strategies used to manipulate the incident light in order to increase the efficiency of microalgae biofuel production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D. Ooms
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering and Institute for Sustainable Energy, University of Toronto, 5 Kings College Rd., Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S3G8
| | - Cao Thang Dinh
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, 10 King's College Rd., Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S3G4
| | - Edward H. Sargent
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, 10 King's College Rd., Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S3G4
| | - David Sinton
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering and Institute for Sustainable Energy, University of Toronto, 5 Kings College Rd., Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S3G8
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Sun Y, Huang Y, Liao Q, Fu Q, Zhu X. Enhancement of microalgae production by embedding hollow light guides to a flat-plate photobioreactor. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2016; 207:31-38. [PMID: 26868153 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2016.01.136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Revised: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
To offset the adverse effects of light attenuation on microalgae growth, hollow polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) tubes were embedded into a flat-plate photobioreactor (PBR) as light guides. In this way, a fraction of incident light could be transmitted and emitted to the interior of the PBR, providing a secondary light source for cells in light-deficient regions. The average light intensity of interior regions 3-6cm from surfaces with 70μmolm(-2)s(-1) incident light was enhanced 2-6.5 times after 3.5days cultivation, resulting in a 23.42% increase in biomass production to that cultivated in PBR without PMMA tubes. The photosynthetic efficiency of microalgae in the proposed PBR was increased to 12.52%. Moreover, the installation of hollow PMMA tubes induced turbulent flow in the microalgae suspension, promoting microalgae suspension mixing. However, the enhanced biomass production was mainly attributed to the optimized light distribution in the PBR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahui Sun
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Yun Huang
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China.
| | - Qiang Liao
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Qian Fu
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Xun Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
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Ahsan SS, Gumus A, Erickson D. Stacked waveguide reactors with gradient embedded scatterers for high-capacity water cleaning. OPTICS EXPRESS 2015; 23:A1664-A1671. [PMID: 26698812 DOI: 10.1364/oe.23.0a1664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
We present a compact water-cleaning reactor with stacked layers of waveguides containing gradient patterns of optical scatterers that enable uniform light distribution and augmented water-cleaning rates. Previous photocatalytic reactors using immersion, external, or distributive lamps suffer from poor light distribution that impedes scalability. Here, we use an external UV-source to direct photons into stacked waveguide reactors where we scatter the photons uniformly over the length of the waveguide to thin films of TiO2-catalysts. We also show 4.5 times improvement in activity over uniform scatterer designs, demonstrate a degradation of 67% of the organic dye, and characterize the degradation rate constant.
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Ahsan SS, Gumus A, Jain A, Angenent LT, Erickson D. Integrated hollow fiber membranes for gas delivery into optical waveguide based photobioreactors. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2015; 192:845-849. [PMID: 26116445 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2015.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Revised: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Compact algal reactors are presented with: (1) closely stacked layers of waveguides to decrease light-path to enable larger optimal light-zones; (2) waveguides containing scatterers to uniformly distribute light; and (3) hollow fiber membranes to reduce energy required for gas transfer. The reactors are optimized by characterizing the aeration of different gases through hollow fiber membranes and characterizing light intensities at different culture densities. Close to 65% improvement in plateau peak productivities was achieved under low light-intensity growth experiments while maintaining 90% average/peak productivity output during 7-h light cycles. With associated mixing costs of ∼ 1 mW/L, several magnitudes smaller than closed photobioreactors, a twofold increase is realized in growth ramp rates with carbonated gas streams under high light intensities, and close to 20% output improvement across light intensities in reactors loaded with high density cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Saad Ahsan
- Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Abdurrahman Gumus
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Aadhar Jain
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Largus T Angenent
- The Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future, Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - David Erickson
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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