Synthesis of Small Carbon Nanoparticles in a Microwave Plasma Flow Reactor

Microwave-assisted desulphurization of coal in alkaline medium and conditions optimization by response surface methodology

The coal is an imperative source of energy, which on combustion, it emits sulphur dioxide, which cause air pollution. In the present study, microwave mediated desulphurization of coal was investigated and input variables were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). The proximate analysis and ultimate analysis report indicate the sample belongs to subbituminous having sulphur (6.96%), volatile matter (34.5%) and calorific value (5099 kcal/kg). Under microwave irradiation, up to 68% of sulphur was leached in alkaline medium. The particle size of coal, concentration of potassium hydroxide (KOH), microwave exposure time and power of microwave radiation were systematically optimized for maximum desulphurization of the coal. Under optimum conditions of the process variables, 63.06% desulphurization of coal was achieved. The optimum levels of process variables are as, particle size 500 µm, irradiation time 8.54 min, radiation power 720 W and concentration of KOH 15% (w/v). Findings revealed that the microwave-assisted desulphurization under alkaline condition furnished promising efficiency, which can be employed for the desulphurization of coal.

A Comprehensive Review on Biofuels from Oil Palm Empty Bunch (EFB): Current Status, Potential, Barriers and Way Forward

Biomass is an important renewable energy resource which primarily contributes to heating and cooling end use sectors. It is also a promising alternative source of biofuels to replace the depleting supply of fossil fuels. Surprisingly, few writers have been able to draw on the feedstock significance for oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) as the biomass resource for biofuels compared to the other types of biomass waste. Therefore, this paper presents a comprehensive review of EFB as a biomass resource presented in four major parts. First, the introduction covers the demand for bio-oil and describes the different kinds of feedstock, the relevance and potential of EFB biomass. Second, the characteristics of biomass are explained before it is upgraded as biofuel, drawing similarities and contrasts between EFB and other sources of biomass. Pyrolysis processes and reactors used for EFB conversion are described, and the factors affecting the bio-oil yield and quality are discussed. Major reactor parameters are summarized and reactor optimization is discussed. Third, comparison on the properties of the bio-oil vs. petroleum in transportation, power generation, and heating are compared followed by prioritizing the bio-oil properties from the most to least critical, revealing the most promising methods for upgrading. Fourth, the environmental impact, including CO2 emission, of the use of EFB as a promising renewable energy resource and a cleaner alternative fuel is recommended. This paper has comprehensively reviewed the conversion of oil palm empty fruit bunches into biofuels, including the similarities and differences between biomasses, the best reactors, its comparison with fossil fuels, and bio-oil upgrading methods. The upgrading mapping matrix is created to present the best upgrading strategies for the optimum quality of biofuels. This paper serves as a one-stop center for EFB conversion into biofuels.