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Chandrasekharan HK, Wlodarczyk KL, MacPherson WN, Maroto-Valer MM. In-situ multicore fibre-based pH mapping through obstacles in integrated microfluidic devices. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2839. [PMID: 38310119 PMCID: PMC10838297 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53106-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Microfluidic systems with integrated sensors are ideal platforms to study and emulate processes such as complex multiphase flow and reactive transport in porous media, numerical modeling of bulk systems in medicine, and in engineering. Existing commercial optical fibre sensing systems used in integrated microfluidic devices are based on single-core fibres, limiting the spatial resolution in parameter measurements in such application scenarios. Here, we propose a multicore fibre-based pH system for in-situ pH mapping with tens of micrometer spatial resolution in microfluidic devices. The demonstration uses custom laser-manufactured glass microfluidic devices (called further micromodels) consisting of two round ports. The micromodels comprise two lintels for the injection of various pH buffers and an outlet. The two-port system facilitates the injection of various pH solutions using independent pressure pumps. The multicore fibre imaging system provides spatial information about the pH environment from the intensity distribution of fluorescence emission from the sensor attached to the fibre end facet, making use of the cores in the fibre as independent measurement channels. As proof-of-concept, we performed pH measurements in micromodels through obstacles (glass and rock beads), showing that the particle features can be clearly distinguishable from the intensity distribution from the fibre sensor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harikumar K Chandrasekharan
- Applied Optics and Photonics Group, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK.
| | - Krystian L Wlodarczyk
- Applied Optics and Photonics Group, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK
| | - William N MacPherson
- Applied Optics and Photonics Group, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK
| | - M Mercedes Maroto-Valer
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK
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2
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Davies K, Allan MG, Nagarajan S, Townsend R, Asokan V, Watson T, Godfrey AR, Maroto-Valer MM, Kuehnel MF, Pitchaimuthu S. Photoelectrocatalytic Surfactant Pollutant Degradation and Simultaneous Green Hydrogen Generation. Ind Eng Chem Res 2023; 62:19084-19094. [PMID: 38020790 PMCID: PMC10655085 DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.3c00840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
For the first time, we demonstrate a photoelectrocatalysis technique for simultaneous surfactant pollutant degradation and green hydrogen generation using mesoporous WO3/BiVO4 photoanode under simulated sunlight irradiation. The materials properties such as morphology, crystallite structure, chemical environment, optical absorbance, and bandgap energy of the WO3/BiVO4 films are examined and discussed. We have tested the anionic type (sodium 2-naphthalenesulfonate (S2NS)) and cationic type surfactants (benzyl alkyl dimethylammonium compounds (BAC-C12)) as model pollutants. A complete removal of S2NS and BAC-C12 surfactants at 60 and 90 min, respectively, by applying 1.75 V applied potential vs RHE to the circuit, under 1 sun was achieved. An interesting competitive phenomenon for photohole utilization was observed between surfactants and adsorbed water. This led to the formation of H2O2 from water alongside surfactant degradation (anode) and hydrogen evolution (cathode). No byproducts were observed after the direct photohole mediated degradation of surfactants, implying its advantage over other AOPs and biological processes. In the cathode compartment, 82.51 μmol/cm2 and 71.81 μmol/cm2 of hydrogen gas were generated during the BAC-C12 and S2NS surfactant degradation process, respectively, at 1.75 V RHE applied potential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael G. Allan
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Singleton Park, SA2 8PP Swansea, Wales
| | - Sanjay Nagarajan
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, U.K.
| | - Rachel Townsend
- Swansea
University Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science,
Singleton Park, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, U.K.
| | - Vijayshankar Asokan
- Environmental
Inorganic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Kemivägen 10, S-412 96 Göthenburg, Sweden
| | - Trystan Watson
- SPECIFIC,
Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea
University, Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales
| | - A. Ruth Godfrey
- Swansea
University Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science,
Singleton Park, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, U.K.
| | - M. Mercedes Maroto-Valer
- Research
Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), Institute of Mechanical, Processing
and Energy Engineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, U.K.
| | - Moritz F. Kuehnel
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Singleton Park, SA2 8PP Swansea, Wales
- Fraunhofer
Institute for Wind Energy Systems IWES, Am Haupttor 4310, 06237 Leuna, Germany
| | - Sudhagar Pitchaimuthu
- SPECIFIC,
Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea
University, Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales
- Research
Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), Institute of Mechanical, Processing
and Energy Engineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, U.K.
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3
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Tan JZY, Virdee AK, Andresen JM, Maroto-Valer MM. Core-shell nanostructured Cu-based bi-metallic electrocatalysts for co-production of ethylene and acetate. Faraday Discuss 2023; 247:216-226. [PMID: 37466097 DOI: 10.1039/d3fd00058c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Direct electrocatalytic CCU routes to produce a myriad of valuable chemicals (e.g., methanol, acetic acid, ethylene, propanol, among others) will allow the chemical industry to shift away from the conventional fossil-based production. Electrofuels need to go beyond the current electroreduction of CO2 to CO, and we will here demonstrate the continuous flow electroreduction of syngas (i.e., CO and H2), which are the products from CO2-to-CO, with enhanced product selectivity (∼90% towards ethylene). To overcome current drawbacks, including bicarbonate formation that resulted in low CO2 utilisation and low C2+ product selectivity, the development of nanostructured core-shell bi-metallic electrocatalysts for direct electrochemical reduction of syngas to C2+ is proposed. Electrosynthesis of ethylene is performed in a state-of-the-art continuous flow three-compartment cell to produce ethylene (cathodic gas phase product) and acetate (cathodic liquid phase product), simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeannie Z Y Tan
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK.
| | - Ashween Kaur Virdee
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK.
| | - John M Andresen
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK.
| | - M Mercedes Maroto-Valer
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK.
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4
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Garvin M, Thompson WA, Tan JZY, Kampouri S, Ireland CP, Smit B, Brookfield A, Collison D, Negahdar L, Beale AM, Maroto-Valer MM, McIntosh RD, Garcia S. Highly selective CO 2 photoreduction to CO on MOF-derived TiO 2. RSC Sustain 2023; 1:494-503. [PMID: 37215582 PMCID: PMC10193832 DOI: 10.1039/d2su00082b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Metal-Organic Framework (MOF)-derived TiO2, synthesised through the calcination of MIL-125-NH2, is investigated for its potential as a CO2 photoreduction catalyst. The effect of the reaction parameters: irradiance, temperature and partial pressure of water was investigated. Using a two-level design of experiments, we were able to evaluate the influence of each parameter and their potential interactions on the reaction products, specifically the production of CO and CH4. It was found that, for the explored range, the only statistically significant parameter is temperature, with an increase in temperature being correlated to enhanced production of both CO and CH4. Over the range of experimental settings explored, the MOF-derived TiO2 displays high selectivity towards CO (98%), with only a small amount of CH4 (2%) being produced. This is notable when compared to other state-of-the-art TiO2 based CO2 photoreduction catalysts, which often showcase lower selectivity. The MOF-derived TiO2 was found to have a peak production rate of 8.9 × 10-4 μmol cm-2 h-1 (2.6 μmol g-1 h-1) and 2.6 × 10-5 μmol cm-2 h-1 (0.10 μmol g-1 h-1) for CO and CH4, respectively. A comparison is made to commercial TiO2, P25 (Degussa), which was shown to have a similar activity towards CO production, 3.4 × 10-3 μmol cm-2 h-1 (5.9 μmol g-1 h-1), but a lower selectivity preference for CO (3 : 1 CH4 : CO) than the MOF-derived TiO2 material developed here. This paper showcases the potential for MIL-125-NH2 derived TiO2 to be further developed as a highly selective CO2 photoreduction catalyst for CO production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Garvin
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University EH14 4AS UK
| | - Warren A Thompson
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University EH14 4AS UK
| | - Jeannie Z Y Tan
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University EH14 4AS UK
| | - Stavroula Kampouri
- Laboratory of molecular simulation (LSMO), Institut des Sciences et Ingénierie Chimiques, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) Rue de l'Industrie 17 CH-1951 Sion Switzerland
| | - Christopher P Ireland
- Laboratory of molecular simulation (LSMO), Institut des Sciences et Ingénierie Chimiques, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) Rue de l'Industrie 17 CH-1951 Sion Switzerland
| | - Berend Smit
- Laboratory of molecular simulation (LSMO), Institut des Sciences et Ingénierie Chimiques, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) Rue de l'Industrie 17 CH-1951 Sion Switzerland
| | - Adam Brookfield
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester Oxford Road Manchester M13 9Pl UK
| | - David Collison
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester Oxford Road Manchester M13 9Pl UK
| | - Leila Negahdar
- Department of Chemistry, University College London 20 Gordon Street London WC1H 0AJ UK
- Catalysis Hub, Research Complex at Harwell, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell Oxfordshire OX11 0FA UK
| | - Andrew M Beale
- Department of Chemistry, University College London 20 Gordon Street London WC1H 0AJ UK
- Catalysis Hub, Research Complex at Harwell, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell Oxfordshire OX11 0FA UK
| | - M Mercedes Maroto-Valer
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University EH14 4AS UK
| | - Ruaraidh D McIntosh
- Institute of Chemical Sciences, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University EH14 4AS UK
| | - Susana Garcia
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University EH14 4AS UK
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5
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Cherif Y, Azzi H, Sridharan K, Ji S, Choi H, Allan MG, Benaissa S, Saidi-Bendahou K, Damptey L, Ribeiro CS, Krishnamurthy S, Nagarajan S, Maroto-Valer MM, Kuehnel MF, Pitchaimuthu S. Facile Synthesis of Gram-Scale Mesoporous Ag/TiO 2 Photocatalysts for Pharmaceutical Water Pollutant Removal and Green Hydrogen Generation. ACS Omega 2023; 8:1249-1261. [PMID: 36643558 PMCID: PMC9835632 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c06657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This work demonstrates a two-step gram-scale synthesis of presynthesized silver (Ag) nanoparticles impregnated with mesoporous TiO2 and evaluates their feasibility for wastewater treatment and hydrogen gas generation under natural sunlight. Paracetamol was chosen as the model pharmaceutical pollutant for evaluating photocatalytic performance. A systematic material analysis (morphology, chemical environment, optical bandgap energy) of the Ag/TiO2 photocatalyst powder was carried out, and the influence of material properties on the performance is discussed in detail. The experimental results showed that the decoration of anatase TiO2 nanoparticles (size between 80 and 100 nm) with 5 nm Ag nanoparticles (1 wt %) induced visible-light absorption and enhanced charge carrier separation. As a result, 0.01 g/L Ag/TiO2 effectively removed 99% of 0.01 g/L paracetamol in 120 min and exhibited 60% higher photocatalytic removal than pristine TiO2. Alongside paracetamol degradation, Ag/TiO2 led to the generation of 1729 μmol H2 g-1 h-1. This proof-of-concept approach for tandem pollutant degradation and hydrogen generation was further evaluated with rare earth metal (lanthanum)- and nonmetal (nitrogen)-doped TiO2, which also showed a positive response. Using a combination of ab initio calculations and our new theory model, we revealed that the enhanced photocatalytic performance of Ag/TiO2 was due to the surface Fermi-level change of TiO2 and lowered surface reaction energy barrier for water pollutant oxidation. This work opens new opportunities for exploiting tandem photocatalytic routes beyond water splitting and understanding the simultaneous reactions in metal-doped metal oxide photocatalyst systems under natural sunlight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yassine Cherif
- Laboratoire
de Catalyse et Synthèse en Chimie Organique, Université de Tlemcen, BP 119, Tlemcen13000, Algeria
| | - Hajer Azzi
- Laboratoire
de Catalyse et Synthèse en Chimie Organique, Université de Tlemcen, BP 119, Tlemcen13000, Algeria
- Institut
des Sciences et de la Technologie, Université d’Ain
Témouchent, BP
284, 46000Ain Témouchent, Algeria
| | - Kishore Sridharan
- Department
of Nanoscience and Technology, School of Physical Sciences, University of Calicut, P. O. Thenhipalam673635, India
| | - Seulgi Ji
- Theoretical
Materials & Chemistry Group, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Cologne, Greinstr. 6, 50939Cologne, Germany
| | - Heechae Choi
- Theoretical
Materials & Chemistry Group, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Cologne, Greinstr. 6, 50939Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael G. Allan
- Department
of Chemistry, Swansea University, Singleton Park, SwanseaSA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | - Sihem Benaissa
- Institut
des Sciences et de la Technologie, Université d’Ain
Témouchent, BP
284, 46000Ain Témouchent, Algeria
| | - Karima Saidi-Bendahou
- Laboratoire
de Catalyse et Synthèse en Chimie Organique, Université de Tlemcen, BP 119, Tlemcen13000, Algeria
| | - Lois Damptey
- School of
Engineering & Innovation, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton KeynesMK7 6AA, United Kingdom
| | - Camila Silva Ribeiro
- School of
Engineering & Innovation, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton KeynesMK7 6AA, United Kingdom
| | - Satheesh Krishnamurthy
- School of
Engineering & Innovation, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton KeynesMK7 6AA, United Kingdom
| | - Sanjay Nagarajan
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Bath, BathBA2 7AY, United Kingdom
| | - M. Mercedes Maroto-Valer
- Research
Centre for Carbon Solutions, Institute of Mechanical and Processing
Engineering, School of Engineering & Physical Science, Heriot-Watt University, EdinburghEH14 4AS, United Kingdom
| | - Moritz F. Kuehnel
- Department
of Chemistry, Swansea University, Singleton Park, SwanseaSA2 8PP, United Kingdom
- Fraunhofer
Institute for Wind Energy Systems IWES, Am Haupttor 4310, 06237Leuna, Germany
| | - Sudhagar Pitchaimuthu
- Research
Centre for Carbon Solutions, Institute of Mechanical and Processing
Engineering, School of Engineering & Physical Science, Heriot-Watt University, EdinburghEH14 4AS, United Kingdom
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6
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Kalantariasl A, Tale F, Parsaei R, Keshavarz A, Jahanbakhsh A, Mercedes Maroto-Valer M, Mosallanezhad A. Optimum salinity/composition for low salinity water injection in carbonate rocks: A geochemical modelling approach. J Mol Liq 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2022.119754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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7
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Tan JZY, Gavrielides S, Maroto-Valer MM. Core-shell TiO 2-x-Cu yO microspheres for photogeneration of cyclic carbonates under simulated sunlight. Nanoscale 2022; 14:6349-6356. [PMID: 35411888 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr08023g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Propylene carbonates are important organic solvents and feedstocks for different applications, including synthesis of polymers and Li-batteries. The generation of propylene carbonate utilising anthropogenic CO2 and renewable solar energy offers an alternative sustainable process with a closed loop carbon cycle. The development of microstructured photocatalysts with desired properties, including high degree of product selectivity, wide range of optical properties, and maximised conversion yield, plays an important role for effective production of propylene carbonate from CO2. A hierachical hollow core with a double shell of TiO2-x-Cu2O-CuO was fabricated using the versatile solvothermal-microwave synthesis method. The fabricated sample revealed effective cascading of photogenerated electrons and holes that promoted the conversion of propylene carbonate (i.e., 1.6 wt%) under 1 Sun irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeannie Z Y Tan
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK.
| | - Stelios Gavrielides
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK.
| | - M Mercedes Maroto-Valer
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK.
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8
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Lu X, Tan JZY, Maroto-Valer MM. Investigation of CO2 Photoreduction in an Annular Fluidized Bed Photoreactor by MP-PIC Simulation. Ind Eng Chem Res 2022; 61:3123-3136. [PMID: 35431432 PMCID: PMC9007463 DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.1c04035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
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Carbon dioxide (CO2) photoreduction is a promising process
for both mitigating CO2 emissions and providing chemicals
and fuels. A gas–solid two-phase annular fluidized bed photoreactor
(FBPR) would be preferred for this process due to its high mass-transfer
rate and easy operation. However, CO2 photoreduction using
the FBPR has not been widely researched to date. The Lagrangian multiphase
particle-in-cell (MP-PIC) simulation with computational fluid dynamic
models is a new and robust approach to explore the multiphase reaction
system in the gas–solid fluidized bed. Therefore, the purpose
of this paper is to investigate CO2 photoreduction in the
FBPR by MP-PIC modeling to understand the intrinsic mechanism of solid
flow, species mass transfer, and CO2 photoreaction. The
MP-PIC models for solid flow in the FBPR were validated by the bed
expansion height and bubble size. The results showed the particle
stress of the Lun model, the drag of the Ergun-WenYu (Gidaspow) model,
and the coefficient of restitution e = 0.95 with
the wall parameters ew = 0.9 and μw = 0.6 are the best fit to the experimental empirical correlations.
The MP-PIC models developed in this work proved to be better than
the Eulerian two-fluid modeling in the prediction of the bed expansion
height and bubble size. It was also found from the simulation results
that the maximum radiation intensity is in the half reactor height
area, and the photocatalytic reaction mainly occurred around the inner
wall. It showed that the gas velocity and catalyst loading were two
crucial operating parameters to control the process. The results reported
here can provide guidance for the operation and reactor design of
the CO2 photoreduction process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuesong Lu
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, U.K
| | - Jeannie Z. Y. Tan
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, U.K
| | - M. Mercedes Maroto-Valer
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, U.K
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9
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Wlodarczyk KL, MacPherson WN, Hand DP, Maroto-Valer MM. Manufacturing of Microfluidic Devices with Interchangeable Commercial Fiber Optic Sensors. Sensors (Basel) 2021; 21:s21227493. [PMID: 34833567 PMCID: PMC8625633 DOI: 10.3390/s21227493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
In situ measurements are highly desirable in many microfluidic applications because they enable real-time, local monitoring of physical and chemical parameters, providing valuable insight into microscopic events and processes that occur in microfluidic devices. Unfortunately, the manufacturing of microfluidic devices with integrated sensors can be time-consuming, expensive, and “know-how” demanding. In this article, we describe an easy-to-implement method developed to integrate various “off-the-shelf” fiber optic sensors within microfluidic devices. To demonstrate this, we used commercial pH and pressure sensors (“pH SensorPlugs” and “FOP-MIV”, respectively), which were “reversibly” attached to a glass microfluidic device using custom 3D-printed connectors. The microfluidic device, which serves here as a demonstrator, incorporates a uniform porous structure and was manufactured using a picosecond pulsed laser. The sensors were attached to the inlet and outlet channels of the microfluidic pattern to perform simple experiments, the aim of which was to evaluate the performance of both the connectors and the sensors in a practical microfluidic environment. The bespoke connectors ensured robust and watertight connection, allowing the sensors to be safely disconnected if necessary, without damaging the microfluidic device. The pH SensorPlugs were tested with a pH 7.01 buffer solution. They measured the correct pH values with an accuracy of ±0.05 pH once sufficient contact between the injected fluid and the measuring element (optode) was established. In turn, the FOP-MIV sensors were used to measure local pressure in the inlet and outlet channels during injection and the steady flow of deionized water at different rates. These sensors were calibrated up to 140 mbar and provided pressure measurements with an uncertainty that was less than ±1.5 mbar. Readouts at a rate of 4 Hz allowed us to observe dynamic pressure changes in the device during the displacement of air by water. In the case of steady flow of water, the pressure difference between the two measuring points increased linearly with increasing flow rate, complying with Darcy’s law for incompressible fluids. These data can be used to determine the permeability of the porous structure within the device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystian L. Wlodarczyk
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK;
- Applied Optics and Photonics (AOP) Group, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK; (W.N.M.); (D.P.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-(0)-131-451-3105
| | - William N. MacPherson
- Applied Optics and Photonics (AOP) Group, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK; (W.N.M.); (D.P.H.)
| | - Duncan P. Hand
- Applied Optics and Photonics (AOP) Group, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK; (W.N.M.); (D.P.H.)
| | - M. Mercedes Maroto-Valer
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK;
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10
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Lu X, Luo X, Thompson WA, Tan JZY, Maroto-Valer MM. Investigation of carbon dioxide photoreduction process in a laboratory-scale photoreactor by computational fluid dynamic and reaction kinetic modeling. Front Chem Sci Eng 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11705-021-2096-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe production of solar fuels via the photoreduction of carbon dioxide to methane by titanium oxide is a promising process to control greenhouse gas emissions and provide alternative renewable fuels. Although several reaction mechanisms have been proposed, the detailed steps are still ambiguous, and the limiting factors are not well defined. To improve our understanding of the mechanisms of carbon dioxide photoreduction, a multi-physics model was developed using COMSOL. The novelty of this work is the computational fluid dynamic model combined with the novel carbon dioxide photoreduction intrinsic reaction kinetic model, which was built based on three-steps, namely gas adsorption, surface reactions and desorption, while the ultraviolet light intensity distribution was simulated by the Gaussian distribution model and Beer-Lambert model. The carbon dioxide photoreduction process conducted in a laboratory-scale reactor under different carbon dioxide and water moisture partial pressures was then modeled based on the intrinsic kinetic model. It was found that the simulation results for methane, carbon monoxide and hydrogen yield match the experiments in the concentration range of 10−4 mol·m−3 at the low carbon dioxide and water moisture partial pressure. Finally, the factors of adsorption site concentration, adsorption equilibrium constant, ultraviolet light intensity and temperature were evaluated.
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11
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Jahanbakhsh A, Shahrokhi O, Maroto-Valer MM. Understanding the role of wettability distribution on pore-filling and displacement patterns in a homogeneous structure via quasi 3D pore-scale modelling. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17847. [PMID: 34497276 PMCID: PMC8426499 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97169-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Most numerical simulation studies have focused on the effect of homogenous wettability on fluid flow dynamics; however, most rocks display spatially heterogeneous wettability. Therefore, we have used direct numerical simulations (DNS) to investigate wettability heterogeneity at pore-scale. We have built a quasi-3D pore-scale model and simulated two-phase flow in a homogenous porous media with homogenous and heterogeneous wettability distributions. Five different heterogeneous wettability patterns were used in this study. We observed that heterogenous wettability significantly affects the evolution of fluid interface, trapped saturation, and displacement patterns. Wettability heterogeneity results in fingering and specific trapping patterns which do not follow the flow behaviour characteristic of a porous medium with homogenous wettability. This flow behaviour indicates a different flow regime that cannot be estimated using homogenous wettability distributions represented by an average contact angle. Moreover, our simulation results show that certain spatial configurations of wettability heterogeneity at the microscale, e.g. being perpendicular to the flow direction, may assist the stability of the displacement and delay the breakthrough time. In contrast, other configurations such as being parallel to the flow direction promote flow instability for the same pore-scale geometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Jahanbakhsh
- grid.9531.e0000000106567444Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Omid Shahrokhi
- grid.9531.e0000000106567444Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - M. Mercedes Maroto-Valer
- grid.9531.e0000000106567444Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
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Ávila-López MA, Gavrielides S, Luo X, Ojoajogwu AE, Tan JZ, Luévano-Hipólito E, Torres-Martínez LM, Maroto-Valer MM. Comparative study of CO2 photoreduction using different conformations of CuO photocatalyst: Powder, coating on mesh and thin film. J CO2 UTIL 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcou.2021.101588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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14
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Veerabhadrappa MG, Maroto-Valer MM, Chen Y, Garcia S. Layered Double Hydroxides-Based Mixed Metal Oxides: Development of Novel Structured Sorbents for CO 2 Capture Applications. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2021; 13:11805-11813. [PMID: 33657795 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c20457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Layered double hydroxide (LDHs)-based mixed metal oxides (MMOs) are widely studied as the medium to high temperature (200-400 °C) CO2 capture sorbents. However, most of the studies are carried out using the powdered samples. To upgrade these sorbents for industrial-scale CO2 capture, it is important to move away from the powdered form and develop structured sorbents. Moreover, the CO2 capture properties of these sorbents need to be improved in terms of capture capacity and cycling stability. Here we are utilizing a modified amide hydrolysis method to improve the CO2 capture capacities of LDHs-based MMOs. Subsequently, aqueous exfoliation coupled with the freeze-drying technique was utilized to develop LDHs-based novel MMOs. Exfoliated LDH nano sheets were pelletized (2 mm) to circumvent the challenges associated with powder samples when used in industrial-scale applications. The obtained pellets have an average crushing load of 11.1 N and 4.3 MPa of compressive strength, which indicate their good mechanical stability. The MMOs pellets showed a narrow distribution of pores (8-10 nm) with very good surface area (264 m2/g) and pore volume (1.27 cm3/g). They also had much improved CO2 capture capacities at ambient pressure and both low (2.17 mmol/g, 30 °C) and medium temperature (1.43 mmol/g, 200 °C), as compared to previously reported pristine MMOs powder samples. The pelletized structured sorbents also outperformed commercial LDH-based pellets by several fold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manohara Gudiyor Veerabhadrappa
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, United Kingdom
| | - M Mercedes Maroto-Valer
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, United Kingdom
| | - Yuhang Chen
- Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, United Kingdom
| | - Susana Garcia
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, United Kingdom
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15
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Stelios G, Tan JZY, Maroto-Valer MM. Hierarchical hyper-branched titania nanorods with tuneable selectivity for CO 2 photoreduction. RSC Adv 2021; 11:32022-32029. [PMID: 35495501 PMCID: PMC9041433 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra05414g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Utilising captured CO2 and converting it into solar fuels can be extremely beneficial in reducing the constantly rising CO2 concentration in the atmosphere while simultaneously addressing energy crisis issues. Hence, many researchers have focused their work on the CO2 photoreduction reaction for the last 4 decades. Herein, the titania hyper-branched nanorod (HBN) thin films, with a novel hierarchical dendritic morphology, revealed enhanced CO2 photoreduction performance. The HBNs exhibited enhanced photogenerated charge production (66%), in comparison with P25 (39%), due to the unique hyper-branched morphology. Furthermore, the proposed HBN thin films exhibited a high degree of control over the product selectivity, by undergoing a facile phase-altering treatment. The selectivity was shifted from 91% towards CO, to 67% towards CH4. Additionally, the HBN samples showed the potential to surpass the conversion rates of the benchmark P25 TiO2 in both CO and CH4 production. To further enhance the selectivity and overall performance of the HBNs, RuO2 was incorporated into the synthesis, which enhanced the CH4 selectivity from 67% to 74%; whereas the incorporation of CuO revealed a selectivity profile comparative to P25. The use of hierarchical 1–3D Hyper-Branched Nanorods (HBNs) is examined as a photocatalyst for CO2 photoreduction, utilising a facile protonation treatment able to tune the selectivity of CO2 photoreduction products between (91%) CO to (67%) CH4.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavrielides Stelios
- Research Centre of Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering & Physical Sciences, Heriot–Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jeannie Z. Y. Tan
- Research Centre of Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering & Physical Sciences, Heriot–Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - M. Mercedes Maroto-Valer
- Research Centre of Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering & Physical Sciences, Heriot–Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
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Manohara GV, Norris D, Maroto-Valer MM, Garcia S. Acetate intercalated Mg-Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) through modified amide hydrolysis: a new route to synthesize novel mixed metal oxides (MMOs) for CO 2 capture. Dalton Trans 2021; 50:7474-7483. [PMID: 33970176 DOI: 10.1039/d1dt00602a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Layered double hydroxide (LDH) based mixed metal oxides (MMOs) are promising high temperature CO2 capture sorbents. In order to improve their CO2 capture capacity, it is crucial to bring in changes to their physicochemical properties such as morphology, particle size, surface area and activity by tuning the synthesis method. Here we report a modified amide hydrolysis method to synthesize LDHs with a mixed morphology and better CO2 capture properties. Acetate intercalated Mg-Al LDHs with two different Mg/Al ratios (3 and 4) were synthesized by employing metal hydroxides as the starting precursors and acetamide as the hydrolysing agent. The resultant LDHs crystallized in a new morphology having a combination of both fibrous and sheet like crystallites. The MMOs derived from Mg-Al-acetate LDHs retained the mixed morphology observed in the precursor LDHs. The resultant MMOs showed almost a threefold increase in the BET surface area, 316 (Mg/Al = 3) and 341 (Mg/Al = 4) m2 g-1, compared to MMOs derived from anion exchanged Mg-Al-acetate LDH (118 m2 g-1). The MMOs synthesized by acetamide hydrolysis captured 1.2 mmol g-1 and 0. 87 mmol g-1 of CO2 at 200 and 300 °C (atmospheric pressure), respectively. The CO2 capture capacity realized was increased more than twofold compared to the CO2 capture capacity of MMOs derived from anion exchanged acetate LDH (0.57 mmol g-1) tested under similar conditions. The developed MMOs showed promising CO2 capture (1.0 mmol g-1) capacity at industrially relevant CO2 concentration (14%).
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Affiliation(s)
- G V Manohara
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK.
| | - David Norris
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK.
| | - M Mercedes Maroto-Valer
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK.
| | - Susana Garcia
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK.
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Tan JZY, Gavrielides S, Belekoukia M, Thompson WA, Negahdar L, Xia F, Maroto-Valer MM, Beale AM. Synthesis of TiO 2-x/W 18O 49 hollow double-shell and core-shell microspheres for CO 2 photoreduction under visible light. Chem Commun (Camb) 2020; 56:12150-12153. [PMID: 32909021 DOI: 10.1039/d0cc04036c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
TiO2-x/W18O49 with core-shell or double-shelled hollow microspheres were synthesized through a facile multi-step solvothermal method. The formation of the hollow microspheres with a double-shell was a result of the Kirkendall effect during the solvothermal treatment with concentrated NaOH. The advanced architecture significantly enhanced the electronic properties of TiO2-x/W18O49, improving by more than 30 times the CO2 photoreduction efficiency compared to the pristine W18O49. Operando DRIFTS measurements revealed that the yellow TiO2-x was a preferable CO2 adsorption and conversion site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeannie Z Y Tan
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK.
| | - Stelios Gavrielides
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK.
| | - Meltiani Belekoukia
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK.
| | - Warren A Thompson
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK.
| | - Leila Negahdar
- Department of Chemistry, UCL, 20 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AJ, UK and UK Catalysis Hub, Research Complex at Harwell, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0FA, UK
| | - Fang Xia
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| | - M Mercedes Maroto-Valer
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK.
| | - Andrew M Beale
- Department of Chemistry, UCL, 20 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AJ, UK and UK Catalysis Hub, Research Complex at Harwell, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0FA, UK
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18
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Nityashree N, Manohara GV, Maroto-Valer MM, Garcia S. Advanced High-Temperature CO 2 Sorbents with Improved Long-Term Cycling Stability. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2020; 12:33765-33774. [PMID: 32609484 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c08652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Developing novel sorbents with maximum carbonation efficiency and good cycling stability for CO2 capture is a promising route to sequester anthropogenic CO2. In this work, we have employed a green synthesis method to synthesize CaO-based sorbents suitably stabilized by MgO and supported by in situ generated carbon under inert atmosphere. The varied amounts (10-30 wt %) of MgO were used to stabilize the CaO. The supported mixed metal oxide (MMO) sorbents were screened for high-temperature CO2 capture under CO2 rich (86% CO2) and lean (14% CO2) gas streams at 650 °C and atmospheric pressure. The MMO sorbents captured 53-63 wt % of CO2 per gram of sorbent under 86 and 14% CO2, accounting for about 98% carbonation efficiency, which outperforms the CO2 capture capacity of limestone derived CaO (L-CaO) sorbents (22.8 wt %). All of the synthetic MMO sorbents showed greater capture capacity and cyclic stability when compared to benchmark L-CaO. Because of the high carbonation efficiency and cycling stability of g-Ca0.69Mg0.3O sorbent, it was tested for 100 carbonation/regeneration cycles of 5 min each under CO2 lean conditions. The g-Ca0.69Mg0.3O sorbent showed exceptional CO2 capture capacity and cycling stability and retained about 65% of its initial capture capacity after 100 cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Nityashree
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, United Kingdom
| | - G V Manohara
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, United Kingdom
| | - M Mercedes Maroto-Valer
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, United Kingdom
| | - S Garcia
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, United Kingdom
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Tan JZY, Gavrielides S, Xu HR, Thompson WA, Maroto-Valer MM. Alkali modified P25 with enhanced CO 2 adsorption for CO 2 photoreduction. RSC Adv 2020; 10:27989-27994. [PMID: 35519115 PMCID: PMC9055653 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra05010e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
To improve the CO2 adsorption on the photocatalyst, which is an essential step for CO2 photoreduction, solid solutions were fabricated using a facile calcination treatment at 900 °C. Using various alkalis, namely NaOH, Na2CO3, KOH, K2CO3, the resulted samples presented a much higher CO2 adsorption capacity, which was measured with the pulse injection of CO2 on the temperature programmed desorption workstation, compared to the pristine Evonik P25. As a result, all of the fabricated solid solutions produced higer yield of CO under UV light irradiation due to the increased basicity of the solid solutions even though they possessed only the rutile polymorph of TiO2. The highest CO2 adsorption capacity under UV irradiation was observed in the sample treated with NaOH, which contained the highest amount of isolated hydroxyls, as shown in the FTIR studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeannie Z Y Tan
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh EH14 4AS UK
| | - Stelios Gavrielides
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh EH14 4AS UK
| | - Hao R Xu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Loughborough University Loughborough UK
| | - Warren A Thompson
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh EH14 4AS UK
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Jahanbakhsh A, Wlodarczyk KL, Hand DP, Maier RRJ, Maroto-Valer MM. Review of Microfluidic Devices and Imaging Techniques for Fluid Flow Study in Porous Geomaterials. Sensors (Basel) 2020; 20:s20144030. [PMID: 32698501 PMCID: PMC7412536 DOI: 10.3390/s20144030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Understanding transport phenomena and governing mechanisms of different physical and chemical processes in porous media has been a critical research area for decades. Correlating fluid flow behaviour at the micro-scale with macro-scale parameters, such as relative permeability and capillary pressure, is key to understanding the processes governing subsurface systems, and this in turn allows us to improve the accuracy of modelling and simulations of transport phenomena at a large scale. Over the last two decades, there have been significant developments in our understanding of pore-scale processes and modelling of complex underground systems. Microfluidic devices (micromodels) and imaging techniques, as facilitators to link experimental observations to simulation, have greatly contributed to these achievements. Although several reviews exist covering separately advances in one of these two areas, we present here a detailed review integrating recent advances and applications in both micromodels and imaging techniques. This includes a comprehensive analysis of critical aspects of fabrication techniques of micromodels, and the most recent advances such as embedding fibre optic sensors in micromodels for research applications. To complete the analysis of visualization techniques, we have thoroughly reviewed the most applicable imaging techniques in the area of geoscience and geo-energy. Moreover, the integration of microfluidic devices and imaging techniques was highlighted as appropriate. In this review, we focus particularly on four prominent yet very wide application areas, namely “fluid flow in porous media”, “flow in heterogeneous rocks and fractures”, “reactive transport, solute and colloid transport”, and finally “porous media characterization”. In summary, this review provides an in-depth analysis of micromodels and imaging techniques that can help to guide future research in the in-situ visualization of fluid flow in porous media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Jahanbakhsh
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK; (K.L.W.); (M.M.M.-V.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Krystian L. Wlodarczyk
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK; (K.L.W.); (M.M.M.-V.)
- Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK; (D.P.H.); (R.R.J.M.)
| | - Duncan P. Hand
- Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK; (D.P.H.); (R.R.J.M.)
| | - Robert R. J. Maier
- Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK; (D.P.H.); (R.R.J.M.)
| | - M. Mercedes Maroto-Valer
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK; (K.L.W.); (M.M.M.-V.)
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Manohara GV, Maroto-Valer MM, Garcia S. The effect of the layer-interlayer chemistry of LDHs on developing high temperature carbon capture materials. Dalton Trans 2020; 49:923-931. [DOI: 10.1039/c9dt03913a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
(a) SEM image of the fresh MMOs, (b) carbonation/regeneration cycles, and (c) SEM image of the MMOs after 60 carbonation/regeneration cycles of the Ca–Al-ada LDHs.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. V. Manohara
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS)
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- Heriot-Watt University
- Edinburgh EH14 4AS
- UK
| | - M. Mercedes Maroto-Valer
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS)
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- Heriot-Watt University
- Edinburgh EH14 4AS
- UK
| | - Susana Garcia
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS)
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- Heriot-Watt University
- Edinburgh EH14 4AS
- UK
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Wlodarczyk KL, Hand DP, Maroto-Valer MM. Maskless, rapid manufacturing of glass microfluidic devices using a picosecond pulsed laser. Sci Rep 2019; 9:20215. [PMID: 31882878 PMCID: PMC6934552 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56711-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional manufacturing of glass microfluidic devices is a complex, multi-step process that involves a combination of different fabrication techniques, typically photolithography, chemical/dry etching and thermal/anodic bonding. As a result, the process is time-consuming and expensive, in particular when developing microfluidic prototypes or even manufacturing them in low quantity. This report describes a fabrication technique in which a picosecond pulsed laser system is the only tool required to manufacture a microfluidic device from transparent glass substrates. The laser system is used for the generation of microfluidic patterns directly on glass, the drilling of inlet/outlet ports in glass covers, and the bonding of two glass plates together in order to enclose the laser-generated patterns from the top. This method enables the manufacturing of a fully-functional microfluidic device in a few hours, without using any projection masks, dangerous chemicals, and additional expensive tools, e.g., a mask writer or bonding machine. The method allows the fabrication of various types of microfluidic devices, e.g., Hele-Shaw cells and microfluidics comprising complex patterns resembling up-scaled cross-sections of realistic rock samples, suitable for the investigation of CO2 storage, water remediation and hydrocarbon recovery processes. The method also provides a route for embedding small 3D objects inside these devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystian L Wlodarczyk
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom. .,Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
| | - Duncan P Hand
- Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - M Mercedes Maroto-Valer
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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García-Díez E, Schaefer S, Sanchez-Sanchez A, Celzard A, Fierro V, Maroto-Valer MM, García S. Novel Porous Carbons Derived from Coal Tar Rejects: Assessment of the Role of Pore Texture in CO 2 Capture under Realistic Postcombustion Operating Temperatures. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2019; 11:36789-36799. [PMID: 31525014 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b13247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Activated carbons (ACs) are among the most commonly used sorbents for CO2 capture because of their high surface areas and micropore volumes, which depend on precursor and activation methods. In this study, we evaluated different ACs obtained from a low-value fraction of liquid-derived coal pyrolysis, namely phenolic oil, which was used as gel precursor before carbonization and KOH activation. CO2 capture performances were determined at temperatures between 25 and 120 °C, with CO2 concentrations ranging from 5 to 90 vol %. The most efficient sample captured 2.86 mmol of CO2/g AC at 25 °C and 1 bar, which is a highly competitive capture capacity, comparable to previously reported values for ACs without any modification/functionalization. Finally, their thermal stability and cyclability (i.e., for a minimum of six adsorption-desorption cycles) were evaluated. CO2 uptake was not affected by desorption temperature after six adsorption-desorption cycles. On the basis of the results obtained in this work, the role of the textural properties into the CO2 capture at realistic postcombustion temperatures and partial pressures was elucidated. In particular, we concluded that CO2 adsorption performance was more related to the volume of the narrowest pores and to the average pore size than to the surface area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique García-Díez
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences , Heriot-Watt University , Edinburgh EH14 4AS , United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Alain Celzard
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, IJL , F-88000 Epinal , France
| | - Vanessa Fierro
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, IJL , F-88000 Epinal , France
| | - M Mercedes Maroto-Valer
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences , Heriot-Watt University , Edinburgh EH14 4AS , United Kingdom
| | - Susana García
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences , Heriot-Watt University , Edinburgh EH14 4AS , United Kingdom
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Vera E, García S, Maroto-Valer MM, Pfeiffer H. CO2–CO capture and kinetic analyses of sodium cobaltate under various partial pressures. ADSORPTION 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10450-019-00167-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Abstract
Anthropogenic CO2 is the main contributor to the increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and thus utilising waste CO2 for the production of valuable chemicals is a very appealing strategy for reducing CO2 emissions. The catalytic fixation of CO2 with epoxides for the production of cyclic carbonates has gained increasing attention from the research community in search of an alternative to the homogeneous catalytic routes, which are currently being used in industry. A novel photocatalytic heterogeneous approach to generate cyclic carbonates is demonstrated in this work. Hyper-branched microstructured Ru modified TiO2 nanorods decorated with RuO2 nanoparticles, supported on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass were fabricated for the first time and were used to catalyse the photo-generation of propylene carbonates from propylene oxides. Propylene carbonate was used as a reference for cyclic carbonates. The photo-generation of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and CO2 was carried out at a maximum temperature of 55 °C at 200 kPa in a stainless steel photoreactor with a quartz window, under solar irradiation for 6 h. The best performing photocatalyst exhibited an estimated selectivity of 83% towards propylene carbonates under the irradiation of a solar simulator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stelios Gavrielides
- Research Centre of Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering & Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Jeannie Z Y Tan
- Research Centre of Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering & Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Eva Sanchez Fernandez
- Research Centre of Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering & Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - M Mercedes Maroto-Valer
- Research Centre of Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering & Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK.
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Kalamaras E, Maroto-Valer MM, Andresen JM, Wang H, Xuan J. Thermodynamic Analysis of the Efficiency of Photoelectrochemical CO2 Reduction to Ethanol. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.egypro.2019.01.204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Kalamaras E, Belekoukia M, Tan JZY, Xuan J, Maroto-Valer MM, Andresen J. A microfluidic photoelectrochemical cell for solar-driven CO2 conversion into liquid fuels with CuO-based photocathodes. Faraday Discuss 2019; 215:329-344. [DOI: 10.1039/c8fd00192h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Schematic representation of photoelectrochemical CO2 reduction set-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos Kalamaras
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS)
- School of Engineering & Physical Sciences
- Heriot-Watt University
- Edinburgh
- UK
| | - Meltiani Belekoukia
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS)
- School of Engineering & Physical Sciences
- Heriot-Watt University
- Edinburgh
- UK
| | - Jeannie Z. Y. Tan
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS)
- School of Engineering & Physical Sciences
- Heriot-Watt University
- Edinburgh
- UK
| | - Jin Xuan
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- Loughborough University
- Loughborough
- UK
| | - M. Mercedes Maroto-Valer
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS)
- School of Engineering & Physical Sciences
- Heriot-Watt University
- Edinburgh
- UK
| | - John M. Andresen
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS)
- School of Engineering & Physical Sciences
- Heriot-Watt University
- Edinburgh
- UK
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29
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Thompson WA, Olivo A, Zanardo D, Cruciani G, Menegazzo F, Signoretto M, Maroto-Valer MM. Systematic study of TiO2/ZnO mixed metal oxides for CO2 photoreduction. RSC Adv 2019; 9:21660-21666. [PMID: 35518894 PMCID: PMC9066424 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra03435h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel example using a systematic design of experiments mixture design for developing mixed metal oxide photocatalysts for CO2 photoreduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren A. Thompson
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS)
- School of Engineering & Physical Sciences
- HeriotWatt University
- Edinburgh
- UK
| | | | - Danny Zanardo
- CatMat Lab
- Dept. of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems
- Ca' Foscari University Venice
- Consortium INSTM
- RU of Venice
| | - Giuseppe Cruciani
- Department of Physics and Earth Sciences
- University of Ferrara
- Ferrara
- Italy
| | - Federica Menegazzo
- CatMat Lab
- Dept. of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems
- Ca' Foscari University Venice
- Consortium INSTM
- RU of Venice
| | - Michela Signoretto
- CatMat Lab
- Dept. of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems
- Ca' Foscari University Venice
- Consortium INSTM
- RU of Venice
| | - M. Mercedes Maroto-Valer
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS)
- School of Engineering & Physical Sciences
- HeriotWatt University
- Edinburgh
- UK
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30
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Izquierdo MT, Saleh A, Sánchez-Fernández E, Maroto-Valer MM, García S. High-Temperature CO2 Capture by Li4SiO4 Sorbents: Effect of CO2 Concentration and Cyclic Performance under Representative Conditions. Ind Eng Chem Res 2018. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.8b02317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Teresa Izquierdo
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, EH14 4AS Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Instituto de Carboquímica, ICB-CSIC, c/Miguel Luesma, 4, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ahmed Saleh
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, EH14 4AS Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Eva Sánchez-Fernández
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, EH14 4AS Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - M. Mercedes Maroto-Valer
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, EH14 4AS Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Susana García
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, EH14 4AS Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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31
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Wlodarczyk KL, Carter RM, Jahanbakhsh A, Lopes AA, Mackenzie MD, Maier RRJ, Hand DP, Maroto-Valer MM. Rapid Laser Manufacturing of Microfluidic Devices from Glass Substrates. Micromachines (Basel) 2018; 9:E409. [PMID: 30424342 PMCID: PMC6187741 DOI: 10.3390/mi9080409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Conventional manufacturing of microfluidic devices from glass substrates is a complex, multi-step process that involves different fabrication techniques and tools. Hence, it is time-consuming and expensive, in particular for the prototyping of microfluidic devices in low quantities. This article describes a laser-based process that enables the rapid manufacturing of enclosed micro-structures by laser micromachining and microwelding of two 1.1-mm-thick borosilicate glass plates. The fabrication process was carried out only with a picosecond laser (Trumpf TruMicro 5×50) that was used for: (a) the generation of microfluidic patterns on glass, (b) the drilling of inlet/outlet ports into the material, and (c) the bonding of two glass plates together in order to enclose the laser-generated microstructures. Using this manufacturing approach, a fully-functional microfluidic device can be fabricated in less than two hours. Initial fluid flow experiments proved that the laser-generated microstructures are completely sealed; thus, they show a potential use in many industrial and scientific areas. This includes geological and petroleum engineering research, where such microfluidic devices can be used to investigate single-phase and multi-phase flow of various fluids (such as brine, oil, and CO₂) in porous media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystian L Wlodarczyk
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK.
- Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK.
| | - Richard M Carter
- Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK.
| | - Amir Jahanbakhsh
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK.
| | - Amiel A Lopes
- Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK.
| | - Mark D Mackenzie
- Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK.
| | - Robert R J Maier
- Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK.
| | - Duncan P Hand
- Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK.
| | - M Mercedes Maroto-Valer
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK.
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32
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Garcia S, Fernandez ES, Stewart AJ, Maroto-Valer MM. Process Integration of Post-combustion CO2 Capture with Li4SiO4/Li2CO3 Looping in a NGCC Plant. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.egypro.2017.03.1421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Ojeda M, Mazaj M, Garcia S, Xuan J, Maroto-Valer MM, Logar NZ. Novel Amine-impregnated Mesostructured Silica Materials for CO2 Capture. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.egypro.2017.03.1362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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34
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Sanna A, Steel L, Maroto-Valer MM. Carbon dioxide sequestration using NaHSO 4 and NaOH: A dissolution and carbonation optimisation study. J Environ Manage 2017; 189:84-97. [PMID: 28011430 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2016.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The use of NaHSO4 to leach out Mg fromlizardite-rich serpentinite (in form of MgSO4) and the carbonation of CO2 (captured in form of Na2CO3 using NaOH) to form MgCO3 and Na2SO4 was investigated. Unlike ammonium sulphate, sodium sulphate can be separated via precipitation during the recycling step avoiding energy intensive evaporation process required in NH4-based processes. To determine the effectiveness of the NaHSO4/NaOH process when applied to lizardite, the optimisation of the dissolution and carbonation steps were performed using a UK lizardite-rich serpentine. Temperature, solid/liquid ratio, particle size, concentration and molar ratio were evaluated. An optimal dissolution efficiency of 69.6% was achieved over 3 h at 100 °C using 1.4 M sodium bisulphate and 50 g/l serpentine with particle size 75-150 μm. An optimal carbonation efficiency of 95.4% was achieved over 30 min at 90 °C and 1:1 magnesium:sodium carbonate molar ratio using non-synthesised solution. The CO2 sequestration capacity was 223.6 g carbon dioxide/kg serpentine (66.4% in terms of Mg bonded to hydromagnesite), which is comparable with those obtained using ammonium based processes. Therefore, lizardite-rich serpentinites represent a valuable resource for the NaHSO4/NaOH based pH swing mineralisation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimaro Sanna
- Centre for Innovation in Carbon Capture and Storage (CICCS), Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering (IMPEE), School of Engineering & Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK.
| | - Luc Steel
- Centre for Innovation in Carbon Capture and Storage (CICCS), Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering (IMPEE), School of Engineering & Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK
| | - M Mercedes Maroto-Valer
- Centre for Innovation in Carbon Capture and Storage (CICCS), Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering (IMPEE), School of Engineering & Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK
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35
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Ojeda M, Kumar DK, Chen B, Xuan J, Maroto-Valer MM, Leung DYC, Wang H. Polymeric Templating Synthesis of Anatase TiO2Nanoparticles from Low-Cost Inorganic Titanium Sources. ChemistrySelect 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.201601795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Ojeda
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences; Heriot-Watt University; Edinburgh EH14 4AS United Kingdom
| | - D. Kishore Kumar
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences; Heriot-Watt University; Edinburgh EH14 4AS United Kingdom
| | - Binbin Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering; The University of Hong Kong; Pokfulam Road Hong Kong
| | - Jin Xuan
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences; Heriot-Watt University; Edinburgh EH14 4AS United Kingdom
| | - M. Mercedes Maroto-Valer
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences; Heriot-Watt University; Edinburgh EH14 4AS United Kingdom
| | - Dennis Y. C. Leung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering; The University of Hong Kong; Pokfulam Road Hong Kong
| | - Huizhi Wang
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences; Heriot-Watt University; Edinburgh EH14 4AS United Kingdom
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36
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Sanna A, Maroto-Valer MM. Potassium-based sorbents from fly ash for high-temperature CO 2 capture. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2016; 23:22242-22252. [PMID: 26943339 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-6378-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Potassium-fly ash (K-FA) sorbents were investigated for high-temperature CO2 sorption. K-FAs were synthesised using coal fly ash as source of silica and aluminium. The synthesised materials were also mixed with Li2CO3 and Ca(OH)2 to evaluate their effect on CO2 capture. Temperature strongly affected the performance of the K-FA sorbents, resulting in a CO2 uptake of 1.45 mmol CO2/g sorbent for K-FA 1:1 at 700 °C. The CO2 sorption was enhanced by the presence of Li2CO3 (10 wt%), with the K-FA 1:1 capturing 2.38 mmol CO2/g sorbent at 700 °C in 5 min. This sorption was found to be similar to previously developed Li-Na-FA (2.54 mmol/g) and Li-FA (2.4 mmol/g) sorbents. The presence of 10 % Li2CO3 also accelerated sorption and desorption. The results suggest that the increased uptake of CO2 and faster reaction rates in presence of K-FA can be ascribed to the formation of K-Li eutectic phase, which favours the diffusion of potassium and CO2 in the material matrix. The cyclic experiments showed that the K-FA materials maintained stable CO2 uptake and reaction rates over 10 cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimaro Sanna
- Centre for Innovation in Carbon Capture and Storage (CICCS), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, 3.04 Nasmyth Building, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK.
| | - M Mercedes Maroto-Valer
- Centre for Innovation in Carbon Capture and Storage (CICCS), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, 3.04 Nasmyth Building, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK
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Aysu T, Maroto-Valer MM, Sanna A. Ceria promoted deoxygenation and denitrogenation of Thalassiosira weissflogii and its model compounds by catalytic in-situ pyrolysis. Bioresour Technol 2016; 208:140-148. [PMID: 26938809 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2016.02.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Pyrolysis of microcrystalline cellulose, egg white powder, palm-jojoba oils mixtures Thalassiosira weissflogii model compounds was performed with CeO2 at 500°C, to evaluate its catalytic upgrading mechanism. Light organics, aromatics and aliphatics were originated from carbohydrates, proteins and lipids, respectively. Dehydration and decarboxylation were the main reactions involved in the algae and model compounds deoxygenation, while nitrogen was removed as NH3 and HCN. CeO2 increased decarbonylation reactions compared to in absence of catalyst, with production of ketones. The results showed that the catalysts had a significant effect on the pyrolysis products composition of T. weissflogii. CeO2, NiCeAl2O3 and MgCe/Al2O3 catalysts increased the aliphatics and decreased the oxygen content in bio-oils to 6-7 wt% of the algae starting O2 content. Ceria catalysts were also able to consistently reduce the N-content in the bio-oil to 20-38% of that in the parent material, with NiCe/Al2O3 being the most effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tevfik Aysu
- Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, EH14 4AS Edinburgh, UK; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Education, Yuzuncu Yil University, 65080 Van, Turkey
| | - M Mercedes Maroto-Valer
- Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, EH14 4AS Edinburgh, UK
| | - Aimaro Sanna
- Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, EH14 4AS Edinburgh, UK.
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38
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimaro Sanna
- Centre
for Innovation in Carbon Capture and Storage (CICCS), Institute of
Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering (IMPEE), School of Engineering
and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, EH14 4AS, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - M. Mercedes Maroto-Valer
- Centre
for Innovation in Carbon Capture and Storage (CICCS), Institute of
Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering (IMPEE), School of Engineering
and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, EH14 4AS, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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40
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41
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Abstract
Copper based TiO2 monolithic structures threaded with optical fibers exhibit better activity than pure TiO2 for CO2 reduction under visible or UV light irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwafunmilola Ola
- Centre for Innovation in Carbon Capture and Storage (CICCS)
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- Heriot-Watt University
- Edinburgh, UK
| | - M. Mercedes Maroto-Valer
- Centre for Innovation in Carbon Capture and Storage (CICCS)
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- Heriot-Watt University
- Edinburgh, UK
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42
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Ola O, Mercedes Maroto-Valer M. Role of catalyst carriers in CO2 photoreduction over nanocrystalline nickel loaded TiO2-based photocatalysts. J Catal 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcat.2013.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Rallo M, Lopez-Anton MA, Contreras ML, Maroto-Valer MM. Mercury policy and regulations for coal-fired power plants. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2012; 19:1084-1096. [PMID: 22090257 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-011-0658-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2011] [Accepted: 11/02/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mercury is a high-priority regulatory concern because of its persistence and bioaccumulation in the environment and evidence of its having serious adverse effects on the neurological development of children. DISCUSSION Mercury is released into the atmosphere from both natural and anthropogenic sources. Coal-fired utilities are considered to be one of the largest anthropogenic mercury emission sources. The period since the late 1990s has been marked by increasing concern over mercury emissions from combustion systems to the extent that a number of national governments have either already implemented or are in the process of implementing, legislation aimed at enforcing tighter control over mercury emissions and a reduction in mercury consumption. CONCLUSION This review examines the most important national and international policies and agreements for controlling mercury emissions from coal-fired combustion systems. To provide a global perspective, this study lists the countries with the largest estimated mercury emissions and regulatory efforts to reduce them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Rallo
- Energy and Sustainability Research Division, Faculty of Engineering, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
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Wang X, Maroto-Valer MM. Integration of CO2 capture and mineral carbonation by using recyclable ammonium salts. ChemSusChem 2011; 4:1291-1300. [PMID: 21732542 PMCID: PMC3210825 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.201000441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2010] [Revised: 05/18/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
A new approach to capture and store CO(2) by mineral carbonation using recyclable ammonium salts was studied. This process integrates CO(2) capture with mineral carbonation by employing NH(3), NH(4)HSO(4), and NH(4)HCO(3) in the capture, mineral dissolution, and carbonation steps, respectively. NH(4)HSO(4) and NH(3) can then be regenerated by thermal decomposition of (NH(4))(2)SO(4). The use of NH(4)HCO(3) as the source of CO(2) can avoid desorption and compression of CO(2). The mass ratio of Mg/NH(4)HCO(3)/NH(3) is the key factor controlling carbonation and the optimum ratio of 1:4:2 gives a conversion of Mg ions to hydromagnesite of 95.5%. Thermogravimetric analysis studies indicated that the regeneration efficiency of NH(4)HSO(4) and NH(3) in this process is 95%. The mass balance of the process shows that about 2.63 tonnes of serpentine, 0.12 tonnes of NH(4)HSO(4), 7.48 tonnes of NH(4)HCO(3), and 0.04 tonnes of NH(3) are required to sequester 1 tonne of CO(2) as hydromagnesite.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M Mercedes Maroto-Valer
- [a] X. Wang, Prof. M. M. Maroto-Valer Centre for Innovation in Carbon Capture and Storage (CICCS), Energy and Sustainability Research Division, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park, NG7 2RD (UK), Fax: (+44) 115-951-4115 E-mail:
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Olivares-Marín M, Castro-Díaz M, Drage TC, Mercedes Maroto-Valer M. Use of small-amplitude oscillatory shear rheometry to study the flow properties of pure and potassium-doped Li2ZrO3 sorbents during the sorption of CO2 at high temperatures. Sep Purif Technol 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2010.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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46
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Rallo M, Lopez-Anton MA, Meij R, Perry R, Maroto-Valer MM. Study of mercury in by-products from a Dutch co-combustion power station. J Hazard Mater 2010; 174:28-33. [PMID: 19773118 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2009.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2009] [Revised: 09/02/2009] [Accepted: 09/03/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Fly ashes and gypsum are one of the main wastes produced in coal-fired power stations which may be sent to landfills for their disposal. In this work, leaching and speciation of mercury in fly ashes and gypsum from a modern co-combustion power plant equipped with a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) unit in the Netherlands were studied. The mercury leachable contents were checked against different regulations, including Dutch, German and the Council Directive 2003/33/EC. The speciation of mercury in coal combustion products is essential not only to determine the risk when the wastes are finally disposed but also to understand the behaviour of mercury during combustion and therefore to select the appropriate mercury removal technology. A temperature-programmed decomposition technique was used in order to identify and quantify which mercury species are associated with coal combustion products. The main mercury species identified in fly ash samples was mercury sulphate, whereas in the gypsum sample the mercury present was mercury chloride. The quantitative mercury results carried out using the thermal desorption method may be considered accurate. The results obtained show that fly ash and gypsum samples from this power plant can be acceptable at landfills as a non-hazardous waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Rallo
- Fuels and Power Technology Research Division, Faculty of Engineering, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
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Abstract
The kinetics of the dissolution of carbon dioxide in water and subsequent chemical reactions through to the formation of calcium carbonate, a system of reactions integral to carbon sequestration and anthropogenic ocean acidification, is mathematically modelled using the mass action law. This group of reactions is expressed as a system of five coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations, with 14 independent parameters. The evolution of this system to equilibrium at 25
°
C and 1 atm, following an instantaneous injection of gaseous carbon dioxide, is simulated. An asymptotic analysis captures the leading-order behaviour of the system over six disparate time scales, yielding expressions for all species in each time scale. These approximations show excellent agreement with simulations of the full system, and give remarkably simple formulae for the equilibrium concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J. Mitchell
- School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Oliver E. Jensen
- School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - K. Andrew Cliffe
- School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - M. Mercedes Maroto-Valer
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
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Maroto-Valer MM, Lu Z, Zhang Y, Tang Z. Sorbents for CO2 capture from high carbon fly ashes. Waste Manag 2008; 28:2320-2328. [PMID: 18093818 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2007.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2006] [Revised: 08/15/2007] [Accepted: 10/31/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Fly ashes with high-unburned-carbon content, referred to as fly ash carbons, are an increasing problem for the utility industry, since they cannot be marketed as a cement extender and, therefore, have to be disposed. Previous work has explored the potential development of amine-enriched fly ash carbons for CO2 capture. However, their performance was lower than that of commercially available sorbents, probably because the samples investigated were not activated prior to impregnation and, therefore, had a very low surface area. Accordingly, the work described here focuses on the development of activated fly ash derived sorbents for CO2 capture. The samples were steam activated at 850 degrees C, resulting in a significant increase of the surface area (1075 m2/g). The activated samples were impregnated with different amine compounds, and the resultant samples were tested for CO2 capture at different temperatures. The CO2 adsorption of the parent and activated samples is typical of a physical adsorption process. The impregnation process results in a decrease of the surface areas, indicating a blocking of the porosity. The highest adsorption capacity at 30 and 70 degrees C for the amine impregnated activated carbons was probably due to a combination of physical adsorption inherent from the parent sample and chemical adsorption of the loaded amine groups. The CO2 adsorption capacities for the activated amine impregnated samples are higher than those previously published for fly ash carbons without activation (68.6 vs. 45 mg CO2/g sorbent).
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mercedes Maroto-Valer
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom.
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Snape CE, Morrison WR, Maroto-Valer MM, Karkalas J, Pethrick RA. Solid state13C NMR investigation of lipid ligands in V-amylose inclusion complexes. Carbohydr Polym 1998. [DOI: 10.1016/s0144-8617(98)00010-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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