Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy最新文献

This study examines geothermal and biomass energy as cleaner alternatives in seven renewable-focused countries in the context of sustainable development and global carbon-neutrality objectives. Geothermal power provides significant emission reductions, with facilities around 99% less CO₂ and 97% less SO₂ compared to equivalent fossil-fuel plants. Biomass energy is regarded as carbon-neutral in CO₂ assessments; however, it still emits SO₂ and NO_x. We utilize a Fourier-augmented bootstrap ARDL model to examine long-term energy-emissions relationships, a Fourier-augmented Toda-Yamamoto causality test, and wavelet coherence for time-frequency co-movements. Research indicates validation of the Environmental Kuznets Curve in certain economies (USA, Italy), but not in others (France, Portugal, New Zealand, Turkey, Australia). France has no Environmental Kuznets Curve impact. Data from the EEA for Italy indicate the possible advantages; geothermal expansion from 2005 to 2018 averted approximately 2 Mt of CO₂ and reduced around 0.9 kt of NO_x and 0.7 kt of SO₂. Current business-as-usual predictions significantly exceed net-zero objectives, with existing commitments anticipated to result in around 22 Gt CO₂ emissions by 2050. Conversely, IEA models anticipate over 90% renewable electricity by 2050, emphasizing the benefits of geothermal and biomass optimization. Essential policy recommendations for parallel economies encompass tripling clean energy investments by 2030, implementing robust carbon pricing and renewable mandates, and enhancing international collaboration on technology and finance. These actions would capitalize on geothermal and biomass potential to reduce emissions by the middle of the century. Renewable energy sources help reduce pollutant emissions, enhancing air quality and providing public health benefits.

The integration of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) into Metal Oxides has garnered significant interest due to their unique combined synergistic effects, morphological features, and outstanding performance across various high-tech applications ranging from sustainable solutions to environmental and energy sector problems. This article comprehensively covers every aspect of pristine MOF and MOF@MO composite materials, spanning synthesis methodologies, morphological features, synergistic effects, and their extensive applications in the environmental and energy sectors. The article begins by detailing the synthesis methods for pristine MOFs and MOF@MO composites. It systematically illustrates the combined synergistic effects of MOF@MO composite materials, highlighting their enhanced properties and morphological characteristics in a schematic manner. Subsequently, the article delves into the applications of these composite materials in environmental and energy sectors, including wastewater treatment, energy storage and conversion, supercapacitors, and wastewater treatment technologies. Moreover, this study highlights the underlying mechanisms involved during these applications and discusses their key findings. Furthermore, the article consolidates recent research and integrated studies up to the present, providing a comprehensive overview of advancements in the field. It concludes with a precise and concise conclusion, offering insights into future prospects and inviting new researchers and professionals to explore emerging opportunities in this promising area of study.

Blue hydrogen offers a promising solution for mitigating global warming. Accordingly, improving carbon capture in blue H₂ plant designs becomes crucial. This study assesses and compares the viability of technologies for 100 and 400 tonnes-per-day plants, considering technical, environmental, and economic aspects using Aspen HYSYS and ReCiPe methodology for process simulation and life cycle assessment respectively. The hybrid absorption/adsorption system demonstrated superior long-term profitability and higher net present value, despite its higher capital costs. In contrast, the adsorption-only system resulted in a shorter payback period and lower equivalent emissions. The cost of hydrogen production was $2.20/kg for the former and $1.80/kg for the latter, with a slight difference in rate of return. Additionally, sensitivity analysis revealed the impact of natural gas costs, H₂ and CO₂ selling prices, and zeolite costs on profitability. Also, scale-up showed that a plant with a larger capacity is more profitable.

A comprehensive assessment is carried out on bifacial solar photovoltaic (bPV) systems, focusing on two surface types— proposed Freshwater Surface (PFWS) and Conventional White Surface (CWS)—to compare their performance outcomes. Optimal operating parameters—such as a 6 cm water depth, 100 cm panel elevation, and a 90° tilt angle—were determined through experimental trials combined with statistical optimization using Central Composite Design (CCD) within the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) framework. The PFWS configuration consistently demonstrated superior performance, achieving power output gains ranging from 3.05% to 4.86% over CWS. Although energy and exergy efficiencies between the two configurations were closely matched, PFWS yielded a slightly higher average output, confirming its improved energy capture capability. From an economic standpoint, PFWS showed a clear advantage, with higher Net Present Value (NPV) figures across all evaluated timeframes—ranging from $309.05 to $335.95—compared to CWS, which ranged from $288.42 to $330.96. In terms of sustainability, PFWS also achieved better environmental performance, with increased Gross Carbon Reduction (GCR) values (891.884 to 892.873 tCO₂) and a reduced Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), demonstrating enhanced cost-effectiveness and carbon mitigation potential. PFWS proves more sustainable and scalable for solar energy, ideal in sunny, land-limited regions.

Ni-citrate, Mg-citrate, and bimetallic NiMg-citrate complexes with equal molarities of Ni and Mg were synthesized using a green synthesis method to develop alternative electrolyte materials for capacitors. The synthesis was microwave-assisted using NiSO₄, MgSO₄, citric acid, acetic acid, distilled water, and ethanol as starting materials. Each complex electrolyte material was prepared as a 1% distilled water solution and used as electrolytes in the capacitor cell formed by the two-electrode method. Electrochemical performance evaluations were conducted using Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Electro Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) analyses. Results showed significant differences in the materials' capacitive and electrochemical behavior. The redox reaction occurring in two regions (0.17 V and 0.45 V) with the Mg-citrate structure was observed only at 0.47 V levels with Ni dominance in the NiMg-citrate complex electrolyte. Cycle life analysis showed that the NiMg-citrate electrolyte is the second ideal structure after Mg-citrate at low scan rates, while at 50 mV s⁻¹ and above, this performance is below the Ni-citrate electrolyte. The highest discharge capacitance value of 378 mF cm⁻² was obtained in the Mg-citrate electrolyte. The findings show that Ni and Mg containing citrate complexes produced by green synthesis can be evaluated as eco-friendly, low-cost electrolyte alternatives.

Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) systems have emerged as sustainable solutions to address water scarcity by condensing atmospheric moisture. However, the cold, dehumidified exhaust air generated during the condensation process in AWG systems is often released into the ambient environment without any secondary utilization. This study presents a novel dual-utility AWG system that harnesses the cold exhaust air for simultaneous water generation and cooling of an enclosed space, thereby enhancing overall energy utilization without requiring additional power input. The proposed system integrates the AWG exhaust outlet with a heat exchanger, enabling effective thermal exchange between the cold dehumidified air and the recirculated cold room air. This configuration maintains a sub-ambient temperature within the enclosed space while the AWG unit continues potable water production. Experimental investigations demonstrated that the integrated system could achieve a temperature at least 10°C lower than the ambient range of 28°C–32°C within a prototype cold room of 22.65 m³ volume. The system produced 195.73 L/day on day 1, with a corresponding specific energy consumption (SEC) of 0.49 kWh/L. On day 2, the water yield was 92.63 L/day, with an SEC of 1.04 kWh/L. These results validate the system's energy efficiency and dual functionality, showcasing its potential for sustainable cold storage applications in water-scarce and warm climatic regions.

In this study, used lubricant oil was recycled using sulfuric acid, soda ash, rosin, and potash alum. The study found that the physicochemical properties of the recovered oil were closely aligned with the properties of fresh oils, indicating that the recycling process via this modified method was effective. The quality of the recycled oil was assessed using various physio-chemical tests, which included evaluating its viscosity, density, pour point, and aniline point. The analysis of the density of the used oil revealed a value of 863.54 kg/m³, whereas the density of the recovered oil sample showed a decrease to 850.26 kg/m³. This implies the treatment process was effective in eliminating the solid heavy impurities from the used oil. Additionally, the chemical composition of the recycled oil was analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and UV–Visible spectra, which demonstrated that the composition of the recycled oil was similar to that of fresh oil. The FT-IR analysis further revealed the presence of oxidized products in the used oil, which contributed to the oil's contamination. However, the UV analysis confirmed that the recycled oil was free from impurities post-treatment, highlighting the effectiveness of the recycling process.