Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering最新文献

Modern robotic equipment has yielded a plethora of time-resolved data collected during a set of experiments aiming to study the kinetics of a pharmaceutical reaction. This has generated the need for a modeling methodology that will represent the reaction’s time evolution. The present communication highlights the main characteristics of the Dynamic Response Surface Methodology (DRSM), which generalizes the classical Response Surface Methodology by incorporating time as an independent variable in the estimated data-driven model. We also highlight the process insights this model reveals. Besides listing the substantial number of studies that have used this type of model, we also describe how the DRSM models of all the measured species can be used to discover the stoichiometric model of a reaction system. Some comparisons with other data-driven modeling approaches are commented upon.

As the biopharmaceutical industry advances to meet the pressures of an expanding product portfolio and global demand, it will continue to face new challenges while concurrently implementing Quality-by-Design principles. At this forefront, flowsheet modeling frameworks will become increasingly important in silico decisional tools during the process design phase. Flowsheet models further enable screening of process configurations, evaluation of technological alternatives, and identification and alleviation of potential bottlenecks within the context of technoeconomic and environmental impact studies. This review summarizes the recent literature on flowsheet methodologies within the monoclonal antibody sector. Key gaps and assumptions, primarily in the simulation of upstream production, present in current flowsheet approaches are examined. Strategies to overcome the identified assumptions are presented, involving the integration of higher resolution unit operation models to improve the accuracy of process assessments by incorporating biologically relevant constraints while maintaining computational feasibility.

Catalytic reduction represents a promising avenue for addressing some of the most pressing challenges in energy and environmental research. However, the absence of efficient electron management has emerged as a fundamental obstacle to practical applications. Piezocatalysis, a newcomer in charge carrier–based catalysis, holds the potential to overcome this bottleneck. By utilizing mechanical energy, the most ubiquitous and accessible source of energy in the environment yet underutilized, piezocatalysis enables efficient charge separation to retard recombination and thereby maximize charge utilization. This review discusses key achievements in piezocatalytic reduction for acquiring clean water, alternative fuels, and high-value-added chemicals. Challenges and potential research directions are outlined to stimulate further discussion.

Photocatalysis utilizes inexhaustible solar energy to provide a green and sustainable solution for environmental remediation and energy storage. The step-scheme (S-scheme) heterojunction was proposed to overcome the deficiencies of traditional type-II and Z-scheme heterojunctions in terms of kinetics and thermodynamics. This review aims to convey the state-of-the-art progress and achievements in the development of S-scheme heterojunctions. Firstly, the origins and fundamental principles of S-scheme heterojunctions were summarized. Secondly, the significant applications of S-scheme heterojunctions photocatalysts in hydrogen/hydrogen peroxide production, CO₂ reduction, pollutants degradation and bacteria disinfection were discussed. Thirdly, the facing challenges and prospects of S-scheme heterojunctions in industrial application were highlighted. At last, we proposed the future direction of researching S-scheme heterojunctions, including NIR absorption, interface engineering, co-catalysts, IT techniques and experimental robots, in order to provide novel insight for clean energy exploration and environmental issues treatment.

Composites of semiconductors forming various heterojunctions have become more and more extensively explored in photocatalysis, but the heterojunction classification seems abstruse. This paper aims to present a strategy for correctly elucidating the heterojunction type. The following guidelines are proposed: (I) the determination of band alignment, (II) the thermodynamic analysis of the interface, and (III) the verification of charge fate and charge transfer kinetics under irradiation. The experimental techniques appropriate for particular steps, including novel approaches, are listed, and their limitations are identified. Following the presented strategy, it is possible to conduct the analysis, which explores the intricate dynamics of photoinduced charges within correctly classified heterojunctions. Such a strategy gives a more reliable picture than often presented, oversimplified study.

Polymer carbon nitrides, such as C₃N₄ and C₃N₅, have considerable promise in photocatalysis because of their unusual thermostability, nontoxicity, and high solar energy usage efficiency. The S-scheme charge transfer mechanism can strengthen the whole photoactivity of a heterojunction by facilitating effective charge separation and maximizing redox capabilities. We outline the evolution from classic C₃N₄ to current C₃N₅, as well as the advanced S-scheme heterojunction technique for further photocatalysis advancement in energy conversion and environmental remediation. Furthermore, an outlook on future challenges and prospects for C₃N₄- and C₃N₅-based S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts is presented.

Digital applications (DAs) are online/real-time software systems for decision support and control of process operations. They deliver superior process performance by drawing on accurate models derived from prior scientific and engineering knowledge, combined with plant data. This article reviews recent developments on DAs for open-loop process monitoring and closed-loop control in pharmaceutical operations and analyzes the requirements that they pose on the underlying mathematical models. It also discusses the challenges that need to be overcome to allow their deployment at scale in the pharmaceutical sector.

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) stand out as promising solutions for wastewater purification. An integration of a photothermal effect in AOPs will bring about a transformative impact on the processes. This innovative approach will boost treatment efficiency and overcome the limitations of the conventional ones. In this review, we thoroughly investigate the progress of applying a photothermal effect on various AOPs technologies for robust wastewater treatment. Our discussion encompasses the origin of the photothermal effect, elucidation of its working principles, and a summary of strategies for engineering the photothermal effect to catalytically remove contaminants. Furthermore, we delve into the diverse applications of photothermal effect in wastewater treatment technologies, spanning photocatalysis, peroxymonosulfate activation, and the Fenton reaction. Finally, we identify some challenges and outline future prospectives for the implementation of photothermal wastewater treatment. This review is anticipated to rejuvenate conventional AOPs, offering more clean, sustainable, and efficient technologies for wastewater treatment.

Hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) is widely acknowledged as a promising green approach for enhancing various production and waste management processes, such as water treatment, sludge pretreatment, lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) pretreatment, emulsification, and food processing. Despite demonstrating superior industrialization potential compared with other emerging technologies such as ultrasound and microwave, the widespread commercial adoption of HC remained limited even after three decades of development. This review aims to assess the current distance from industrialization and promote the advancement of HC by summarizing recent progress in the pilot or full-scale applications, particularly in biodiesel synthesis, water treatment, and the pretreatment of sludge and LCB. Special attention is given to treatment capacity and economic efficiency.

The fabrication of heterojunction has attracted much attention in the photodegradation of organic pollutants and water splitting due to that heterojunction structure markedly improved the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers. In this review, Z-/S-scheme bismuth inorganics-based graphite carbon nitride heterojunctions are summarized for the enhanced photodegradation of organic pollutants and H₂ production. The main active species, photocatalytic degradation mechanism, and pathways of how the various heterojunctions perform the efficient improvement of photocatalytic efficiency are further addressed. Finally, the challenges and perspectives about this aspect of research are emphasized.