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ChemEngineering

ChemEngineering is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on the science and technology of chemical engineering, published bimonthly online by MDPI.

Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, ESCI (Web of Science), Inspec, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Engineering, Chemical) / CiteScore - Q1 (General Engineering )
Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 29.6 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 5.7 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2025).
Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.

Impact Factor: 3.4 (2024); 5-Year Impact Factor: 3.1 (2024)

Imprint Information Journal Flyer Open Access ISSN: 2305-7084

Latest Articles

14 pages, 1483 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Dynamics Simulation of PFAS Adsorption on Graphene for Enhanced Water Purification

by Bashar Awawdeh, Matteo D’Alessio, Sasan Nouranian, Ahmed Al-Ostaz, Mine Ucak-Astarlioglu and Hunain Alkhateb

ChemEngineering 2025, 9(4), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering9040083 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

The contamination of drinking water by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) presents a global concern due to their extreme persistence, driven by strong C–F bonds. This study investigated the potential of graphene as a filtration material for PFAS removal, focusing on six key [...] Read more.

The contamination of drinking water by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) presents a global concern due to their extreme persistence, driven by strong C–F bonds. This study investigated the potential of graphene as a filtration material for PFAS removal, focusing on six key compounds regulated by the U.S. EPA: PFOA, PFNA, GenX, PFBS, PFOS, and PFHxS. Using molecular simulations, adsorption energy, diffusion coefficients, and PFAS-to-graphene distances were analyzed. The results showed that adsorption strength increased with molecular weight; PFOS (500 g/mol) exhibited the strongest adsorption (−171 kcal/mol). Compounds with sulfonic acid head groups (e.g., PFOS) had stronger interactions than those with carboxylate groups (e.g., PFNA), highlighting the importance of head group chemistry. Shorter graphene-to-PFAS distances also aligned with higher adsorption energies. PFOS, for example, had the shortest distance at 8.23 Å (head) and 6.15 Å (tail) from graphene. Diffusion coefficients decreased with increasing molecular weight and carbon chain length, with lower molecules like PFBS (four carbon atoms) diffusing more rapidly than heavier ones like PFOS and PFNA. Interestingly, graphene enhanced PFAS mobility in water, likely by disrupting the water structure and lowering intermolecular resistance. These results highlight graphene’s promise as a high-performance material for PFAS removal and future water purification technologies. Full article

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21 pages, 12700 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of Developed TiO₂ NWs-Fe₂O₃ Modified PES Membranes for Efficient NBB Dye Removal

by Mouna Mansor Hussein, Qusay F. Alsalhy, Mohamed Gar Alalm and M. M. El-Halwany

ChemEngineering 2025, 9(4), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering9040082 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Current work investigates the fabrication and performance of nanocomposite membranes, modified with varying concentrations of hybrid nanostructures comprising titanium nanowires coated with iron nanoparticles (TiO₂ NWs-Fe₂O₃), for the removal of Naphthol Blue Black (NBB) dye from industrial wastewater. [...] Read more.

Current work investigates the fabrication and performance of nanocomposite membranes, modified with varying concentrations of hybrid nanostructures comprising titanium nanowires coated with iron nanoparticles (TiO₂ NWs-Fe₂O₃), for the removal of Naphthol Blue Black (NBB) dye from industrial wastewater. A series of analytical tools were employed to confirm the successful modification including scanning electron microscopy and EDX analysis, porosity and hydrophilicity measurements, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-Ray Diffraction. The incorporation of TiO₂ NWs-Fe₂O₃ has enhanced membrane performance significantly by increasing the PWF and improving dye retention rates of nanocomposite membranes. At 0.7 g of nanostructure content, the modified membrane (M8) achieved a PWF of 93 L/m²·h and NBB dye rejection of over 98%. The flux recovery ratio (FRR) analysis disclosed improved antifouling properties, with the M8 membrane demonstrating a 73.4% FRR. This study confirms the potential of TiO₂ NWs-Fe₂O₃-modified membranes in enhancing water treatment processes, offering a promising solution for industrial wastewater treatment. These outstanding results highlight the potential of the novel PES-TiO₂ NWs-Fe₂O₃ membranes for dye removal and present adequate guidance for the modification of membrane physical properties in the field of wastewater treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Chemical Engineering)

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16 pages, 4017 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Recyclable Platinum Nanocatalyst for Nitroarene Hydrogenation: Gum Acacia Polymer-Stabilized Pt Nanoparticles with TiO₂ Support

by Supriya Prakash, Selvakumar Ponnusamy, Jagadeeswari Rangaraman, Kundana Nakkala and Putrakumar Balla

ChemEngineering 2025, 9(4), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering9040081 - 30 Jul 2025

Platinum has emerged as an optimal catalyst for the selective hydrogenation of nitroarenes owing to its high hydrogenation activity, selectivity, and stability. In this study, we report the fabrication of platinum nanoparticles stabilized on a composite support consisting of gum acacia polymer (GAP) [...] Read more.

Platinum has emerged as an optimal catalyst for the selective hydrogenation of nitroarenes owing to its high hydrogenation activity, selectivity, and stability. In this study, we report the fabrication of platinum nanoparticles stabilized on a composite support consisting of gum acacia polymer (GAP) and TiO₂. It was engineered for the targeted reduction of nitroarenes to arylamines via selective hydrogenation in methanol at ambient temperature. The non-toxic and biocompatible properties of GAP enable it to act as a reducing and stabilizing agent during synthesis. The synthesized nanocatalyst was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Morphological and structural analyses revealed that the fabricated catalyst consisted of minuscule Pt nanoparticles integrated within the GAP framework, accompanied by the corresponding TiO₂ nanoparticles. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was employed to ascertain the Pt content. The mild reaction conditions, decent yields, trouble-free workup, and facile separation of the catalyst make this method a clean and practical alternative to nitroreduction. Selective hydrogenation yielded an average arylamine production of 97.6% over five consecutive cycles, demonstrating the stability of the nanocatalyst without detectable leaching. Full article

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33 pages, 4670 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Universal Prediction of CO₂ Adsorption on Zeolites Using Machine Learning: A Comparative Analysis with Langmuir Isotherm Models

by Emrah Kirtil

ChemEngineering 2025, 9(4), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering9040080 - 28 Jul 2025

The global atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) has exceeded 420 ppm. Adsorption-based carbon capture technologies, offer energy-efficient, sustainable solutions. Relying on classical adsorption models like Langmuir to predict CO₂ uptake presents limitations due to the need for case-specific parameter [...] Read more.

The global atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) has exceeded 420 ppm. Adsorption-based carbon capture technologies, offer energy-efficient, sustainable solutions. Relying on classical adsorption models like Langmuir to predict CO₂ uptake presents limitations due to the need for case-specific parameter fitting. To address this, the present study introduces a universal machine learning (ML) framework using multiple algorithms—Generalized Linear Model (GLM), Feed-forward Multilayer Perceptron (DL), Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Gradient Boosted Trees (GBT)—to reliably predict CO₂ adsorption capacities across diverse zeolite structures and conditions. By compiling over 5700 experimentally measured adsorption data points from 71 independent studies, this approach systematically incorporates critical factors including pore size, Si/Al ratio, cation type, temperature, and pressure. Rigorous Cross-Validation confirmed superior performance of the GBT model (R² = 0.936, RMSE = 0.806 mmol/g), outperforming other ML models and providing comparable performance with classical Langmuir model predictions without separate parameter calibration. Feature importance analysis identified pressure, Si/Al ratio, and cation type as dominant influences on adsorption performance. Overall, this ML-driven methodology demonstrates substantial promise for accelerating material discovery, optimization, and practical deployment of zeolite-based CO₂ capture technologies. Full article

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27 pages, 2690 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adsorption of Methylene Blue on Metakaolin-Based Geopolymers: A Kinetic and Thermodynamic Investigation

by Maryam Hmoudah, Rosanna Paparo, Michela De Luca, Michele Emanuele Fortunato, Olimpia Tammaro, Serena Esposito, Riccardo Tesser, Martino Di Serio, Claudio Ferone, Giuseppina Roviello, Oreste Tarallo and Vincenzo Russo

ChemEngineering 2025, 9(4), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering9040079 - 25 Jul 2025

Metakaolin-based geopolymers with different molar ratios of Si/Al were synthesized and utilized as an efficient adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue (MB) as a model cationic dye from aqueous solution. Various analytical techniques were employed to characterize the synthesized geopolymers. The influence [...] Read more.

Metakaolin-based geopolymers with different molar ratios of Si/Al were synthesized and utilized as an efficient adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue (MB) as a model cationic dye from aqueous solution. Various analytical techniques were employed to characterize the synthesized geopolymers. The influence of the main operation conditions on the adsorption kinetics of MB onto the geopolymer was examined under various operating conditions. Results showed a significant maximum MB adsorption capacity at the temperature of 30 °C for all four types of geopolymers studied (designated as A, B, C, and D) up to 35.3, 23.6, 25.5, and 19.0 mg g⁻¹, respectively. The corresponding order of Si/Al ratio was A < C < B < D. Adsorption kinetics was so fast and reached equilibrium in 10 min, and the experimental results were described using the adsorption dynamic intraparticle model (ADIM). The equilibrium data for MB removal was in agreement with the Langmuir isotherm. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Chemical Engineering)

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10 pages, 460 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Industry 5.0 and Digital Twins in the Chemical Industry: An Approach to the Golden Batch Concept

by Andrés Redchuk and Federico Walas Mateo

ChemEngineering 2025, 9(4), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering9040078 - 25 Jul 2025

In the context of industrial digitalization, the Industry 5.0 paradigm introduces digital twins as a cutting-edge solution. This study explores the concept of digital twins and their integration with the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), offering insights into how these technologies bring intelligence [...] Read more.

In the context of industrial digitalization, the Industry 5.0 paradigm introduces digital twins as a cutting-edge solution. This study explores the concept of digital twins and their integration with the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), offering insights into how these technologies bring intelligence to industrial settings to drive both process optimization and sustainability. Industrial digitalization connects products and processes, boosting the productivity and efficiency of people, facilities, and equipment. These advancements are expected to yield broad economic and environmental benefits. As connected systems continuously generate data, this information becomes a vital asset, but also introduces new challenges for industrial operations. The work presented in this article aims to demonstrate the possibility of generating advanced tools for process optimization. This, which ultimately impacts the environment and empowers people in the processes, is achieved through data integration and the development of a digital twin using open tools such as NodeRed v4.0.9 and Python 3.13.5 frameworks, among others. The article begins with a conceptual analysis of IIoT and digital twin integration and then presents a case study to demonstrate how these technologies support the principles of the Industry 5.0 framework. Specifically, it examines the requirements for applying the golden batch concept within a biological production environment. The goal is to illustrate how digital twins can facilitate the achievement of quality standards while fostering a more sustainable production process. The results from the case study show that biomaterial concentration was optimized by approximately 10%, reducing excess in an initially overdesigned process. In doing so, this paper highlights the potential of digital twins as key enablers of Industry 5.0—enhancing sustainability, empowering operators, and building resilience throughout the value chain. Full article

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19 pages, 10374 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nanoscale Nickel Oxide: Synthesis, Characterization, and Impact on Antibacterial Activity Against Representative Microorganisms

by Daniela Istrate, Mihai Oproescu, Ecaterina Magdalena Modan, Sorin Georgian Moga, Denis Aurelian Negrea and Adriana-Gabriela Schiopu

ChemEngineering 2025, 9(4), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering9040077 - 25 Jul 2025

Among the various available synthesis approaches, hydrolytic precipitation offers a simple, cost-effective, and scalable route for producing phase-pure NiO with a controlled morphology and crystallite size. However, the influence of calcination temperature on its crystalline phase, particle size, and antimicrobial activity remains an [...] Read more.

Among the various available synthesis approaches, hydrolytic precipitation offers a simple, cost-effective, and scalable route for producing phase-pure NiO with a controlled morphology and crystallite size. However, the influence of calcination temperature on its crystalline phase, particle size, and antimicrobial activity remains an active field of research. This study aims to investigate the structural, morphological, and antibacterial properties of NiO nanoparticles synthesized via hydrolytic methods and thermally treated at different temperatures. XRD data indicate the presence of the hexagonal crystallographic phase of NiO (space group 166: R-3m), a structural variant less commonly reported in the literature, stabilized under mild hydrolytic synthesis conditions. The average crystallite size increases significantly from 4.97 nm at 300 °C to values of ~17.8 nm at 500–700 °C, confirming the development of the crystal lattice. The ATR-FTIR analysis confirms the presence of the characteristic Ni–O band for all samples, positioned between 367 and 383 cm⁻¹, with a reference value of 355 cm⁻¹ for commercial NiO. The displacements and variations in intensity reflect a thermal evolution of the crystalline structure, but also an important influence of the size of the crystallites and the agglomeration state. The results reveal a systematic evolution in particle morphology from porous, flake-like nanostructures at 300 °C to dense, well-faceted polyhedral crystals at 900 °C. With an increasing temperature, particle size increases. EDS spectra confirm the high purity of the NiO phase across all samples. Additionally, the NiO nanoparticles exhibit calcination-temperature-dependent antibacterial activity, with the complete inhibition of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis observed after 24 h for the sample calcined at 300 °C and over 90% CFU reduction within 4 h. A significant reduction in E. faecalis viability across all samples indicates time- and strain-specific bactericidal effects. Due to its remarkable multifunctionality, NiO has emerged as a strategic nanomaterial in fields ranging from energy storage and catalysis to antimicrobial technologies, where precise control over its structural phase and particle size is essential for optimizing performance. Full article

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13 pages, 3937 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vanillin Quantum–Classical Photodynamics and Photostatic Optical Spectra

by Vladimir Pomogaev and Olga Tchaikovskaya

ChemEngineering 2025, 9(4), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering9040076 - 23 Jul 2025

Vanillin photoinduced deprotonation was evaluated and analyzed. Vibronic states and transitions were computationally investigated. Optimizations and vertical electron transitions in the gas phase and with the continuum solvation model were computed using the time-dependent density functional theory. Static absorption and emission (photostatic optical) [...] Read more.

Vanillin photoinduced deprotonation was evaluated and analyzed. Vibronic states and transitions were computationally investigated. Optimizations and vertical electron transitions in the gas phase and with the continuum solvation model were computed using the time-dependent density functional theory. Static absorption and emission (photostatic optical) spectra were statistically averaged over the excited instantaneous molecular conformers fluctuating on quantum–classical molecular dynamic trajectories. Photostatic optical spectra were generated using the hybrid quantum–classical molecular dynamics for explicit solvent models. Conical intersection searching and nonadiabatic molecular dynamics simulations defined potential energy surface propagations, intersections, dissipations, and dissociations. The procedure included mixed-reference spin–flip excitations for both procedures and trajectory surface hopping for photodynamics. Insignificant structural deformations vs. hydroxyl bond cleavage followed by deprotonation were demonstrated starting from different initial structural conditions, which included optimized, transition state, and several other important fluctuating configurations in various environments. Vanillin electronic structure changes were illustrated and analyzed at the key points on conical intersection and nonadiabatic molecular dynamics trajectories by investigating molecular orbital symmetry and electron density difference. The hydroxyl group decomposed on transition to a σ-molecular orbital localized on the elongated O–H bond. Full article

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20 pages, 1857 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Risk Management in Applied Engineering Projects in a Petrochemical Plant Producing Polyvinyl Chloride in Cartagena, Colombia

by Juan Pablo Bustamante Visbal, Rodrigo Ortega-Toro and Joaquín Alejandro Hernández Fernández

ChemEngineering 2025, 9(4), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering9040075 - 21 Jul 2025

Risk management is crucial in engineering projects, especially in highly complex environments like petrochemical plants producing polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This study proposes a tailored risk management model, using analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and linear regression analysis, alongside MS Excel and IBM SPSS^® [...] Read more.

Risk management is crucial in engineering projects, especially in highly complex environments like petrochemical plants producing polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This study proposes a tailored risk management model, using analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and linear regression analysis, alongside MS Excel and IBM SPSS^® version 23, to identify, assess, and prioritize key risks. Surveys and interviews revealed seven management factors (budget, schedule, safety, productivity, contracting, quality, and environment) and 18 critical risks, including design errors and procurement delays. The model quantifies risk impacts, provides a regression equation for risk classification, and supports effective mitigation strategies. Based on this model, decision-making can be facilitated for the implementation of effective mitigation strategies. It also promotes continuous improvement, optimizing economic resources and minimizing environmental impacts, addressing a research gap in Colombia’s petrochemical sector and paving the way for broader industrial applications. Full article

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29 pages, 3084 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Cascade Transformation of Furfural to Cyclopentanone: A Critical Evaluation Concerning Feasible Process Development

by Christian A. M. R. van Slagmaat

ChemEngineering 2025, 9(4), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering9040074 - 19 Jul 2025

Furfural is a fascinating bio-based platform molecule that can be converted into useful cyclic compounds, among others. In this work, the hydrogenative rearrangement-dehydration of furfural towards cyclopentanone using a commercially available Pt/C catalyst was investigated in terms of its reaction performance to assess [...] Read more.

Furfural is a fascinating bio-based platform molecule that can be converted into useful cyclic compounds, among others. In this work, the hydrogenative rearrangement-dehydration of furfural towards cyclopentanone using a commercially available Pt/C catalyst was investigated in terms of its reaction performance to assess its feasibility as an industrial process. However, acquiring an acceptable cyclopentanone yield proved very difficult, and the reaction was constrained by unforeseen parameters, such as the relative liquid volume in the reactor and the substrate concentration. Most strikingly, the sacrificial formation of furanoic oligomers that precipitated onto the catalyst’s surface was a troublesome key factor that mediated the product’s selectivity versus the carbon mass balance. By applying a biphasic water–toluene solvent system, the yield of cyclopentanone was somewhat improved to a middling 59%, while tentatively positive distributions of reaction components over these solvent phases were observed, which could be advantageous for anticipated down-stream processing. Overall, the sheer difficulty of controlling this one-pot cascade transformation towards a satisfactory product output under rather unfavorable reaction parameters renders it unsuitable for industrial process development, and a multi-step procedure for this chemical transformation might be considered instead. Full article

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18 pages, 5293 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fluorescent Moieties Through Alkaline Treatment of Graphene Oxide: A Potential Substitute to Replace CRM in wLEDS

by Maria Lucia Protopapa, Emiliano Burresi, Martino Palmisano and Emanuela Pesce

ChemEngineering 2025, 9(4), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering9040073 - 18 Jul 2025

White-light-emitting diodes (wLEDs) are central to next-generation lighting technologies, yet their reliance on critical raw materials (CRMs), such as rare-earth elements, raises concerns regarding sustainability and supply security. In this work, we present a simple, low-cost method to produce photoluminescent carbon-based nanostructures—known as [...] Read more.

White-light-emitting diodes (wLEDs) are central to next-generation lighting technologies, yet their reliance on critical raw materials (CRMs), such as rare-earth elements, raises concerns regarding sustainability and supply security. In this work, we present a simple, low-cost method to produce photoluminescent carbon-based nanostructures—known as oxidative debris (OD)—via alkaline treatment of graphene oxide (GO) using KOH solutions ranging from 0.04 M to 1.78 M. The resulting OD, isolated from the supernatant after acid precipitation, exhibits strong and tunable photoluminescence (PL) across the visible spectrum. Emission peaks shift from blue (~440 nm) to green (~500 nm) and yellow (~565 nm) as a function of treatment conditions, with excitation wavelengths between 300 and 390 nm. Optical, morphological. and compositional analyses were performed using UV-Vis, AFM, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy, confirming the presence of highly oxidized aromatic domains. The blue-emitting (S2) and green/yellow-emitting (R2) fractions were successfully separated and characterized, demonstrating potential color tuning by adjusting KOH concentration and treatment time. This study highlights the feasibility of reusing GO-derived byproducts as sustainable phosphor alternatives in wLEDs, reducing reliance on CRMs and aligning with green chemistry principles. Full article

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12 pages, 1130 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Production of 2,2,3,3,4,4,4-Heptafluorobutyl Acetate from Acetic Acid and 2,2,3,3,4,4,4-Heptafluorobutan-1-ol by Batch Reactive Distillation

by Andrei V. Polkovnichenko, Egor V. Lupachev, Evgenia I. Kovaleva, Sergey Ya. Kvashnin, Tatiana V. Chelyuskina and Andrey A. Voshkin

ChemEngineering 2025, 9(4), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering9040072 - 11 Jul 2025

In the present study, a process for the production of 2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutyl acetate (HFBAc) is proposed for the first time. The production process of HFBAc from acetic acid (AAc) and 2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutan-1-ol (HFBol) was carried out at laboratory scale using batch reactive distillation (BRD). The [...] Read more.

In the present study, a process for the production of 2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutyl acetate (HFBAc) is proposed for the first time. The production process of HFBAc from acetic acid (AAc) and 2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutan-1-ol (HFBol) was carried out at laboratory scale using batch reactive distillation (BRD). The process was conducted at atmospheric pressure in the presence of an acid catalyst, with an excess of AAc relative to HFBol (initial molar ratio of reagents HFBol/AAc is 45/55). During the BRD, the aqueous phase of the distillate was withdrawn from the system, while the organic phase of the distillate was returned as reflux. Since part of AAc is lost along with the aqueous phase of the distillate, a minor excess of AAc is reasonable for maximizing the conversion of the most expensive reagent—HFBol. The losses of AAc and HFBol with the aqueous phase of the distillate were less than 2 mole % and less than 0.5 mole % of the feed, respectively. The purity of HFBAc after BRD was 97.9 wt. %, and the conversion of HFBol exceeded 99 mole % of the feed. The purity of certain product fractions of HFBAc was greater than 99.6 wt. %. The obtained data can be used for industrial technology development to obtain HFBAc. Full article

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15 pages, 3671 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving the Water–Gas Shift Performance of a Co/CeO₂ Catalyst for Hydrogen Production

by Nipatta Chumanee and Pannipa Nachai

ChemEngineering 2025, 9(4), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering9040071 - 10 Jul 2025

The aim of this study was to improve the water–gas shift efficiency of Co/CeO₂ catalyst by incorporating praseodymium and rhenium. The catalysts were synthesized via combustion method and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to improve the water–gas shift efficiency of Co/CeO₂ catalyst by incorporating praseodymium and rhenium. The catalysts were synthesized via combustion method and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), H₂-temperature programmed reduction (H₂-TPR), NH₃-temperature programmed desorption (NH₃-TPD), Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). These characterization techniques evaluate the increase of the surface acidity and oxygen vacancies in Co-based catalysts, which leads to an increase in water–gas shift performance because CO molecules prefer to react with surface oxygen, then followed by the production of CO₂ and oxygen vacancies which act as active sites for H₂O dissociation. The 1%Re4%Co/Ce-5%Pr-O catalyst exhibited a maximum CO conversion of 86% at 450 °C, substantially outperforming the 5%Co/Ce-5%Pr-O catalyst, which showed only 62% CO conversion at 600 °C. In addition, 1%Re4%Co/Ce-5%Pr-O catalyst is more resistant towards deactivation than 5%Co/Ce-5%Pr-O. The result presented that the catalytic activity of 1%Re4%Co/Ce-5%Pr-O catalyst was kept constant for the whole period of 50 h, while a 6% decrease in water–gas shift activity was found for the 5%Co/Ce-5%Pr-O catalyst. Moreover, the addition of rhenium into the Co/Ce-Pr-O catalyst reveals that the enhancement of oxygen vacancy concentration, oxygen mobility, and surface acidity, thereby enhances CO conversion efficiency. Full article

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19 pages, 1240 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Extending the Recovery Ratio of Brackish Water Desalination to Zero Liquid Discharge (>95%) Through Combination of Nanofiltration, 2-Stage Reverse-Osmosis, Silica Precipitation, and Mechanical Vapor Recompression

by Paz Nativ, Raz Ben-Asher, Yaron Aviezer and Ori Lahav

ChemEngineering 2025, 9(4), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering9040070 - 3 Jul 2025

Extending the recovery ratio (RR) of brackish water reverse osmosis (RO) plants to zero liquid discharge (ZLD, i.e., ≥95%) is vital, particularly inland, where the cost of safe retentate disposal is substantial. Various suggestions appear in the literature; however, many of these are [...] Read more.

Extending the recovery ratio (RR) of brackish water reverse osmosis (RO) plants to zero liquid discharge (ZLD, i.e., ≥95%) is vital, particularly inland, where the cost of safe retentate disposal is substantial. Various suggestions appear in the literature; however, many of these are impractical in the real world. Often, the limiting parameter that determines the maximal recovery is the SiO₂ concentration that develops in the RO retentate and the need to further desalinate the high osmotic pressure retentates produced in the process. This work combines well-proven treatment schemes to attain RR ≥ 95% at a realistic cost. The raw brackish water undergoes first a 94% recovery nanofiltration (NF) step, whose permeate undergoes a further 88-RR RO step. To increase the overall RR, the retentate of the 1st RO step undergoes SiO₂ removal performed via iron electro-dissolution and then a 2nd, 43% recovery, RO pass. The retentate of this step is combined with the NF retentate, and the mix is treated with mechanical vapor recompression (MVR) (RR = 62.7%). The results show that >95% recovery can be attained by the suggested process at an overall cost of ~USD 0.70/m³. This is ~60% higher than the USD 0.44/m³ calculated for the baseline operation (RR = 82.7%), making the concept feasible when either the increase in the plant’s capacity is regulatorily requested, or when the available retentate discharge method is very costly. The cost assessment accuracy was approximated at >80%. Full article

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12 pages, 3309 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on the Effects of Solvent and Temperature on 2-Amino-7-Nitro-Fluorene (ANF) Using Synchronous Fluorescence

by Suresh Sunuwar, Miguel Rodriguez-Escalante, Priscila Blanco-Cortés and Carlos E. Manzanares

ChemEngineering 2025, 9(4), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering9040069 - 27 Jun 2025

Synchronous fluorescence spectra are presented to investigate solute–solvent interactions in liquids. To this end, the spectra of 2-amino-7-nitro-fluorene (ANF) in six different solvents—acetic anhydride, acetone, acetonitrile, benzene, chlorobenzene, and ethyl acetate—are presented. The study also examines ANF’s synchronous fluorescence signals at five temperatures [...] Read more.

Synchronous fluorescence spectra are presented to investigate solute–solvent interactions in liquids. To this end, the spectra of 2-amino-7-nitro-fluorene (ANF) in six different solvents—acetic anhydride, acetone, acetonitrile, benzene, chlorobenzene, and ethyl acetate—are presented. The study also examines ANF’s synchronous fluorescence signals at five temperatures from 25 °C to 5 °C, providing a comprehensive analysis of its fluorescence characteristics in different environments and temperatures. An ANF sample dissolved in benzene at 5 °C produced a synchronous band with the largest intensity and smallest frequency shift. The results show that higher-intensity peaks are obtained at lower temperatures with solvents with a small dipole moment and dielectric constant. This suggest that the best conditions to detect ANF and similar molecules at very low concentrations are with non-polar solvents at low temperatures. Full article

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17 pages, 3372 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combustion Air Humidifier for a Biomass Boiler with Flue Gas Condensation

by Jan Havlík and Tomáš Dlouhý

ChemEngineering 2025, 9(4), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering9040068 - 25 Jun 2025

This paper deals with combustion air humidification for application with a biomass boiler and a spray flue gas condenser. The use of a combustion air humidifier increases the dew point temperature of the flue gas, thereby increasing the potential for heat recovery in [...] Read more.

This paper deals with combustion air humidification for application with a biomass boiler and a spray flue gas condenser. The use of a combustion air humidifier increases the dew point temperature of the flue gas, thereby increasing the potential for heat recovery in the flue gas condenser and increasing the amount of heat supplied to the thermal system. The air humidification process in a counter current spray humidifier was experimentally analysed under conditions corresponding to the use before a biomass boiler with a flue gas condenser. For air heating and humidification, temperature factor values of up to 0.90 can be obtained; this value is mainly influenced by the ratio of the spray water and humidified air flow rates. The volumetric heat transfer coefficient is significantly affected by the humidified air velocity, although this velocity is negligible compared to the counter current spray water velocity. The volumetric heat transfer coefficient reaches higher values at higher spray water temperatures and therefore higher air heating. The whole process is also affected by the saturation of the incoming air, where the dew point temperature of the air drawn in from the surroundings is lower than its temperature. These results can be used as basic information for the design of combustion air humidifiers, for the selection of their operating parameters, and for a basic balancing of the energy contribution of the combustion air humidifier before a more detailed design of the whole system. Full article

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11 pages, 1639 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Approach to the Combined Removal of NO_x and SO₂ for Circulating Fluidized Beds

by Chao Wang and Qinggang Lyu

ChemEngineering 2025, 9(4), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering9040067 - 25 Jun 2025

Post-combustion technology is a new kind of low-nitrogen combustion technology. To achieve the combined removal of nitrogen oxides (NO_x) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions, the post-combustion technology combined with the sorbent injection in the furnace and post-combustion chamber is [...] Read more.

Post-combustion technology is a new kind of low-nitrogen combustion technology. To achieve the combined removal of nitrogen oxides (NO_x) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions, the post-combustion technology combined with the sorbent injection in the furnace and post-combustion chamber is proposed. Experiments investigating the effects of the sorbent addition in a post-combustion chamber and post-combustion air arrangement on NO_x and SO₂ emissions were conducted in a 0.1 MWth circulating fluidized bed test platform. In addition, a comparative analysis of the NO_x and SO₂ emissions under both combined removal methods was also performed. The results indicated that adding sorbent to the post-combustion chamber can reduce SO₂ emissions, but further increasing the amount of sorbent will not significantly improve the desulfurization effect. The injection position of the post-combustion air will affect the emissions of NO_x and SO₂ in the flue gas. When the three-stage distribution of post-combustion air is adopted, the further back the third nozzle is distributed, the lower the temperature in the post-combustion chamber, which is beneficial to the control of NO_x and SO₂ emissions. Compared with the conventional combined removal method, the NO_x emissions were significantly reduced under the new combined removal method. Through secondary desulfurization in the furnace and post-combustion chamber, oxygen-deficient combustion in the furnace can achieve the combined removal of NO_x and SO₂. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuel Engineering and Technologies)

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17 pages, 5119 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anode-Supported SOFCs with a Bi₂O₃-Doped NiO–ScSZ Anode and ScSZ Electrolyte: Low-Temperature Co-Sintering and High Performance

by Shang Peng, Zhao Liu, Pairuzha Xiaokaiti, Tiancheng Fang, Jiwei Wang, Guoqing Guan and Abuliti Abudula

ChemEngineering 2025, 9(4), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering9040066 - 24 Jun 2025

In this study, a novel anode-supported solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) comprising a Bi₂O₃-doped NiO-ScSZ anode and an ScSZ electrolyte was successfully fabricated via a low-temperature co-sintering process at 1300 °C. The incorporation of 3 wt% Bi₂O [...] Read more.

In this study, a novel anode-supported solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) comprising a Bi₂O₃-doped NiO-ScSZ anode and an ScSZ electrolyte was successfully fabricated via a low-temperature co-sintering process at 1300 °C. The incorporation of 3 wt% Bi₂O₃ effectively promoted the sintering of both the anode support and electrolyte layer, resulting in a dense, gas-tight electrolyte and a mechanically robust porous anode support. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses confirmed the formation of phase-pure, highly crystalline ScSZ with an optimized microstructure. Electrochemical performance measurements demonstrated that the fabricated cells achieved excellent power density, reaching a peak value of 0.861 W cm⁻² at 800 °C under humidified hydrogen fuel conditions. The cells maintained stable performance under dry methane operation, with a maximum power density of 0.624 W cm⁻² at 800 °C, indicating resistance to carbon deposition. Gas chromatographic analyses further revealed that the Bi₂O₃-doped NiO-ScSZ anode facilitated earlier and more stable electrochemical oxidation of methane-derived species compared with the conventional NiO-YSZ system, even under conditions of an elevated methane partial pressure. These findings demonstrate that Bi₂O₃ co-doping, combined with low-temperature co-sintering, provides an effective approach for fabricating high-performance intermediate-temperature SOFCs with enhanced structural integrity and electrochemical stability. The developed methodology presents a promising pathway toward achieving cost-effective and durable SOFC technologies. Full article

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18 pages, 6497 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of HFE 7500 Refrigerant Suspensions Containing Oxide and Nitride Nanoparticles: Thermal, Rheological, and Electrokinetic Insights

by Serdar Ozturk and Keagan Schmidt

ChemEngineering 2025, 9(4), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering9040065 - 24 Jun 2025

Nanofluids—engineered suspensions of nanometer-sized particles—have attracted significant attention due to their reportedly enhanced thermal properties, making them promising candidates for advanced heat transfer applications. However, despite extensive studies, uncertainties remain regarding the magnitude and origin of these effects, limiting their practical implementation. To [...] Read more.

Nanofluids—engineered suspensions of nanometer-sized particles—have attracted significant attention due to their reportedly enhanced thermal properties, making them promising candidates for advanced heat transfer applications. However, despite extensive studies, uncertainties remain regarding the magnitude and origin of these effects, limiting their practical implementation. To address this, we present a comprehensive study on nanofluid formulations based on the commercial refrigerant HFE-7500, incorporating surfactant-stabilized dispersions of several metal oxide and nitride nanoparticles. We measured key physicochemical properties, including zeta potential, particle size, viscosity, and thermal conductivity. Our results show that while the nanofluids exhibited high stability, their particle sizes in suspension were significantly larger than the primary nanoparticle sizes measured by TEM. Notably, alumina-based suspensions demonstrated the greatest enhancement, exhibiting approximately 10–15% increases in thermal conductivity as a function of volume percentage. These surpassed the 5–10% improvements observed with other metal oxides, an effect that may be linked to their comparatively larger particle sizes. However, the observed enhancements were lower than some previously reported values that claimed anomalously high thermal conductivity increases. Furthermore, steady shear viscosity increased with particle concentration, showing enhancements of 10–20%, which suggests a potential trade-off for practical implementation. Our findings refine the understanding of nanofluid behavior in refrigerants and establish a foundation for optimizing their performance in thermal management applications. However, viscosity increases must be carefully considered when designing next-generation nanofluids for real-world use. Full article

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15 pages, 2424 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Kinetic and Thermodynamic Study of Cationic Dye Removal Using Activated Biochar Synthesized from Prosopis juliflora Waste

by Andrés Abuabara, Carlos Diaz-Uribe, William Vallejo, Freider Duran and Edgar Mosquera-Vargas

ChemEngineering 2025, 9(3), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering9030064 - 19 Jun 2025

In this study, we synthesized an activated biochar using Prosopis juliflora waste as a carbon source. Citric acid (CA) was used as the chemical agent for biochar activation. The removal of methylene blue (MB) using the fabricated biochar was investigated. A response surface [...] Read more.

In this study, we synthesized an activated biochar using Prosopis juliflora waste as a carbon source. Citric acid (CA) was used as the chemical agent for biochar activation. The removal of methylene blue (MB) using the fabricated biochar was investigated. A response surface methodology (RSM) experimental design was employed to evaluate the effects of synthesis parameters, including the temperature and the CA/biochar mass ratio, on the biochar’s MB removal efficiency. The impact of adsorption parameters, such as the biochar dosage, pH, MB concentration, and ionic strength, was also examined. Kinetic and isothermal adsorption studies were conducted to assess the efficacy of the activated biochar. The kinetic study revealed a maximum adsorption capacity (q_e) of 37.6 mg/g and a rate constant of 0.0022 g mg⁻¹ min⁻¹, with the pseudo-second-order model providing the best fit. The isotherm study indicated that the Freundlich model best described the data, with K_F = 37.8 mg/g and 1/n_f = 0.498. Thermodynamic analysis showed that the MB adsorption onto the biochar was spontaneous (ΔG = −9.14 kJ/mol), endothermic (ΔH = 17.87 kJ/mol), and driven by an entropy increase (ΔS = 89.20 J/mol·K). Full article

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