Novel single pass biogas-to-diesel process using a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst designed for high conversion

The decentralized production of low carbon fuels using the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis requires a less complex and more cost-effective process design. This can be achieved by operating the Fischer-Tropsch process in single pass mode (i.e., without recycle), which allows for omission of the air separation unit, CO2 removal step and the energy-intensive recompression. However, single pass mode necessitates operating the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis at a higher CO conversions than typically seen in industry (resulting in high H2O and low CO and H2 partial pressures). These harsh conditions cause a significant decrease in the C5+ yield as a consequence of the increase in the selectivity for the formation of CH4 and CO2. Modification of an industrial Pt-Co/Al2O3 catalyst with manganese resulted in increased fuel production of up to 14 C-% under high conversion conditions. Here, we present a technical analysis of a novel single pass biogas-to-diesel process, focusing on counteracting the loss of yield under single pass operation by adjusting the Fischer-Tropsch conversion (XCO = 60 – 90%), catalyst characteristics (Pt-Co/Al2O3 vs Mn-Pt-Co/Al2O3) and refining configuration (with and without a hydrocracker). The optimal case, XCO = 80% using a Mn-Co/Al2O3 catalyst results in a production rate of 246 bbl/day of on-spec diesel from 400 kmol/hr biogas together with the net power generation of 1.8 MW

Insights into promoter-enhanced aqueous phase CO hydrogenation over Co@TiO2 mesoporous nanocomposites

The particle sizes and metal support interactions play a pivotal role in Fischer Tropsch synthesis. Herein, promoter-embedded Co/TiO2 mesoporous nanocomposites with a high surface area were synthesized through a templated assisted solvothermal method comprising highly dispersed spherical shaped Co nanoparticles on titania nanoparticles of less than 10 nm. Moreover, Fischer Tropsch synthesis in aqueous media, rather than wax-slurry, is a new and relatively attractive approach to improve product selectivity and catalyst isolation. The Aqueous phase Fischer-Tropsch (AFTS) is a unified catalytic process to improve CO conversion and enhance selectivity towards higher hydrocarbon (C5+) at low temperatures. The performance under aqueous phase CO hydrogenation was investigated with varying cobalt, platinum, and manganese promoter concentrations to obtain an optimized catalyst recipe for AFTS. The metal support interaction has been studied with the help of temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) couple with XPS and HRTEM analysis. Moreover, the dispersibility of the active species was demonstrated through H2 chemisorption coupled with pulse reoxidation experiments. The CO-TPD and STEM analysis have been performed to understand the role of manganese during the reaction. The reaction parameters have been optimized thoroughly by varying temperature and pressure conditions. The catalyst with the optimized recipe (3 M0.5P25C) and parameters performed the exceptional CO conversion at a rate of 1.75 molCO.molCo−1.h−1 (excluding CO2) with 73% selectivity towards C5+ hydrocarbons with less than 5% methane. Additionally, despite the aqueous phase, CO conversion rates for 3M1P25C were kinetically modeled well by standard Fischer-Tropsch empirical rate expressions, with little H2O term dependence

Friendship Village : Exploring the Critical Economic Development and Urban Design Link for Sustainable Development

Presented on December 3, 2008 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm in the Center for Quality Growth and Regional Development 2nd floor classroom.Full report: Friendship Village Exploring the Critical Economic Development and Urban Design Link for Sustainable Development, January 2009Runtime: 77:11 minutes (Presentation)Runtime: 23:27 minutes (Q & A)The Friendship Village group had the charge of advising a large-scale land developer on directions for promoting sustainability in the plans for a 210 acre multi-use project in south Fulton County, Georgia. Their work included site design recommendations modeled after traditional town centers in ten case studies but also included innovative open space and stormwater management proposals and ideas about educational and health care facilities. The diverse professional audience expressed admiration and the developer’s lead representative indicated that results exceeded her expectations.Faculty Advisors: Nancey Green Leigh, Professor of City and Regional Planning ; Richard Dagenhart, Associate Professor of Architecture ; John Skach, Adjunct Professor; Senior Associate, Urban Collag

Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy:Towards Structural Insights into Starch-Based Materials in the Food Industry

Solid-state NMR is a nondestructive and noninvasive technique used to study the chemical structure and dynamics of starch-based materials and to bridge the gap between structure–function relationships and industrial applications. The study of crystallinity, chemical modification, product blending, molecular packing, amylose–amylopectin ratio, end chain motion, and solvent–matrix interactions is essential for tailoring starch product properties to various applications. This article aims to provide a comprehensive and critical review of research characterizing starch-based materials using solid-state NMR, and to briefly introduce the most advanced and promising NMR strategies and hardware designs used to overcome the sensitivity and resolution issues involved in structure–function relationships

Assessment of a Crowdsourcing Open Call for Approaches to University Community Engagement and Strategic Planning During COVID-19.

Importance: Reimagining university life during COVID-19 requires substantial innovation and meaningful community input. One method for obtaining community input is crowdsourcing, which involves having a group of individuals work to solve a problem and then publicly share solutions. Objective: To evaluate a crowdsourcing open call as an approach to COVID-19 university community engagement and strategic planning. Design, Setting, and Participants: This qualitative study assessed a crowdsourcing open call offered from June 16 to July 16, 2020, that sought ideas to inform safety in the fall 2020 semester at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). Digital methods (email and social media) were used for promotion, and submissions were collected online for 4 weeks. Participation was open to UNC students, staff, faculty, and others. Main Outcomes and Measures: Submissions were evaluated for innovation, feasibility, inclusivity, and potential to improve safety and well-being. Demographic data were collected from submitting individuals, and submissions were qualitatively analyzed for emergent themes on challenges with and solutions for addressing safety and well-being in the fall semester. Data were shared with UNC leadership to inform decision-making. Results: The open call received 82 submissions from 110 participants, including current UNC students (56 submissions [68%]), people younger than 30 years (67 [82%]), women (55 [67%]), and individuals identifying as a racial/ethnic minority or as multiracial/ethnic (49 [60%]). Seven submissions were identified as finalists and received cash prizes with the encouragement to use these funds toward idea development and implementation. Seventeen runner-up teams were linked to university resources for further development. Thematic analysis of submissions regarding challenges with the fall semester revealed not only physical health concerns and the limitations of remote learning but also challenges that have been exacerbated by the pandemic, such as a lack of mental health support, structural racism and inequality, and insufficient public transportation. Solutions included novel ideas to support mental health among specific populations (eg, graduate students and racial/ethnic minorities), improve health equity, and increase transit access. All 24 finalists and runners-up indicated interest in implementation after being notified of the open call results. Conclusions and Relevance: This study suggests that open calls are a feasible strategy for university community engagement on COVID-19, providing a stakeholder-driven approach to identifying promising ideas for enhancing safety and well-being. Open calls could be formally incorporated into university planning processes to develop COVID-19 safety strategies that are responsive to diverse community members' concerns