In Situ Mineralization of Biomass-Derived Hydrogels Boosts Capacitive Electrochemical Energy Storage in Free-Standing 3D Carbon Aerogels

Here,a novel fabrication method for making free-standing 3D hierarchical porous carbon aerogels from molecularly engineered biomass-derived hydrogels is presented.In situ formed flower-like CaCO_(3)molecularly embedded within the hydrogel network regulated the pore structure during in situ mineralization assisted one-step activation graphitization(iMAG),while the intrinsic structural integrity of the carbon aerogels was maintained.The homogenously distributed minerals simultaneously acted as a hard template,activating agent,and graphitization catalyst.The decomposition of the homogenously distributed CaCO_(3)during iMAG followed by the etching of residual CaO through a mild acid washing endowed a robust carbon aerogel with high porosity and excellent electrochemical performance.At 0.5 mA cm^(-2),the gravimetric capacitance increased from 0.01 F g^(-1)without mineralization to 322 F g^(-1)with iMAG,which exceeds values reported for any other free-standing or powder-based biomass-derived carbon electrodes.An outstanding cycling stability of~104%after 1000 cycles in 1 M HClO4 was demonstrated.The assembled symmetric supercapacitor device delivered a high specific capacitance of 376 F g^(-1)and a high energy density of 26 W h kg^(-1)at a power density of 4000 W kg^(-1),with excellent cycling performance(98.5%retention after 2000 cycles).In combination with the proposed 3D printed mold-assisted solution casting(3DMASC),iMAG allows for the generation of free-standing carbon aerogel architectures with arbitrary shapes.Furthermore,the novel method introduces flexibility in constructing free-standing carbon aerogels from any ionically cross-linkable biopolymer while maintaining the ability to tailor the design,dimensions,and pore size distribution for specific energy storage applications.

Optimal scheduling of a township integrated-energy system using the adjustable heat-electricity ratio model

With the expansion and implementation of rural revitalization strategies,there is a constant need for new energy sources for the construction of new townships.Consequently,integrated energy systems with the interconnection and interaction of multiple energy sources are developing rapidly.Biomass energy,a renewable green energy source with low pollution and wide distribution,has significant application potential in integrated energy systems.Considering the application of biomass energy in townships,this study established an integrated biomass energy system and proposed a model to optimize its operation.Lowest economic cost and highest clean energy utilization rate were considered as the objective functions.In addition,a plan was suggested to adjust the heat-electricity ratio based on the characteristics of the combined heat and power of the biomass.Finally,a simulation analysis conducted for a town in China was discussed,demonstrating that the construction of a township integrated-energy system and the use of biomass can significantly reduce operating costs and improve the energy utilization rate.Moreover,by adjusting the heat-electricity ratio,the economic cost was further reduced by 6.70%,whereas the clean energy utilization rate was increased by 5.14%.

Characteristics of Biopellets Manufactured from Various Lignocellulosic Feedstocks as Alternative Renewable Energy Sources

The increased valorization of renewable and cost-effective lignocellulosic feedstocks represents a viable,sustainable,and eco-friendly approach toward the production of biopellets as alternative energy sources.The aim of this research work was to investigate and evaluate the feasibility of using various lignocellulosic raw materials,i.e.,raru(Cotylelobium melanoxylon),mangrove(Rhizophora spp.),sengon(Paraserianthes falcataria),kemenyan toba(Styrax sumatrana),oil palm(Elaeis guineensis),manau rattan(Calamus manan),and belangke bamboo(Gigantochloa pruriens)for manufacturing biopellets with different particle sizes.The raw materials used were tested for their moisture content,specific gravity,ash,cellulose,and lignin content.In addition,thermal analyses,i.e.,calorific values,thermogravimetric analysis(TGA),and differential scanning calorimetry(DSC),were performed.The following properties of the biopellets produced were investigated:moisture content,volatile matter,ash content,fixed carbon,density,and thermal analyses.Based on an analysis of the raw materials,raru had the lowest moisture content(12%)and ash content(1.5%)and the highest specific gravity(1.2).Markedly,palm oil stem had the highestα-cellulose(55%)and lignin(37%)content.In accordance with the SNI 8675:2018 standard requirements,biopellets with optimal properties(moisture content of 1.4%,ash content of 0.79%,density of 1.09 g/m^(3),calorific value of 4672 cal/g,and TGA residue of 13.9%),were manufactured from raru wood.

Study on Dynamics of Calorific Value, Biomass and Energy in Calamagrostis epigejos Population in Songnen Grassland

There were two peaks of seasonal changes of the calorific value in shoot and leaves of Calamagrostis epigejos in middle June and in the early August respectively. The calorific value in stem presented a single peak curve which appeared in the early August. The calorific values in inflorescence and dead standing showed a fluctuation and the peak value of inflorescence was in the early September and that of dead standing was in middle June. The seasonal changes of energy standing crop on the above-ground part synchronized with that of the biomass, which presented a single peak curve. The energy allocated to each organ in different seasons was in the order as leaves > stem > inflorescence in middle June, leaves > stem > dead standing > inflorescence in early July, leaves > stem > inflorescence > dead standing in middle July, and leaves > stem > dead standing > inflorescence from August to September. The vertical allocation of energy in the parts of above-ground was that the energy value gradually increased from the surface to the 20 cm high level and the maximum value at the 10 - 20 cin high level which made up 26.91% of energy on the above-ground partion, and then it was decreased. In the under-ground portion, the energy value progressively decreased with depth and the maximum value was at 0 - 10 cm depth layer which made up 69.01% of energy of the under-ground portion.

Rural Biomass Energy Utilization and Sustainable Developmental Strategies in Tibet

[Objective] This study was to provide theoretical basis for getting sustainable development of rural energy in Tibet into reality.[Method] By reviewing the rural energy resources in Tibet,we analyzed the characteristics and potential of rural biomass utilization in Tibet,and further put forward the sustainable countermeasures on the firewood substitution in Tibet.[Results] Renewable energies including hydraulic,geothermal,solar and wind resources are abundant in Tibet,while there is just a few of fossil energy resources such as oil and coal,with uneven distribution and poor exploration conditions.Traditional consumption of biomass energy resource accounts for a large proportion of the total energy consumption in Tibetan rural districts,which causes potential damage to the fragile ecological environment on the Tibetan Plateau.The excessive use of biomass energy destroyed the vegetation and evoked the environment deterioration such as the intensification of the water and soil loss and the declining of the soil fertility.[Conclusion] It is essential for Tibet to change its rural energy consumption structure,implement the Tibetan firewood alternative energy strategy and try to make full use of renewable energy such as solar energy,wind energy,hydro-energy instead of native vegetation and animal＇s droppings in order to reduce the adverse impacts of the irrational energy consumption on the ecological environment in Tibet.

Hydrothermal conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into high-value energy storage materials

Preparation of hierarchically porous, heteroatom-rich nanostructured carbons through green and scalable routes plays a key role for practical energy storage applications. In this work, naturally abundant lignocellulosic agricultural waste with high initial oxygen content, hazelnut shells, were hydrothermally carbonized and converted into nanostructured ‘hydrochar’. Environmentally benign ceramic/magnesium oxide（Mg O） templating was used to introduce porosity into the hydrochar. Electrochemical performance of the resulting material（HM700） was investigated in aqueous solutions of 1 M H;SO;, 6 M KOH and1 M Na;SO;, using a three-electrode cell. HM700 achieved a high specific capacitance of 323.2 F/g in 1 M H;SO;（at 1 A/g,-0.3 to 0.9 V vs. Ag/Ag Cl） due to the contributions of oxygen heteroatoms（13.5 wt%）to the total capacitance by pseudo-capacitive effect. Moreover, a maximum energy density of 11.1 Wh/kg and a maximum power density of 3686.2 W/kg were attained for the symmetric supercapacitor employing HM700 as electrode material（1 M Na;SO;, E = 2 V）, making the device promising for green supercapacitor applications.

Research advances in the study of Pistacia chinensis Bunge, a superior tree species for biomass energy

As a renewable energy, biomass energy has aroused wide attention and studies of this issue have become a hot topic throughout the world. Pistacia chinensis Bunge （Anacardiaceae） is a superior species for biomass energy with high oil content in seeds and wide geographic distribution. It is a dioeciously, deciduous arbor, flowering from March to April and bearing fruits from September to November. The classification, regional distribution and biological characteristics ofP chinensis are stated in this paper, then, research advances in the growth, breeding and physiology of this species are summarized. The problems in present studies are broached. Finally, a future direction for research is proposed.

Estimation on the Total Quantity of Biomass Energy and Its Environmental Benefit Analysis in Shandong Province

[Objective] The aim was to estimate the total quantity of biomass energy and analyze its environmental benefit in Shandong Province.[Method] Based on the data from the statistics yearbook of Shandong Province in 2010,the total quantity of biomass resources and biomass energy in Shandong Province in 2009 was estimated,and its environmental benefit was analyzed.[Result] Biomass resources in Shandong Province mainly refer to crop residues,forest residues,grassland changed from degraded land.If degraded land became grassland,the total quantity of biomass resources and biomass energy in Shandong Province in 2009 was 182.808 8 million tons and 2.68×1015 kJ respectively.Meanwhile,the reduction of total emission of CO2,SO2 and nitrogen oxides was up to 241.265 million tons,and the reduced emission of SO2 accounted for 48.9% of annual SO2 emission in Shandong in 2009.Planting energy crops plays important roles in the development of new energy sources,reduction of greenhouse gas emission and environmental protection.[Conclusion] The study could provide theoretical foundations for the establishment of energy policy and study on development strategy of biomass energy in Shandong Province.

Lignocellulosic biomass as sustainable feedstock and materials for power generation and energy storage

Lignocellulosic biomass has attracted great interest in recent years for energy production due to its renewability and carbon-neutral nature.There are various ways to convert lignocellulose to gaseous,liquid and solid fuels via thermochemical,chemical or biological approaches.Typical biomass derived fuels include syngas,bio-gas,bio-oil,bioethanol and biochar,all of which could be used as fuels for furnace,engine,turbine or fuel cells.Direct biomass fuel cells mediated by various electron carriers provide a new direction of lignocellulose conversion.Various metal and non-metal based carriers have been screened for mediating the electron transfer from biomass to oxygen thus generating electricity.The power density of direct biomass fuel cells can be over 100 mW cm^(-2),which shows promise for practical applications.Lignocellulose and its isolated components,primarily cellulose and lignin,have also been paid considerable attention as sustainable carbonaceous materials for preparation of electrodes for supercapacitors,lithium-ion batteries and lithium-sulfur batteries.In this paper,we have provided a state-of-the-art review on the research progress of lignocellulosic biomass as feedstock and materials for power generation and energy storage focusing on the chemistry aspects of the processes.It was recommended that process integration should be performed to reduce the cost for thermochemical and biological conversion of lignocellulose to biofuels,while efforts should be made to increase efficiency and improve the properties for biomass fuelled fuel cells and biomass derived electrodes for energy storage.

Modeling the biomass of energy crops：Descriptions, strengths and prospective

The assessment of the biomass of energy crops has garnered widespread interest since renewable bioenergy may become a substantial proportion of the future energy supply, and modeling has been widely used for the simulation of energy crops yields. A literature survey revealed that 23 models have been developed or adapted for simulating the biomass of energy crops, including Miscanthus, switchgrass, maize, poplar, willow, sugarcane, and Eucalyptus camaldulensis. Three categories（radiation model, water-controlled crop model, and integrated model with biochemical and photosynthesis and respiration approaches） were addressed for the selected models according to different principles or approaches used to simulate biomass production processes. EPIC, ALMANAC, APSIM, ISAM, MISCANMOD, MISCANFOR, SILVA, DAYCENT, APEX and SWAT are radiation models based on a radiation use efficiency approach（RUE） with few empirical and statistical parameters. The Aqua Crop model is a typical water-crop model that emphasizes crop water use, the expression of canopy cover, and the separation of evapotranspiration to soil evaporation and plant transpiration to drive crop growth. CANEGRO, 3PG, Crop Syst and DSSAT are integrated models that use photosynthesis and respiration approaches. SECRETS, LPJm L, Agro-BGC, Agro-IBIS, and WIMOVAC/Bio Cro, DNDC, DRAINMOD-GRASS, and Ag TEM are integrated models that use biochemical approaches. Integrated models are mainly mechanistic models or combined with functional models, which are dynamic with spatial and temporal patterns but with complex parameters and large amounts of input data. Energy crop models combined with process-based models, such as EPIC in SWAT and CANEGRO in DSSAT, provide good examples that consider the biophysical, socioeconomic, and environmental responses and address the sustainability and socioeconomic goals for energy crops. The use of models for energy crop productivity is increasing rapidly and encouraging; however, relevant databases, such as climate, land use/land cover, soil, topography, and management databases, arescarce. Model structure and design assumptions, as well as input parameters and observed data, remain a challenge for model development and validation. Thus, a comprehensive framework, which includes a high-quality field database and an uncertainty evaluation system, needs to be established for modeling the biomass of energy crops.

Research on Biomass Distribution in Counties and Comprehensive Utilization Layout of Biomass Energy in Jilin Province

Firstly, the distribution of main biomass resources （like straw, livestock manure and forestry residue） in counties of Jilin Province, and then according to the annual output of biomass in each county, the energy regeneration of biomass and project distribution of organic fertilizer were studied, finally the direct economic effect and environmental effect of biomass developed recently were calculated.

Carbon Dioxide Emissions and Energy Self-Sufficiency of Woody Biomass Utilization for Residential Heating: A Case Study of Nishiwaga, Japan

Renewable energy sources, including bioenergy, are presently attracting considerable attention as possible substitutes for fossil fuels. Among the various sources of bioenergy, biomass can arguably play a significant role in the reduction of greenhouse gases and the provision of a stable energy supply. However, the use of fossil fuels continues in the production of bioenergy. Consequently, the overall extent to which biomass utilization for energy can reduce carbon dioxide emissions as a substitute for fossil fuels and whether this can improve the energy self-sufficiency rate remains largely unknown. This study responds to these questions using a case of a Japanese rural community using firewood for residential heating. The results showed that woody biomass utilization for energy is able to both reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change. These findings offer new insights into the development of sustainability in rural communities.

Thermodynamic Calculation and Analysis of Biomass Energy Applied in the NH_3/He Absorption Refrigeration System

[Objective] The study aimed to discuss the factors influencing the application of shaping biomass energy in the NHJHe absorption re- frigeration system. [ Method] In the NHJHe absorption refrigeration system, the thermodynamic analysis of semi-gasification furnace based on sec- tional combustion technology and absorption refrigeration system was performed. [ Result] Biomass could burn cleanly and efficiently in the semi- gasification furnace, which can reduce the environmental pollution caused by the combustion of coal and other fossil fuels. The heating power of the furnace for the absorption refrigeration system could not be too high, so biomass energy and other low-grade energy can be used as heat sources, which opens up a new way for the utilization of biomass energy. [ Conclusion] Biomass energy was applied successfully in the absorption refrigera- tion system.

Biomass-Derived Materials for Electrochemical Energy Storage and Conversion: Overview and Perspectives

Electrochemical energy storage and conversion(EESC) technology is key to the sustainable development of human society. As an abundant and renewable source, biomass has recently shown widespread applications in EESC, achieving both low environmental impact and high performances. This article provides overview and perspectives on various types of biomassderived materials, their preparation, the role in EESC and the desired features, performances and limitations, and future research efforts.

Characterisation of Biomasses for Their Valorisation in Energy and Biochar Production: Case of Cotton Stalks, Maize Rachis and Rice Husk

The main source of energy for most African families remains firewood. The exploitation of this resource is the main cause of accelerated environmental degradation with its consequences which are climate change and soil impoverishment. However, agricultural residues are often available and even abandoned in fields after harvest. In this regard, we have characterized three biomass with no economic value in order to use them for the production of biochar to improve soil quality while providing the energy necessary for household cooking. Our research was based on the following biomasses: cotton stalks, maize rachis and rice husks. The study made it possible to characterize the biomasses which could be used for combustion and/or pyrolysis. From the results obtained, we could observe a high ash content in the rice husk (24.21%) against 2.41% for cotton stalks and 2.00% for maize rachis. These results influence the calorific value of the rice husk, thus allowing it to be used matter in pyrolysis and not in combustion. In addition, cotton stalks and corn rachis can be used both as fuel and as biomass to be pyrolyzed.

Characterized the Microalgae （Chlorella and Spirulina） and Macro Algae by Using TGA and Bomb Calorific Meter for the Biomass Energy Application

Biomass usually is noticed a composition of various types of waste materials that can be utilized as useful form of energy alternative to the conventional fossil fuels. However, this new kind of energy has not met its full potential in production of energy, especially electricity generation due to its lower performance in terms of thermal efficiency. Algae （included Microalgae ＆ Macroalgae） are widely used for multi-application developments such as fishery aquaculture, food/nutrient supplement, cosmetics, and biomass energy. Microalgae have been treated as the source of bio-fuel. In this paper, we selected the two types of freshwater microalgae ＂Chlorella Vulgaris＂ ＆ ＂Spirulina＂ and macro algae （Laminariaceae） as the main materials and we analyzed TGA （thermal gravity analysis） and calorific values （heat of combustion）. We found the calorific values are 1,000-5,000 KC/KG and TGA results show that the microalgae decrease rapidly after reached 300 ℃. The results in this paper will be used as a reference material for microalgae multi-oriental energy application and biomass composition proximate and ultimate research development in the future.

Estimating potential harvestable biomass for bioenergy from sustainably managed private native forests in Southeast Queensland, Australia

Background： Australia＇s energy future is at the crossroads and the role of renewable sources is in focus. Biomass from sustainably managed forests provide a significant opportunity for electricity and heat generation and production of liquid fuels. Australia has extensive native forests of which a significant proportion are on private land. However, there is limited knowledge on the potential capacity of this resource to contribute to the expansion of a biomass for bioenergy industry. In addition, there are concerns on how to reconcile biomass harvesting with environmental protection. Methods： We used regional ecosystem vegetation mapping for Queensland to stratify harvestable forests within the 1.8 m hectares of private native forests present in the Southeast Queensland bioregion in 2014. We used a dataset of 52,620 individual tree measurements from 541 forest inventory plots collected over the last 10 years. Tree biomass was estimated using current biomass allometric equations for Australia. Biomass potentially available from selective sawlog harvesting and silvicultural treatment across the bioregion was calculated and mapped. Results： Current sawlog harvesting extracts 41.4% of the standing tree biomass and a biomass for bioenergy harvest would retain on average 36% of felled tree biomass on site for the protection of environmental and fauna habitat values. The estimated area extent of harvestable private native forests in the bioregion in 2013 was 888,000 ha and estimated available biomass for bioenergy in living trees was 13.6 million tonnes （t）. The spotted gum （Corymbio citriodora subsp, variegata） forests were the most extensive, covering an area of 379,823 ha and with a biomass for bioenergy yield of 14.2 t-ha-1 （with approximately 11.2 t.ha-1 of the biomass harvested from silvicultural thinning and 3 t.ha-1 recovered from sawlog harvest residual）. Conclusions： Silvicultural treatment of private native forests in the Southeast Queensland bioregion, has the capacity to supply a large quantity of biomass for bioenergy. The availability of a biomass for bioenergy market, and integration of sawlog harvesting and silvicultural treatment operations, could provide land owners with additional commercial incentive to improve the management of private native forests. This could potentially promote restoration of degraded forests, ecological sustainability and continued provision of wood products.

Research and Development Situation of International Biomass Energy Based on Bibliometrics

Taking ISI Web of Science thesis database as the data source of document retrieval, and biomass energy and related words as the index words, a retrieval of papers from 2000 to 2013 was conducted, and the research and development situation of international biomass energy were analyzed from aspects of quantity, region, organization, sources, subject and influence. The results show that the number of papers on biomass energy research presented the linear growth as a whole over the past years. United States, China, Germany and Canada had become the focus countries of the study of biomass energy. Environmental science and ecology, agronomy, engineering and bio-technology, etc. had become the key areas of biomass energy research. Highly cited papers in the field of biomass energy had published in Nature, Science, Chemical Reviews and so forth, which shows that biomass energy research has become an international hot spot.

Progress in the technology of energy conversion from woody biomass in Indonesia

Sustainable and renewable natural resources as biomass that contains carbon and hydrogen elements can be a potential raw materials for energy conversion. In Indonesia, they comprise variable-sized wood from forests （i.e. natural forests, plantations and community forests that commonly produce small-diameter logs used as firewood by local people）, woody residues from logging and wood industries, oil-palm shell waste from crude palm oil factories, coconut shell wastes from coconut plantations, traditional markets as well as skimmed coconut oil and straws from rice cultivation. Four kinds of energy-conversion technologies have been empirically tested in Indonesia. First, gasification of rubber wood from unproductive rubber trees to generate heat energy for the drying of fermented chocolate seeds. Secondly, energy conversion from organic vegetable waste by implementing thermophylic fermentation methods that produce biogas as a fuel and for generating electricity and also concurrently generate organic by-products called hygen compost. Thirdly, gasification of charcoal and wood sawdust for electricity generation. Finally, environment-friendly energy conversion by carbonizing small-diameter logs, sawdust, wood slabs and coconut shells into charcoal. This yielded charcoal integrated with wood vinegar production through condensation of smoke/vapors emitted during carbonization, thereby mitigating the impact of air pollution. Among the four experimental technologies that of integrated charcoal and wood vinegar production had been spectacularly developed and favored by rural communities. This technology brought added value to the process and product due to the wood vinegar, useful as bio-pesticide, plant-growth hormone and organic fertilizer. Such integrated and environment-friendly production, therefore, should be sustained, because Indonesia occupies a significant and worldwide position as charcoal-producing and marketing country. The technology of integrated wood vinegar-charcoal production hence deserves its dissemination throughout Indonesia, particularly to the charcoal industry that still produces charcoal without condensing the generated vapor/smoke, hence polluting the air.

Variation of Morpho-Agronomic and Biomass Quality Traits in Elephant Grass for Energy Purposes According to Nitrogen Levels

Elephant grass is a tropical forage plant widely spread in Brazil, used mainly in the livestock sector and in cattle feeding. Because of its high productivity and photosynthetic capacity, this culture has also been considered an alternative source of renewable energy. Six clones of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) were evaluated under five levels of nitrogen fertilization (100, 200, 400, 800, and 1600 kg·N·ha-1), in a randomized-block design with a split-plot arrangement with three replicates, from April 2010 to December 2012, in the city of Campos dos Goytacazes— RJ, Brazil. The objective was to obtain estimates of variation in morpho-agronomic traits and biomass quality. We observed that genotypes Cameroon-Piracicaba and Gua?u I/Z2 have great potential to be used, with maximum dry matter yields of 60.97 and 44.10 t·ha-1 per cut for energy purposes among the studied genotypes.