Green microfluidics in microchemical engineering for carbon neutrality

The concept of“carbon neutrality”poses a huge challenge for chemical engineering and brings great opportunities for boosting the development of novel technologies to realize carbon offsetting and reduce carbon emissions.Developing high-efficient,low-cost,energy-efficient and eco-friendly microfluidicbased microchemical engineering is of great significance.Such kind of“green microfluidics”can reduce carbon emissions from the source of raw materials and facilitate controllable and intensified microchemical engineering processes,which represents the new power for the transformation and upgrading of chemical engineering industry.Here,a brief review of green microfluidics for achieving carbon neutral microchemical engineering is presented,with specific discussions about the characteristics and feasibility of applying green microfluidics in realizing carbon neutrality.Development of green microfluidic systems are categorized and reviewed,including the construction of microfluidic devices by bio-based substrate materials and by low carbon fabrication methods,and the use of more biocompatible and nondestructive fluidic systems such as aqueous two-phase systems(ATPSs).Moreover,low carbon applications benefit from green microfluidics are summarized,ranging from separation and purification of biomolecules,high-throughput screening of chemicals and drugs,rapid and cost-effective detections,to synthesis of fine chemicals and novel materials.Finally,challenges and perspectives for further advancing green microfluidics in microchemical engineering for carbon neutrality are proposed and discussed.

基于典型期刊文献计量分析的国内外化工领域研究特点及趋势——对《化工学报》、AIChE Journal、Chemical Engineering Science和Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research发文分析

基于文献计量方法,利用Scifinder Web数据库,从年发文量、研究机构、索引词、被引文献和施引文献等不同角度对《化工学报》、AICh E Journal、Chemical Engineering Science(CES)和Industrial&Engineering Chemistry Research(IECR)4个国内外主流化工期刊近20年(1996—2015年)发表的49565篇文献,进行了较为全面的探讨,以期为我国化工学科"双一流"建设及同类期刊的发展提供借鉴和参考。中国机构在国际期刊上日益增多的发文量和上升的发文机构排名,显示了近年来国内化工科研强劲的发展势头和国际影响力。同时,国内各机构化工学科的学术研究日益活跃,高水平学术论文成果的产出仅仅集中于少数顶尖科研机构的现象有所变化。《化工学报》与三大主流期刊AICh E Journal、CES和IECR的发文重点及热点基本一致。近10年(2006—2015年),中国机构在"聚合物形态"、"离子液体"、"纳米颗粒"等方面对三大国际期刊发文有较大的贡献。

Rational design of F,N-rich artificial interphase via chemical prelithiation initiation strategy enabling high coulombic efficiency and stable micro-sized SiO anodes

Silicon monoxide(SiO)is regarded as a potential candidate for anode materials of lithium-ion batteries(LIBs).Unfortunately,the application of SiO is limited by poor initial Coulombic efficiency(ICE)and unsteady solid electrolyte interface(SEI),which induce low energy,short cycling life,and poor rate properties.To address these drawbacks of SiO,we achieve in-situ construction of robust and fast-ion conducting F,N-rich SEI layer on prelithiated micro-sized SiO(P-μSiO)via the simple and continuous treatment ofμSiO in mild lithium 4,4′-dimethylbiphenyl solution and nonflammable hexafluorocyclotriphosphazene solution.Chemical prelithiation eliminates irreversible capacity through pre-forming inactive lithium silicates.Meanwhile,the symbiotic F,N-rich SEI with good mechanical stability and fast Li^(+)permeability is conductive to relieve volume expansion ofμSiO and boost the Li+diffusion kinetics.Consequently,the P-μSiO realizes an impressive electrochemical performance with an elevated ICE of 99.57%and a capacity retention of 90.67%after 350 cycles.Additionally,the full cell with P-μSiO anode and commercial LiFePO_(4) cathode displays an ICE of 92.03%and a high reversible capacity of 144.97 mA h g^(-1).This work offers a general construction strategy of robust and ionically conductive SEI for advanced LIBs.

CO_(2) conversion to solar fuels and chemicals:Opening the new paths

This future article discusses the new prospects and directions of CO_(2)conversion via the photo-electrocatalytic(PEC)route.The second(2nd)generation solar fuels and chemicals(SFs)are generated directly in PEC systems via electrons/protons reactions without forming molecular H_(2)as an intermediate,overcoming the thermodynamics limitations and practical issues encountered for electro-fuels produced by multistep thermocatalytic processes(i.e.CO_(2)conversion with H_(2)coming from water electrolysis).A distributed and decentralized production of SFs requires very compact,highly integrated,and intensified technologies.Among the existing reactors of advanced design(based on artificial leaves or photosynthesis),the integrated photovoltaic plus electrocatalytic(PV-EC)device is the only system(demonstrated at large scale)to produce SFs with high solar-to-fuel(STF)efficiency.However,while the literature indicates STF efficiency as the main(and only)measure of process performance,we remark here the need to refer to productivity(in terms of current density)and make tests with reliable flow PEC systems(with electrodes of at least 5–10 cm^(2))to accelerate the scaling-up process.Using approaches that minimize downstream separation costs is also mandatory.Many limitations exist in PEC systems,but most can be overcome by proper electrode and cell engineering,thus going beyond the properties of the electrocatalysts.As examples of current developments,we present the progress of(i)artificial leaf/tree devices for green H_(2)distributed production and(ii)a PEC device producing the same chemicals at both cathode and anode parts without downstream operations for green solvent distributed production.Based on these developments,future directions,such as producing fertilizers and food components from the air,are outlined.The aim is to provide new ideas and research directions from a personal perspective.

Active Machine Learning for Chemical Engineers:A Bright Future Lies Ahead!

By combining machine learning with the design of experiments,thereby achieving so-called active machine learning,more efficient and cheaper research can be conducted.Machine learning algorithms are more flexible and are better than traditional design of experiment algorithms at investigating processes spanning all length scales of chemical engineering.While active machine learning algorithms are maturing,their applications are falling behind.In this article,three types of challenges presented by active machine learning—namely,convincing the experimental researcher,the flexibility of data creation,and the robustness of active machine learning algorithms—are identified,and ways to overcome them are discussed.A bright future lies ahead for active machine learning in chemical engineering,thanks to increasing automation and more efficient algorithms that can drive novel discoveries.

Computational chemical engineering–Towards thorough understanding and precise application

The paradigms of chemical engineering discipline are discussed. The first paradigm of Unit Operations and the second paradigm of Transport Phenomena are well recognized among the chemical engineers all over the world, and what the next paradigm is remains still an open question. Several proposals such as Chemical product engineering, Sustainable chemical engineering and Multi-scale methodology are considered as candidates for next paradigm. Might Computational Chemical Engineering be the next one, which is advancing the discipline of chemical engineering toward ultimate mechanism-based understanding of chemical processes? This possibility is comparatively expounded with other proposals, and the scope and depth of computational chemical engineering are shortly listed.

An Overview of Metal-Organic Frameworks for Green Chemical Engineering

Given the current global energy and environmental issues resulting from the fast pace of industrialization,the discovery of new functional materials has become increasingly imperative in order to advance science and technology and address the associated challenges.The boom in metal–organic frameworks(MOFs)and MOF-derived materials in recent years has stimulated profound interest in exploring their structures and applications.The preparation,characterization,and processing of MOF materials are the basis of their full engagement in industrial implementation.With intensive research in these topics,it is time to promote the practical utilization of MOFs on an industrial scale,such as for green chemical engineering,by taking advantage of their superior functions.Many famous MOFs have already demonstrated superiority over traditional materials in solving real-world problems.This review starts with the basic concept of MOF chemistry and ends with a discussion of the industrial production and exploitation of MOFs in several fields.Its goal is to provide a general scope of application to inspire MOF researchers to convert their focus on academic research to one on practical applications.After the obstacles of cost,scale-up preparation,processability,and stability have been overcome,MOFs and MOF-based devices will gradually enter the factory,become a part of our daily lives,and help to create a future based on green production and green living.

State of the art review on physiochemical and engineering characteristics of fly ash and its applications

The focus of this study is to critically review the physiochemical and engineering properties of the fly ash and its applications in various fields.The utilization of fly ash has become a widespread area,but the amount of utilization is still a serious issue.It has many beneficial qualities(such as pozzolanic property,fineness,spherical shape,lightweight,etc.),which enhance its properties and make it suitable for its utilization as a new construction material.For the bulk utilization of fly ash,it should be employed in the areas independent of any other parameters.So that,the disposal problem can be reduced significantly.The knowledge of its physiochemical characteristic helps in the judgment of appropriate fly ash for any particular type of work.Fly ash can be utilized in other areas such as asphalt concrete,geopolymer concrete,ground improvement,agricultural sector,roller compacted concrete,brick,etc.that will reduce the existing ashes,and also the disposal problem can be solved appreciably.The implementation of fly ash must be avoided below the natural ground water level and below 4°C temperature conditions.

Advances in Chemical Engineering-A Review of Petrochemical Industry in China

Chemical engineering has played an important role in the development of petrochemical industry. Some important advances in chemical engineering have been discussed in detail, i. e. petroleum refining, organic chemicals,synthetic resin, synthetic fibers and relevant raw materials, synthetic rubber, and process energy integration. The main business targets of China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (SINOPEC Corp.) and the focus of further researches are also addressed.

A Case Study of Search Engine on World Wide Web for Chemical Fiber Engineering

Search engine is an effective approach to promote the service quality of the World Wide Web. On terms of the analysis of search engines at home and abroad, the developing principle of search engines is given according to the requirement of Web information for chemical fiber engineering. The implementation method for the communication and dynamic refreshment of information on home page of the search engines are elaborated by using programming technology of Active Server Page 3.0 (ASP3.0). The query of chemical fiber information and automatic linking of chemical fiber Web sites can be easily realized by the developed search engine under Internet environment according to users' requirement.

Microinterfacial technology enhancing mass transfer in chemical engineering

The microbubble and microinterface play key roles in the development and progress of the technology in the field of chemical engineering,which has attracted broad attention from the scientific and industrial community.Recently,Zhang et al.published a book about microinterfacial mass transfer intensification technology,where they systematically introduced scientific essence,reaction mechanism,equipment structure,and influence law of multiphase reaction process strengthened by microinterface.I believe this book can promote the technological innovation of microbubble-related processes,and also the development of the green chemical industry!

Scoping biology-inspired chemical engineering

Biology is a rich source of great ideas that can inspire us to find successful ways to solve the challenging problems in engineering practices including those in the chemical industry. Bio-inspired chemical engineering(Bio Ch E)may be recognized as a significant branch of chemical engineering. It may consist of, but not limited to, the following three aspects: 1) Chemical engineering principles and unit operations in biological systems; 2) Process engineering principles for producing existing or developing new chemical products through living ‘devices';and 3) Chemical engineering processes and equipment that are designed and constructed through mimicking(does not have to reproduce one hundred percent) the biological systems including their physical–chemical and mechanical structures to deliver uniquely beneficial performances. This may also include the bio-inspired sensors for process monitoring. In this paper, the above aspects are defined and discussed which establishes the scope of BioChE.

Development of Sustainable Solutions for Zebra Mussel Control Through Chemical Product Engineering

The zebra mussel is an important aquatic pest that causes great damage to freshwater-dependent industries, due to biofouling. The main goal of the project discussed here is to develop improved solutions to control this species. Three approaches have been explored in an attempt to design innovative application strategies for existing biocides： （i） encapsulation of toxins; （ii） combination of toxins; （iii） investigation of the seasonal variation of the species＇ tolerance to toxins. In this paper, the principles behind these approaches and the major results on each topic are presented. The benefits of adopting a chemical product engineering approach in conducting this project are also discussed.

ON THE MINLP APPROACH FOR OPTIMAL DESIGN OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SYSTEMS (I)A GLOBAL OPTIMIZATION METHOD FOR NONCONVEX MINLP PROBLEMS

An algorithm for global optimization of a class of nonconvex MINLP problems is devel-oped and presented in this paper.By partitioning the variables,dual representation of the primal ofsubproblems and outer-approximation strategy are used to develop a representative relaxed iterativeproblem.Then the original MINLP problem is replaced by a series of subproblems and relaxediterative problems.By exploiting the particular form of the nonconvex MINLP problem,the feasibleregion of this problem is explicitly included in the representative problem,thus the inconvenienceencountered with the GBD method can be avoided.The proposed method is illustrated andinterpreted geometrically with an example problem.

Intensification of chemical separation engineering by nanostructured channels and nanofluidics: From theories to applications

With the development of manufacturing technology on the nanoscale, the precision of nano-devices is rapidly increasing with lower cost. Different from macroscale or microscale fluids, many specific phenomena and advantages are observed in nanofluidics. Devices and process involving and utilizing these phenomena play an important role in many fields in chemical engineering including separation, chemical analysis and transmission.In this article, we summarize the state-of-the-art progress in theoretical studies and manufacturing technologies on nanofluidics. Then we discuss practical applications of nanofluidics in many chemical engineering fields,especially in separation and encountering problems. Finally, we are looking forward to the future of nanofluidics and believe it will be more important in the separation process and the modern chemical industry.

Process-oriented knowledge-sharing platform for chemical engineering design projects

A process-oriented knowledge-sharing platform is studied to improve knowledge sharing and project management of chemical engineering design enterprises. First, problems and characteristics of knowledge sharing in multi-projects of chemical engineering design are analyzed. Then based on theories of project management, process management, and knowledge management, a process-oriented knowledge-sharing platform is proposed. The platform has three characteristics: knowledge is divided into professional knowledge and project management knowledge; knowledge sharing is integrated with the project process, which makes knowledge sharing a necessary part of the project process and ensures the quantity of knowledge shared; the platform provides quantitative measurements of incentive mechanisms for knowledge providers and users which ensures the quality of knowledge shared. This knowledge-sharing platform uses two knowledge management tools, a knowledge map and a knowledge base, to support the platform.

Intercalation Assembly and Chemical Product Engineering of Layered Intercalated Functional Materials Based on Efficient Utilization of Magnesium Resources in Salt Lakes

1 Introduction Magnesium salts are very important by-product of salt lake industry in West China.Nearly 200 million cubic meters of waste brine are released to the environment

A paradigm-based evolution of chemical engineering

A short presentation of chemical engineering evolution,as guided by its paradigms,is exposed.The first paradigm–unit operations–has emerged as a necessity of systematization due to the explosion of chemical industrial applications at the end of 19th century.The birth in the late 1950s of the second paradigm–transport phenomena–was the consequence of the need for a deep,scienti fic knowledge of the phenomena that explain what happens inside of unit operations.In the second part of 20th century,the importance of chemical product properties and qualities has become essentially in the market fights.Accordingly,it was required with additional and even new fundamental approaches,and product engineering was recognized as the third paradigm.Nowadays chemical industry,as a huge materials and energy consumer,and with a strong ecological impact,couldn't remain outside of sustainability requirements.The basics of the fourth paradigm–sustainable chemical engineering–are now formulated.

Applying chemical engineering concepts to non-thermal plasma reactors

Process scale-up remains a considerable challenge for environmental applications of non-thermal plasmas.Undersanding the impact of reactor hydrodynamics in the performance of the process is a key step to overcome this challenge.In this work,we apply chemical engineering concepts to analyse the impact that different non-thermal plasma reactor configurations and regimes,such as laminar or plug flow,may have on the reactor performance.We do this in the particular context of the removal of pollutants by non-thermal plasmas,for which a simplified model is available.We generalise this model to different reactor configurations and,under certain hypotheses,we show that a reactor in the laminar regime may have a behaviour significantly different from one in the plug flow regime,often assumed in the non-thermal plasma literature.On the other hand,we show that a packed-bed reactor behaves very similarly to one in the plug flow regime.Beyond those results,the reader will find in this work a quick introduction to chemical reaction engineering concepts.