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[Display omitted] • 3D catalysts for ORR were prepared by NrGO, FePc and Kraft lignin. • The catalyst has an E 1/2 of 0.76 V and an electron transfer number of 3.97. • The catalyst has the same stability and methanol tolerance as 20% Pt/C. • Direct lignin alkaline fuel cell with 0.53 V (OCV) and 95.29 mW m−2 (P max). • Fuel cell prepared by THF-modified catalyst has better performance than 20% Pt/C. Direct lignin fuel cells (DLFC) are one of the important forms of high value-added utilization of lignin. In this study, lignin was studied not only as a fuel but also as a catalyst. Specifically, Kraft lignin was modified with ZnCl 2 , KOH and THF (Tetrahydrofuran) respectively, and added to the catalyst after activation. The results of scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), Brunauer − Emmett − Teller (BET), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Raman spectra shown that AL/FePc-NrGO (activated lignin/iron phthalocyanine/nitrogen-doped reduction of graphene oxide) three-dimensional composite catalyst has been synthesized. The results showed that KOH-activated Kraft lignin had the best performance as an oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst, with a half-wave potential (E 1/2) of 0.73 V and a limiting diffusion current density of 4.3 mA cm−1. The THF-modified catalyst showed similar stability and methanol resistance to 20 % Pt/C at ORR. The ORR catalyst applied to the DLFC has the best electrical performance with an open circuit voltage (OCV) was 0.53 V and the maximum power density it could reach 95.29 mW m−2 when the catalyst was modified with THF. It is encouraging that the AL/FePc-NrGO catalyst has better-generated electricity performance than 20 % Pt/C. This work has provided a new idea for developing non-noble metal catalysts and studying direct biomass liquid fuel cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gradient concentration in nature has garnered significant attention as a promising source for energy harvesting. Researchers have explored various methods to harness electricity from gradient‐concentration‐induced flows, including evaporation‐driven nanogenerators and humidity‐gradient‐based power generators. However, their low current and power density are the main obstacles toward practical applications. Herein, a Bilayer Hydrogel Electricity Generator (BHEG) is presented to enable efficient energy harvesting through the synergy between ion gradient concentration and galvanic effects. A BHEG unit employing identical materials for both electrodes demonstrates an open‐circuit voltage of 0.7 V and a short‐circuit current of 4.34 mA—surpassing the currently reported average by over 73 times—and achieves a maximum power density of 72.2 mW m−2. Moreover, another BHEG unit using Zn─C electrode materials exhibit an open‐circuit voltage of 1.86 V and a short‐circuit current of 92 mA. Furthermore, the versatility of the BHEG extends beyond power generation, effectively providing passive thermal management for electronics, resulting in a maximum temperature reduction of ≈20 °C. Consequently, the study contributes insights into the design and fabrication of efficient hydrogel‐based power generators, providing a promising avenue for leveraging natural‐flow‐induced energy for various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance ratio, a globally recognized metric that correlates with reported global solar radiation values, serves as a crucial indicator for evaluating the efficiency of grid-connected PV plants. Also, a large scale PV power plant alone can afford some agricultural irrigation energy requirement of a region. In this study, the actual generation data from a power plant located in Bursa province in northwestern Türkiye, during its initial six years of operation have been analyzed. The analysis reveals that the annual electricity production of the power station reaches approximately 10 GWh. Notably, the time period between April and September witnesses a monthly electricity generation exceeding 1 GWh, with September emerging as the most productive month, characterized by an average performance ratio of 94.5% during this six-year period. However, over the span of six years, the highest average electricity generation occurs in July, peaking at 1.34 GWh. Also, the power plant alone can meet the agricultural irrigation energy requirement of the region in the range of 6.7–2.3%. From an environmental impact and global warming perspective, it is noteworthy that during the 36-month period in the summer season, the performance ratio exceeded 100% only three times. However, within the 32-month period in the winter season, the performance ratio exceeded 100% 19 times. This situation indicates that while the reported radiation rates by the managements are consistent with the actual values for the summer months, they need to be revised, especially for the winter months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electricity generation in the United States entails significant water usage and greenhouse gas emissions. However, accurately estimating these impacts is complex due to the intricate nature of the electric grid and the dynamic electricity mix. Existing methods to estimate the environmental consequences of electricity use often generalize across large regions, neglecting spatial and temporal variations in water usage and emissions. Consequently, electric grid dynamics, such as temporal fluctuations in renewable energy resources, are often overlooked in efforts to mitigate environmental impacts. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has initiated the development of resilient energyshed management systems, requiring detailed information on the local electricity mix and its environmental impacts. This study supports DOE's goal by incorporating geographic and temporal variations in the electricity mix of the local electric grid to better understand the environmental impacts of electricity end users. We offer hourly estimates of the U.S. electricity mix, detailing fuel types, water withdrawal intensity, and water consumption intensity for each grid balancing authority through our publicly accessible tool, the Water Integrated Mapping of Power and Carbon Tracker (Water IMPACT). While our primary focus is on evaluating water intensity factors, our dataset and programming scripts for historical and real‐time analysis also include evaluations of carbon dioxide (equivalence) intensity within the same modeling framework. This integrated approach offers a comprehensive understanding of the environmental footprint associated with electricity generation and use, enabling informed decision‐making to effectively reduce Scope 2 water usage and emissions. Key Points: We offer hourly U.S. electricity mix, water, and CO2‐eq intensities of end users, providing comprehensive local grid impact assessmentThe Water IMPACT tool provides modeling framework for historical and real‐time estimates of electricity mix and environmental impactsThe dataset and modeling framework support DOE's energyshed management initiative, helping users effectively reduce Scope 2 footprints [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China and the United States have the highest demand for fossil fuel energy for transportation and power generation, which promotes growth while also damaging the environment. Policymakers, and environmental scientists, are increasingly interested in understanding key strategies to improve energy efficiency to mitigate fossil fuel energy demand and sustain the environment and growth. In this context, this study uses augmented mean groups (AMG) and common correlated effects mean group (CCEMG) estimators to reveal the impact of China-US technological innovation, transportation infrastructure, and power generation on fossil fuel energy demand and fossil fuel energy intensity from 1995 to 2020. Besides, the study examines whether fossil fuel energy use and fossil fuel energy intensity are the main drivers of carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) and economic growth. The analysis results show that technological innovation has a strong adverse influence on fossil fuel energy use, and fossil fuel energy intensity. Electricity generation, road transport infrastructure investment and aviation infrastructure investment have considerably contributed to fossil fuel energy use, and fossil fuel energy intensity. The construction of rail transit infrastructure has significantly alleviated fossil fuel energy demand, and fossil fuel energy intensity. Fossil fuel energy use and fossil fuel energy intensity significantly contribute to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and economic growth. However, technological innovation and renewable energy use can substantially reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, while making a considerable contribution to economic growth. Based on empirical investigation, this study provides a series of useful insights into the sustainable development goals of the Chinese and American economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Management of carbon emissions of regional electricity generation involves resolving much nuanced relationships. However, current studies pertaining to the relationship between energy and the economy utilize only quarterly and annual data and focus on the long-run relationship but are oblivious to temporal associations. This study takes the context of the State of Texas and utilizes per 15 min of data between 2007 and 2020 to derive the monthly time series of life-cycle emissions, emissions factor, and energy generation. The study also divides each day into three portions (0:00–8:00, 8:00–16:00, and 16:00–24:00) in order to descend precision down to the hourly level. Impulse-response analysis indicates that (1) employment conditions impact emissions by affecting the amount of electric energy generated, while demographic (population as reflected by property price) tends to impact emissions by affecting the carbon intensity of electricity, and (2) the emissions produced during 0:00–8:00 display different reaction to fluctuation of regional economic conditions compared to emissions produced during other periods, the effect emanates from either energy generation fluctuation or emissions factor shocks. The broader implication of the findings lies in an emphasis on time-interval-specific analysis and concurrent consideration of both energy generation and emissions factors that can lead to optimized policy implementation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is a great desire of advanced designed materials for electricity generation, storage, and utilization with boosted activity, multifunctionality, compatibility, stability, and durability. Organic ionic materials (OIMs) with superior conductivity, modifiability, and thermal/cold tolerance have great potential in meeting the demand. Ionic liquids, ionic polymers, polyelectrolytes, and new‐emerging composite materials like ionic gels, ionic woods, and metallated covalent organic frameworks have been boomingly developed in recent years, with elaborated design of which, enhanced performance of burgeoning energy materials such as higher electrical output, larger energy capacity, wider tolerance of temperature and/or humidity, and longer durability have been promoted. Despite a few reviews that have generalized the applications of single‐type OIMs in a certain field, there is a lack of comprehensive reviews focusing on advanced design of OIMs for boosting electricity generation, storage, and utilization. Herein, the new development of OIMs is timely and systematically reviewed focusing on electricity generation (generators), storage (batteries and supercapacitors), and utilization (sensors and actuators). Synthesis and modification strategies are summarized for material design, after which, fundamentals and mechanisms are illustrated as theoretical support. Then, advanced designs of OIMs are elaborated by taking electricity generation, storage, and utilization processes into consideration, followed by putting forward perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of flare gas recovery technologies at the GL1Z LNG plant (SONATRACH Industry-Algeria), focusing on electricity generation, LPG production, and Gas-to-Liquid (GTL) conversion. Using real-world data and simulations conducted with Aspen HYSYS v12 based on steady-state conditions, we assessed the technical feasibility and economic viability of each method. Our findings reveal that electricity generation is economically viable but offers limited CO2 reduction benefits. LPG production provides a balanced economic solution. GTL conversion, despite higher initial costs, significantly enhances economic returns and reduces flaring by converting flare gas into high-value liquid hydrocarbons. This study introduces a simulation model, substantiated by the recent literature providing a robust framework for optimizing flare gas recovery. This study highlights the importance of evaluating and comparing tailored solutions to achieve sustainable and efficient flare gas utilization, offering valuable insights for future industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world's attention is focused on the anthropogenic component of climate change. The energy sector (77.9%) makes a significant contribution to these changes. Russia, has natural gas, oil and coal as a source of energy production, while the issue of using low-carbon resource base, application of new technologies of carbon capture and utilization, use of renewable energy sources remains relevant. The purpose of this study is to analyze the carbon footprint of generating enterprises and various energy sources, and to determine the way of development of the use of low-carbon sources, such as nuclear power plants and hydroelectric power plants, the application of new technologies in the heating system, refrigerant utilization technologies, secondary energy resources, etc. Results: The carbon footprint of the energy sector has been considered for Scope 1 and Scope 2. The analysis of the carbon footprint of generating enterprises (Scope 1) showed that the largest contribution is made by fossil fuel power plants with specific CO2 emission rates of 450-1000 g/kWh. Hydroelectric power plants belonging to the category of renewable energy power plants (RES) due to large total methane emissions from reservoirs are in the second place (24 g/kWh), ahead of nuclear power plants with specific emission rate of 12 g/kWh. Wind power plants (11 g/kWh) are close to nuclear power plants in terms of carbon neutrality. The ambiguous position of one of the leaders of green energy, solar power plants (48 g/kWh) is associated with the stage of utilization of the equipment used. Specific emission values of Scope 2 category are also given. Based on the results of the analysis of the energy sector of Scope 1 and 2, recommendations for reducing the carbon footprint are given.

In this study, the Minjiang River Basin is selected as the research object, and the construction and operation of Shuangjiangkou Hydropower Station is taken as the time division basis, the SWAT hydrological model and the joint operation model of reservoir groups are constructed, and the impact of Shuangjiangkou Hydropower Station on the downstream cascade reservoir mass generation and shipping is compared and analyzed. The results show that after the operation of Shuangjiangkou Hydropower Station, the inflow flow of the downstream cascade power station has increased significantly, and the beneficial storage capacity of the reservoir has been effectively increased. The average power generation of the target reservoir group increased by 5.059 billion kW·h in the low water period each year, of which the average power generation of Shuangjiangkou reservoir during the low water period was 2.036 billion kW·h, and the economic benefit increased by more than 1.6 billion yuan. The average annual power generation of the target reservoir group has increased by 13.958 billion kW·h, of which the average annual power generation of Shuangjiangkou reservoir is 10.869 billion kW·h, and the economic benefit has increased by more than 4 billion yuan. In addition, the shipping flow of Minjiang High Terminal also increased under different guarantee rates: 15.48% under 90% guarantee rate, 13.11% under 95% guarantee rate, and 7.74% under 98% guarantee rate. The research results provide important decision support and theoretical guidance for the joint operation and navigation optimization of large reservoirs in low water period.

Solar energy can be harnessed and converted into heat via the photothermal effect, which can then be utilized to drive many other reactions to produce important resources, such as water, fuel, electricity, and even mechanical actuation in a clean and sustainable manner. Hydrogels and membranes coupled with photothermal materials are particularly suitable for this purpose because they possess advantageous properties, such as porosity and adaptability. These properties allow for the introduction of diverse additives and functionalities, ensuring that photothermal systems can be customized for specific tasks, thereby enhancing their overall performance, functionality and versatility. This review aims to provide an overview of recent developments and the significance of employing photothermal hydrogels and membranes in multiple fields ranging from clean water, fuel production, electricity generation to mechanical actuation, followed by a discussion on key considerations in materials design and engineering. Finally, the review addresses the challenges and future directions of photothermal applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) and para-chlorophenol (4-CP) are prevalent industrial wastewater contaminants that are recalcitrant to natural degradation and prone to migration in aquatic systems, thereby harming biological health and destabilizing ecosystems. Consequently, their removal is imperative. Compared to conventional chemical treatment methods, CW-MFC technology offers broader application potential. Leersia hexandra Swartz can enhance Cr (VI) and 4-CP absorption, thereby improving wastewater purification and electricity generation in CW-MFC systems. In this study, three CW-MFC reactors were designed with L. hexandra Swartz in distinct configurations, namely, stacked, multistage, and modular, to optimize the removal of Cr (VI) and 4-CP. By evaluating wastewater purification, electrochemical performance, and plant growth, the optimal influent hydraulic retention time (HRT) was determined. The results indicated that the modular configuration at an HRT of 5 days achieved superior removal rates and power generation. The modular configuration also supported the best growth of L. hexandra, with optimal photosynthetic parameters, and physiological and biochemical responses. These results underscore the potential of modular CW-MFC technology for effective detoxification of complex wastewater mixtures while concurrently generating electricity. Further research could significantly advance wastewater treatment and sustainable energy production, addressing water pollution, restoring aquatic ecosystems, and mitigating the hazards posed by Cr (VI) and 4-CP to water and human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problems concerning the insufficient level of associated petroleum gas (APG) processing are discussed. Various models are proposed for the chemical utilization of APG, including the production of synthesis gas, methanol, dimethyl ether, ammonia, as well as the processes of aromatization of hydrocarbons, etc. The possibility of using APG as a fuel for generating electricity is discussed. Attention is paid to the processes of APG purification from sulfur impurities. Difficulties and solutions to the problems of the energy sector of APG utilization are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC) with algal-film cathode was constructed. It showed good electric-generating performance with three electric-generating stages: start-up, development, and stable. An average output voltage reached ~0.412 V during the stable period. A maximum power density during continuous operation was 19.76 mW/m2. Bacterial samples were collected from the anode in the three stages (A1, A2, and A3), and their community structure and diversity were analyzed using Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing technology. A total of 4238 operational taxonomic units were identified based on the number of taxa. At the phylum level, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes played a dominant role in the three stages and increased significantly during electricity generation. Compared with A1, the relative abundances of Proteobacteria in A2 and A3 increased by 23.30% and 32.06%, respectively, whereas those of Bacteroidetes in A2 and A3 increased by 5.56% and 14.50%, respectively. At the genus level, there were differences in the composition of bacterial communities among the three stages. Acinetobacter and Chlorobium became the dominant genera in A2, replacing Nitrospira and norank_f__Saprospiraceae in A1, and Sphingobacterium and Ochrobactrum became the dominant genera in A3. According to the sample cluster and principal component analyses, A1 was clustered into one class, and A2 and A3 were clustered into a second class. This work revealed bacterial community succession at the anode of an algal-film cathode MFC during the electricity generation process, which provides a theoretical basis for the subsequent promotion of electricity generation by algal-film cathode MFCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]