In the long term, coal will remain a competitive resource in the thermal power sector, primarily due to its abundant global reserves and low costs. Despite numerous factors, including significant environmental concerns, the global share of coal power generation has remained at 40% over the past four decades. Efficient and clean coal combustion is a high priority wherever coal is used as a fuel. An improved low-power boiler design has been proposed to enhance efficiency during fixed-bed coal combustion. This design reduces harmful emissions into the atmosphere by optimizing parameters and operating modes. In this study, mathematical modeling of gas velocity and temperature distribution during fixed-bed coal combustion was conducted for a conventional grate system and an improved grate-free system. Experimental methods were employed to develop descriptive airflow models in the fixed coal layer, considering nozzle diameter and air supply pressure in the furnace chamber without a grate system. Comparative evaluations of fixed-bed coal combustion rates were performed using an experimental laboratory setup with both grate and grate-free stove systems.
Porous metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been recently discovered to be efficient catalysts for energy applications and green technologies. Here, we report on a scalable catalytic platform using Cu-based MOFs for electrocatalytic alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction. First, the solvothermal synthesis of Cu-BTC MOFs (BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate) at 85 °C and a 1:60 ligand-to-solvent ratio allowed for minimizing the chemical consumption. Second, the obtained platform demonstrated enhanced electrochemical performance compared with commercially available Cu-based MOFs, with a potential of − 230 versus − 232 eV, logarithm of the current density of − 3.6 versus − 4.2 cm2, and electrochemical surface area of 75 versus 25 cm2 per cm2 of geometric area, respectively. Morphological and Raman analyses also revealed that the high concentration of defects in the obtained submicron Cu-BTC MOFs can contribute to their improved catalytic performance. Thus, our findings pave the way to the low-cost synthesis of energy-efficient MOF-based catalysts for hydrogen production.
Supercapacitors have emerged as a promising class of energy storage technologies, renowned for their impressive specific capacities and reliable cycling performance. These attributes are increasingly significant amid the growing environmental challenges stemming from rapid global economic growth and increased fossil fuel consumption. The electrochemical performance of supercapacitors largely depends on the properties of the electrode materials used. Among these, iron-based sulfide (IBS) materials have attracted significant attention for use as anode materials owing to their high specific capacity, eco-friendliness, and cost-effectiveness. Despite these advantages, IBS electrode materials often face challenges such as poor electrical conductivity, compromised chemical stability, and large volume changes during charge–discharge cycles. This review article comprehensively examines recent research efforts aiming at improving the performance of IBS materials, focusing on three main approaches: nanostructure design (including 0D nanoparticles, 1D nanowires, 2D nanosheets, and 3D structures), composite development (including carbonaceous materials, metal compounds, and polymers), and material defect engineering (through doping and vacancy introduction). The article sheds light on novel concepts and methodologies designed to address the inherent limitations of IBS electrode materials in supercapacitors. These conceptual frameworks and strategic interventions are expected to be applied to other nanomaterials, driving advancements in electrochemical energy conversion.
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