- WANG Chang'an;WU Mengjie;ZHAO Pengbo;GAO Xinyue;GU Junyan;HOU Yujie;BAI Wengang;CHE Defu;State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering,Xi'an Jiaotong University;Xi'an Thermal Power Research Institute Co.,Ltd.;
The combustion of fossil fuels is accompanied by substantial carbon emissions,posing a serious threat to the global ecosystem.The development of novel zero-carbon fuels has thus emerged as a critical pathway toward achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals. Iron powder fuel,characterized by its high volumetric energy density,abundant reserves,relatively low production and application costs,and easily recyclable combustion products,has become one of the most promising zero-carbon energy carriers. A systematic review of the current research status and technological advances in iron powder fuel combustion, covering both domestic and international studies, is presented in this paper. First,combustion models of iron powder particles are categorized and summarized based on differences in research focus and methodology,along with diagnostic techniques currently employed to study the combustion process. Subsequently,the effects of particle size, equivalence ratio, and oxygen concentration on combustion characteristics are elucidated. The ignition behavior,flame propagation dynamics,and mechanisms of pollutant formation during iron powder combustion are analyzed in detail,and optimal ranges for key parameters are identified. Furthermore, the current state of iron-powder-based energy storage and power generation systems is examined,with a summary of the underlying principles,technical advantages,and practical challenges associated with iron powder reduction and regeneration technologies within the energy storage cycle. Finally,future prospects for renewable iron powder fuel are outlined from both fundamental research and applied perspectives, and key directions for subsequent work are highlighted. Research on novel energy conversion technologies utilizing iron powder combustion holds significant theoretical and practical value for accelerating the global transition to sustainable energy and establishing a low-carbon economy.
2026 02 v.32;No.186 [Abstract][OnlineView][Download 2996K] - ZHONG Guolian;JIANG Guoan;CHEN Wenfang;WANG Bin;LIU Wenyang;GAO Liping;LIN Yongjiang;CHEN Jincheng;ZHANG Hai;CHN Energy Fujian Company;Guoneng Nanjing Power Experimental Research ICL;Power China Fujian Electric Power Engineering Co.,Ltd.;School of Mechanical and Power Engineering,Shanghai Jiao Tong University;Guoneng(Quanzhou)Thermal Power Co.,Ltd.;
Breakthrough advancements in artificial intelligence provide disruptive technological support for building smart power plant models with features such as self-optimization,self-adaptation,and self-maintenance,driving a profound transformation of the power industry from traditional automation to genuine intelligence. A systematic review is conducted on the latest progress in the deep integration of AI technologies with power plant production processes,focusing on their core role in enhancing plant efficiency,safety,and reliability. By establishing a tripartite analytical framework of “operation-inspection-maintenance”, an in-depth evaluation is carried out on the application of typical algorithms in scenarios such as thermal system operation optimization, prediction of complex operating condition parameters,and life-cycle fault diagnosis and early warning of equipment. Furthermore,several key bottlenecks are identified that currently hinder the large-scale application of AI technology in electric power production systems: firstly, the lack of model interpretability renders algorithmic decision-making processes akin to a “black-box”, making it difficult to gain full trust from operators and impeding adoption in safety-critical power systems; secondly,faced with complex and variable on-site operating conditions,existing models often rely on large amounts of labeled data and exhibit weak generalization capability under scenarios such as condition shifts or fuel variations; additionally,challenges remain in integrating AI models with existing industrial control hardware and real-time operating systems,while the computational power and energy consumption constraints of edge computing devices also limit the on-site deployment of complex models. To effectively enhance the intelligence level of power plants and overcome these bottlenecks,a “cloud-edge-end”collaborative industrial field solution and a gradual technological evolution path are proposed, incorporating cutting-edge AI technologies,domain-specific large-scale models for the power sector,and industrial internet architecture. This system aims to provide systematic practical guidance and technical support for thermal power plants in achieving safe,efficient,clean,and low-carbon intelligent transformation and upgrading,thereby assisting the energy and power industry in realizing high-quality development in the digital era.
2026 02 v.32;No.186 [Abstract][OnlineView][Download 2163K] - FU Keming;YANG Panxi;HAO Xuanzhi;GUO Wei;YU Zunyi;LI Hongqiang;ZHENG Yuhang;YANG Bolun;WU Zhiqiang;National Key Laboratory of Fluorine & Nitrogen Chemical Engineering New Materials;School of Chemical Engineering and Technology,Xi'an Jiaotong University;
The precise analysis and efficient modeling of coal macromolecular structures are essential for understanding its macroscopic properties and microscopic reaction mechanisms, offering important theoretical insights for the clean and efficient use of coal. To comprehensively understand the current research status and development trends in coal macromolecular structure analysis and model construction, and to build molecular models that more closely resemble real coal systems, this study systematically discusses coal macromolecular structure from the perspectives of analytical methods,structural elucidation,and model construction. It discusses the limitations of current traditional construction methods,and looks forward to artificial intelligence(AI)-driven intelligent construction of coal macromolecular models. In the field of coal macromolecular structure research, analytical methods have evolved from early traditional methods relying on single spectroscopic approaches to modern integrated characterization systems that combine multi-scale and multi-technique strategies,enabling systematic revelation of the three-dimensional spatial structure and chemical bond distribution in coal. Based on this,studies have further clarified that coal macromolecules form a multi-scale complex system built on “basic structural units,” consisting of regular and irregular components connected through covalent and non-covalent interactions,and have summarized the evolutionary patterns of coal structure with increasing coalification. In terms of model construction,the current commonly followed“experimental characterization-structural derivation-model construction” workflow faces bottlenecks such as poor cross-rank adaptability,low efficiency in large-scale model construction,and weak predictive capability for dynamic reactions,which hinder in-depth research on coal molecular structure and breakthroughs in clean and efficient coal utilization technologies. Accordingly, this paper systematically reviews the evolutionary trajectory of typical macromolecular models across different coal ranks to visually illustrate their development trends. Furthermore,it prospects the direction of AI-driven intelligent construction of coal molecular models,aiming to provide theoretical support for the intelligent and green transformation of the coal industry and to offer novel technical pathways for molecular-level precise regulation in the clean and efficient utilization of coal.
2026 02 v.32;No.186 [Abstract][OnlineView][Download 2532K] - ZHAO Dongxu;TIAN Tao;ZHANG Yu;JING Jieying;LI Wenying;State Key Laboratory of Clean and Efficient Coal Utilization,Taiyuan University of Technology;College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering,Taiyuan University of Technology;
Coal tar is rich in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs). The selective hydrogenation of PAHs is not only a means to eliminate persistent environmental pollutants but also a key technology for producing high-energy-density aviation fuels and liquid organic hydrogen carriers(LOHCs). However,owing to the complex competitive reaction pathways triggered by the dearomatization of intermediates,this process still faces significant challenges in the precise control of hydrogenation depth. Mechanistic analysis reveals that the adsorption configuration of PAHs on the catalyst surface(regulated by the electronic and geometric structures of the metal)and the reduced stability of hydrogenation intermediates are key factors affecting selectivity. This paper systematically reviews the catalytic regulation strategies for the selective hydrogenation of PAHs. Regarding active metals,the review highlights how alloying design,size effects,and the optimization of metal-support interactions(MSI) enhance the specific recognition capability of active sites for target intermediates, thereby balancing product generation and desorption rates. Regarding supports, it expounds on the guiding role of regulating the spatial distribution of hydrogen species via pore shape-selective catalysis and hydrogen spillover mechanisms in directing reaction pathways. Currently,research in this field still exhibits significant gaps in the visualization of reaction pathways,the tracking of the dynamic behavior of intermediates, and the quantitative analysis of hydrogen migration. Future studies need to integrate in-situ characterization,theoretical simulations,and machine learning to construct precise "structure-selectivity" relationship models. This will guide the rational design of high-efficiency catalysts,thereby breaking through the technical barriers to the high-value utilization of coal tar and achieving the precise synthesis of novel energy chemicals.
2026 02 v.32;No.186 [Abstract][OnlineView][Download 2506K] - LIU Daoran;QIU Lele;FU Zongpin;LI Tong;HU Shuting;ZHONG Mei;ZHAO Yunpeng;Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Refined Utilization of Carbon Resources,China University of Mining and Technology;State Key Laboratory of Coking Coal Resources Green Exploitation,China University of Mining and Technology;State Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Utilization of Carbon Based Energy Resources,Xinjiang University;
Oil-rich coal,as a special coal resource with abundant hydrogen-rich structures,shows great potential in realizing the clean and efficient utilization of coal. This review systematically summarizes the research progress of solvent extraction and direct liquefaction technologies for oil-rich coals. In terms of solvent extraction technology, the focus is on exploring the mechanisms, solvent system optimization,and applications in obtaining high-value chemicals,liquid fuels,and multifunctional carbon materials through methods such as low-temperature extraction, thermal extraction, biomass co-extraction, and supercritical extraction. Among them, lowtemperature extraction technology features mild conditions and can effectively retain the main structure of oil-rich coals,making it an important means to study its macromolecular structure. Thermal extraction technology enhances the swelling and cracking of coal by moderately increasing the reaction temperature,demonstrating broad application prospects in the preparation of liquid fuel precursors.Biomass co-extraction technology leverages the hydrogen-rich properties and synergistic cracking effect of biomass,not only improving the hydrogen-carbon ratio of extraction products but also reducing the environmental pressure during the reaction process. Supercritical extraction technology utilizes the excellent mass transfer and permeability of supercritical fluids(such as CO_2 and ethanol) to achieve green and efficient extraction processes. In the part of direct liquefaction,the effects of key factors including solvent,catalyst,temperature,pressure, and atmosphere on liquefaction efficiency are systematically analyzed, and the core mechanisms of hydrogen donation by solvents(free radical mechanism,hydrogen shuttling mechanism,and hydrogenolysis mechanism) are elaborated. As the core medium of liquefaction reaction,the solvent plays a crucial role in dissolution,hydrogen donation,and hydrogen transfer. Current research often combines methods such as density functional theory to rationally design and optimize hydrogen-donating solvents. In terms of catalysts,iron-based catalysts are the most widely used due to their low cost,abundant resources,and strong adaptability. The research on these catalysts focus on the regulation of active phases,optimization of dispersion,and enhancement of synergistic effects. Doping with elements such as Co and Ni can further improve catalytic performance,significantly increasing coal conversion rates and liquefied oil yields. In addition,appropriate temperatures help balance the generation of free radicals and hydrogenation rate,avoiding excessive condensation.Moderately increasing pressure can enhance the solubility of hydrogen,promoting the combination of hydrogen free radicals with coalcracking free radicals. The research on alternative atmospheres such as CO and methane provides new pathways for reducing process costs and improving economic efficiency. Among the solvent hydrogen donation mechanisms, the hydrogenolysis mechanism is not been widely recognized due to its extremely low conversion rates. Current research primarily focuses on the free radical mechanism and the hydrogen shuttling mechanism. The free radical mechanism includes stepwise mechanism and synergistic mechanism,with the synergistic mechanism being dominant due to its lower reaction energy barrier. The hydrogen shuttling mechanism involves three paths: gas hydrogen → coal,solvent hydrogen → coal,and gas hydrogen → solvent then → coal. As a key carrier,the solvent mediates the secondary distribution of hydrogen, and isotope tracer studies have confirmed its directional migration patterns among different products. This paper systematically summarizes the current status of extraction and liquefaction technologies for oil-rich coal,deeply analyzes the existing technical bottlenecks and core scientific issues,aiming to provide theoretical references and technical support for the optimization and upgrading of low-carbon and high-value conversion technologies for oil-rich coal,thereby promoting technological development in related fields.
2026 02 v.32;No.186 [Abstract][OnlineView][Download 2533K] - ZHANG Mengyuan;ZHANG Qinrong;SHEN Guoqiang;LIU Xuemei;XUE Kang;GAO Ruijie;ZHANG Xiangwen;ZOU Jijun;PAN Lun;School of Chemical Engineering and Technology,Tianjin University;Tianjin THS Advanced Materials Technology Co.,Ltd.;TJU Binhai Industrial Research Institute Co., Ltd.;
Hydrogen, as a clean renewable energy with a high calorific value, exhibits broad application prospects in transportation,chemical engineering and aerospace. To achieve energy security and carbon neutrality goals,the development of renewable hydrogen and its storage and transportation technology have become a crucial aspect. Liquid Organic Hydrogen Storage(LOHC) has emerged as a significant pathway for green hydrogen storage and transportation due to its high hydrogen storage capacity,favorable thermodynamic properties,and compatibility with existing fuel infrastructure. However,the efficiency of its hydrogenation or dehydrogenation processes is highly dependent on catalyst performance. Existing research primarily focuses on the development of single noble metal catalysts.Nevertheless,disparities in preparation methods,support characteristics,and reaction conditions have led to difficulties in direct crosscomparison of activity data, hindering the deep analysis of structure-activity relationships and the rational design of highly efficient catalysts. Addressing the demand for efficient hydrogenation of organic liquid carriers, this study synthesized Ru/Al_2O_3, Rh/Al_2O_3,Pd/Al_2O_3,and Pt/Al_2O_3 noble metal hydrogenation catalysts using the excess impregnation method in parallel,with monobenzyltoluene(H0-MBT) and dibenzyltoluene(H0-DBT) as reaction substrates. The physic and chemical properties were systematically characterized using TEM,H_2-TPR,N_2 physisorption-desorption,XRD,and XPS. Subsequently,their catalytic hydrogenation performance was comparatively investigated. Results indicated that Pt/Al_2O_3,attributed to the strong anchoring effect of pentacoordinate Al~(3+) sites on the γ-Al_2O_3 surface, exhibited the best metal dispersion and the smallest average particle size(<2 nm). In catalytic hydrogenation reactions,Pt/Al_2O_3 demonstrated superior activity,achieving complete hydrogenation in 80 min for H0-MBT and 120 min for H0-DBT,significantly outperforming other precious metal catalysts. Under optimized conditions of 0.5% Pt loading,5 MPa H_2 and 600 r/min,the optimal reaction temperatures for H0-MBT and H0-DBT hydrogenation were found to be 160 ℃ and 180 ℃,respectively. The design of highly efficient LOHC catalysts and the optimization of related processes are supported by fundamental data provided by this research.
2026 02 v.32;No.186 [Abstract][OnlineView][Download 2340K] - FU Zhufu;ZHAO Xinyue;CHEN Yunian;WU Zeyu;XUE Yuan;China-UK Low Carbon College,Shanghai Jiao Tong University;
The synthesis of green methanol from CO_2 and green hydrogen represents a crucial pathway for achieving carbon cycling and energy structure transition. However, high-efficiency catalysts remain the bottleneck hindering its industrialization. Spinel oxides(AB_2O_4) are ideal materials for catalyzing CO_2 hydrogenation to methanol due to their cation exchangeability,structural robustness,and surface acid-base synergy. This review systematically summarizes the research progress on the structure-activity relationships and modification strategies of spinel catalysts. Firstly,the reaction mechanism of CO_2 hydrogenation over spinel catalysts is analyzed. It is revealed that the CO_2 activation mechanism relies on electron transfer mediated by surface oxygen vacancies(O_v) and the synergistic effect of the inherent Lewis acid-base pairs(M~(n+)-O~(2-)). Concurrently,H_2 activation on spinel catalysts occurs via heterolytic dissociation pathways,with the O_v concentration,electronic structure of the metal centers,and the synergistic effect of M~(n+)-O~(2-) pairs influencing the H_2 activation energy. The reaction pathway mainly involves two competitive routes:the formate pathway and the reverse water-gas shift coupled with CO hydrogenation pathway(RWGS + CO hydrogenation). Secondly, spinel catalysts modification strategies are summarized,including precise regulation of oxygen vacancies,synergistic optimization of coordination-electronic structures,synergistic reinforcement of active metal-spinel interfaces,and the construction of spinel-zeolite tandem catalysts. O_v regulation and coordinationelectronic structure modification are achieved through strategies such as element doping,reduction pretreatment,and facet exposure.High-density surface O_v enhances CO_2 adsorption and activation,promoting the formate pathway. The synergistic effect between active metals and spinel is realized by constructing a strong metal-support interaction(SMSI),enabling spatial compartmentalization of H_2 dissociation at metal sites and CO_2 activation at spinel sites, effectively suppressing side reactions. The pathway selection in CO_2 hydrogenation to methanol over spinel catalysts is not a static process but is dynamically regulated by surface composition, defect structure, metal synergy, and reaction conditions. Spinel systems exhibit excellent selectivity and stability advantages in the CO_2-tomethanol reaction; however,their long-term stability under impurity-containing gas sources requires further exploration,and the spacetime yield(STY) under mild conditions remains an engineering bottleneck. Future research should focus on stability against gas impurities and anti-poisoning design, synergy between in situ/operando characterization and micro kinetics, directional regulation of active sites/structures,quantification and reversible control of interface engineering,and synergistic optimization of tandem catalysis and reaction engineering. Through the core regulatory framework of “defect-coordination-interface”,breakthroughs in the performance of spinel catalysts for CO_2 hydrogenation to methanol can be achieved. This review aims to elucidate the structure-activity relationships between catalyst structure and reaction pathways at the atomic level,providing theoretical guidance for designing high-performance spinel catalysts.
2026 02 v.32;No.186 [Abstract][OnlineView][Download 2334K] - JIANG Haifeng;ZHOU Hanwen;QI Jiahao;CAO Zheng;NIU Xiaojuan;HONG Wenpeng;School of Energy and Power Engineering,Northeast Electric Power University;
With the increasingly severe global climate problem, the importance of carbon capture technology in achieving the “ dual carbon” goal is becoming more prominent. The development of efficient and low-energy advanced CO_2 solid adsorption materials is a research hotspot in carbon capture. Coal asphalt,as a derivative of coal thermal conversion,not only has high carbon content,low cost,and high yield, but also its derived porous carbon adsorbent has excellent physical and chemical properties and structural stability,showing great potential in CO_2 capture. The article summarizes the preparation methods and carbon capture performance improvement strategies of coal asphalt-based adsorbents,providing important reference and technical support for the development of low-cost and highperformance carbon capture adsorbents using coal asphalt. Firstly, the adsorption mechanism of coal asphalt-based adsorbent is introduced and its composite adsorption mechanism in carbon capture process is elaborated. Then,the characteristics and progress of preparing coal asphalt-based porous carbon based on template method,activation method and other methods are discussed in detail. On this basis,the strengthening mechanisms of strategies such as heteroatom doping,metal doping modification,and other modification techniques in improving the capture performance of coal asphalt-based porous carbon are further comprehensively reviewed. The effects of current performance improvement methods on the pore structure and CO_2 adsorption performance of coal tar pitch based porous carbon are discussed. Finally,focusing on the bottleneck problems that urgently need to be solved in the practical application of coal tar pitch based porous carbon in carbon capture, the future development prospects are discussed in combination with different process optimization technologies.
2026 02 v.32;No.186 [Abstract][OnlineView][Download 2686K] - MU Lin;WANG Zhen;SUN Meng;GAO Jiajia;SHANG Yan;DONG Ming;CHEN Jianbiao;School of Energy and Power Engineering,Dalian University of Technology;School of Energy Science and Engineering,Nanjing University of Technology;
This review systematically summarizes the current applications,key challenges,and future prospects of machine learning in chemical looping technology. As an efficient pathway for carbon capture and energy conversion,chemical looping relies heavily on the design of oxygen carriers and the optimization of reactor systems. Traditional research methods, which depend on trial-and-error experiments and computational simulations, are often costly and time-consuming. Machine learning, with its data-driven modeling capabilities,demonstrates significant potential in high-throughput screening,reactor optimization,and process control. This paper begins by introducing the fundamental concepts of chemical looping and machine learning,followed by a detailed discussion of recent advances in machine learning-assisted oxygen carrier performance prediction,synthesis optimization,reactor modeling,process simulation,and fault diagnosis. Finally, the review addresses current challenges such as data scarcity, model interpretability issues, and limited generalization across systems,and proposes future directions including physics-informed machine learning,federated learning,and digital twins to accelerate the intelligent and industrial deployment of chemical looping technology.
2026 02 v.32;No.186 [Abstract][OnlineView][Download 2459K] - SONG Tingting;LIU Rixin;ZHAO Minghui;CUI Pengjun;MA Huahua;ZENG Liang;LIU Zhenjiang;ZHU Rui;School of Chemical Engineering Technology,Tianjin University;Goldwind Green Energy Chemicals (Hinggan League) Co.,Ltd.;
The Integrated Carbon Capture and Utilization-Reverse Water Gas Shift(ICCU-RWGS) process effectively integrates CO_2 capture with hydrogenation conversion,making it one of the key technological pathways for reducing industrial carbon emissions and advancing the goal of carbon neutrality. At the core of this process is a calcium-based CO_2 sorbent materials,which enable the in-situ conversion of captured CO_2 into syngas through hydrogenation. The syngas quality is typically evaluated using the molar ratio of H_2 to CO_x(M value). The study aims to efficiently produce syngas with an M value of 2.00-2.05 through the proposed process,thereby providing a highly compatible feed gas for downstream processes such as Fischer-Tropsch process and methanol synthesis.Thermodynamic equilibrium analysis and calculations were performed for key operational parameters including temperature,pressure,and calcium-to-hydrogen molar ratio(n(CaCO_3):n(H_2)). Results indicated that the optimal operating conditions were 700 ℃,0.1 MPa,and a calcium-to-hydrogen molar ratio of 1:2. Additionally,the presence of H_2O was found to have an adverse impact on the hydrogenation conversion performance. Based on these findings,the screening of calcium-based natural ores was carried out through fixed-bed experimental research. The results demonstrated that dolomite exhibited superior ICCU-RWGS reactivity under reaction conditions of 700 ℃,0.1 MPa,and a calcium-to-hydrogen molar ratio of 1:2,which aligned well with the thermodynamic predictions.Under these optimal conditions,the cyclic performance of dolomite was further evaluated. The results showed that the M value remained relatively stable over 20 cycles without significant decay,and no evident sintering was observed in the post-reaction dolomite,indicating excellent cyclic stability and structural durability. Overall, based on the ICCU-RWGS process, the study aims to enhance the molar proportion of CO_x in the product gas through systematic optimization of operational parameters,thereby producing high-quality syngas that meets the feedstock requirements for downstream chemical and fuel synthesis.
2026 02 v.32;No.186 [Abstract][OnlineView][Download 2731K] - ZHANG Lingfei;SUN Yunqi;WANG Qingrui;JIN Hengyu;XU Jun;QIAO Yu;YANG Qing;YANG Haiping;CHEN Hanping;State Key Laboratory of Coal Combustion,Huazhong University of Science and Technology;Rundian New Energy Zhejiang Co.,Ltd.;Electric Power Research Institute of State Grid Hubei Electric Power Co.,Ltd.;School of Energy and Power Engineering,Huazhong University of Science and Technology;School of Environmental Science and Engineering,Huazhong University of Science and Technology;
With the accelerated urbanization process in China,the volume of municipal solid waste(MSW) transported for treatment has been increasing annually,leading to a progressively severe “waste besieging cities” phenomenon. Although waste classification has been preliminarily implemented in China, the complex composition of sorted MSW poses significant challenges. Conventional incineration methods result in substantial resource waste and severe secondary pollution, which greatly restricts the refined and lowcarbon utilization of MSW. There is an urgent need to develop a refined utilization scheme for classified MSW within the framework of carbon emission constraints.This study proposes an integrated approach that couples anaerobic digestion of food waste,high-temperature co-pyrolysis of fibrous waste, and catalytic pyrolysis of waste plastics. The gaseous, liquid, and solid products generated after refined utilization can be directly utilized as resources. The results indicate that,taking 300 tons of MSW from the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region as a case study,the proposed refined utilization scheme achieves a carbon reduction potential of 39.35% compared to traditional incineration scheme. The produced biogas,pyrolysis gas,and hydrocarbon-rich gas can replace 20.57 tonnes of coal-derived natural gas and 26.95 tonnes of coke oven gas,while the fuel oil can substitute 15.31 tonnes of diesel. To evaluate the macro-level emission reduction benefits of the proposed scheme, a scenario analysis was conducted based on 2023 national MSW data. The results indicate that the nationwide implementation of this refined utilization scheme could achieve an annual reduction of approximately 79.58 million metric tons of CO_2 emissions compared to conventional incineration technology. Further regional analysis reveals significant disparities: North China demonstrates the highest relative reduction rate,with a potential of 45.87%,while in terms of absolute reduction,Guangdong Province contributes the most,reaching 17.19 million metric tons. The research results provide a carbon emission reduction potential analysis for the refined utilization scheme of classified MSW,offering fundamental data and theoretical references for the formulation of low-carbon MSW management policies in China under the “dual carbon” goals.
2026 02 v.32;No.186 [Abstract][OnlineView][Download 2201K] - NIU Jiabao;MA Mingyi;YAN Xin;YE Xiang;JIA Dedong;ZHANG Quan;WANG Xingbao;HE Xiaojun;LI Hongqiang;School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering,Anhui University of Technology;State Key Laboratory of Clean and Efficient Coal Utilization,Taiyuan University of Technology;
The electrocatalytic CO_2 reduction reaction(e CO_2 RR) represents a pivotal technology for closing the anthropogenic carbon cycle and enabling renewable energy storage. Thus,the development of cost-effective,high-performance carbon-based electrocatalysts has emerged as a critical research frontier. Fossil resource-derived polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs) sourced from coal,petroleum,and their industrial byproducts have emerged as ideal precursors for constructing high-performance electrocatalysts for the CO_2 reduction reaction(eCO_2 RR), owing to their structural tunability, low cost, abundant availability, and intrinsic richness in polycyclic aromatic frameworks. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the conversion of fossil resourcederived PAHs into advanced carbon-based electrocatalysts for eCO_2 RR. It first outlines the physicochemical characteristics of diverse fossil resource-derived PAHs feedstocks and the associated pretreatment protocols, elucidating how processes-including acid-base deashing,pre-oxidative cross-linking, and selective solvent extraction-enhance carbon purity and thermal stability. Subsequently, key synthetic strategies are summarized,including the construction of hierarchical pores via chemical or physical activation,morphological regulation via templating,and the modulation of electronic structures and active sites via defect engineering. Furthermore,the intrinsic relationships between physicochemical properties(e.g.,pore architecture,active site coordination) and catalytic performance(e.g.,mass transfer,intermediate adsorption,selectivity) are analyzed. The indispensable role of advanced characterization and theoretical calculations in unraveling reaction mechanisms is also highlighted. Finally,the challenges associated with fossil resource-derived PAHs-based carbon materials are discussed,including the high complexity of precursors,insufficient understanding of reaction mechanisms,low selectivity toward multi-carbon products,and limited scalability. Future directions focusing on molecular design,integrated in-situ characterization and computation,machine learning,and scalable applications are also outlined.
2026 02 v.32;No.186 [Abstract][OnlineView][Download 3327K] - ZHAO Xujie;WANG Yurou;SHI Xiaolei;TAO Xuan;ZHU Zhengyao;PAN Zijun;CHEN Wei;FANG Zhen;College of Engineering,Nanjing Agricultural University;
To align with the “dual carbon” goals and address the inherent limitations of direct pyrolysis biochar—such as low specific surface area, insufficient surface functional groups, and constrained high-value applications—the fabrication techniques and electrochemical applications of biomass-derived nitrogen-doped porous carbon are systematically examined,providing theoretical support for its tailored design and industrial-scale production. Based on the classification of nitrogen-rich and nitrogen-poor biomass precursors,the mechanisms and effectiveness of physical and chemical activation are compared. The process characteristics of one-step methods(simultaneous pyrolysis, activation, and doping) and multi-step methods(sequential pyrolysis, activation, and doping) are systematically analyzed. Furthermore, the structure–performance relationships between hierarchical pore structures, nitrogen doping features(including the types and contents of nitrogen-containing functional groups),and electrochemical properties are thoroughly discussed,with special emphasis on the application mechanisms in supercapacitors,oxygen reduction reaction(ORR) electrocatalysis,and lithium-/sodium-ion batteries. Results indicate that chemical activation,particularly with KOH,outperforms physical activation in constructing high specific surface areas(up to 3 142 m~2/g) and hierarchical porous structures. Nitrogen-rich biomass can achieve a nitrogen content as high as 19.45% via self-doping,whereas nitrogen-poor biomass requires external nitrogen sources. Although the onestep method is more efficient, it faces a fundamental trade-off between enhanced high-temperature activation and reduced nitrogen retention. Fast pyrolysis technology emerges as a promising approach for the synergistic regulation of pore structure and nitrogen content.Owing to their hierarchical porosity and abundant nitrogen-containing functional groups,these materials exhibit a maximum specific capacitance of 473.5 F/g with 99% cycling retention in supercapacitors,demonstrate ORR activity and stability comparable to those of commercial Pt/C,and significantly improve ion storage and transport in secondary batteries. In summary,the synergistic modification through activation and nitrogen doping is crucial for optimizing biochar performance. The one-step method represents a primary direction for future low-cost production. Subsequent research should focus on optimizing process parameters, elucidating reaction mechanisms,and ensuring batch consistency to facilitate large-scale application in electrochemical energy storage and conversion.
2026 02 v.32;No.186 [Abstract][OnlineView][Download 2480K] - SUN Ying;ZHANG Kun;MA Jiaxin;LIU Chang;WU Shuyao;QIU Jieshan;ZHANG Wei;School of Chemistry,Liaoning University;China Coal (Shenzhen) Research Institute Co.,Ltd.;College of Chemical Engineering,Beijing University of Chemical Technology;
The pressing need for low-cost long-cycling sodium-ion batteries(SIBs) for large-scale energy storage underscores the critical importance of high-performance carbon-based anode materials. Targeting the core challenges of severe volume expansion and poor cycling stability in metal sulfide anodes during sodiation/desodiation,this study proposes a facile and green material design strategy. Using glucose(C_6H_(12)O_6) as the carbon source and thioacetamide as the sulfur source, a one-step hydrothermal sulfidation followed by calcination was employed to synthesize a sulfur-doped carbon-coated Sb-Mo-S composite(Sb_2S_3/Mo_2S_3@SC) from a bimetallic oxide precursor for application as an anode in SIBs. Structural and morphological characterizations confirm that with an appropriate ratio of the carbon source, a composite structure consisting of metal sulfide nanoflowers encapsulated by a stable carbon layer was successfully fabricated. This carbon layer not only acts as a mechanical skeleton to effectively buffer volume expansion during cycling and inhibit material pulverization but also significantly enhances electron conduction and optimizes reaction kinetics. Electrochemical tests show that with a precursor(Sb_2 MoO_6) to glucose mass ratio of 1∶3, the obtained Sb_2S_3/Mo_2S_3@SC-3 exhibits excellent sodium storage performance. After 200 cycles at a current density of 0.2 A/g and 500 cycles at 1 A/g,the electrode delivered specific capacities of 678.47 and 589.77 mAh/g,respectively,demonstrating exceptional sodium-ion storage capabilities. This anode exhibits reversible capacities of629.84 and 484.73 mAh/g at 0.05 and 5 A/g,respectively,corresponding to a high-rate capacity. Notably,upon reverting to 0.05 A/g,the specific capacity recovered to 645.36 mAh/g, indicating superb rate performance and structural reversibility. Kinetic analysis further reveals that the charge storage is dominated by pseudocapacitive behavior,accompanied by a high sodium ion diffusion coefficient. This work, through the ingenious cooperative design of carbon coating and sulfur doping, provides a new approach for developing anode materials for SIBs that combine high capacity,long lifespan,and superior rate performance.
2026 02 v.32;No.186 [Abstract][OnlineView][Download 2436K] - HAO Jiale;YIN Jian;WANG Wenxi;XUE Nan;HE Tianqi;LI Danfeng;ZHU Hui;YIN Jiao;School of Materials Science and Optoelectronic Technology,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences;Energy and Chemical Engineering Research Center of Physics and Technology,Chinese Academy of Sciences;
Sodium-ion batteries(SIBs) are recognized as a crucial supplement to lithium-ion batteries in fields such as low-speed electric vehicles and large-scale energy storage, with substantial industrial application potential. They benefit from sodium's inherent advantages, including high crustal abundance(approximately 2.36%), wide distribution, low cost, and electrochemical properties comparable to those of lithium-ion batteries. Hard carbon materials are regarded as the mainstream candidate anode materials for SIBs,as their interlayer spacing is suitable for sodium ion intercalation/deintercalation and excellent cycling stability is exhibited. Particularly,coalbased hard carbon derived from coal precursors is well-adapted to large-scale energy storage requirements,owing to its prominent features of low cost,high carbon yield,and facile scale-up of preparation processes. However,affected by the inherent aromatic structure of coal,coal-based hard carbon is generally plagued by bottleneck problems, such as low reversible specific capacity(mostly below300 mAh/g), poor rate performance, and insufficient initial Coulombic efficiency, which severely restrict its application in highperformance SIBs. In-depth studies demonstrate that these issues are primarily caused by inadequate regulation of the nanopore structure,resulting in poor sodium ion transport pathways, excessive irreversible intercalation sites, and difficulty in achieving efficient and reversible sodium storage. Research progress of coal-based hard carbon for sodium storage is systematically reviewed,with focus placed on the sodium storage mechanism, precursor selection, and structural regulation strategies during thermochemical conversion. Excessive aggregation of condensed aromatic hydrocarbons is efficiently inhibited,and the crystallite size,interlayer spacing,and pore distribution of hard carbon are regulated via thermochemical conversion preparation methods,such as the selection of low-rank coals(e.g.,lignite,long-flame coal), introduction of non-aromatic components, and full utilization of inherent salt components in coal. On this basis,various regulation strategies during thermochemical conversion are further discussed in detail,including carbonization process control,cross-linking reaction, pore-forming engineering, and coating modification. These strategies enable the directional construction of closed/supermicroporous structures suitable for reversible sodium storage,thereby facilitating simultaneous improvements in the plateau capacity, initial Coulombic efficiency, and rate performance of coal-based hard carbon. Finally, the future development of highperformance and low-cost anode materials for SIBs is prospected by integrating current industrial demands and technical bottlenecks. The importance of thermochemical conversion in the directional regulation of the microstructure of coal-based hard carbon is emphasized,providing a reference for advancing the industrial application of coal-based hard carbon and the iterative upgrading of sodium-ion battery energy storage technology.
2026 02 v.32;No.186 [Abstract][OnlineView][Download 2904K] - LU Hongna;ZHONG Lirong;XIA Ming;LI Yanjun;LIU Yuanyuan;School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering,Yantai University;College of Chemical Engineering,Nanjing Tech University;State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering,Nanjing Tech University;Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Materials and Green Manufacturing at Yantai;Yantai Zhongke Research Institute of Advanced Materials and Green Chemical Engineering;
Aqueous zinc-ion batteries(AZIBs) exhibit broad development in the energy storage field due to their advantages of high energy density and intrinsic safety. However,because the large radius of hydrated Zn~(2+) ions,the cathode materials are prone to structural collapse or irreversible phase transition during the charge-discharge process.Therefore,developing stable and efficient cathode for zincstorage materials is one of the keys for the rapid development of AZIBs. Polyoxometalates(POMs for short),with their characteristics of high redox activity and multi-electron transfer,are regarded as promising electrochemical energy storage materials. Nevertheless,POMs suffer from problems such as easy agglomeration,high solubility and poor electrical conductivity,which results in unsatisfactory rate performance and cycle life. Based on this,a series of Keggin-type Phosphomolybdovanadic acids were prepared in this paper and then compounded with reduced graphene oxide(r GO)-polyaniline(PANI) substrates. This strategy not only inhibits the dissolution and agglomeration of POMs,but also enhances their electrical conductivity. The research results show that V-modified POMs have remarkably improved their redox capability attributed to the higher electronegativity of V. Therefore,the electrochemical performance,especially the rate capability,for the V-modified POMs have markedly improved. Among them,the POM-based electrode with 2 V substitutions delivers an outstanding discharge capacity of 286 mAh/g at 0.2 A/g. Moreover,after 1 000 cycles at a high current density of 2 A/g,the capacity retention rate still remains at 77%. Further reaction kinetics studies confirm that the electrochemical reaction process of polyoxometalatebased electrode materials in AZIBs is controlled by diffusion and capacitance. These materials also exhibit a large Zn~(2+) diffusion coefficient and favorable charge transfer kinetics,which can provide a solid guarantee for efficient zinc storage. This study is expected to offer new insights and strategies for the design and development of high-performance AZIBs electrode materials.
2026 02 v.32;No.186 [Abstract][OnlineView][Download 2318K] - YAO Qi;ZHANG Chuanye;ZHU Zhiheng;WAN Huining;WANG Ruiqi;LI Yonghong;WU Yuhua;WU Jianbo;ZHANG Hui;BAI Hongcun;State Key Laboratory of High-Efficiency Utilization of Coal and Green Chemical Engineering,College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering,Ningxia University;Liupanshan Laboratory;
The preparation and hydrogen storage performance of porous biochar materials derived from different anatomical parts of corn stalks—namely leaf,stem bark,and stem pith—are investigated. From an interdisciplinary perspective integrating plant histology and material structure evolution, an innovative precursor regulation strategy based on plant tissue differences is proposed, systematically revealing the pivotal role of raw material tissue characteristics in determining the structural development and hydrogen storage performance of biomass-derived carbon materials. Through a stepwise correlation established between compositional differences,microstructure,pore characteristics,and adsorption behavior,the profound influence mechanism of precursor tissue type on material properties is clarified, providing theoretical support for constructing a clear “ precursor–structure–performance” relationship. The results demonstrate that the tissue origin of the raw material plays a key role in the pore formation mechanism. Owing to its chemical composition characterized by high hemicellulose and low lignin content,the stem pith facilitates the formation of a highly disordered and easily etchable carbon framework during activation. This ultimately leads to the construction of a well-developed microporous network with a specific surface area of 3 723.8 m~2/g and a micropore volume of 1.57 cm~3/g,where pore sizes are concentrated in the ideal range of0.7–1.0 nm for hydrogen storage,demonstrating significant structural advantages. Benefiting from this optimized structure,a maximum hydrogen storage capacity of 4.12% is achieved at 77 K,which is further enhanced to 5.54% under 5.0 MPa pressure. In contrast,the leafand bark-derived carbon materials show relatively lower pore development and hydrogen storage performance due to differences in lignin content. Through a systematic investigation of the chemical composition of different corn stalk tissues and the resultant material microstructures, the regulatory mechanism of precursor characteristics on the hydrogen storage performance of porous carbons is revealed, indicating that micropore volume and pore size distribution are key factors influencing low-temperature hydrogen storage capacity. This work provides new insights and a theoretical foundation for the high-value utilization of agricultural waste and the design of high-performance porous carbon materials for hydrogen storage.
2026 02 v.32;No.186 [Abstract][OnlineView][Download 2430K] - HUA Changhao;WANG Ying;CHEN Ping;GU Mingyan;WANG Huichun;School of Energy and Environment,Anhui University of Technology;
High efficiency adsorbents are one of the effective ways to reduce NO_x and CO_2 emissions. Rice husks were used as raw materials,modified and activated by urea and CaO,and the effects of different nitro-containing biochar and CaO-coupled nitro-doped biochar on NO,CO_2 and their synergistic adsorption properties were investigated by combining experiments and density functional theory calculations. The experimental results show that nitrogen-containing porous carbon is mainly microporous, and its urea mixture can promote the formation of biochar pores. The specific surface area of BC1-2 is 1 491.30 m~2/g,and the microporosity is 72.5%. Theoretical calculation results show that introducing nitrogen-containing groups into biochar can improve the adsorption of NO and CO_2. Among all nitrogen-containing functional groups,N-5 functional group has the most obvious adsorption effect on NO and CO_2. Compared with pure biomass carbon,the adsorption energy of pyrrole-nitrogen-containing biochar(CN-5) for NO and CO_2 increased by 143.88%and 13.75% respectively. The coupling of CaO further increases the influence of N-5 groups on gas adsorption characteristics,and the adsorption energy of CaO/CN-5 is more than 5 times higher than that of CN-5. The coupling of CaO and CN-5 can promote NO/CO_2 co-adsorption. The co-adsorption energy of CaO/CN-5 for NO/CO_2 is 514.97,502.58 and 35.7 kJ/mol higher than that of BC,CN-5 and CaO/BC,respectively. The results of adsorption capacity also show that adding pyrrole snitrogen-containing biochar(CN-5) is more beneficial to gas adsorption,and coupling CaO with CN-5 can further increase the gas adsorption capacity of biochar. At 273 K,the adsorption capacity of NO and CO_2 by CaO/CN-5 system reached 6.342 and 7.666 mmol/g,respectively,which was 2.16% and 23.49%higher than that by CN-5 system.
2026 02 v.32;No.186 [Abstract][OnlineView][Download 3042K] - WANG Xin;CUI Ziyuan;MA Xiaojuan;LIN Hai;ZHANG Lingwei;WANG Yufei;College of Chemical Engineering and Environment,China University of Petroleum-Beijing;State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing,China University of Petroleum-Beijing;
Hydrogen,as a low-carbon energy carrier,plays a crucial role in decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors. With the acceleration of the global energy transition and the expansion of hydrogen applications in various fields,building efficient and stable hydrogen supply chains has become a key prerequisite for the large-scale application of hydrogen energy. Coupling green renewables with hydrogen supply chains mitigates curtailment and resource wastage. This synergy subsequently improves the operational flexibility of low-carbon power systems. In recent years,research methodologies for optimizing green hydrogen supply chains have advanced rapidly. The modeling and optimization methods for the green hydrogen supply chain were systematically categorized and analyzed to identify overlooked details and research gaps. Through a systematic analysis of each section within the green hydrogen supply chain network,the coupling relationships were illustrated and critical technologies were evaluated. A comprehensive review and critical analysis of relevant literature are conducted along two dimensions:network design optimization and operational optimization of green hydrogen supply chains. Despite progress in multi-period planning, multi-objective trade-offs, and collaborative optimization, gaps re-main in detailed modeling of conversion/transport units and their integration with high-resolution operational strategies. Furthermore,the common characteristics of mathematical models were systematically sorted out,and the decision variables,evaluation indicators,and common constraints of the system were summarized. Additionally,the general modeling and optimization methods were reviewed,and the application scenarios and features of mathematical programming,multi-objective optimization algorithms,and uncertainty modeling methods were compared and analyzed. Finally,the deficiencies of the existing work were pointed out from the aspects of full-chain refined modeling and multi-time scale coupling,and the future research directions were prospected.
2026 02 v.32;No.186 [Abstract][OnlineView][Download 2268K] - WANG Liyu;FANG Huihuang;HUANG Wenshi;CAI Xiyang;WU Zeyun;WANG Dabiao;LIN Li;CHEN Chongqi;LUO Yu;ZHANG Qing;JIANG Lilong;National Engineering Research Center for Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst (NERC-CFC),School of Chemical Engineering,Fuzhou University;FZU Zijin Hydrogen Power Technology Co.,Ltd.;
As a crucial bulk chemical and a liquid hydrogen carrier in the energy sector,ammonia exhibits dual attributes as both a “raw material” and a “fuel”, which bridges traditional chemical industries with new energy sectors. Leveraging ammonia's superior energy characteristics and China's strategic needs for energy security, it enables a full-chain “ zero-carbon” green energy cycle featuring“renewable power-to-hydrogen—ammonia-based hydrogen storage—safe and low-cost ammonia transport—zero-carbon hydrogen production and utilization”. As a green liquid hydrogen carrier and fuel, ammonia holds significant potential in energy end-use applications such as industrial hydrogen production/refueling,fuel cells,engines,and industrial boilers/kilns. To advance green ammoniahydrogen energy applications, critical challenges must be addressed, including the high reaction temperatures of existing ammonia decomposition catalysts, bulky and energy-intensive ammonia decomposition reactors, and the complex processes and inefficient component matching in ammonia-hydrogen conversion equipment. A systematic approach is urgently needed to design and develop ammonia decomposition catalysts and reactors,followed by the development of a series of ammonia-hydrogen energy equipment(e.g.,ammonia-to-hydrogen systems,ammonia fuel cells,ammonia internal combustion engines) and integrated conversion and utilization solutions. First,the synergistic enhancement of catalyst efficiency and long-term stability achieved through multi-dimensional strategies is reviewed. Second,an analysis of industrial challenges and technological advancements in ammonia decomposition reactors is followed.Then, application cases developed through deep industry-university-research collaboration are highlighted,which include industrial-scale ammonia-to-hydrogen and refueling stations,ammonia fuel cell power generation,ammonia-hydrogen thermal engine power generation,and ammonia-hydrogen co-firing equipment. Finally, future prospects for ammonia-hydrogen energy technologies and industrial applications emphasize the urgent need to improve the activity and stability of ammonia decomposition catalysts,develop efficient and compact ammonia-to-hydrogen reactor devices aligned with the kinetic properties of the catalysts,and optimize the multi-component synergistic matching and process control design of ammonia-hydrogen energy equipment.
2026 02 v.32;No.186 [Abstract][OnlineView][Download 2999K] - LEI Ruipeng;YING Zhi;ZHENG Xiaoyuan;DOU Binlin;CUI Guomin;School of Energy and Power Engineering,University of Shanghai for Science and Technology;Shanghai Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow and Heat Transfer in Power Engineering;
Under the global “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals”,coupling water electrolysis with biomass electrochemical conversion driven by renewable electricity enables the co-production of green hydrogen and high-value chemicals. This approach facilitates efficient storage of intermittent renewable energy in chemical form while improving the economic sustainability of biomass utilization,offering significant strategic importance. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in biomass electrochemical conversion coupled with water electrolysis for energy-saving hydrogen production. By replacing the oxygen evolution reaction with the oxidation of raw biomass and its derivatives,such as alcohols,furans,lignin,and biochar,this approach enables the low-energy hydrogen production alongside co-producing high-value chemicals like formic acid,2,5-furandicarboxylic acid,and functional carbon materials,achieving synergistic optimization of energy conversion and resource cycling. Leveraging thermodynamic and kinetic advantages,advances in catalyst design and novel electrolyzer architectures have enabled stable operation at industrial current densities on the kilowatt scale,demonstrating engineering feasibility. Nevertheless,challenges remain,including selectivity control due to feedstock heterogeneity,rapid anode catalyst deactivation,and the high cost of large-scale mass transfer and product separation. Future breakthroughs should focus on designing highly active,selective,and durable electrocatalysts,innovating electrolyzer configurations and process systems,advancing mechanistic understanding through in-situ dynamic studies,and promoting integrated system design. These efforts will accelerate the transition from laboratory research to large-scale application, providing systematic solutions for the integrated development of green hydrogen energy and biomass refining.
2026 02 v.32;No.186 [Abstract][OnlineView][Download 2771K] - JIA Jinpeng;YUE Zhijing;LIU Xiangguo;YANG Keli;ZHOU Huacong;BAN Yanpeng;LI Na;LIU Quansheng;School of Chemical Engineering,Inner Mongolia University of Technology;
Carbon-assisted water electrolysis(CAWE) introduces a carbon source at the anode,utilizing the carbon oxidation reaction(COR) to replace the oxygen evolution reaction(OER), can significantly reduce the reaction overpotential and represents an efficient hydrogen production strategy with both economic and sustainable advantages. Developing a highly active,low-cost,and stable electrocatalytic system has become the key to enhancing the performance of CAWE. A Ni-Co nanosheet-structure catalyst is fabricated on a nickel foam(NF) substrate using an electrodeposition combined with cyclic voltammetry(CV) activation strategy,and is applied to a humic acid(HA)-assisted water electrolysis system to achieve efficient and low-energy hydrogen production. When 0.35 g HA is added to 1 mol/L KOH,the Ni–Co/NF electrode requires an overpotential of only 254.4 mV to deliver a current density of 10 mA/cm~2,achieving a hydrogen production rate of 28.22 mL/（h·cm~2） with an energy consumption as low as 3.82 kWh/Nm~3. Mechanistic investigations demonstrate that Ni-Co/NF catalyzes the reversible conversion of Ni~(2+)/Ni~(3+) and Co~(2+)/Co~(3+) under alkaline conditions,continuously generating highly active free radicals （·OH,· O_2~-） that selectively cleave and oxidize HA molecules,thereby achieving synergistic promotion of carbon oxidation and hydrogen evolution reactions.In conclusion, the Ni-Co/NF catalyst exhibits excellent catalytic activity and stability, providing new insights and a theoretical basis for the construction of low-energy hydrogen production systems and the electrochemical conversion of humic acid.
2026 02 v.32;No.186 [Abstract][OnlineView][Download 2238K] - LI Bingshuo;WANG Zhicai;LIU Longfei;ZHANG Bowen;YANG Tianhua;School of Energy and Environment,Shenyang Aerospace University;
Lignin, as the only renewable component rich in aromatic structures within biomass resources, presents efficient depolymerization and high-value utilization as key challenges in biomass energy applications. The research is aimed at achieving the hydrothermal depolymerization of lignin by using an ethanol-water mixed solvent as the reaction medium, coupled with an aqueous phase reforming reaction to enhance the quality of the depolymerized product(bio-oil). Through investigation the influence of reaction conditions on the yield of depolymerization products, it is found that the highest yield of heavy oil of 52.47% from hydrothermal depolymerization of lignin is achieved at a temperature of 260 ℃,a reaction time of 60 min,and a solid-liquid ratio(lignin/solvent) of(1.5∶20) g/mL. Analysis of the light and heavy fractions of the depolymerized bio-oil shows that the heavy oil fraction predominantly contains G-type phenols(32.40%),while also being rich in S-type phenols(17.12%) and ketone compounds(19.27%),with a relatively low content of H-type phenol content(8.61%). The light oil fraction is characterized by a high enrichment of G-type phenols(50.11%) and a significant proportion of aldehyde products(38.29%). Furthermore,under optimal reforming conditions of 320 ℃and 20 min,the aqueous phase reforming of heavy bio-oil achieves a maximum HHV of 34.21 MJ/kg,an effective hydrogen-to-carbon ratio(H/C_(eff)) of 1.02,and an energy recovery(R_e) as high as 86.31%. GC-MS analysis is employed to investigate the influence of varying heavy oil/water ratios on the component distribution of the reformed bio-oil. Results indicate that the heavy oil/aqueous ratio significantly influenced the product selectivity. As the ratio is increased from(1∶40) to(2∶40) g/mL, the relative content of phenolic and ketone products in the reformed bio-oil shows an overall upward trend. The phenolic product content rises from 50.08% to63.88%,while ketone products increase from 1.19% to 14.63%. Conversely,ether and ester products exhibit a decreasing trend,with ether products decreasing from 12.57% to 1.37% and ester products decreasing from 21.42% to 11.96%. The study demonstrates that the ethanol-water co-solvent system not only facilitates efficient lignin depolymerization but also allows the aqueous phase to be recovered and reused in subsequent aqueous phase reforming processes. This integrated approach is shown to contribute to improved bio-oil quality and to offer a promising route for the high-value utilization of lignin resources.
2026 02 v.32;No.186 [Abstract][OnlineView][Download 2385K] - PAN Lingyong;XU Lin;LI Hong;YE Zhaoxi;WEN Chang;Sinopec Oilfield Equipment Corporation;School of Energy and Power Engineering,Huazhong University of Science and Technology;
Alkaline water electrolysis(AWE) technology is currently a mainstream method for producing hydrogen from renewable energy sources,the structural improvement of the alkaline electrolyzers is of great significance for enhancing the efficiency of renewable energy hydrogen production systems. The spherical concave-convex(SCC) shaped bipolar plates are widely used in alkaline electrolyzers, their distribution and arrangement will affect the internal flow field of the electrolyzers, thereby influencing the overall performance of the alkaline electrolyzers. In order to study the influence of the SCC shaped bipolar plate and optimize its structure,a multi-physical simulation model of alkaline electrolyzer was established by using numerical simulation methods. Based on the simulation model,we propose to study the effects of three arrangements of SCC,namely,alternate arrangements,cross arrangements and sequential arrangements,and of the distance of SCC(10,15,20 mm) on the distribution of multi-physical fields including the electrolyte flow field, gas components, temperature field, and current density, for proposing an optimization strategy. The study found that the SCC structure can significantly improve the electrolysis reaction strength and gas component distribution on the electrode,but this structure also brings problems of bubble formation and temperature accumulation. The concave shape is more conducive to increasing the current density and gas diffusion compared to the convex shape. The structure of cross arrangements is superior to that of the alternate arrangements and sequential arrangements in improving the current density of the electrode plate. When the operating voltage is 1.8 V and the temperature is 70 ℃,the polarization current density of alkaline electrolyzer with the cross arrangement of SCC and a spacing of15 mm is 2 004 A/m~2,and the maximum temperature rise can be lowered by nearly 2 ℃ compared with other two structures,meanwhile,the structure of cross arrangements has good performance in terms of temperature uniformity,gas fraction,and flow field uniformity.
2026 02 v.32;No.186 [Abstract][OnlineView][Download 2289K] - XU Sihua;LI Hui;WANG Yicheng;REN Yang;LIU Huan;HU Hongyun;YAO Hong;School of Energy and Power Engineering,Huazhong University of Science and Technology;Research Institute of Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen;
With the deepening advancement of China's new urbanization and the widespread adoption of waste incineration technology,the annual production of municipal solid waste incineration(MSWI) fly ash has exceeded 10 million tons. As a typical urban hazardous waste,fly ash accumulates highly toxic pollutants such as heavy metals and dioxins. Its scientific disposal has become a critical task for safeguarding ecological and environmental security and advancing the development of "Zero Waste City". Currently,fly ash treatment and disposal has gradually shifted from traditional non-hazardous landfilling to a diversified development model based on resource utilization.Against this backdrop,this paper statistically analyzed the compositional characteristics of national fly ash,defining the content ranges of major elements such as Ca(17.2%–54.3%),Cl(10.19%–33.27%),Na(0.26%–12.73%),K(1.48%–8.57%),while clarifying the concentration ranges and corresponding ore grades of valuable heavy metals(Zn,Pb,Cu,etc.) with resource potential. Furthermore,through analysis of representative industrialized technologies—low-temperature thermal treatment + washing,high-temperature melting,and cement kiln co-processing,it was confirmed that the “dioxin pyrolysis-soluble salt leaching-calcium-containing component building materialization” pathway represents the mainstream approach for fly ash resource utilization in China today. The study also conducted an in-depth analysis of the differences between various technical pathways from dimensions such as treatment efficiency, energy consumption costs,product added value,and industrial adaptability. Addressing existing industry challenges,this paper proposed key development directions:controlling soluble salt recovery costs,enhancing high-temperature melting product quality,and achieving full resource utilization of valuable components. These recommendations aim to provide targeted practical guidance and theoretical support for technological innovation,process optimization,and large-scale industrial deployment in fly ash resource utilization.
2026 02 v.32;No.186 [Abstract][OnlineView][Download 2532K] 下载本期数据