Journal Highlights March 2020
3 March 2020
SCI’s peer reviewed journals provide research studies and commentary articles undertaken by top scientists in emerging areas, addressing global audiences by crossing academic, industrial and science policy sectors.
Here we highlight some of the most recent papers from our journals. To view the full range of SCI’s journals, visit the Publications page.
Keep up the work on flue gas technologies
Greenhouse Gases: Science & Technology DOI:10.1002/jctb.6224
While there is a move to phase out coal-fired power plants (CFPP) it is acknowledged that increasing demand for electricity means CFPPs will remain an essential part of the global energy mix for some time. Researchers funded by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey have looked at the various techniques for mitigating the harmful emissions from these facilities. The researchers conclude that current emission reduction technologies will be insufficient, considering the energy scenarios prepared for the future, while meeting the current emissions regulations. Therefore, there is a requirement for continued improvement in current technologies, or the use of hybrid technologies along with new developments.
On track for hydrogen
Energy Science & Engineering DOI:10.1002/ese3.646
The railway currently represents the most important form of electric transport. However, swaths of track even in industrialised countries are not electrified. Trains running on such tracks are usually diesel-electric powered. In theory batteries could provide power, but the low energy density makes them impractical. Other energy storage technologies, providing higher energy density are needed. An interesting notion is trains powered by liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC), where research seems to have overcome the problem of the lower energy density of compressed hydrogen. LOHCs store hydrogen in a chemical bonded form through reversible catalytic hydrogenation. Platinum catalysts show good performance in hydrogen release from LOHCs. The huge advantage is that hydrogen can be stored safely in ambient conditions. The focus is now on the design of a safe hydrogen release unit.
Versatile enzyme could have new applications
Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology DOI:10.1002/jctb.6224
Enzymes offer huge potential for improving existing industrial processes, as well as ushering in new process for high value-added products. To this end laccases have been found to be very versatile biocatalysts currently used in food, textile and pulp and paper sectors, amongst others. Their use is now being trialled in areas such as lignocellulosic biorefineries and enzymatic biofuel cells. Laccase enzymes are also offering new opportunities to treat emerging contaminants that impact the environment. In addition, they may have application as a source of anticancer and antifungal drugs.
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