Volume 35, Issue 2

In 2006, Dixon et al. published the comprehensive review article entitled “Packed tubular reactor modeling and catalyst design using computational fluid dynamics.” More than one decade later, many researchers have contributed to novel insights, as well as a deeper understanding of the topic. Likewise, complexity has grown and new issues have arisen, for example, by coupling microkinetics with computational fluid dynamics (CFD). In this review article, the latest advances are summarized in the field of modeling fixed-bed reactors with particle-resolved CFD, i.e. a geometric resolution of every pellet in the bed. The current challenges of the detailed modeling are described, i.e. packing generation, meshing, and solving with an emphasis on coupling microkinetics with CFD. Applications of this detailed approach are discussed, i.e. fluid dynamics and pressure drop, dispersion, heat and mass transfer, as well as heterogeneous catalytic systems. Finally, conclusions and future prospects are presented.

Forward osmosis (FO) has played an important role in alleviating the problems caused by freshwater shortage and water contamination in recent years. However, issues of low water permeability, reverse solute diffusion, concentration polarization and membrane fouling are still widely present in FO processes. These challenges are the current research focus in exploring novel FO membranes. Fabricating FO membranes from chemically modified commercial polymers is a relatively novel approach and has proven effective in obtaining appropriate FO membranes. This paper focuses on the progress of FO membranes made specially from chemically modified polymer materials. First of all, a brief overview of commercial polymers commonly used for FO membrane fabrication is provided. Secondly, the chemical modification strategies and synthesis routes of novel polymer materials as well as the resultant FO membrane performance are presented. The strengths and weaknesses of chemical modifications on polymer materials are assessed. Then, typical FO applications facilitated by the FO membranes made from modified polymer materials are exemplified. Finally, challenges and future directions in exploring novel polymers through chemical modifications for FO membrane fabrication are highlighted. This review may provide new insights into the future advancement of both novel membrane materials and FO membranes.

Superhydrophobic membrane that is highly resistant to wetting by aqueous solution has gained great attention because of its potential to be applied in many emerging membrane processes such as membrane gas absorption (MGA) and membrane distillation (MD). Numerous approaches have been proposed to obtain membranes with superhydrophobic surface from materials with various degrees of hydrophobicity. This paper then reviews the progress in superhydrophobic membrane preparation and its separation properties. A brief description of superhydrophobicity is firstly presented. Preparation methods of the superhydrophobic membrane are subsequently reviewed, including direct processing method and surface modification of the existing membrane. Finally, the separation properties and challenges of superhydrophobic membranes are discussed. This article could provide an insight for further development of superhydrophobic membrane.

Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) is now an established NO x removal technology for industrial flue gas as well as for diesel engine exhaust gas. However, it is still a big challenge to develop a novel low-temperature catalyst for NH 3 -SCR of NO x , especially at a temperature below 200°C. In the past few years, many studies have demonstrated the potential of iron (Fe)-based catalysts as low-temperature catalysts for NH 3 -SCR of NO x . Herein, we summarize the recent progress and performance of Fe-based catalysts for low-temperature NH 3 -SCR of NO x . Catalysts are divided into three categories: single Fe x O y , Fe-based multimetal oxide, and Fe-based multimetal oxide with support catalysts. The catalytic activity and selectivity of Fe-based catalysts are systematically analyzed and summarized in light of some key factors such as activation energy, specific surface area, morphology, crystallinity, preparation method and precursor, acid sites, calcination temperature, other metal dopant/substitute, and redox property of catalysts. In addition, H 2 O/SO 2 tolerance and the NH 3 -SCR reaction mechanism over Fe-based catalysts, including Eley-Rideal and Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism, are emphasized. Lastly, the perspectives and future research directions of low-temperature NH 3 -SCR of NO x are also proposed.

Citrus is one of the largest and most popular fruit crops commercially grown across the globe. It is not only important in terms of economy but is also popular for its nutritional benefits to human and farm animals. Citrus is available in several varieties, all with attractive colors. It is consumed either fresh or in processed form. After processing, approximately 50% of the fruit remains unconsumed and discarded as waste. The latter includes fruit pith residue, peels and seeds. Direct disposal of these wastes to the environment causes serious problems as these contain bioactive compounds. Release of these bioactive compounds to the open landfills cause bad odor and spread of diseases, and disposal to water bodies or seepage to the underground water table deteriorates water quality and harms aquatic life. In this regard, a number of research are being focused on the development of better reuse methods to obtain value-added phytochemicals as well as for safe disposal. The important phytochemicals obtained from citrus include essential oils, flavonoids, citric acid, pectin, etc., which have now become popular topics in industrial research, food and synthetic chemistry. The present article reviews recent advances in exploring the effects of flavonoids obtained from citrus wastes, the extraction procedure and their usage in view of various health benefits.

Due to their responsive behavior, high stability, and reusability, microgels have gained importance as adsorbents for the removal of aqueous pollutants such as heavy metals, nitroarenes, organic matter, and toxic dyes. However, there are few challenges that need to be addressed to make microgels as potential adsorbents for the removal of aqueous pollutants. This review article encircles the recent developments in the field of microgel usage as adsorbents for the extraction of aqueous pollutants. Many factors that influence the adsorption of pollutants such as pH, temperature of the medium, agitation time, pollutant concentration, microgel dose, and feed contents of microgels have been discussed in detail. Different adsorption isotherms as well as the kinetic and thermodynamic aspects of the adsorption process have also been enlightened to interpret the insight of the adsorption process. Microgel recovery from the reaction mixture as well as reusability is discussed from the financial point of view. The biodegradability of microgels induced due to the incorporation of specific biomacromolecules is also discussed.