Narrow Results

Although biomass-derived metal-free electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) have garnered increasing attention, their ORR performance is lower than that of commercial 20% Pt/C. To improve their ORR performance, a series of porous carbons with high $N$ contents are prepared by pyrolyzing a mixture of spinach leaf powder and urea at different mass ratios (1:0, 1:5, 1:10, and 1:15) at a high temperature; the resultant materials are labeled as S-850, S-850-5, S-850-10, and S-850-15, respectively. The results indicate that the $N$ contents in the as-synthesized S-850, S-850-5, S-850-10, and S-850-15 products are 5.43, 5.74, 5.93, and 5.93 at%, respectively, which gradually increase with increasing urea contents, while the $P$ and $S$ contents (0.7 and 0.3 at%, respectively) show no change. Among all the as-synthesized products, the sample obtained by the addition of 10 wt.% urea (S-850-10) exhibits the best ORR catalytic performance in an O₂-saturated 0.1 M KOH solution with a half-potential of 0.748 V and a diffusion-limited current density of −4.76 mA cm${}^{-2}$ at 0.4 V. The half-potential and diffusion-limited current density of S-850-10 are improved by 0.53% and 8.61% compared to those of S-850 (0.744 V and −4.35 mA cm${}^{-2}$ at 0.4 V, respectively). These findings indicate that urea can be used as an $N$ resource to increase the $N$ content of biomass-derived metal-free porous carbon, enhancing its ORR performance.

Grand Challenges in Biodiversity Informatics.

Using Biodiversity Information Effectively.

Science Academies' Role in Development: Presidents Reveal It All.

Protein Nanocages: The Versatile Molecular Shell.

NCCS doctor wins recognition in the prestigious Singapore Youth Awards 2014

Singapore - Republic of Korea collaboration on biomedical technology shows results

International Stem Cell Corporation signs agreement with Rohto Pharmaceutical of Japan

AstraZeneca and Max Planck Institute enter research agreement to create satellite chemistry unit for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases

Reaction Biology receives NIH grant award for epigenetic database

New Zealand and Singapore to collaborate on food and nutrition research

5th Biomass Pellets Trade & Power spotlights on Asia's unprecedented biomass industry growth and mega opportunities

'Sustainability' issues take center-stage when 6th Palm Oil Asia Summit returns to Jakarta this August

Asia's supremacy in oleochemicals market takes center stage at 2nd Olechemicals Outlook Summit in Jakarta, this August

Current State of Microalgae-derived Biofuels and Bioproducts Research in South Korea: Outcome and Future Direction of Advanced Biomass R&D Center (ABC).

Medicinal Bioconvergence Research Center: An Integrated Research Platform for Novel Target and Lead Discovery.

BioNano Health Guard Research Center.

Bio-Synergy Research Center: Knowledge-based Systems Biology Platform for Natural Product Engineering.

Brief Introduction to the Project on Systems Metabolic Engineering for Biorefineries.

SINGAPORE – NUS Study Uncovers Novel Genetic Alterations Contributing to Development of Leukaemia.

AUSTRALIA – Meat Consumption Contributing to Global Obesity.

AUSTRALIA – Warmer Climate Could Lower Dengue Risk.

UNITED KINGDOM – Treatment Option for Alzheimer’s Disease Possible.

UNITED STATES – Hot News Flash! Menopause, Sleepless Nights Make Women’s Bodies Age Faster.

UNITED STATES – Innovative Technology Improves Detection of Bladder Cancer.

UNITED STATES – Research Shows New Neurons Created Through Exercise Don’t Cause You to Forget Old Memories.

INDIA – Praj to be the First Indian Technology Provider to Launch ‘Green Fund’ for 2G Ethanol Projects.

MALAYSIA – Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Foundation Partners Singapore-based Asian American Medical Group to Conduct Feasibility of Establishing Centre of Excellence in Southern Malaysia to Treat Cancer.

TAIWAN – Curcumin Derivatives May Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease by Promoting Amyloid-β Clearance.

Ceria (CeO₂) nanoparticles (NPs) have been produced from cerium nitrate and walnut shell as a worthless agricultural waste by a thermal decomposition method followed by open air calcination. These NPs further were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Moreover, particle sizes can be tuned by changing cerium source/biomass ratio. To test the catalytic activity of cerium NPs as a heterogeneous catalyst, we selected three-component synthesis of 3,4-dihydroquinoxalin-2-amine. Also, the efficiency of CeO₂ NPs as a support for palladium NPs and subsequent use in aerobic oxidation of alcohols has been investigated. TEM image of a recovered catalyst indicates the formation of 12 nm sized palladium NPs within the cerium oxide NPs. The catalyst is quite effective for the oxidation of primary and secondary benzylic alcohols into their corresponding aldehydes and ketones under atmospheric pressure of air. Oxidation of secondary aliphatic alcohols is performed in oxygen atmosphere.

Latent fingerprint detection and visualization remains a challenge especially where problems of poor contrast, auto-fluorescent surfaces and patterned backgrounds are encountered. As a result there is an increasing interest in the development of simple, cost effective, rapid and yet accurate methods for latent fingerprint detection and recovery. Herein, this paper reports the synthesis of bright blue photoluminescent carbon dots (C-dots) via an eco-friendly and simple one-step microwave-assisted carbonization of potato peels’ biomass. The C-dots were prepared in only 3 min and ground into powder and used without any further treatment. The as-prepared C-dots were characterized using atomic force microscope, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction with an average size of 1.0nm. The optical properties of the as-prepared C-dots were studied by UV-Vis spectroscopy and spectrofluorometer which established an excitation and emission wavelengths of 390nm and 480nm, respectively. Owing to their strong solid state fluorescence, the as-prepared C-dots’ powder was successfully used in latent fingerprint detection and imaging on porous and nonporous surfaces. Latent fingerprints were recovered with high resolution and excellent quality providing sufficient details for individual identification. These findings demonstrate that C-dots derived from biomass have a great potential in latent fingerprint analysis for forensic applications.

Biomass-derived porous carbon materials were selectively and controllably prepared by carbonization of hay slag (HS) and activation with ZnCl₂ combined with Mg(NO${}_3{)}_2\cdot 6$H₂O. The prepared porous carbon materials had an apparent multi-pore structure and a large specific surface area. In a 6mol/L KOH with a current density of 0.25A/g, the specific capacitance of the prepared sample was 220F/g. Further study showed that the optimal pore size range of porous carbon materials for electrode preparation was 0.8–1.2nm. At the same time, the porous carbon material had a good adsorption capacity for CO₂, and the adsorbent performance was 3.09mmol/g at 0^∘C and 1 bar. Adsorbents with the pore size range of 0.5–0.8nm had the best CO₂ adsorption performance. This integrated strategy study expanded biomass-derived porous carbon materials with controllable pore structures to match different application strategies.

This study aimed to use a simple, low-cost and eco-friendly microwave-assisted method for the synthesis of carbon dots-based fluorescent sensor that can detect more one target analyte in aqueous media. Herein, we report the synthesis of carbon dots (CDs) from peels of an indigenous and abundant wild fruit called wild medlar (Vangueria infausta). Functional groups such as hydroxyl (–OH) and carbonyl (C=O) were revealed on the surface of the as-prepared carbon dots using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The as-prepared CDs exhibited an amorphous structure and a broad distribution of particle size with an average size of 10 nm. In addition, the as-prepared CDs demonstrated excellent hydrophilicity and intense blue photoluminescence under UV light at 365 nm. The water-soluble CDs were employed for the detection of Al${}^{3+}$ using a ‘turn on’ mechanism and Hg${}^{2+}$ using a ‘turn off’ mechanism. Addition of increasing concentration of Al${}^{3+}$ resulted in an increase in the fluorescence intensity of the as-prepared CDs while addition of increasing concentration of Hg${}^{2+}$ resulted in quenching of the fluorescence intensity of CDs. The lowest limit of detection (LOD) for Al${}^{3+}$ and Hg${}^{2+}$ ions in aqueous media was determined at 817 nM and 612 nM, respectively. Furthermore, the as-prepared CDs have excellent selectivity towards Al${}^{3+}$ and Hg${}^{2+}$ among other potential metal ion interferences. Practical application of the as-prepared CDs towards detection of Al${}^{3+}$ and Hg${}^{2+}$ in tap water revealed good recovery rates of 86.0% to 87.4% and 96.4% to 106.5%, respectively. Therefore, this work has demonstrated a potent strategy for potential application of this nanoprobe towards dual detection of Al${}^{3+}$ and Hg${}^{2+}$ in aqueous samples.

The new visible-light operated CO₂-glucose biofuel cell consisting of chlorin-e₆ immobilized on TiO₂ thin layer film onto optical transparent conductive glass electrode (OTE) as an anode, formate dehydrogenase (FDH) and viologen with long alkyl chain co-immobilized OTE as a cathode, and the solution containing glucose, glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) and NAD⁺ as a fuel was developed. The short-circuit photocurrent and the open-circuit photovoltage of this cell are 37 μA.cm^-2 and 390 mV, respectively. The maximum power is estimated to be 57 μW.cm^-2. The overall photoenergy conversion efficiency is estimated to be 0.057%. After 2 h irradiation to this cell, 0.65 μmol of formic acid was produced. During irradiation, the photocurrent was constant value of 32 ± 10 μA.cm^-2 in the cell. Thus, CO₂ reduces and formic acid produces while generating electricity with visible light irradiation to this biofuel cell.

Biomass utilization could relieve the pressure caused by conventional energy shortage and environmental pollution. Advantage should be taken of the abundant biomass in China as clean energy source to substitute for traditional fossil fuels. At present, flash pyrolysis appears to be an efficient method to produce high yields of liquids that could either be directly used as fuel or converted to other valuable chemicals. Experiments were carried out of pyrolyzing biomass particles in a hot dense fluidized bed of sand to obtain high-quality bio-oil. Among four kinds of biomass species adopted in our experiment, Padauk Wood had the best characteristics in producing bio-oil. GC-MS analysis showed bio-oil to be a complex mixture consisting of many compounds. Furthermore, an integrated model was proposed to reveal how temperature influences biomass pyrolysis. Computation indicated that biomass particles underwent rapid heating before pyrolysis.

Processes involving biomass are of growing interest, but handling and conveying biomass particles are challenging due to the unusual physical properties of biomass particles. This paper reviews recent work on pneumatic conveying of biomass particles, especially agricultural particles and pulp fibres. Experimental work has been mainly carried out to determine a range of parameters, such as pressure drop, particle velocity, flow regime and electrostatic charging for both horizontal and vertical conveying. Models ranging from empirical to CFD models are also being developed. Difficulties in representing turbulence and interactions among biomass particles and between the particles and fluid have so far limited the success of advanced modeling. Further work is needed to improve understanding of multiphase biomass pneumatic conveying and to assist in the development of biomass energy and conversion processes.

Seas, marine, and coastal regions are integral and essential parts of our ecosystem. Many scientific approaches have been taken to ensure the sustainable use of marine resources. Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a vital role in harvesting resources so that the system regenerates itself for the long term. This paper develops a two-input and two-output fuzzy logic-based model to predict the fisheries’ remaining biomass after harvesting and maintaining a high revenue level in the Bangladesh Sundarbans region. Fishing & tourism are taken as input parameters, and revenue & biomass are taken as output parameters. A total of 20 rules (IF-THEN type) have been generated in the fuzzy rule editor of Fuzzy Inference System (FIS), considering all possible combinations between input–output parameters. The data which we obtained from the real ecosystem exactly corresponds to the results that we got from our proposed model. Our fuzzy logic model yields valid predictions of the remaining biomass level without compromising profit, only by controlling the harvesting and tourist entry.

H₂O₂ detection plays an important role in electrochemical sensing since H₂O₂ often acts as an intermediate product or regulator in various reactions. Nanoporous carbon (NPC) can be a potential candidate in electrochemical sensing because of its high specific surface area, various pore sizes and structures. In this work, we reported the preparation of N-doped NPC derived from the highly available, accessible and recyclable plant Typha orientalis. The products have high surface area (highest surface areas of 1439.0 m² g${}^{-1})$ and a number of nanopores. Highest content of nitrogen atom in the product is 3.66 at.%). Typical product exhibits high electrocatalytic activity for reduction of hydrogen peroxide. The product may have further use for glucose biosensing. We developed a low-cost, simple and readily scalable approach to prepare the excellent carbon electrocatalyst directly from crude biomass. In addition, because of high surface area and doping of nitrogen element, the product may find broad applications in the fields of supercapacitors, lithium-ion batteries, gas uptake and so on.

Environmental and energy issues have always been a hot topic of global research. Oil leakage has caused great damage to the environment, affecting a wide area and it is difficult to clean up. In most cases, carbon-based adsorbents are typically utilized to remove oil spills because of their economic benefits and high adsorbent efficiency. At the same time, its excellent material properties can also be used for the preparation of supercapacitors. In this paper, the carbon aerogels were prepared by the one-step method. The prepared materials endowed a 3D network structure with a huge number of micropores and mesoporous, and the material is light-weight, stable, hydrophobic and has affinity for oil (17.02g/g) to the KGM carbon aerogel. Through the physic-chemical characterization, the KGM carbon aerogel shows specific surface area is 689m²/g, high water contact angle (136.64${}^{\circ }$) and excellent reusability (more than 15 cycle times). In addition, we also discussed the electrochemical properties of the material and obtained the specific electrical capacity of 139F/g under the condition of 1A/g.

Multi-element doped porous carbon materials are considered as one of the most promising electrode materials for supercapacitors due to their large specific surface area, abundant mesoporous structure, heteroatom doping and good conductivity. Herein, we propose a very simple and effective strategy to prepare nitrogen, sulfur co-doped hierarchical porous carbons (N-S-HPC) by one-step pyrolysis strategy. The effect of sole dopants as a precursor was a major factor in the transformation process. The optimized N-S-HPC-2 possesses a typical hierarchically porous framework (micropores, mesopores and macropores) with a large specific surface area (1284.87m² g${}^{-1})$ and N (4.63 atomic %), S (0.53 atomic %) doping. As a result, the N-S-HPC-2 exhibits excellent charge storage capacity with a high gravimetric capacitance of 360F g${}^{-1}$ (1 A g${}^{-1})$ in three-electrode systems and 178F g${}^{-1}$ in two-electrode system and long-term cycling life with 87% retention after 10,000 cycles in KOH electrolyte.

Biomass-based activated porous carbon (PC) with large porosity and high surface area has been considered as potential electrode material for supercapacitors. The spongy-like porous-activated carbon (SPAC) was prepared from millfeed by one-step carbonization/activation with KOH treatment. It shows three-dimensional (3D) spongy-like structure and high specific surface area (1535m²g${}^{-1}$). The SPAC electrode exhibits a high specific capacitance (237.9Fg${}^{-1}$ at a current density of 0.5Ag${}^{-1}$) and a superior cycle stability (the capacitance retention of 95% after 10000 cycles at 2Ag${}^{-1}$) in 2M KOH electrolyte, while the SPAC reveals a high specific capacitance of 157Fg${}^{-1}$ at 0.5Ag${}^{-1}$, good electrochemical stability with 93% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles in ionic liquids. Furthermore, the specific capacitance of SPAC//SPAC supercapacitor reaches 82.1Fg${}^{-1}$ at a current density of 0.5Ag${}^{-1}$ and achieves a high capacitance retention of 75% when the charging current increases to 10Ag${}^{-1}$ in 2M KOH electrolyte. The SPAC//SPAC supercapacitor possesses a high specific capacitance of 29.6Fg${}^{-1}$ at 0.5Ag${}^{-1}$ and a preeminent energy density of 27.8Whkg${}^{-1}$ (at a power density of 640Wkg${}^{-1}$) in ionic liquids. This paper provides a convenient approach to synthesize low-cost biomass-based carbon material for supercapacitor applications.

The blue–green fluorescent carbon quantum dots (BG-CQDs) were successfully synthesized by one-step hydrothermal method using chaff as the only precursor. It is found that the BG-CQDs showed excellent photostability and emitted strong blue–green fluorescence under the excitation wavelength of 330nm. And this fluorescence could be effectively quenched by curcumin (CM) based on the static quenching mechanism and inner filter effects with a wider linear range of 2.50–40$\mu$M and a lower detection limit of 3.53nM. Consequently, a sensitive fluorescence probe of BG-CQDs was designed to detect trace CM in blood and urine samples of healthy adults with satisfactory recoveries in the range of 92.07–111.85%. The research extended the applications of biomass waste, especially in the fields of sensor and biomedical monitoring.

One of the sustainable solutions to the depleting fossils fuels is bioenergy, which is a renewable energy generated from biomass, and biofuel is a hydrocarbon fuel that is produced from biomass. Recently, bioenergy and biofuel projects are encouraged and supported by many governments and organizations in various ways such as providing incentives, technical supports, information, and decision support tools. The economic model is one of the decision support tools, which helps to estimate the costs and earnings involved in a project. It is constructed with various elements such as concepts, relations, logics, constants, and equations. In current economic models, all the elements are hard-coded into some programming code, which makes the model less reusable and extendable. To address the issue, we present an ontology-based economic model in this paper. In particular, we have leveraged the Semantic Web technologies to represent the knowledge about the bioenergy and biofuel economics and inferred the equations and other values required for economic calculations. The case study has been carried out in two of the INTERREG Projects and found promising results.