RESUMO
Recently, the growing demand for high-performing batteries and different environmental challenges (such include global warming and climate change) have increased the requirement and demand for Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) used in advanced technologies (i.e., electric cars and many others). To meet this increasing demand, there is an urgent need for more advanced technologies and materials. In the pursuit of developing anode materials, silicon has emerged as the utmost favourable choice for the next generation of LIBs, aiming to substitute the commonly used graphite. Carbon is commonly used to render silicon (Si) suitable for use since Si cannot be used directly as the electrode in LIBs. One of the recently discovered techniques in the development of high-performance LIBs is the use of inexpensive, sustainable, renewable, and eco-friendly materials. Agro-waste-derived silicon and carbon are often used as long as they don't negatively affect the LIB anode's performance. This review paper presents the advances in the development of silicon-carbon (Si/C) composite anodes sourced from agro-waste for applications in LIBs. It provides an overview of agro-waste-derived silicon-based anode materials and techniques for extracting silica from agricultural wastes. Next, the outline explains the preparation technique of Si/C composites obtained from agricultural residues for use in LIBs. Additionally, the paper delves into recent research challenges and the potential prospects of materials derived from agro-waste in the advancement of sophisticated LIBs battery materials.
RESUMO
Fundamental understanding of factors and mechanisms controlling the residual stress formation in material coatings is critical for selection of optimum synthesis and deposition parameters. This article contains data from the investigation of the residual stress properties of Inconel 625 coating measured at different coating thicknesses, 250 µm,300 µm, 350 µm and 400 µm, deposited on 304 stainless steel (SS) substrate using high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) spraying technique. The neutron diffraction technique was employed to measure the residual stresses of the coated specimen. Data provided provides insights into the influence of coating thickness on the residual stress of the material and therefore on the overall mechanical performance and applicability of the component.
RESUMO
The high dependence on fossil fuels has escalated the challenges of greenhouse gas emissions and energy security. Biohydrogen is projected as a future alternative energy as a result of its non-polluting characteristics, high energy content (122 kJ/g), and economic feasibility. However, its industrial production has been hampered by several constraints such as low process yields and the formation of biohydrogen-competing reactions. This necessitates the search for other novel strategies to overcome this problem. Cell immobilization technology has been in existence for many decades and is widely used in various processes such as wastewater treatment, food technology, and pharmaceutical industry. In recent years, this technology has caught the attention of many researchers within the biohydrogen production field owing to its merits such as enhanced process yields, reduced microbial contamination, and improved homogeneity. In addition, the use of immobilization in biohydrogen production prevents washout of microbes, stabilizes the pH of the medium, and extends microbial activity during continuous processes. In this short review, an insight into the potential of cell immobilization is presented. A few immobilization techniques such as entrapment, adsorption, encapsulation, and synthetic polymers are discussed. In addition, the effects of process conditions on the performance of immobilized microbial cells during biohydrogen production are discussed. Finally, the review concludes with suggestions on improvement of cell immobilization technologies in biohydrogen production.
