Bo Liu

Bio: Bo Liu is an academic researcher from Harbin Institute of Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Activated sludge & Wastewater. The author has an hindex of 4, co-authored 7 publications receiving 309 citations.

Biohydrogen Production by Co-Fermentation of Starch Wastewater and Sludge under Thermophilic Condition

Abstract: In this paper, the possibility and potential of biohydrogen production by co-fermentation of starch wastewater (SW) and WAS under thermophilic temperature was studied in batch fermentation tests. WAS was first pretreated by thermophilic enzyme together with low intensity ultrasound (LIU) to improve the biochemical degradability. Then After 8 h pretreatment, all soluble substances were much higher than raw sludge without pretreatment. In addition, the SCOD, carbohydrate and protein of the tests which were accelerated by low-frequency ultrasound were 11.5% 18.4%, 17.8% higher than the control, respectively. Results from the co-fermentation further demonstrated that the sludge had high pH buffering capacity. A mixing ratio of 1:1 was found to be the best among of all co-fermentation tests. Moreover it was proved in this study that hydrogen production by co-fermentation of starch wastewater and sludge was a promising technology to recovery energy from the waste.

Influence of Air Damping on Nanoelectro-Mechanical Switches in Low Vacuum

Abstract: In order to treat the performance of nano-electro-mechanical (NEM) switches in low vacuum, molecular dynamics model of NEM switches is established and the influence of air damping on NEM switches is investigated. When the pressure in low vacuum is from 100Pa to 1000Pa, we get the gas molecule in low vacuum belong to free molecule flow. Tersoff-Brenner potential function is used to describe the interaction of carbon nanotube atoms. L-J potential function is adopted to state the interaction between carbon nanotube and the base ground. Results show that in low vacuum condition, when the same amplitude change of intensity of pressure, the lower intensity of pressure change will take a more clearly effect for the nano structure than the higher intensity of pressure change. Results also show when the length of carbon nanotube from 200 circles to 50 circles, the beam vibrating amplitude increased gradually. When the length is 50 circles, the vibrating amplitude reach the maximum. With the beam length keep to decrease, the vibrating amplitude becomes weak crossly.

A Review: Microalgae and Their Applications in CO_2 Capture and Renewable Energy

Abstract: Fossil fuels, which are recognized as unsustainable sources of energy, are continuously consumed and decreased with increasing fuel demands. Microalgae have great potential as renewable fuel sources because they possess rapid growth rate and the ability to store high-quality lipids and carbohydrates inside their cells for biofuel production. Microalgae can be cultivated on opened or closed systems and require nutrients and CO_2 that may be supplied from wastewater and fossil fuel combustion. In addition, CO_2 capture via photosynthesis to directly fix carbon into microalgae has also attracted the attention of researchers. The conversion of CO_2 into chemical and fuel (energy) products without pollution via this approach is a promising way to not only reduce CO_2 emissions but also generate more economic value. The harvested microalgal biomass can be converted into biofuel products, such as biohydrogen, biodiesel, biomethanol, bioethanol, biobutanol and biohydrocarbons. Thus, microalgal cultivation can contribute to CO_2 fixation and can be a source of biofuels. This article reviews the literature on microalgae that were cultivated using captured CO_2, technologies related to the production of biofuels from microalgae and the possible commercialization of microalgae-based biofuels to demonstrate the potential of microalgae. In this respect, a number of relevant topics are addressed: the nature of microalgae (e.g., species and composition); CO_2 capture via microalgae; the techniques for microalgal cultivation, harvesting and pretreatment; and the techniques for lipid extraction and biofuel production. The strategies for biofuel commercialization are proposed as well.