Mari Vinoba

Bio: Mari Vinoba is an academic researcher from Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research. The author has contributed to research in topics: Cyclic voltammetry & Catalysis. The author has an hindex of 19, co-authored 35 publications receiving 1329 citations. Previous affiliations of Mari Vinoba include Anna University.

Polymeric Gas-Separation Membranes for Petroleum Refining

Abstract: Polymeric gas-separation membranes were commercialized 30 years ago. The interest on these systems is increasing because of the simplicity of concept and low-energy consumption. In the refinery, gas separation is needed in many processes such as natural gas treatment, carbon dioxide capture, hydrogen purification, and hydrocarbons separations. In these processes, the membranes have proven to be a potential candidate to replace the current conventional methods of amine scrubbing, pressure swing adsorption, and cryogenic distillation. In this paper, applications of polymeric membranes in the refinery are discussed by reviewing current materials and commercialized units. Economical evaluation of these membranes in comparison to traditional processes is also indicated.

Immobilization of human carbonic anhydrase on gold nanoparticles assembled onto amine/thiol-functionalized mesoporous SBA-15 for biomimetic sequestration of CO2.

Abstract: A biocatalyst was synthesized by immobilizing human carbonic anhydrase onto gold nanoparticles assembled over amine/thiol-functionalized mesoporous SBA-15. The physicochemical properties of the functionalized mesoporous SBA-15 were obtained by XRD, BET, FE SEM, HR TEM, EDS, and zeta potential analysis. The biocatalytic performance was studied for para-nitrophenyl acetate (p-NPA) hydrolysis. The kinetic parameters Km were found to be 22.35 and 27.75 mM, and Kcat/Km values were 1514.09 and 1612.25 M−1 s−1 for HCA immobilized on gold nanoparticles assembled on amine/thiol-functionalized mesoporous SBA-15 (HCA/Au/APTES/SBA-15 and HCA/Au/MPTES/SBA-15), respectively. These HCA/Au/APTES/SBA-15 and HCA/Au/MPTES/SBA-15 were investigated for biocatalytic hydration of CO2 and its precipitation as CaCO3. The amount of CaCO3 precipitated over HCA/Au/MPTES/SBA-15 was nearly the same as that precipitated over free HCA. Storage stability and reusability studies suggested that HCA/Au/MPTES/SBA-15 retained its activity eve...

Recent Advances in Inorganic Heterogeneous Electrocatalysts for Reduction of Carbon Dioxide

Abstract: In view of the climate changes caused by the continuously rising levels of atmospheric CO2 , advanced technologies associated with CO2 conversion are highly desirable. In recent decades, electrochemical reduction of CO2 has been extensively studied since it can reduce CO2 to value-added chemicals and fuels. Considering the sluggish reaction kinetics of the CO2 molecule, efficient and robust electrocatalysts are required to promote this conversion reaction. Here, recent progress and opportunities in inorganic heterogeneous electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction are discussed, from the viewpoint of both experimental and computational aspects. Based on elemental composition, the inorganic catalysts presented here are classified into four groups: metals, transition-metal oxides, transition-metal chalcogenides, and carbon-based materials. However, despite encouraging accomplishments made in this area, substantial advances in CO2 electrolysis are still needed to meet the criteria for practical applications. Therefore, in the last part, several promising strategies, including surface engineering, chemical modification, nanostructured catalysts, and composite materials, are proposed to facilitate the future development of CO2 electroreduction.

Industrial use of immobilized enzymes

Abstract: Although many methods for enzyme immobilization have been described in patents and publications, relatively few processes employing immobilized enzymes have been successfully commercialized. The cost of most industrial enzymes is often only a minor component in overall process economics, and in these instances, the additional costs associated with enzyme immobilization are often not justified. More commonly the benefit realized from enzyme immobilization relates to the process advantages that an immobilized catalyst offers, for example, enabling continuous production, improved stability and the absence of the biocatalyst in the product stream. The development and attributes of several established and emerging industrial applications for immobilized enzymes, including high-fructose corn syrup production, pectin hydrolysis, debittering of fruit juices, interesterification of food fats and oils, biodiesel production, and carbon dioxide capture are reviewed herein, highlighting factors that define the advantages of enzyme immobilization.

Ethylene glycol: properties, synthesis, and applications

Abstract: Ethylene glycol (EG) is an important organic compound and chemical intermediate used in a large number of industrial processes (e.g. energy, plastics, automobiles, and chemicals). Indeed, owing to its unique properties and versatile commercial applications, a variety of chemical systems (e.g., catalytic and non-catalytic) have been explored for the synthesis of EG, particularly via reaction processes derived from fossil fuels (e.g., petroleum, natural gas, and coal) and biomass-based resources. This critical review describes a broad spectrum of properties of EG and significant advances in the prevalent synthesis and applications of EG, with emphases on the catalytic reactivity and reaction mechanisms of the main synthetic methodologies and applied strategies. We also provide an overview regarding the challenges and opportunities for future research associated with EG.

Nanostructured Materials for Heterogeneous Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction and their Related Reaction Mechanisms

Abstract: The gradually increased concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) in the atmosphere has been recognized as the primary culprit for the rise of the global mean temperature. In recent years, development of routes for highly efficient conversion of CO2 has received much attention. This Review describes recent progress on the design and synthesis of solid-state catalysts for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 . The significance of this catalytic conversion is presented, followed by the general parameters for CO2 electroreduction and a summary of the reaction apparatus. We also discuss various types of solid catalysts based on their CO2 conversion mechanisms. We summarize the crucial factors (particle size, surface structure, composition, etc.) determining the performance for electroreduction.