N. Antoniou

Bio: N. Antoniou is an academic researcher from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. The author has contributed to research in topics: Digestate & Char. The author has an hindex of 8, co-authored 9 publications receiving 561 citations.

Features of an efficient and environmentally attractive used tyres pyrolysis with energy and material recovery

Abstract: This paper presents the essential features of an efficient and environmentally attractive pyrolysis for used tyres valorisation with energy and material recovery. The problem of tyres management strongly affects not only the environmental protection but even the resources maintenance, since problems related to the depletion of resources, energy demand and waste management, are strictly connected and required an integrated approach. A general guideline for EU member states, aims to reach a zero post-consumer amount of tyre disposal in landfills before the end of 21st century, to optimize and expand the already well studied ways of their treatment and find new ones, in order to accomplish a balance between economy and environmental protection. In this context, thermal treatment of end of life tyres could play a relevant role for the recovery of resources (matter and/or energy). During the past 10–15 years, several fundamental and applied studies showed that if carefully controlled, tyre pyrolysis can produce a number of valuable products. The final destination of the pyrolysis solid residue largely influences the industrial applications of pyrolysis.

Activation of end of life tyres pyrolytic char for enhancing viability of pyrolysis – Critical review, analysis and recommendations for a hybrid dual system

Abstract: Taking under consideration the environmental boundaries but also the minimization of operating cost, End of Life Tyres (ELTs) depolymerization technology, via pyrolysis, can be characterized viable, under the condition of the effective valorization of every produced stream. This study aims to investigate which factors determine the path to activated carbon production from tyre-derived char, assuring that the received product will be of accepted quality, thus setting it as a commercially competitive product. To obtain current information on char activation, a comprehensive literature review was undertaken. An assessment based on process parameters, economic aspects and proposed uses of the produced activated carbons, was also presented. The proper selection of activation conditions (time, temperature, activating agent) results to a carbon adsorbent with prescript physical and chemical properties, suitable for specific applications. Towards energy self-sufficiency of the whole plant, a number of recommendations were made for the dual pyrolysis-activation scheme. Eventually, this would be an extra asset for the proposed valorization route of ELTs, via pyrolysis process.

A critical analysis of the impacts of COVID-19 on the global economy and ecosystems and opportunities for circular economy strategies

Abstract: The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic on the 11th of March 2020, but the world is still reeling from its aftermath. Originating from China, cases quickly spread across the globe, prompting the implementation of stringent measures by world governments in efforts to isolate cases and limit the transmission rate of the virus. These measures have however shattered the core sustaining pillars of the modern world economies as global trade and cooperation succumbed to nationalist focus and competition for scarce supplies. Against this backdrop, this paper presents a critical review of the catalogue of negative and positive impacts of the pandemic and proffers perspectives on how it can be leveraged to steer towards a better, more resilient low-carbon economy. The paper diagnosed the danger of relying on pandemic-driven benefits to achieving sustainable development goals and emphasizes a need for a decisive, fundamental structural change to the dynamics of how we live. It argues for a rethink of the present global economic growth model, shaped by a linear economy system and sustained by profiteering and energy-gulping manufacturing processes, in favour of a more sustainable model recalibrated on circular economy (CE) framework. Building on evidence in support of CE as a vehicle for balancing the complex equation of accomplishing profit with minimal environmental harms, the paper outlines concrete sector-specific recommendations on CE-related solutions as a catalyst for the global economic growth and development in a resilient post-COVID-19 world.

New opportunities for agricultural digestate valorization: current situation and perspectives

Abstract: In the agricultural sector of many European countries, biogas production through anaerobic digestion (AD) is becoming a very fast-growing market. AD is a simple and robust process that biologically converts an organic matrix into biogas and digestate, the latter corresponding to the anaerobically non-degraded fraction. So far, digestate has been mostly used at farm-scales for improving soils. However, its ever-increasing production induces problems related to transport costs, greenhouse-gas emissions during storage and high nitrogen content that constrains its use to land application only. Consequently, research on alternative valorisation routes to reduce its environmental impact and to improve the economical profitability of AD plants should draw increasing interest in the future. This review therefore focuses on the different alternatives of digestate valorisation, apart from land applications: (I) the use of the digestate liquor for replacing freshwater and nutrients in algae cultivation; (II) the use of solid digestate for energy production through biological (i.e. AD, bioethanol) or thermal processes (i.e. combustion, hydrothermal carbonization and pyrolysis); (III) the conversion of solid digestate into added-value products (char or activated carbons) through a pyrolysis process.