Opportunities and prospects in the chemical recycling of carbon dioxide to fuels

It is conventionally assumed that the growth of monodisperse colloidal nanocrystals requires a temporally discrete nucleation followed by monomer attachment onto the existing nuclei. However, recent studies have reported violations of this classical growth model, and have suggested that inter-particle interactions are also involved during the growth. Mechanisms of nanocrystal growth still remain controversial. Using in situ transmission electron microscopy, we show that platinum nanocrystals can grow either by monomer attachment from solution onto the existing particles or by coalescence between the particles. Surprisingly, an initially broad size distribution of the nanocrystals can spontaneously narrow. We suggest that nanocrystals take different pathways of growth based on their size- and morphology-dependent internal energies. These observations are expected to be highly relevant for other nanocrystal systems.

Observation of Single Colloidal Platinum Nanocrystal Growth Trajectories

https://backend.orbit.dtu.dk/ws/files/190081841/BiogasUpgrade_Review.pdf

Biogas upgrading and utilization: Current status and perspectives

National Natural Science Foundation of China [20625310, 20923004]; National Basic Research Program of China [2005CB221408, 2010CB732303]; Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education [20090121110007]; Key Scientific Project of Fujian Province [2009HZ0002-1]

Development of Novel Catalysts for Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis: Tuning the Product Selectivity

The combination of one-dimensional and two-dimensional building blocks leads to the formation of hierarchical composites that can take full advantages of each kind of material, which is an effective way for the preparation of multifunctional materials with extraordinary properties. Among various building blocks, nanocarbons (e.g., carbon nanotubes and graphene) and layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are two of the most powerful materials that have been widely used in human life. This Feature Article presents a state-of-the-art review of hierarchical nanocomposites derived from nanocarbons and LDHs. The properties of nanocarbons, LDHs, as well as the combined nanocomposites, are described first. Then, efficient and effective fabrication methods for the hierarchical nanocomposites, including the reassembly of nanocarbons and LDHs, formation of LDHs on nanocarbons, and formation of nanocarbons on LDHs, are presented. The as-obtained nanocomposites derived form nanocarbons and LDHs exhibited excellent performance as multifunctional materials for their promising applications in energy storage, nanocomposites, catalysis, environmental protection, and drug delivery. The fabrication of LDH/carbon nanocomposites provides a novel method for the development of novel multifunctional nanocomposites based on the existing nanomaterials. However, knowledge of their assembly mechanism, robust and precise route for LDH/nanocarbon hybrid with well designed structure, and the relationship between structure, properties, and applications are still inadequate. A multidisciplinary approach from the scope of materials, physics, chemistry, engineering, and other application areas, is highly required for the development of this advanced functional composite materials.

Hierarchical Nanocomposites Derived from Nanocarbons and Layered Double Hydroxides - Properties, Synthesis, and Applications

Biogas is experiencing a period of rapid development and biogas upgrading is attracting increasing attention. Consequently, the market for biogas upgrading is facing significant challenges in terms of energy consumption and operating costs. Selection of upgrading technology is site-specific, case-sensitive and dependent on the biogas utilisation requirements and local circumstances. Therefore, matching the technology selected for use to specific requirements is significantly important. This paper systematically reviews the state-of-the-art of biogas cleaning and upgrading technologies, including product purity and impurities, methane recovery and loss, upgrading efficiency and the investment and operating costs. In addition, the potential utilisation of biogas and the corresponding requirements on gas quality are investigated in depth. Based on the results of comparisons between the technical features of upgrading technologies, the specific requirements for different gas utilizations and the relevant investment and operating costs, recommendations are made regarding appropriate technology.

Selection of appropriate biogas upgrading technology-a review of biogas cleaning, upgrading and utilisation

Synthesis of carbon nanofibers: effects of Ni crystal size during methane decomposition

In-situ heavy and extra-heavy oil recovery: A review

CO2 Methanation : The Effect of Catalysts and Reaction Conditions

Research on nanotechnology application in the oil and gas industry has been growing rapidly in the past decade, as evidenced by the number of scientific articles published in the field. With oil and gas reserves harder to find, access, and produce, the pursuit of more game-changing technologies that can address the challenges of the industry has stimulated this growth. Nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize the petroleum industry both upstream and downstream, including exploration, drilling, production, and enhanced oil recovery (EOR), as well as refinery processes. It provides a wide range of alternatives for technologies and materials to be utilized in the petroleum industry. Nanoscale materials in various forms such as solid composites, complex fluids, and functional nanoparticle-fluid combinations are key to the new technological advances. This paper aims to provide a state-of-the-art review on the application of nanoparticles and technology in the petroleum industry, and focuses on enhanced oil recovery. We briefly summarize nanotechnology application in exploration and reservoir characterization, drilling and completion, production and stimulation, and refinery. Thereafter, this paper focuses on the application of nanoparticles in EOR. The different types of nanomaterials, e.g., silica, aluminum oxides, iron oxide, nickel oxide, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, zirconium oxide, polymers, and carbon nanotubes that have been studied in EOR are discussed with respect to their properties, their performance, advantages, and disadvantages. We then elaborate upon the parameters that will affect the performance of nanoparticles in EOR, and guidelines for promising recovery factors are emphasized. The mechanisms of the nanoparticles in the EOR processes are then underlined, such as wettability alteration, interfacial tension reduction, disjoining pressure, and viscosity control. The objective of this review is to present a wide range of knowledge and expertise related to the nanotechnology application in the petroleum industry in general, and the EOR process in particular. The challenges and future research directions for nano-EOR are pinpointed.

Zhixin Yu

Papers

Selection of appropriate biogas upgrading technology-a review of biogas cleaning, upgrading and utilisation

Synthesis of carbon nanofibers: effects of Ni crystal size during methane decomposition

In-situ heavy and extra-heavy oil recovery: A review

CO2 Methanation : The Effect of Catalysts and Reaction Conditions

A State-of-the-Art Review of Nanoparticles Application in Petroleum with a Focus on Enhanced Oil Recovery