Now showing 1 - 8 of 8
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Green Renewable Energy: Microbial Fuel Cell Technology

2023-01-01 , Tuesday M. , Pusphanathan K. , Sobri M.F.M. , Makhtar M.M.Z. , Shoparwe N.F. , Hafiza Shukor

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a bio-electrochemical system designed to generate energy by using electrons obtained from biological processes catalyzed by microorganisms. In MFCs, electrons are transmitted from the anode compartment (the negative terminal) to the cathode compartment (the positive terminal) via a conductive substance. Electrons are mixed with oxygen at the cathode, while protons diffuse via a proton exchange membrane. MFCs need continuous electron release from the anode and electron consumption from the cathode. Using microorganisms for effective conversion, MFC technology promises to produce clean energy from waste products produced by civilization. This technology, in contrast to renewable energy sources, recycles trash and energy created by our civilization and returns them to us, therefore reducing the adverse side effects of environmental degradation. This article examines the historical pattern of energy usage in Malaysia. In conjunction with that, this paper will review the principles of MFCs. Several designs of microbial fuel cells are utilized in this study. There has been variation in power density outcomes. Single-chamber, double-chamber, tubular, and flat-plate MFCs are examples of MFCs. Nonetheless, double-chamber and single-chamber MFCs are the focus of this paper. The substrate utilized affects the performance of MFCs; thus, several widely used substrates are also examined.

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Bioconversion of Malaysia renewable energy resources to biobutanol

2022-01-01 , Hafiza Shukor , Jalil R. , Shoparwe N.F.

Production of biofuel from renewable resources has gained interest to the government’s, researchers and policymakers throughout the world due to the depletion of conventional fuels and environmental issues. As a country that is rich in various types of bioresources, Malaysia can be one of the top biofuel producers in Asia. Several types of biofuels can be produced from these resources, including biobutanol, four-carbon alcohol that has outstanding characteristics more similar to gasoline. Thus, this chapter will begin with an overview of biobutanol production and the possibility of Malaysia bioresources as a feedstock in biobutanol production. The role of the government in existing policies and action plans towards the development of Malaysia's renewable energy industry also has been analysed. Subsequently, several challenges and resolutions related to the development of biobutanol production were also addressed. The potential of biobutanol to replace gasoline and the economics of ABE fermentation in biobutanol production will be the last part of this chapter. Overall, this chapter will give a better understanding and view of the current situation on biobutanol production using Malaysia's renewable resources.

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Microbial Fuel Cell: Simultaneous Bioremediation and Energy Recovery Technology

2023-01-01 , Pusphanathan K. , Tuesday M. , Mohamad Sobri M.F. , Mohd Zaini Makhtar M. , Shoparwe N.F. , Hafiza Shukor , Zainuddin N.I.

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a promising technology for producing electricity from a variety of materials, including natural organic matter, complex organic waste, and renewable biomass, and can be advantageously combined with wastewater treatment applications. For this reason, it represents a superb option for a long-term, eco-friendly renewable energy supply. The current review article discusses about Malaysia's historical energy consumption trend. Following that, Malaysia experienced a revolution in energy-based policies, such as the National Energy Policy 1979, which focuses on the effectiveness of energy supply while minimising negative environmental impacts through the development of new technologies such as MFC technology. In addition, the concept and operation principle of MFC are discussed in this review. This paper focuses on single-chambered and dual-chambered MFC. The performance of MFCs is influenced by the substrate used so the various substrates that are commonly used today are also discussed.

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Cyclic voltammetry studies of bioanode microbial fuel fells from batch culture of Geobacter sulfurreducens

2021-05-24 , Shoparwe N.F. , Makhtar M.M.Z. , Sata S.A. , Kew W.S. , Mohamad M. , Hafiza Shukor

The present study aims to investigate the performance of batch culture of Geobacter sulfurreducens (G. sulfurreducens) for electrical current generation via cyclic voltammetry (CV) method. The CV study was performed with an applied voltage in the range of -0.1 to 0.1 V against the standard calomel electrode (SCE) during the cell growth and attachment of G. sulfurreducens on graphite felt and initial acetate concentration of 20 mM. The kinetics of electrode reaction was investigated by conducting CV experiments at different scanning rates of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 mVs-1. The diffusion coefficients (D) and heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant (ko) of both anodic and cathodic process were 1.04 x10-5 cm2.s-1, 1.73x10-6 cm2.s-1, 0.0004 cm.s-1 and 0.0011 cm.s-1, respectively. The obtained results showed that the anode exhibits high bioeletrocatalytic activity due to the attachment of G. sulfurreducens on the anode surface.

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Formulation of selective hydrophobic deep eutectic oil-in-water nanoemulsion as green fungicides for mitigating anthracnose fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides

2023-12-01 , Gidado M.J. , Ahmad Anas Nagoor Gunny , Wongs-Aree C. , Subash Chandra Bose Gopinath , Makhtar M.M.Z. , Hafiza Shukor

Hydrophobic deep eutectic nanoemulsions derived from fatty acids and terpenes (referred to as HyDEN) were introduced as potential nano-coating to effectively combat anthracnose during the postharvest preservation of fruits. Anthracnose primarily caused by the Colletotrichum gloeosporioides species is known for causing substantial damage to fruits. Synthetic fungicides have proven to be effective but come with environmental, health, and safety concerns. In this study, hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDESs) were evaluated for their physical properties to identify the most suitable HDES for the formulation of HyDEN. Menthol-Thymol (MT) at 1:1 and 2:1 ratio met the criteria and was chosen for the formulation of HyDEN. HyDEN (MT-N 1:1) displayed a higher zeta potential value and smaller mean droplet diameter and then tested for its antifungal properties against C. gloeosporioides compared with selected antifungal agents. HyDEN (MT-N 1:1) exhibited strong antifungal activity against C. gloeosporioides and was attributed to its potent mode of action, binding affinity, and rapid onset compared to HDES and fungicide (Globus 5.5). This study also investigated how HyDEN (MT-N 1:1) affects mycelial growth, cell membrane permeability, and cellular leakage of C. gloeosporioides, highlighting its superior disruption of cell membranes compared to HDES and Globus 5.5. This research presents an eco-friendly alternative to the use of toxic chemicals and showcases an innovative and sustainable approach to controlling anthracnose in postharvest fruit preservation.

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Inhibition Study on the Growth of Clostridium Saccharoperbutylacetonicum N1-4 (ATCC 13564) for the Production of Biobutanol in ABE Fermentation

2023-01-01 , Amin M.A. , Hafiza Shukor , Shoparwe N.F. , Makhtar M.M.Z. , Abdeshahian P. , Oladokun S.O.

In this present study, the inhibition effect of different concentrations of sugar degradation products in upstream processing (Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and Furfural) and butanol as product inhibition in downstream processing on the growth of Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum N1-4 (ATCC 13564) for the production of biobutanol in ABE Fermentation has been investigated. It was found that the presence of HMF and Furfural is non-toxic to cell growth and biobutanol production at concentrations below 3 g/L in the fermentation medium. The specific growth rate for both HMF and furfural was 0.067 h−1 and 0.066 h−1 respectively which is very close to the control medium without any inhibitor addition (0.068 h−1). Surprisingly, the addition of 1 g/L HMF has improved the yield of biobutanol from 0.020 g/g (control) to 0.034 g/g and the addition of 1 g/L Furfural has improved the yield of biobutanol to 0.042 g/g. Butanol inhibition study on the growth of C. saccharoperbutylacetonicum N1-4 (ATCC 13564) shows the decrease of specific growth rate from 0.071 to 0.065 h−1 when 5 g/L butanol was added. 15 g/L of butanol addition has caused a significant drop in the specific growth rate to 0.011 h−1 with an inhibitory effect of 85.7%. This result reveals that sugar degradation product has an inhibitory effect on the growth of microorganisms and biobutanol production at a certain concentration, and this ABE fermentation suffers from product inhibition. Therefore, the development of a robust strain is necessary to make this biobutanol industrially competitive even in the presence of the inhibitory compound.

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Mixed Matrix Membrane (MMMs) as Membrane Based Separation Technology: A Review

2023-01-01 , Pusphanathan K. , Hafiza Shukor , Shoparwe N.F. , Makhtar M.M.Z. , Zainuddin N.I. , Jullok N.

Mixed matrix membrane (MMMs) is an innovative membrane based-separation technology that plays an essential role in liquid and gas separation and purification recently. This review emphasizes mainly on the current MMMs technology. The discussion begins with a background of the MMMs technologies, followed by a comparison between the MMMs technology porous and non-porous membranes. Following that, state-of-the-art MMMs are featured, which contain a variety of polymers and non-polymers, as well as inorganic fillers and materials. The binary filler approach is also explained, which combines two filler materials to achieve synergistic improvements in MMMs. The development of new robust, high-performance materials is one type of revolutionary membrane preparation approach for harsh and inconsiderate environments. In comparison to pristine polymeric membranes, blended mixed matrix membranes with polymer, solvent, and additives are believed for efficient performance. In addition, fabrication strategies for MMMs preparation are addressed. The fabrication technique can be used to improve membrane performance in a number of ways, including resilience to extremes in process conditions and higher mixture resolution when separating gases and liquids. After that, membrane characterization is performed to analyze the membrane's structural and morphological properties. Based on that, critical evaluation of the performances of the MMMs based on the characterization of the membrane is evaluated in context. Finally, the opportunities, as well as future prospects for the integration of MMMs units for process intensification in various sectors, are also significant of the review.

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Bibliometric Analysis on Biobutanol Production Research Trends from 2010-2022 using Scopus Database

2024-03-01 , Amin M.A. , Hafiza Shukor , Makhtar M.M.Z. , Ismail M.I. , Yaakop N.S. , Shafiq M.D. , Shoparwe N.F.

The global demand for biofuels as an alternative energy source is on the rise due to the anticipated decline in fossil fuel (gasoline). Biobutanol, among various biofuels, has garnered significant attention for its advanced features and suitability as an alternative to fossil fuels. Recognizing the importance of understanding research issues and fostering collaborative networks, this bibliometric analysis focuses on synthesizing research trends in biobutanol production over the past 12 years. Examining 357 Scopus-indexed documents, the study shows that over 80% of relevant articles were published after 2010, indicating the recent emergence of literature in this field. Citation analysis identifies publishing trends dating back to 2010, highlighting leading scholars. In 2016, 47 publications in Chemical Engineering were attributed to the field, with Professor Sahaid authoring 12 publications, primarily affiliated with UKM. Chemical Engineering comprised the predominant subject area, with articles constituting 75.07% of total publications. Bioresource Technology was the primary source title, and the keyword Biobutanol was frequently associated with the research (92.16%). UKM led in institutional contributions with 12 publications, while India had the highest total publications at 17.65%, and Malaysia contributed 6.44%. The majority of publications (88.24%) originated from journal publications, and English was the predominant language, accounting for 96.64% of the publications. This paper underscores the recent surge in biobutanol research and the importance of collaborative efforts for further advancements.