Displaying publications 2181 - 2200 of 2920 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Utilization of greenhouse gases through dry reforming: screening of nickel-based bimetallic catalysts and kinetic studies
    Fan MS, Abdullah AZ, Bhatia S
    ChemSusChem, 2011 Nov 18;4(11):1643-53.
    PMID: 22191096
    A series of bimetallic catalysts containing nickel supported over MgO-ZrO2 were tested for activity in the dry reforming of carbon dioxide. A nickel-cobalt bimetallic catalyst gave the best performance in terms of conversion and coke resistance from a range of Ni-X bimetallic catalysts, X=Ca, K, Ba, La, and Ce. The nitrogen-adsorption and hydrogen-chemisorption studies showed the Ni-Co bimetallic supported catalyst to have good surface area with high metal dispersion. This contributed to the high catalytic activity, in terms of conversion activity and stability of the catalyst, at an equimolar methane/carbon dioxide feed ratio. The kinetics of methane dry reforming are studied in a fixed-bed reactor over an Ni-Co bimetallic catalyst in the temperature range 700-800 °C by varying the partial pressures of CH4 and CO2. The experimental data were analyzed based on the proposed reaction mechanism using the Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model. The activation energies for methane and carbon dioxide consumption were estimated at 52.9 and 48.1 kJ mol(-1), respectively. The lower value of CO2 activation energy compared to the activation energy of CH4 indicated a higher reaction rate of CO2, which owes to the strong basicity of nanocrystalline support, MgO-ZrO2.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hot Temperature
  2. Fulltext Green synthesis and characterization of gelatin-based and sugar-reduced silver nanoparticles
    Darroudi M, Ahmad MB, Abdullah AH, Ibrahim NA
    Int J Nanomedicine, 2011;6:569-74.
    PMID: 21674013 DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S16867
    Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) have been successfully prepared with simple and "green" synthesis method by reducing Ag(+) ions in aqueous gelatin media with and in the absence of glucose as a reducing agent. In this study, gelatin was used for the first time as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The effect of temperature on particle size of Ag-NPs was also studied. It was found that with increasing temperature the size of nanoparticles is decreased. It was found that the particle size of Ag-NPs obtained in gelatin solutions is smaller than in gelatin-glucose solutions, which can be related to the rate of reduction reaction. X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet-visible spectra, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy revealed the formation of monodispersed Ag-NPs with a narrow particle size distribution.
    Matched MeSH terms: Temperature
  3. Microwave-assisted preparation and adsorption performance of activated carbon from biodiesel industry solid reside: influence of operational parameters
    Foo KY, Hameed BH
    Bioresour Technol, 2012 Jan;103(1):398-404.
    PMID: 22050840 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2011.09.116
    Preparation of activated carbon has been attempted using KOH as activating agent by microwave heating from biodiesel industry solid residue, oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFBAC). The significance of chemical impregnation ratio (IR), microwave power and activation time on the properties of activated carbon were investigated. The optimum condition has been identified at the IR of 1.0, microwave power of 600 W and activation time of 7 min. EFBAC was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nitrogen adsorption isotherm. The surface chemistry was examined by zeta potential measurement, determination of surface acidity/basicity, while the adsorptive property was quantified using methylene blue as dye model compound. The optimum conditions resulted in activated carbon with a monolayer adsorption capacity of 395.30 mg/g and carbon yield of 73.78%, while the BET surface area and total pore volume were corresponding to 1372 m2/g and 0.76 cm3/g, respectively.
    Matched MeSH terms: Temperature
  4. Fulltext Surface plasmon resonance sensing detection of mercury and lead ions based on conducting polymer composite
    Abdi MM, Abdullah LC, Sadrolhosseini AR, Mat Yunus WM, Moksin MM, Tahir PM
    PLoS One, 2011;6(9):e24578.
    PMID: 21931763 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0024578
    A new sensing area for a sensor based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was fabricated to detect trace amounts of mercury and lead ions. The gold surface used for SPR measurements were modified with polypyrrole-chitosan (PPy-CHI) conducting polymer composite. The polymer layer was deposited on the gold surface by electrodeposition. This optical sensor was used for monitoring toxic metal ions with and without sensitivity enhancement by chitosan in water samples. The higher amounts of resonance angle unit (ΔRU) were obtained for PPy-CHI film due to a specific binding of chitosan with Pb(2+) and Hg(2+) ions. The Pb(2+) ion bind to the polymer films most strongly, and the sensor was more sensitive to Pb(2+) compared to Hg(2+). The concentrations of ions in the parts per million range produced the changes in the SPR angle minimum in the region of 0.03 to 0.07. Data analysis was done by Matlab software using Fresnel formula for multilayer system.
    Matched MeSH terms: Temperature
  5. Fulltext A novel cyclodione coumarin from the stem bark of Mesua beccariana
    Ee GC, Teh SS, Mah SH, Rahmani M, Taufiq-Yap YH, Awang K
    Molecules, 2011 Aug 25;16(9):7249-55.
    PMID: 21869752 DOI: 10.3390/molecules16097249
    Our ongoing investigations on the stem bark of Mesua beccariana afforded a novel cyclodione coumarin, beccamarin, together with two known xanthones, mesuarianone, mesuasinone, two anthraquinones, 4-methoxy-1,3,5-trihydroxy-anthraquinone and 2,5-dihydroxy-1,3,4-trimethoxyanthraquinone and one coumarin, mammea A/AB. The structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR and MS techniques.
    Matched MeSH terms: Transition Temperature
  6. Biosorption and desorption of Nickel on oil cake: batch and column studies
    Khan MA, Ngabura M, Choong TS, Masood H, Chuah LA
    Bioresour Technol, 2012 Jan;103(1):35-42.
    PMID: 22055093 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2011.09.065
    Biosorption potential of mustard oil cake (MOC) for Ni(II) from aqueous medium was studied. Spectroscopic studies showed possible involvement of acidic (hydroxyl, carbonyl and carboxyl) groups in biosorption. Optimum biosorption was observed at pH 8. Contact time, reaction temperature, biosorbent dose and adsorbate concentration showed significant influence. Linear and non-linear isotherms comparison suggests applicability of Temkin model at 303 and 313 K and Freundlich model at 323K. Kinetics studies revealed applicability of Pseudo-second-order model. The process was endothermic and spontaneous. Freundlich constant (n) and activation energy (Ea) values confirm physical nature of the process. The breakthrough and exhaustive capacities for 5 mg/L initial Ni(II) concentration were 0.25 and 4.5 mg/g, while for 10 mg/L initial Ni(II) concentration were 4.5 and 9.5 mg/g, respectively. Batch desorption studies showed maximum Ni(II) recovery in acidic medium. Regeneration studies by batch and column process confirmed reutilization of biomass without appreciable loss in biosorption.
    Matched MeSH terms: Temperature
  7. Effect of ion pair on thermostability of F1 protease: integration of computational and experimental approaches
    Rahman RN, Muhd Noor ND, Ibrahim NA, Salleh AB, Basri M
    J Microbiol Biotechnol, 2012 Jan;22(1):34-45.
    PMID: 22297217
    A thermophilic Bacillus stearothermophilus F1 produces an extremely thermostable serine protease. The F1 protease sequence was used to predict its three-dimensional (3D) structure to provide better insights into the relationship between the protein structure and biological function and to identify opportunities for protein engineering. The final model was evaluated to ensure its accuracy using three independent methods: Procheck, Verify3D, and Errat. The predicted 3D structure of F1 protease was compared with the crystal structure of serine proteases from mesophilic bacteria and archaea, and led to the identification of features that were related to protein stabilization. Higher thermostability correlated with an increased number of residues that were involved in ion pairs or networks of ion pairs. Therefore, the mutants W200R and D58S were designed using site-directed mutagenesis to investigate F1 protease stability. The effects of addition and disruption of ion pair networks on the activity and various stabilities of mutant F1 proteases were compared with those of the wild-type F1 protease.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hot Temperature
  8. Combustion performance evaluation of air staging of palm oil blends
    Mohd Jaafar MN, Eldrainy YA, Mat Ali MF, Wan Omar WZ, Mohd Hizam MF
    Environ Sci Technol, 2012 Feb 21;46(4):2445-50.
    PMID: 22296110 DOI: 10.1021/es2025005
    The problems of global warming and the unstable price of petroleum oils have led to a race to develop environmentally friendly biofuels, such as palm oil or ethanol derived from corn and sugar cane. Biofuels are a potential replacement for fossil fuel, since they are renewable and environmentally friendly. This paper evaluates the combustion performance and emission characteristics of Refined, Bleached, and Deodorized Palm Oil (RBDPO)/diesel blends B5, B10, B15, B20, and B25 by volume, using an industrial oil burner with and without secondary air. Wall temperature profiles along the combustion chamber axis were measured using a series of thermocouples fitted axially on the combustion chamber wall, and emissions released were measured using a gas analyzer. The results show that RBDPO blend B25 produced the maximum emission reduction of 56.9% of CO, 74.7% of NOx, 68.5% of SO(2), and 77.5% of UHC compared to petroleum diesel, while air staging (secondary air) in most cases reduces the emissions further. However, increasing concentrations of RBDPO in the blends also reduced the energy released from the combustion. The maximum wall temperature reduction was 62.7% for B25 at the exit of the combustion chamber.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hot Temperature
  9. Acetylation of glycerol to biofuel additives over sulfated activated carbon catalyst
    Khayoon MS, Hameed BH
    Bioresour Technol, 2011 Oct;102(19):9229-35.
    PMID: 21840708 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2011.07.035
    Oxygenated fuel additives can be produced by acetylation of glycerol. A 91% glycerol conversion with a selectivity of 38%, 28% and 34% for mono-, di- and triacetyl glyceride, respectively, was achieved at 120 °C and 3 h of reaction time in the presence of a catalyst derived from activated carbon (AC) treated with sulfuric acid at 85 °C for 4h to introduce acidic functionalities to its surface. The unique catalytic activity of the catalyst, AC-SA5, was attributed to the presence of sulfur containing functional groups on the AC surface, which enhanced the surface interaction between the glycerol molecule and acyl group of the acetic acid. The catalyst was reused in up to four consecutive batch runs and no significant decline of its initial activity was observed. The conversion and selectivity variation during the acetylation is attributed to the reaction time, reaction temperature, catalyst loading and glycerol to acetic acid molar ratio.
    Matched MeSH terms: Temperature
  10. Physicochemical, textural and viscoelastic properties of palm diacylglycerol bakery shortening during storage
    Cheong LZ, Tan CP, Long K, Affandi Yusoff MS, Lai OM
    J Sci Food Agric, 2010 Oct;90(13):2310-7.
    PMID: 20661900 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.4088
    Diacylglycerol (DAG), which has health-enhancing properties, is sometimes added to bakery shortening to produce baked products with enhanced physical functionality. Nevertheless, the quantity present is often too little to exert any positive healthful effects. This research aimed to produce bakery shortenings containing significant amounts of palm diacyglycerol (PDG). Physicochemical, textural and viscoelastic properties of the PDG bakery shortenings during 3 months storage were evaluated and compared with those of commercial bakery shortening (CS).
    Matched MeSH terms: Transition Temperature
  11. Adsorption of methyl orange from aqueous solution onto calcined Lapindo volcanic mud
    Jalil AA, Triwahyono S, Adam SH, Rahim ND, Aziz MA, Hairom NH, et al.
    J Hazard Mater, 2010 Sep 15;181(1-3):755-62.
    PMID: 20538408 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2010.05.078
    In this study, calcined Lapindo volcanic mud (LVM) was used as an adsorbent to remove an anionic dye, methyl orange (MO), from an aqueous solution by the batch adsorption technique. Various conditions were evaluated, including initial dye concentration, adsorbent dosage, contact time, solution pH, and temperature. The adsorption kinetics and equilibrium isotherms of the LVM were studied using pseudo-first-order and -second-order kinetic equations, as well as the Freundlich and Langmuir models. The experimental data obtained with LVM fits best to the Langmuir isotherm model and exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity (q(max)) of 333.3 mg g(-1); the data followed the second-order equation. The intraparticle diffusion studies revealed that the adsorption rates were not controlled only by the diffusion step. The thermodynamic parameters, such as the changes in enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy, showed that the adsorption is endothermic, random and spontaneous at high temperature. The results indicate that LVM adsorbs MO efficiently and could be utilized as a low-cost alternative adsorbent for the removal of anionic dyes in wastewater treatment.
    Matched MeSH terms: Temperature
  12. Biological treatment of anaerobically digested palm oil mill effluent (POME) using a Lab-Scale Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR)
    Chan YJ, Chong MF, Law CL
    J Environ Manage, 2010 Aug;91(8):1738-46.
    PMID: 20430515 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2010.03.021
    The production of highly polluting palm oil mill effluent (POME) has resulted in serious environmental hazards. While anaerobic digestion is widely accepted as an effective method for the treatment of POME, anaerobic treatment of POME alone has difficulty meeting discharge limits due to the high organic strength of POME. Hence, subsequent post-treatment following aerobic treatment is vital to meet the discharge limits. The objective of the present study is to investigate the aerobic treatment of anaerobically digested POME by using a sequencing batch reactor (SBR). The SBR performance was assessed by measuring Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) removal as well as Sludge Volume Index (SVI). The operating pH and dissolved oxygen concentrations were found to be 8.25-9.14 and 1.5-6.4 mg/L, respectively, throughout the experiment. The experimental results demonstrate that MLVSS, OLR and sludge loading rate (SLR) play a significant role in the organic removal efficiency of SBR systems and therefore, further investigation on these parameters was conducted to attain optimum SBR performance. Maximum COD (95-96%), BOD (97-98%) and TSS (98-99%) removal efficiencies were achieved at optimum OLR, SLR and MLVSS concentration ranges of 1.8-4.2 kg COD/m(3)day, 2.5-4.6 kg TSS/m(3)day and 22,000-25,000 mg/L, respectively. The effluent quality remained stable and complied with the discharge limit. At the same time, the sludge showed good settling properties with average SVI of 65. It is envisaged that the SBR process could complement the anaerobic treatment to produce final treated effluent which meets the discharge limit.
    Matched MeSH terms: Temperature
  13. Synthesis of fatty acid methyl ester from used vegetable cooking oil by solid reusable Mg 1-x Zn 1+x O2 catalyst
    Olutoye MA, Hameed BH
    Bioresour Technol, 2011 Feb;102(4):3819-26.
    PMID: 21183335 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2010.11.100
    Fatty acid methyl ester was produced from used vegetable cooking oil using Mg(1-)(x) Zn(1+)(x)O(2) solid catalyst and the performance monitored in terms of ester content obtained. Used vegetable cooking oil was employed to reduce operation cost of biodiesel. The significant operating parameters which affect the overall yield of the process were studied. The highest ester content, 80%, was achieved with the catalyst during 4h 15 min reaction at 188°C with methanol to oil ratio of 9:1 and catalyst loading of 2.55 wt% oil. Also, transesterification of virgin oil gave higher yield with the heterogeneous catalyst and showed high selectivity towards ester production. The used vegetable cooking oil did not require any rigorous pretreatment. Catalyst stability was examined and there was no leaching of the active components, and its performance was as good at the fourth as at the first cycle.
    Matched MeSH terms: Temperature
  14. Improving Malaysian cocoa quality through the use of dehumidified air under mild drying conditions
    Hii CL, Law CL, Cloke M, Sharif S
    J Sci Food Agric, 2011 Jan 30;91(2):239-46.
    PMID: 20872824 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.4176
    Various studies have been conducted in the past to improve the quality of Malaysian cocoa beans. However, the processing methods still remain crude and lack technological advancement. In terms of drying, no previous study has attempted to apply advanced drying technology to improve bean quality. This paper presents the first attempt to improve the quality of cocoa beans through heat pump drying using constant air (28.6 and 40.4 °C) and stepwise (step-up 30.7-43.6-56.9 °C and step-down 54.9-43.9 °C) drying profiles. Comparison was made against hot air drying at 55.9 °C.
    Matched MeSH terms: Temperature
  15. Relationship between textural properties and sensory qualities of cookies made from medium- and long-chain triacylglycerol-enriched margarines
    Arifin N, Peng KS, Long K, Ping TC, Affandi Yusoff MS, Nor Aini I, et al.
    J Sci Food Agric, 2010 Apr 30;90(6):943-8.
    PMID: 20355133 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.3886
    This study aims to investigate the textural properties and sensory qualities of cookies made from medium- and long-chain triacylglycerol (MLCT)-enriched margarines. Margarine with formulations of MLCT:palm olein:palm stearin, 60:30:10 and 70:20:10, were selected to produce cookies. The textural properties of cookies were determined using a texture analyser. Quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) and acceptance test were carried out to describe the attributes and to evaluate the degree of liking of cookies, respectively.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hot Temperature
  16. A packed bed membrane reactor for production of biodiesel using activated carbon supported catalyst
    Baroutian S, Aroua MK, Raman AA, Sulaiman NM
    Bioresour Technol, 2011 Jan;102(2):1095-102.
    PMID: 20888219 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2010.08.076
    In this study, a novel continuous reactor has been developed to produce high quality methyl esters (biodiesel) from palm oil. A microporous TiO2/Al2O3 membrane was packed with potassium hydroxide catalyst supported on palm shell activated carbon. The central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to investigate the effects of reaction temperature, catalyst amount and cross flow circulation velocity on the production of biodiesel in the packed bed membrane reactor. The highest conversion of palm oil to biodiesel in the reactor was obtained at 70 °C employing 157.04 g catalyst per unit volume of the reactor and 0.21 cm/s cross flow circulation velocity. The physical and chemical properties of the produced biodiesel were determined and compared with the standard specifications. High quality palm oil biodiesel was produced by combination of heterogeneous alkali transesterification and separation processes in the packed bed membrane reactor.
    Matched MeSH terms: Temperature
  17. Sub/supercritical liquefaction of oil palm fruit press fiber for the production of bio-oil: effect of solvents
    Mazaheri H, Lee KT, Bhatia S, Mohamed AR
    Bioresour Technol, 2010 Oct;101(19):7641-7.
    PMID: 20510608 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2010.04.072
    Thermal decomposition of oil palm fruit press fiber (FPF) with sub/supercritical methanol, ethanol, acetone, and 1,4-dioxane treatments were investigated using a high-pressure autoclave reactor. When FPF was decomposed with methanol, ethanol, and acetone from 483 to 603 K, the highest degree of conversion obtained were 81.5%, 77.8%, and 67.9% while the highest liquid product yield (LP) obtained were 38.0%, 36.9%, and 38.5%, respectively. For the case of 1,4-dioxane, the conversion of FPF increased from 18.30% to 80.00%, while LP yield increased dramatically from 13.30% to 50.90% (consisting of 42.3% bio-oil compounds) when the reaction temperature was increased from 483 to 563 K. However, the conversion of FPF and LP yield decreased to 69.60% and 24.10%, respectively, when the temperature was further increased to 603 K. Comparison between all the solvents, subcritical 1,4-dioxane treatment was found very effective in the degradation of FPF to produce bio-oil component.
    Matched MeSH terms: Temperature
  18. Ferric sulphate catalysed esterification of free fatty acids in waste cooking oil
    Gan S, Ng HK, Ooi CW, Motala NO, Ismail MA
    Bioresour Technol, 2010 Oct;101(19):7338-43.
    PMID: 20435468 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2010.04.028
    In this work, the esterification of free fatty acids (FFA) in waste cooking oil catalysed by ferric sulphate was studied as a pre-treatment step for biodiesel production. The effects of reaction time, methanol to oil ratio, catalyst concentration and temperature on the conversion of FFA were investigated on a laboratory scale. The results showed that the conversion of FFA reached equilibrium after an hour, and was positively dependent on the methanol to oil molar ratio and temperature. An optimum catalyst concentration of 2 wt.% gave maximum FFA conversion of 59.2%. For catalyst loadings of 2 wt.% and below, this catalysed esterification was proposed to follow a pseudo-homogeneous pathway akin to mineral acid-catalysed esterification, driven by the H(+) ions produced through the hydrolysis of metal complex [Fe(H(2)O)(6)](3+) (aq).
    Matched MeSH terms: Temperature
  19. Chemometric analysis of lipase-catalyzed synthesis of xylitol esters in a solvent-free system
    Adnani A, Basri M, Chaibakhsh N, Ahangar HA, Salleh AB, Rahman RN, et al.
    Carbohydr Res, 2011 Mar 1;346(4):472-9.
    PMID: 21276966 DOI: 10.1016/j.carres.2010.12.023
    Immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B-catalyzed esterification of xylitol and two fatty acids (capric and caproic acid) were studied in a solvent-free system. The Taguchi orthogonal array method based on three-level-four-variables with nine experiments was applied for the analysis and optimization of the reaction parameters including time, substrate molar ratio, amount of enzyme, and amount of molecular sieve. The obtained conversion was higher in the esterification of xylitol and capric acid with longer chain length. The optimum conditions derived via the Taguchi approach for the synthesis of xylitol caprate and xylitol caproate were reaction time, 29 and 18h; substrate molar ratio, 0.3 and 1.0; enzyme amount, 0.20 and 0.05g, and molecular sieve amount of 0.03g, respectively. The good correlation between the predicted conversions (74.18% and 61.23%) and the actual values (74.05% and 60.5%) shows that the model derived from the Taguchi orthogonal array can be used for optimization and better understanding of the effect of reaction parameters on the enzymatic synthesis of xylitol esters in a solvent-free system.
    Matched MeSH terms: Temperature
  20. Fulltext Pharmaceutical quality of nine generic orlistat products compared with Xenical(r)
    Taylor PW, Arnet I, Fischer A, Simpson IN
    Obes Facts, 2010 Aug;3(4):231-7.
    PMID: 20823686 DOI: 10.1159/000319450
    OBJECTIVE: To compare the pharmaceutical quality of Xenical (chemically produced orlistat) with nine generic products, each produced by fermentation processes.

    METHODS: Xenical 120 mg capsules (Roche, Basel, Switzerland) were used as reference material. Generic products were from India, Malaysia, Argentina, Philippines, Uruguay, and Taiwan. Colour, melting temperature, crystalline form, particle size, capsule fill mass, active pharmaceutical ingredient content, amount of impurities, and dissolution were compared. Standard physical and chemical laboratory tests were those developed by Roche for Xenical.

    RESULTS: All nine generic products failed the Xenical specifications in four or more tests, and two generic products failed in seven tests. A failure common to all generic products was the amount of impurities present, mostly due to different by-products, including side-chain homologues not present in Xenical. Some impurities were unidentified. Two generic products tested failed the dissolution test, one product formed a capsule-shaped agglomerate on storage and resulted in poor (=15%) dissolution. Six generic products were powder formulations.

    CONCLUSIONS: All tested generic orlistat products were pharmaceutically inferior to Xenical. The high levels of impurities in generic orlistat products are a major safety and tolerability concern.

    Matched MeSH terms: Transition Temperature
Related Terms
Filters
Contact Us

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links