Search

Fossil fuel emissions are major contributors to global warming and thus, a primary cause of climate emergency. Many countries ratified the 2015 Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by replacing fossil fuels with renewables. Malaysia is the second-largest global palm oil producer, and the industry produces large amounts of first-and-second-generation feedstocks that can be used for renewable energy production, but they remain largely untapped. This research evaluated the availability of palm bioenergy in Malaysia and developed a model energy mix that can address Malaysia's targets in line with the Paris Agreement. We found that the annual palm bioenergy potential of 63.5 million tonnes-of-oil-equivalent could theoretically fulfil 64 % of Malaysia's primary energy supply. Approximately 31.7 million tonnes-of-oil-equivalent can be unlocked through our model mix by maximizing the usage of palm-based second-generation feedstocks. These include palm biomass, liquid wastes and by-products that can be used to produce a variety of biofuels, such as biodiesel, biogas and pyrolysis products. As a result, Malaysia can potentially push the renewable energy share in its primary mix to 38 %. This would translate to a reduction in greenhouse gas emission intensity of up to 57 % (based on 2005 levels). Our analysis not only shows that the palm oil industry could play a significant role in Malaysia's decarbonization goal, but it also serves as a basis for the development of a decarbonization framework for other palm oil producing nations around the world. Nevertheless, in moving forward, policy changes, funding and incentives, as well as technological advancement are indeed required to realize this aspiration. [Display omitted] • Palm bioenergy feedstocks have a theoretical energy potential of 63.5 Mtoe per year. • These feedstocks can be converted to biodiesel, biogas and pyrolysis products. • Using a model mix, 38 % renewables share and 57 % GHG reduction can be achieved. • The palm oil industry can notably contribute to Malaysia's decarbonization goal. • Policy changes, financing, tax benefits and technological improvements are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of this study was to synthesize and characterise nanostructured tungsten trioxide (WO 3 ) thin films via electrodeposition and subsequently, optimise the electrodeposition synthesis parameters using response surface methodology (RSM). Statistical Box–Behnken RSM design was used to investigate and optimise the effects of four independent electrodeposition synthesis parameters, namely: deposition time, precursor tungsten (W) concentration, annealing temperature and pH. In addition, the synergistic interaction between different electrodeposition synthesis parameters was identified and quantified in enabling a higher photoactivity achievable by nanostructured WO 3 thin films. Resultant nanostructured WO 3 thin films were characterised using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and photocurrent density measurements under one-Sun irradiation. From the electrodeposition synthesis process, it was found that there was a gradual increase in the nanocrystallites WO 3 size from 30 nm to 70 nm when the annealing temperature was varied between 400 °C and 600 °C. XRD results verified the existence of the same photoactive phase of monoclinic WO 3 with increasing annealing temperature with the preferred growth orientation along the {002} planar. Whilst from the Box–Behnken RSM design, it was found that the optimum deposition time, precursor W concentration, annealing temperature and pH were: 60 min, 0.15 mol/L, 600 ℃, and pH 1.0, respectively. The highest photocurrent density of 120 µA/cm 2 was measured at 1 V ( versus Ag/AgCl) for nanostructured WO 3 thin film synthesized at the optimum conditions as informed by the Box–Behnken RSM. Further analysis and validation of the Box–Behnken RSM model using analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that the RSM-derived statistical predictive model was robust, adequate and representative to correlate the various electrodeposition synthesis parameters to photocurrent density. This study highlights the importance to systematically optimise the electrodeposition synthesis parameters in order to achieve a higher photocurrent density on nanostructured WO 3 thin film for sustainable hydrogen production from photoelectrochemical water splitting reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fe 3 O 4 @PDMAEMA nanocomposite (PDMNC) was successfully produced. • PDMNC-stabilized Pickering emulsion (PDMNC-PE) was pH- and magnetic- responsive. • Reversible stability of PDMNC-PE under changes in pH and magnetic field lasted for at least 6 cycles. • Oil can be recovered magnetically utilizing the stimuli-responsiveness of PDMNC-PE. Stimuli-responsive Pickering emulsion system has received considerable scientific interests for myriad applications. In this contribution, nanocomposites (PDMNC) made of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticle and poly[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] were prepared through a facile sonochemical in situ co-precipitation approach and were used in the preparation of Pickering emulsion system (PDMNC-PE). PDMNC-PE exhibited pH-responsive behavior and it was stable at pH ranging from 5 to 9. Upon magnetic exposure, PDMNC-PE underwent repeatable and rapid emulsification/demulsification triggered by a change in pH for at least six cycles. The stabilization/destabilization of PDMNC-PE was caused by the synergistic effect from magnetic force, surface hydrophobicity and zeta potential of PDMNC in response to pH, which resulted in the adsorption/desorption of PDMNC at the interface of the Pickering emulsions. The magnetic- and pH-reversible PDMNC-PE has a great potential for application in oil recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]