Review on zirconate-cerate-based electrolytes for proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cell

The performance of low-to-intermediate temperature (400–800?°C) solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) depends on the properties of electrolyte used. SOFC performance can be enhanced by replacing electrolyte materials from conventional oxide ion (O^2-) conductors with proton (H⁺) conductors because H⁺ conductors have higher ionic conductivity and theoretical electrical efficiency than O^2- conductors within the target temperature range. Electrolytes based on cerate and/or zirconate have been proposed as potential H⁺ conductors. Cerate-based electrolytes have the highest H⁺ conductivity, but they are chemically and thermally unstable during redox cycles, whereas zirconate-based electrolytes exhibit the opposite properties. Thus, tailoring the properties of cerate and/or zirconate electrolytes by doping with rare-earth metals has become a main concern for many researchers to further improve the ionic conductivity and stability of electrolytes. This article provides an overview on the properties of four types of cerate and/or zirconate electrolytes including cerate-based, zirconate-based, single-doped cerate–zirconate and hybrid-doped cerate–zirconate. The properties of the proton electrolytes such as ionic conductivity, chemical stability and sinterability are also systematically discussed. This review further provides a summary of the performance of SOFCs operated with cerate and/or zirconate proton conductors and the actual potential of these materials as alternative electrolytes for proton-conducting SOFC application.     

Characteristics and nutritional value of biscuits fortified with debittered salmon (Salmo salar) frame hydrolysate

Effect of debittered salmon frame hydrolysate (DSFH) at various levels (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 g/100 g) on physicochemical, textural, sensory and nutritional properties of biscuits was investigated. The highest thickness was obtained for the sample with 25 g/100 g DSFH (P < 0.05). There was no difference in diameter among all the biscuit samples (P > 0.05). The samples added with DSFH had lower weight, water activity and moisture content than the control (CONT, without DSFH) (P < 0.05). DSFH at 15 g/100 g showed no detrimental effect on sensory properties of resulting biscuits (DSFH-15). The DSFH-15 biscuit showed reduction in cutting force and fracturability. Scanning electron microscopic and cross-sectional images showed that DSFH-15 biscuit had more porous structure, compared to the CONT. The biscuits fortified with 15 g/100 g DSFH had higher protein but had lower energy value, fat and carbohydrate content than the CONT.     

Prebiotic properties of xylooligosaccharide extracted from sugarcane wastes (pith and rind): a comparative study

Wastes from agricultural industry are often disposed. Nevertheless, these wastes contain nutraceuticals and functional compounds. Xylooligosaccharide (XOS) was extracted from two sugarcane wastes (SW); rind (SR) and pith (SP), and the prebiotic properties of both XOS were examined. SR and SP had different mixture of XOS and were resistant towards α-amylase and gastric juice digestion in vitro. Although the growth of Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis ATCC® 700541™ increased significantly in both XOS after 48 h of incubation, XOS from SR showed better enrichment of probiotics growth. Both XOS were found to be more fermentable by LcS and acetic acid was the predominant end product of the fermentation. Since XOS composition was different between SR and SP and such difference can affect their prebiotic properties, it is important to choose the appropriate parts of SW to extract XOS with high fermentable properties and obtain the best synbiotics combination.     

Ethanolic Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) leaf extract dechlorophyllised using sedimentation process: Antioxidant,antibacterial properties and efficacy in extending the shelf-life of striped catfish slices

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of ethanolic noni leaf extract (ENLE) without and with chlorophyll removal by sedimentation method were comparatively investigated. Total chlorophyll content was reduced by 82% in the top fraction (CR-ENLE) collected after 24 h at 4 °C as compared to that of ENLE. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were lower in the bottom fraction rich in chlorophyll (Chlo-ENLE) than others (P < 0.05). Based on the microbiological limit, the shelf-life of striped catfish slices pre-treated with 400 mg kg⁻¹ C-R-ENLE was extended to 9 days as compared to the 3 days recorded for the control (without pre-treatment). Slices treated with CR-ENLE had lower lipid oxidation than those treated with ENLE during refrigerated storage (P < 0.05). The sedimentation process was therefore a potential green method for producing ENLE having improved antioxidant and antimicrobial activities without green colour. It can be used as a natural additive for shelf-life extension of fish slices.     

Improvements and limitation of soy protein-based adhesive: A review

Soy protein is known for its eco-friendly, sustainable, and biodegradable qualities that are likely used as raw material in producing bioadhesive. However, soy protein-based adhesive are lacking in terms of adhesive strength and water-resistance compared to commercial formaldehyde-based adhesives such as phenol and urea-formaldehyde resin. Therefore, continuous research has been done to improve adhesive performance. This can be done via physical or modification methods, including the usage of cross-linking agents, structural modification, enzymatic modification, and the addition of additives. This review will cover these modification methods that give significant enhancement to the water-resistance and adhesive strength of soy protein-based adhesives.     

Organic–inorganic nanomatrix structure and properties of related naturally occurring rubbery macromolecules

The outstanding mechanical properties of soft materials i.e. natural rubber are partly due to the organic–inorganic nanomatrix structure because numerous organic microparticles are dispersed in a small amount of an inorganic nanomatrix composed of inorganic nanoparticles and organic macromolecules. Here we form an organic–inorganic nanomatrix using graft-copolymerization of a vinyl monomer with an inorganic oxide precursor onto natural rubber particles with an average diameter of 1 μm dispersed in water. The inorganic oxide precursor is converted into inorganic oxide nanoparticles through hydrolysis and condensation, forming chemical linkages between natural rubber microparticles and inorganic oxide nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy indicates that the organic–inorganic nanomatrix is densely filled with inorganic oxide nanoparticles and the natural rubber microparticles are dispersed in the nanomatrix. This nanomatrix composite realizes both energetic elasticity and entropic elasticity of a soft material, opening a novel field of building block chemistry with respect to a pair of organic microparticles and inorganic nanoparticles.     

Sustainability of the four generations of biofuels – A review

Biofuel has emerged as an alternative source of energy to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and combat global warming. Biofuels are classified into first, second, third and fourth generations. Each of the biofuel generations aims to meet the global energy demand while minimizing environmental impacts. Sustainability is defined as meeting the needs of the current generations without jeopardizing the needs of future generations. The aim of sustainability is to ensure continuous growth of the economy while protecting the environment and societal needs. Thus, this paper aims to evaluate the sustainability of these four generations of biofuels. The objectives are to compare the production of biofuel, the net greenhouse gases emissions, and energy efficiency. This study is important in providing information for the policymakers and researchers in the decision-making for the future development of green energy. Each of the biofuel generations shows different benefits and drawbacks. From this study, we conclude that the first generation biofuel has the highest biofuel production and energy efficiency, but is less effective in meeting the goal of reducing the greenhouse gases emission. The third generation biofuel shows the lowest net greenhouse gases emissions, allowing the reduction of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. However, the energy required for the processing of the third generation biofuel is higher and, this makes it less environmentally friendly as fossil fuels are used to generate electricity. The third and fourth generation feedstocks are the potential sustainable source for the future production of biofuel. However, more studies need to be done to find an alternative low cost for biofuel production while increasing energy efficiency.