Topic Editors

Prof. Dr. Venko N. Beschkov
Institute of Chemical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 103, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
Institute of Electrochemistry and Energy Systems, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl.10, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria

Chemical and Biochemical Processes for Energy Sources, 2nd Edition

Abstract submission deadline
30 June 2025
Manuscript submission deadline
30 September 2025
Viewed by
3330

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Topic is a continuation of the previous successful Topic “Chemical and Biochemical Processes for Energy Sources”.

Chemistry and energy production always have been interrelated through the years. Currently, these interconnections have become more intensive and diverse because of the problems due to fossil fuel exhaustion and the adverse effects of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere from intensive human activity.

One of the possible solutions for the reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases is the application of renewable energy sources of biological origin to produce biofuels, e.g., bioethanol, biogas, and biodiesel. There is another topic of fundamental and practical interest. It is the production of hydrogen from biomass through fermentation methods. Although the practical results of this research are still modest, any future development in this area are of practical interest.

Besides the traditional processes of combustion, in recent decades a big share of chemical and mainly electrochemical methods have been studied and applied. The use of hydrogen in fuel cell equipment is one example of these applications. Other sources for electricity generation in fuel cells are carbon monoxide and methane. In recent years, hydrogen sulfide has become another attractive source for energy production combined with environmental effects.

A recent and very extensively growing topic of research is on microbial fuel cell applications for combined wastewater treatment and energy production. Although the power densities in this process are low, the microbial fuel cells enable straightforward processes of pollutant destruction compared to the traditional chemical methods.

The research and efforts for the utilization of waste carbon dioxide are growing in recent years. The use of CO2 for production of lipids by photosynthesis of algae in later production of biodiesel is the subject of many studies. Other efforts are based on chemical and electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide into useful chemicals and fuels. The present issue is an attempt to present new and attractive chemical and biological methods for energy production with their advantages and applications in different areas of human activities.

Prof. Dr. Venko N. Beschkov
Prof. Dr. Konstantin Petrov
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • energy production
  • greenhouse gases
  • electrochemical methods
  • fuel cells
  • renewable energy
  • biofuels
  • carbon dioxide recycling
  • microbial fuel cells

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Energies
energies
3.0 6.2 2008 16.8 Days CHF 2600 Submit
Materials
materials
3.1 5.8 2008 13.9 Days CHF 2600 Submit
Processes
processes
2.8 5.1 2013 14.9 Days CHF 2400 Submit
Sustainability
sustainability
3.3 6.8 2009 19.7 Days CHF 2400 Submit
ChemEngineering
ChemEngineering
2.8 4.0 2017 32.8 Days CHF 1600 Submit
Chemistry
chemistry
2.4 3.2 2019 17.2 Days CHF 1800 Submit

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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11 pages, 4209 KiB  
Article
A Shortened Process of Artificial Graphite Manufacturing for Anode Materials in Lithium-Ion Batteries
by Gang-Ho Lee, Hyeonseok Yi, Yu-Jin Kim, Jong Beom Lee, Jung-Chul An, Sei-Min Park, Kyeongseok Oh, Seong-Ho Yoon and Joo-Il Park
Processes 2024, 12(12), 2709; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12122709 - 1 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1134
Abstract
Recently, due to the rapid increase in the demand for artificial graphite, there has been a strong need to improve the productivity of artificial graphite. In this study, we propose a new efficient process by eliminating the carbonation stage from the existing process. [...] Read more.
Recently, due to the rapid increase in the demand for artificial graphite, there has been a strong need to improve the productivity of artificial graphite. In this study, we propose a new efficient process by eliminating the carbonation stage from the existing process. The conventional graphite manufacturing process usually involves a series of stages: the pulverization of needle-type coke, the granulation of pitch and coke premix, carbonation, graphitization, and surface treatment to compensate voids formed within particles. The process seems time-consuming and costly. Therefore, in our proposed shortened process, we have eliminated the carbonization stage. Instead of petroleum-derived pitch, coal tar pitch was employed. Coal tar pitch has a lower softening point than binder pitch. Apart from the cost-effectiveness of the process, it has enhanced the properties of artificial graphite by a uniform coating using a lower amount of hard carbon. In addition, the whole manufacturing time and cost was reduced by 12 h and 20% due to the skipped manufacturing step, respectively. It was observed that the artificial graphite produced by the newly proposed shortened process had improved physical properties related to the density and graphitization degree, and also showed an improvement in electrochemical performance. Raman 3D mapping and the electrochemical evaluation of artificial graphite were mainly used to compare the physical properties. This shortened process not only reduces the manufacturing cost, but also contributes to the improved performance of lithium-ion battery anode material. Full article
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20 pages, 1599 KiB  
Review
Potential of Wheat Straw for Biogas Production by Anaerobic Digestion in South Africa: A Review
by Reckson Kamusoko and Patrick Mukumba
Energies 2024, 17(18), 4662; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17184662 - 19 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1308
Abstract
Wheat straw (WS) is a promising substrate for biogas production by anaerobic digestion (AD) due to its high carbohydrate content. An estimated 0.603 million t yr−1 of WS are generated from wheat production systems in South Africa. This is equivalent to an [...] Read more.
Wheat straw (WS) is a promising substrate for biogas production by anaerobic digestion (AD) due to its high carbohydrate content. An estimated 0.603 million t yr−1 of WS are generated from wheat production systems in South Africa. This is equivalent to an energy potential of 11 PJ. Despite this, WS is still undervalued as a bioenergy resource in South Africa due to its structural complexity and low nitrogen content. WS disposal methods, such as use in livestock bedding, burning and burying into the soil, inter alia, are not sustainable and may contribute to global warming and climate change. The commercialization of the AD of WS needs to be further developed and promoted. Pre-treatment (i.e., physical, chemical, biological and hybrid methods) and anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD) are novel strategies that can support the conversion of WS into biogas and other value-added products. Current and future research should focus on optimizing pre-treatment and AcoD conditions towards industrialization of WS into valuable products. This paper focuses on the potential use of WS for biogas production in South Africa. The aim is to create information that will promote research and development, and encourage policy makers and stakeholders to participate and invest in WS biogas technology. Were WS biogas technology fully adopted, we believe that it would alleviate energy insecurity and environmental degradation, and sustain the livelihoods of citizens in South Africa. Full article
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