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Special Issue "10th Anniversary of Processes: Design of the Chemical Industry of the Future"

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A special issue of Processes (ISSN 2227-9717). This special issue belongs to the section "Chemical Processes and Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2023 | Viewed by 2217

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Prof. Dr. Fausto Gallucci

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Inorganic Membranes and Membrane Reactors, Sustainable Process Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5612 AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands
Interests: process design and intensification; membranes and membrane reactors; separation technologies
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are very proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the journal Processes. In light of this occasion, we are launching a Special Issue of the section “Catalysis Enhanced Processes” titled “Design of the chemical industry of the future” and are excited to invite outstanding authors and members of the Editorial Board to submit their papers to this Special Issue. The aim is to celebrate this important anniversary of the journal through exceptional papers fully dedicated to innovative process designs as well as catalytic technologies that will make the chemical industry of the future more sustainable. Academic editors and top authors are invited to submit high-quality papers to this Special Issue.

The subject areas of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

New materials for processes (catalysts, sorbents, membranes etc.);
Membrane reactors;
Chemical looping systems;
Sorption enhanced processes;
Microreactor systems;
Biobased chemical processes;
Additive technologies (3D printing for new processes);
Process design;
Industry 4.0;
LCA;
Energy analysis and techno-economics.

Prof. Dr. Fausto Gallucci
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Processes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

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Microwave-Assisted Reductive Amination under Heterogeneous Catalysis for the Synthesis of β-Adrenergic Agonist and Related Structures

Emanuela Calcio Gaudino

and

Giancarlo Cravotto

Processes 2023, 11(9), 2602; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11092602 - 31 Aug 2023

Viewed by 293

Abstract

Reductive amination is a powerful tool in sustainable organic synthesis that allows chemists to access a wide range of valuable amine products using renewable feedstocks and mild reaction conditions, with minimal waste generation. Practical applications can be found in various fields, including pharmaceuticals, contributing to greener and more sustainable chemical processes. In this work, we present a heterogeneous (Rh and Pt) catalyzed protocol for the fast and efficient synthesis of ractopamine hydrochloride (β-adrenergic drug) under microwave-assisted reductive amination protocol starting from raspberry ketone and octopamine. Microwave (MW) successfully accelerated the hydrogenation reaction and reduced the reaction time from 13 h to only 3 h under mild conditions (50 °C at 10 bar). The best catalysts were Pt/C and Rh/C, which led to high conversion and selectivity towards ractopamine:HCl. Different solvents and ketone substrates were also experimented. Acetophenone, cyclohexanone, and 2-butanone reacted at lower H₂ pressure (5 bar), and highest selectivity was observed with cyclohexanone (99%). These preliminary experiments may be useful for further process improvements in the synthesis of β-adrenergic agonists and related structures and underline the positive synergy between MW and heterogeneous catalysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Processes: Design of the Chemical Industry of the Future)

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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

NiCoAl-Based Monolithic Catalysts for the N₂O Intensified Decomposition: A New Path towards the Microwave-Assisted Catalysis

and

Processes 2023, 11(5), 1511; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11051511 - 16 May 2023

Viewed by 661

Abstract

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is considered the primary source of NO_x in the atmosphere, and among several abatement processes, catalytic decomposition is the most promising. The thermal energy necessary for this reaction is generally provided from the external side of the reactor by burning fossil fuels. In the present work, in order to overcome the limits related to greenhouse gas emissions, high heat transfer resistance, and energy losses, a microwave-assisted N₂O decomposition was studied, taking advantages of the microwave’s (MW) properties of assuring direct and selective heating. To this end, two microwave-susceptible silicon carbide (SiC) monoliths were layered with different nickel–cobalt–aluminum mixed oxides. Based on the results of several characterization analyses (SEM/EDX, BET, ultrasound washcoat adherence tests, Hg penetration technique, and TPR), the sample showing the most suitable characteristics for this process was reproduced in the appropriate size to perform specific MW-assisted catalytic activity tests. The results demonstrated that, by coupling this catalytic system with an opportunely designed microwave heated reactor, it is possible to reach total N₂O conversion and selectivity of a highly concentrated N₂O stream (50 vol%) at T = 550 °C, the same required in the conventionally heated process to remove N₂O from a less concentrated gas stream (20 vol%). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Processes: Design of the Chemical Industry of the Future)

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Review

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Open AccessReview

Recent Progress in Fill Media Technology for Wet Cooling Towers

Zahra Hashemi

Abdolmajid Zamanifard

Maysam Gholampour

Jane-Sunn Liaw

and

Chi-Chuan Wang

Processes 2023, 11(9), 2578; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11092578 - 28 Aug 2023

Viewed by 319

Abstract

Cooling towers are extensively utilized in diverse industries for efficient heat dissipation. Fill media are a critical component, facilitating heat and mass exchange between water and air, impacting overall cooling tower efficiency. Given its vital importance, this study comprehensively reviews recent advancements in fill media technology, illuminating cooling tower technology progress and exploring the effects of different fill media configurations and materials on cooling tower performance. It should be noted that the majority of research is focused on the Range of 2.5 °C to 25 °C and Approach of 1 °C to 9 °C. Through comprehensive analysis and evaluation, the effects of various fill media on heat transfer efficiency, water cooling capacity, and energy consumption are intensively summarized. By understanding these effects, engineers and designers can make rational decisions to optimize cooling tower performance and ensure efficient heat dissipation. Notably, in some reported cases, new fill media enhanced cooling range, effectiveness, and the Merkel number by 28%, 85%, and 131%, respectively. Ultimately, this paper serves as a valuable resource for academics, researchers, and professionals in the field of cooling tower design and thermal management. The insights provided in this study can help industries achieve greater energy efficiency, sustainability, and overall operational excellence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Processes: Design of the Chemical Industry of the Future)

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Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Alternative Electron Sources for Cytochrome P450s Catalytic Cycle: Biosensing and Biosynthetic Application

Victoria V. Shumyantseva

Polina I. Koroleva

Tatiana V. Bulko

and

Lyubov E. Agafonova

Processes 2023, 11(6), 1801; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11061801 - 13 Jun 2023

Viewed by 467

Abstract

The functional significance of cytochrome P450s (CYP) enzymes is their ability to catalyze the biotransformation of xenobiotics and endogenous compounds. P450 enzymes catalyze regio- and stereoselective oxidations of C-C and C-H bonds in the presence of oxygen as a cosubstrate. Initiation of cytochrome P450 catalytic cycle needs an electron donor (NADPH, NADH cofactor) in nature or alternative artificial electron donors such as electrodes, peroxides, photo reduction, and construction of enzymatic “galvanic couple”. In our review paper, we described alternative “handmade” electron sources to support cytochrome P450 catalysis. Physical-chemical methods in relation to biomolecules are possible to convert from laboratory to industry and construct P450-bioreactors for practical application. We analyzed electrochemical reactions using modified electrodes as electron donors. Electrode/P450 systems are the most analyzed in terms of the mechanisms underlying P450-catalyzed reactions. Comparative analysis of flat 2D and nanopore 3D electrode modifiers is discussed. Solar-powered photobiocatalysis for CYP systems with photocurrents providing electrons to heme iron of CYP and photoelectrochemical biosensors are also promising alternative light-driven systems. Several examples of artificial “galvanic element” construction using Zn as an electron source for the reduction of Fe³⁺ ion of heme demonstrated potential application. The characteristics, performance, and potential applications of P450 electrochemical systems are also discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Processes: Design of the Chemical Industry of the Future)

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