Effect of Silver and Copper Doping on V2O5-WO3 2 Catalyst...

Pure and Applied Chemistry International Conference 2014 ENV-1

Environmental Chemistry and Renewable Energy ENV-OR-01

Effect of Silver and Copper Doping on V2O5-WO3-TiO2

Catalyst for Selective Catalytic Reduction of NOx by Ammonia

at Low Temperature

Natthakorn Jirathanasin, Akawat Sirisuk

Center of Excellence on Catalysis and Catalytic Reaction Engineering, Department of Chemical

Engineering. Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

E-mail: [email protected]

At present, NOx emission gives rise to several environmental problems. Selective catalytic reduction

(SCR) of NOx is considered as an efficient solution for removing NOx from the atmosphere. This

study investigates the SCR of NOx using ammonia as the reducing agent over V2O5-WO3-TiO2

catalysts. The catalysts are prepared by the several methods, such as sol-gel method in acidic

condition, sol-gel method in basic condition and impregnation method, to achieve high efficiency

of SCR process. To measure the catalytic activity, stainless steel tubular fixed bed reactor is

employed and the reaction temperature is varied in the range of 100 - 400 ºC. Furthermore, the

SCR catalysts are characterized using various techniques such as X-ray diffractrometry (XRD),

inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), Temperature programmed

desorption of ammonia (NH3-TPD) and N2 physisorption. The XRD results showed that the

content of anatase titania support is higher after WO3 is added. The NH3-TPD indicated that total

acid site of catalyst prepared by sol-gel method in acidic condition is higher total acid site than the

others and make highest conversion of NOx. Addition of Ag2O on V2O5-WO3-TiO2 catalyst leads

to an increase in the activity for SCR of NOx. When V2O5-WO3-TiO2 catalyst is doped with Cu2O,

the temperature window for good performance of NH3-SCR is widened.

Keywords NH3-SCR; Selective catalytic reduction; NOx; Sol-gel; Impregnation



Fast Degradation Of Organic Pollutants By Advanced

Oxidation Processes

Assadawoot Srikhaow, Siwaporn Meejoo Smith*

Materials Science and Engineering Graduate Program, Department of Chemistry and Center for Innovation

in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand

*E-mail: [email protected]

Keywords Wastewater treatment; Advanced oxidation process; Organic pollutants

Wastewater treatment under ambient conditions with no requirement of additional oxidant



Pongrumpa Srisuwan and Muenduen Phisalaphong

*

Chemical Engineering Research Unit for Value Adding of Bioresource,

Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University,

Phyathai Road, Phatumwan, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand


Biodiesel is a renewable energy - environmentally-friendly fuel. In this work, biodiesel was

produced by an esterification reaction from fatty acid distillates and ethanol, using Novozym 435 as

biocatalyst. The fatty acid distillates from edible oil industry such as rice bran fatty acid distillate,

palm fatty acid distillate and coconut fatty acid distillate were used as substrates. These fatty acid

distillates are low cost materials and have high free fatty acid content. Concentrations of free fatty

acids in fatty acid distillates were analyzed by GC-MS. The esterification of rice bran fatty acid

distillate, palm fatty acid distillate and coconut fatty acid distillate was investigated at the same

conditions: 45°C, fatty acid distillate to ethanol molar ratio of 1:2, Novozym 435 loading at 5%

based on fatty acid distillates weight, 250 rpm and 8 h of reaction time. Percentage conversion of

free fatty acids was determined by the titration method against 0.1 M KOH using phenolphthalein

as an indicator. The conversion of free fatty acids from rice bran fatty acid distillate, palm fatty acid

distillate and coconut fatty acid distillate were 90.2%, 90.1 % and 88.5%, respectively. Therefore,

these fatty acid distillates are potential candidates for biodiesel production.

Keywords : Biodiesel; Fatty acid distillates; Novozym 435; Esterification

Biodiesel Production from Fatty Acid Distillates and Ethanol

using Immobilized Lipase as Catalyst



Improved Productivity of Acetone-butanol Fermentation of

Cane Molasses by using Immobilized Clostridium

Acetobutylicum

Nawapon Leewattana, Muenduen Phisalaphong*


Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Payathai Rd.,

Patumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand


Immobilized Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824 on thin shell silk cocoon was used in batch

fermentation for improved acetone and butanol productivities. Cane molasses, a byproduct of sugar

refining industries was used as the primary substrates (carbon sources). The fermentations were

carried out in anaerobic condition under controlled temperature, rotational speed and pH at 35 °C,

200 rpm and pH 5.0, respectively. It was shown that the concentrations of butanol and acetone

produced by the immobilized cells were significantly higher than those produced by the free cells.

The product solution had a total solvent concentration of 27.5 g/L and consisted the combination of

7.9 g/L butanol, 9.6 g/L acetone and 10.0 g/L ethanol with 58 g/L sugar consumption and 0.46 of

production yield after the fermentation using the immobilized cell system at the initial reducing

sugar concentration of 60 g/L for 144 h.

Keywords Acetone; Butanol; Cane molasses; Immobilized cell



Effect of Centrifugation Conditions on Living Microbial

Overflowed in Biodiesel Wastewater Treatment Process

Tosawat Loakasikarn1, Maythee Saisriyoot

2, Anusith Thanapimmetha

2, Penjit Srinophakun

2*

1 Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Advanced and Sustainable Environmental Engineering

(International Program), Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan Road, Ladyao,

Jatujak, Bangkok THAILAND 10900. 2 Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University,

50 Ngamwongwan Road, Ladyao, Jatujak, Bangkok THAILAND 10900.

* E-mail: [email protected]

The wastewater treatment is mandatory as one of the processes in biodiesel production. In the

activated sludge process, the aerobic microorganism has been reutilized, especially the aerobic

bacteria that suspended in wastewater and overflowed to next treatment process. In some cases, too

much overflow of suspended bacteria takes place leading to lower aerobic digestion efficiency. In

this situation, recovery of overflowed bacteria is necessary. For many biodiesel plants, free space

for additional process is so limited that only rotational separating process, for example, hydro-

cyclone and decanter, which required tiny space, can be opted consequently. The considerations of

how to increase the recovery of the suspended sludge and, at the same time maintain the activity of

active microbial from rotational separating process were explored through this proposed study

which aimed to investigate the effects of rotational speed and rotation time to the viability of active

bacteria in the precipitate by means of viable plate count, for the examination of the viability of

active bacteria in colony forming unit (CFU), and the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of

supernatant. The results showed that the higher rotational speed combined with rotation time

decreased the viability of active bacteria but increased the separation efficiency. Concurrently, the

COD of the supernatant also decreased.

Keywords Biodiesel wastewater; Rotational speed; Chemical oxygen demand; Colony forming

Unit



Mechanical Properties and Ionic Exchange Capacity of

Crosslinked Chitosan Membranes for Microbial Fuel Cell

Sansaporn Plangsri, Maythee Saisriyoot, Anusith Thanapimmetha and Penjit Srinophakun*

Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University,

50 Ngamwongwan Road, Ladyao, Jatujak, Bangkok THAILAND 10900.


The power production in Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC), a novel device for electricity generation, is

limited by the internal resistance partly influenced by its Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM).

Nafion (sulfonatedtetrafluoroethylene based fluoropolymer-copolymer) as one of often used PEM,

due to its unique ionic properties, provides superior power output and durability as a proton

conductor for MFC applications. Unfortunately, the Nafion is a costly material. Development of

membrane materials which are potentially more efficient and less expensive is a critical task for

researchers in this field. Chitosan (CS) considered one of the most attractive alternatives to Nafion,

can be served as an ideal material for preparing PEM. The advantages of CS are including not only

its low cost, but also high hydrophilicity, and good film forming properties which are chemical and

thermal resistance. However, in comparison with the Nafion, CS does not have the high proton

conductivity. Neither does its mechanical properties. From this point on, in the proposed work, a

crosslinking method to improve the ionic and mechanical properties of CS was used. The operating

condition for the crosslinking reaction in term of concentration of sulfosuccinic acid (SSA), a

crosslinking agent containing sulfonic acid group which is expected to give the reasonable proton

conductivity to the CS membrane, and thermal treatment condition was under investigation. The

results indicated that the influence of the SSA content has a directly effect to the ionic exchange

capacity (IEC). Moreover the mechanical properties may be a result of competitive consequence

between the number of ionic sites and the degree of total crosslink.

Keywords Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC); Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM); Chitsoan (CS); Cross-

linking; Sulfosuccinic

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetrafluoroethylene

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluoropolymer

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copolymer



Composite Hydride Confined in Nanoporous Structure of

Catalyzed Carbon Aerogel Scaffold for Reversible

Hydrogen Storage

Rapee Gosalawit–Utke1 *

, Chiara Milanese3, Payam Javadian

4, Daniel Laipple

2, Fahim Karmi

2, Julian

Puszkeil2, Torben R. Jensen

4, Amedeo Marini

3, Thomas Klassen

2, Martin Dornheim

2

1School of Chemistry, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology,

Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand, 2Institute of Materials Research, Materials Technology, Helmholtz–Zentrum Geesthacht,

Geesthacht 21502, Germany. 3Pavia Hydrogen Lab, C. S.G. I.–Department of Chemistry–Physical Chemistry Division, University of

Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy. 4Center for Energy Materials, iNANO and Department of Chemistry, University of Aarhus,

Aarhus C8000, Denmark.

Email: [email protected].

Reactive hydride composite (RHC) of 2LiBH4-MgH2 is one of the most outstanding solid-state

hydrogen storage materials due to its high reversible hydrogen storage capacity of 11.4 wt. %.

However, grain growth during de/rehydrogenation cycles, resulting in the reduction of surface area

for hydrogen exchange reaction obstructs its practical uses. Therefore, particle size restriction of

this RHC in nanoscale along cycling by nanoconfinement in inert hosts is of interest. In this work,

to prevent particle agglomeration during cycling and to improve kinetic properties of 2LiBH4-

MgH2, not only nanoconfinement in carbon aerogel scaffold (CAS) is proposed, but also

impregnation of well-known catalysts (TiCl3, TiCl4 and ZrCl4) is carried out. Onset

dehydrogenation temperature of the nanoconfined sample with catalysts decreases (up to ΔT = 150

°C) as compared with that of nanoconfined sample without catalyst. Faster kinetics in the same

temperature (25-500 °C) and time (0-5 h at constant temperature during the 1st cycle) ranges is

observed after catalytic doping, that is, nanoconfined samples with catalysts release up to 99 % of

the theoretical H2 storage capacity, while that of nanoconfined sample without catalyst is only 94

%.

Keywords Nanoconfinement; Carbon aerogel scaffold; Hydrogen storage; Lithium borohydride,

Magnesium hydride; Titanium chloride; Zirconium chloride.



Nanoconfinement of Pre-milled MgH2-LiBH4 in Carbon

Aerogel Scaffold for Reversible Hydrogen Storage

Sophida Tiangwiriya1, Rapee Gosalawit-Utke

1*, Claudio Pistidda

2, Chiara Milanese

3, Daniel Laipple

2,

Amedeo Marni3, Payam Javadian

4, Torben R. Jensen

4, Thomas Klassen

2, Martin Dornheim

2

1School of Chemistry, Institute of science, Suranaree University of Technology,

Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand 2Institute of Materials Research, Helmholtz‒Zentrum Geesthacht, Geesthacht 21502, Germany.

3Pavia Hydrogen Lab., C. S. G.I., Department of Chemistry, Physical Chemistry Division, University of

Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy. 4Center for Energy Materials,Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO) and Department of Chemistry,

University of Aarhus, Langelandsgade 140, DK- 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark


Light metal hydrides are the favored materials for solid hydrogen storage applications. However,

due to its slow hydrogen sorption kinetics and high thermodynamic stability, the concept of

reactive hydride composite (RHC) is of interest to solve these problems. The composite of 2LiBH4-

MgH2 is one of the most attractive hydrogen storage media due to its significant low

dehydrogenation enthalpy with respect to neat LiBH4. However, hydrogen desorption and

absorption processes still occur at high temperature with relatively slow two-step reaction kinetics.

To improve 2LiBH4 - MgH2 properties, nanoconfinement by melt infiltration into inert carbon

aerogel scaffold (CAS) has been recently focused. Nanoconfienement in porous structure provides

increase of surface area and grain boundaries as well as decrease of diffusion distances, facilitating

an improvement of reaction kinetics. However, effective nanoconfinement is not accomplished,

especially MgH2, having high melting temperature. Therefore, in this study, particle reduction of

MgH2 prior to milling with LiBH4 and direct melt infiltration is proposed. Besides, enhancement

of composite hydride portion melt infiltrated in CAS is carried out to increase hydrogen storage

capacity. Effective nanoconfienement and reaction kinetics are studied and compared with pure

LiBH4.

Keywords Hydrogen storage; Nanoconfinement; Carbon aerogel scaffold; LiBH4-MgH2; Melt

infiltration



Nanodispersed LiBH4 in PMMA/MWCNT Composite for

Reversible Hydrogen Storage

Praphatsorn Plerdsranoy1, Rapee Gosalawit‒Utke


2, Chiara Milanese

3, Daniel Laipple

2,

Amedeo Marni3, Thomas Klassen

2, Martin Dornheim

2.

1 School of Chemistry, Institute of science, Suranaree University of Technology,

Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand, 2 Institute of Materials Research, Helmholtz‒Zentrum Geesthacht, Geesthacht 21502, Germany

3 Pavia Hydrogen Lab., C. S. G.I., Department of Chemistry, Physical Chemistry Division, University of

Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy. *E-mail: [email protected]

Hydrogen has attracted a great deal of attention as a clean fuel for fuel cells, producing energy free

of any pollutant by–products. Storage of hydrogen for subsequent use is a contemporary goal in the

development of a hydrogen economy. Lithium borohydride (LiBH4) is one of the most attractive

complex hydrides for reversible hydrogen storage system due to its high reversible hydrogen

storage capacity (13.8 wt. % H2). However, severe operating conditions for dehydrogenation (T=

410 °C, p(H2) = 1 bar) and rehydrogenation (T= 600 °C, p(H2) = 350 bar) obstructs its practical

uses. Among all strategies to solve these problems of LiBH4, nanoconfinement in carbon hosts,

which results in increasing surface area and grain boundary together with shortening hydrogen

diffusion pathway for hydrogen exchange reaction is of particular interest. In this study, by using a

new host material of hydrogen permeable polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), reduction of

de/rehydrogenation temperature should be achieved. Moreover, to avoid thermal degradation of

PMMA host under elevated temperature and pressure, preparation of organic‒inorganic composite

of PMMA and multi–walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) is proposed.

Keywords Reversible hydrogen storage; Lithium borohydride; Polymethyl methacrylate;

composite


Environmental Chemistry and Renewable Energy ENV-P-001

Synthesis and Conductivity Measurement of Polymer

Electrolytes based on Poly(ethylene glycol methacrylate) and

Additives for Dye-sensitized Solar Cell

Peerasak Paoprasert,a Imee A.Saladaga

b, Siranya Jantasit

a, Mark Daniel G. de Luna,

c Nurak Grisdanurak,

d

Sukrit Tantrawonga

aDepartment of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University,

Pathumthani, Thailand 12121 bEnergy Engineering Program, College of Engineering, University of the Philippines Diliman,

Quezon City, Philippines 1101 cDepartment of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of the Philippines Diliman,

Quezon City, Philippines 1101 dDepartment of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Thammasat University,

Pathumthani, Thailand 12121

Email: [email protected]

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have attracted much attention for the past three decades and the

research in this area has grown tremendously because of its low-cost and large-scale production

possibility. As one of the key components in DSSC, the electrolyte determines the power

conversion efficiency and long-term stability of the solar cell. The use of solid-state or quasi-solid-

state electrolyte can address this long-term stability issue of the DSSC. In this work, poly(ethylene

glycol methacrylate) was used as polymer electrolytes for solid dye-sensitized solar cells. The

polymer was synthesized using free radical polymerization and characterized using Fourier

transform infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The ionic

conductivity was measured using impedance spectroscopy as a function of additive type, additive

concentration, and polymer blend composition. The additives include propylene carbonate,

gamma-butyrolactone, and titanium dioxide nanoparticles whereas poly(ethylene glycol),

poly(epichlorohydrin), and poly(vinyl alcohol) were used to prepare the polymer blends.

poly(ethylene glycol methacrylate) showed good ionic conductivity, at least 104 times better than

poly(ethylene glycol) which is one of the most commonly used polymer electrolyte in DSSCs. It

was also found that the presence of additives improves the ionic conductivity, possibly by reducing

the crystallinity of the polymer. On the contrary, the polymer blends result in the decrease in the

ionic conductivity. In summary, this work shows that poly(ethylene glycol methacrylate) is a good

candidate as polymer electrolyte not only for DSSCs but also other applications that employs

polymer electrolytes, such as battery or fuel cell.

Keywords: Poly(ethylene glycol methacrylate); Dye-sensitized solar cell; Impedance

spectroscopy



Removal of Nickel(II) ion from Aqueous Solution using Natural

and Modified Rice Husk Ashes

Wasana Wiriyapratheep1, Somruthai Ridjanad

1, Sudarat Sombatsri

1, Chaiyos Chankaew

1,*

1Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Liberal Arts, Rajamangala University of

Technology Isan, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000 Thailand


Natural rice husk ashes (RHA) treated by hydrochloric acid (RHA-HCl) and potassium hydroxide

(RHA-KOH) were employed for the adsorption of nickel(II) from aqueous solution. The effect of

considerable parameters (pH, initial nickel(II) concentration and contraction time) were investigated

using batch experiment. The optimum conditions for nickel(II) removal of 100 mg/L nickel(II)

solution were following: pH 6, and contraction time of 180 minutes at room temperature. The

adsorption capacity of RHA, RHA-HCl and RHA-KOH were 95.33, 95.30 and 97.87 %,

respectively. The adsorption kinetic process followed pseudo-second order reaction and Langmuir

model was found to be the best fitting model with high R2.

Keywords Biosorption; Nickel(II) ion; Rice husk ash; Adsorption isotherm; Kinetic



Conversion of Light into Electricity by Thylakoid Membrane

Artificially Installed on Electrode Surfaces

Jinhwan Lee, Sunghyun Kim*

Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Korea


Solar energy is enormous and inexhaustible energy source onto earth and enough to supply total

global energy. Photosynthesis is one of the most effective ways to utilize light. Light reactions

particularly are of primary concern in harnessing light energy in which charge separation with large

negative electrochemical potential occurs at almost 100% quantum efficiency in photosystem I and

II (PSI and PSII) in the thylakoid membrane.

Unlike most researches in which PSI or PSII are separated and fixed on the electrode surface, we, in

this research, have developed methods to functionalize electrode surfaces with thylakoid

membranes for the simple and effective light conversion to electricity.

Thylakoid membrane, a subunit of chloroplast, was readily isolated from spinach. Its activity was

maintained for several days after the extraction, confirmed by measuring oxygen evolving activity

under illumination using a Clark-type oxygen sensor. Immobilization of thylakoid on the glassy

carbon electrode was done by forming peptide bonds between amino groups of thylakoid and

carboxyl groups on the electrode surface. And then they were immobilized on glassy carbon (GC)

electrodes (GC) via surface modification. To develop the carboxyl group, the GC surface was first

modified with 4-aminobenzoic acid by reductive C-C coupling. For the effective coupling of

thylakoid, the GC surface was treated with a mixture of 4-aminobenzoidc acid and aniline. The

modified surface was characterized by impedance spectroscopy, contact angle measurements and

electrochemistry using ferricyanide as a probe.

Photoanodic current from immobilized thylakoid was measured at different pre-set GC potentials

and found to increase with anode potential. At applied potential of 0.7 V, more than 500 nA/cm2 was

observed. This value is comparable with those of PSI- or PSII-modified electrodes. This result

shows the possibility of using thylakoid as a unit for conversion of light to electricity.

Keywords Thylakoid; photocurrent; surface modification; 4-aminobenzoic acid; oxygen evolution



Photoelectrocatalytic Degradation of Diuron on Titania Film

Teerapat Raksatham1, Chabaiporn Junin

2, Chanchana Thanachayanont

2, and Varong Pavarajarn

1*

1Center of Excellence in Particle Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering,

Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand 2Materials Technology for Hazardous Substances Free Products Lab,

National Metal and Materials Technology Center, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand


Diuron is an herbicide commonly used in Thailand. It is highly toxic and persistent. Therefore,

diuron has caused contamination problems in soil and water. In this work, photoelectrocatalytic

reaction (PEC), which is a coupling between photocatalytic and electrolytic reactions, was applied

to degrade diuron in water, using titania as a photocatalyst. Titania was synthesized via sol-gel

method and was screen-printed into thin film on a titanium plate, which was used as the anode. On

the other side of the system, a graphite plate was placed as the cathode. Upon the application of the

potential of 5 V together with the irradiation from UV-A lamps, the photoelectrocatalytic process

was initiated. According to the experimental results, synergistic effect from the photocatalytic and

electrolytic reactions was observed. The degradation of 10 ppm diuron aqueous solution by the

photoelectrocatalytic process reached 91.2% within 7 h, while that achieved from the sole

photocatalytic and electrolytic reaction was 53.9% and 20.9%, respectively. The enhanced

degradation was the result from the prevention of the recombination between photoexcited

electrons and holes. Degradation intermediates were also analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass

spectrometry (LC-MS) and reported.

Keywords Diuron; Photoelectrocatalytic; Degradation; Titania film



Performance of Aerobic Composting bin: Model HAC-120 as a

Tool for Household Waste Management

Chanakarn Sowijit, Suksachai Chompaibool, Sudtida Pliankarom Thanasupsin*

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi,

Bangkok 10140, Thailand


The purpose of this research aims to examine the performance of aerobic compost bin Model

HAC-120, used for household garbage management; and to investigate the optimum ratio of food

waste and leaves as raw materials. The study has been conducted by using 4 units of HAC-120

model. Varying ratios of raw materials has been examined. Chemical and biological analysis of

raw and compost materials of each experimental trial have also been monitored regularly for 90 days.

Parameters to be measured are as follows; temperature, bulk density, moisture content (%H2O),

organic content (% TVS), nitrogen content (%N), carbon content (%C), ash content (%), carbon to

nitrogen ratio (C/N), total sulphur content (% as BaSO4), total phosphorus content (%P2O5), total

potassium content (%K2O), total bacterial count (TBC) and microbial fungi content. Additionally,

emission of anaerobic produced gases such as H2S and CH4 has also been monitored to assure

aerobic decomposition process inside the bins. The results show promising performance of HAC-120

for aerobic composting of household organic waste. Sufficient aeration inside the bin can be assured

as %H2S and %CH4 has not been detected during the experiment. So far, ratio 1:1 (food waste and

leaves) has shown better results over other conditions.

Keywords Household waste, Aerobic composting; Model HAC-120, Chemical and Biological

Analysis, Gas emission



Hydrochars from Water Hyacinth and Their Capacities for

Removal of Methylene Blue from Aqueous Solutions

Jutitorn Laohapornchaiphan, Surajit Tekasakul*

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai,

Songkhla, 90112, Thailand


Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of water hyacinth (Eichchornia crassipes), an invasive aquatic

plant, was performed at 230ºC with different residence times in the range of 3-24 h. The

hydrothermal processes in the presence of citric acid as well as a further treatment with potassium

hydroxide (KOH) solution were also investigated. The obtained solid products, hydrochars, were

characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy

(SEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area measurements, and elemental analysis. Batch

adsorption of methylene blue by the hydrochars was also studied. The results reveal that the

presence of citric acid in the hydrothermal process and the further treatment of hydrochar with

KOH solution significantly improve adsorption capacity. In addition, the dissimilar chemical

properties and morphologies of the hydrochar products also have effect on their abilities for

removal of methylene blue from aqueous solutions. Keywords Hydrochar; Water hyacinth; Hydrothermal carbonization; Adsorption; Methylene blue



Enhanced Catalytic Efficiency of CaO catalyst in

Transesterification of Palm Oil to Biodiesel Production by

Hydration Process

Wuttichai Roschat1, Boonyawan Yousuk

2, Vinich Promarak

1*

1School of Chemistry, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology,111 University Avenue,

Suranaree, Muang, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand

2 National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), 114 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin

Road, Klong 1, Klong Luang, Prathumthani 12120, Thailand

E-mail: [email protected]

In this work, we present a simple method to enhance the catalytic property of CaO catalyst. The

catalyst using modified CaO for transesterification reaction was prepared by hydration process by

mixing of CaO with water at 80 °C for 3 h to generate hydroxide species followed by calcination at

600 °C for 2 h. The catalyst was fully characterized by TGA, XRD, FT-IR, CO2-TPD, XRF, SEM

and BET technique. Transesterification reaction of palm oil to biodiesel production was used to

test activity of the catalyst. Kinetic of reaction was also studied. The results indicated that the

hydration technique remarkably enhanced activity of the modified CaO in comparison to normal

CaO. The modified CaO processed 33% yield of biodiesel content higher than the normal CaO.

Apparently, the reaction rate constant k was 2.08 × 10-2

min-1

for the normal CaO, while the

modified CaO it increased 4.95 × 10-2

min-1

, which is nearly 2.38 times.

Keywords Enhancement; Catalytic activity; Hydration process; Biodiesel production;

Transesterification



The Effect of Ethanol in Biodiesel-diesel Blended Fuel on

Characteristic of Particulate Matters Emission from

Diesel Engine

Sudatip Chenaphan1, Surajit Tekasakul

1* and Perapong Tekasakul

2

1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai,

Songkhla 90112, Thailand

2Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai,

Songkhla 90112, Thailand

*E-Mail: [email protected].

An experimental study of particulate matters emitted from a conventional diesel engine is carried

out using ethanol-biodiesel-diesel blend fuels. In the case of blending ethanol with diesel, a major

drawback is the immiscibility of diesel blends, leading to phase separation. In this work biodiesel,

which is another renewable fuel, was used as an additive to stabilise ethanol in diesel blends. The

mixing ratios of blend fuels were chosen using the phase diagram of the ethanol-biodiesel-diesel

ternary system. Then the ethanol-biodiesel-diesel blend fuels were kept 30 days to observing its

stability during one-month storage. The fuels used in this study were diesel (B0), blend of 20%

biodiesel in diesel (B20), and blends of 5%, 10% and 20% ethanol in B20 named as B20E5,

B20E10 and B20E20 respectively. All of them showed no phase separation during one-month

storage. The particulate matters emitted from the exhaust of diesel engine were collected using an

Andersen sampler with inertial filter option (ANIF) to separate the particles into ten size ranges: > 11.0, 11.0-7.0, 7.0-4.7, 4.7-3.3, 3.3-2.1, 2.1-1.1, 1.1-0.65, 0.65-0.43, 0.43-0.07 and < 0.07 µm. The results indicated that they are mostly in the particle diameter range of less than 0.4 μm.

The total particulate matter concentrations increase 1.2, 5.0 and 13.4% for B20E5, B20E10 and

B20E20 respectively, in comparison to B20.

Keywords: biodiesel; ethanol; diesel; particulate matter



Adsorption of Pb(II) and Zn(II) Ions in Aqueous Solutions on

Chitosan Beads and Epichlorohydrin Cross-Linked

Chitosan Beads

Nidcha Aroonrote, Kamonthip Kuttiyawong and Thitiya Pung*

Department of Environmental Science and Technology , Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science, Kasetsart

University, Nakhon Pathom 73140,Thailand


Chitosan beads (chitosan) and cross-linked chitosan beads with epichlorohydrin beads (Epi) were

used to adsorb Pb(II) and Zn(II) ions in aqueous solutions. The chitosan beads and the cross-linked

chitosan beads with epichlorohydrin were synthesized and characterized by Fourier Transform

Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Size and solubility of synthesized chitosan and its cross-linked

beads were studied. The results showed the sizes of both chitosan beads were 0.2 cm. Chitosan

beads were insoluble in deionized water and alkaline solutions, but they were soluble in acidic

solutions (5% v/v acetic acid). However, the cross-linked chitosan beads were insoluble in

deionized water, alkaline and acidic solutions. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out as a

function of time, pH and temperature. Four hour was the optimum for Pb(II) and Zn(II) ions

adsorption in both chitosan beads. The optimum pH for Pb(II) adsorption was 6, and Zn(II)

adsorption was 5. Temperature did not effect on adsorption capacity. The maximum adsorption

capacities of both chitosan beads for Pb(II) were 1,553.68 µg/g chitosan, 649.70 µg/g Epi and and

Zn(II) ions were 1,180.73 µg/g chitosan, 241.03 µg/g Epi, respectively.

Keywords Chitosan, Cross-linked chitosan, Epichlorohydrin, Adsorption



Application of Calcined Waste Bovine Bone as Low-Cost

Heterogeneous Catalyst for Biodiesel Synthesis

Pirom Suwannasom, Chalerm Ruangviriyachai*

Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science,

Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.


Biodiesel is a low CO2 emissions diesel that can produce from renewable resources and waste lipid

by alkali-catalyzed transesterification. The catalysts used in this reaction are not able to reuse and

requires tedious washing including separating steps. The heterogeneous base-catalyzed

transesterification for biodiesel synthesis has been studied intensively over the last decade. In this

research, β-tri-calcium phosphate (β-TCP) synthesized from bovine bone, as solid catalyst, was

investigated in biodiesel production from palm olein. This explores the feasibility of converting

waste bovine bone into a high-performance, reusable, low-cost catalyst. The thermo-gravimetric

analysis (TGA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis for this catalyst calcined above 1000 °C for 2

h, revealed that the main component of bone i.e. hydroxyapatite (HAP) could be transformed into

β-tri-calcium phosphate. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) imaged also studied the calcined

scale depicted a layer of porous structure. The results showed that the optimum reaction conditions

of tranesterification found to be 6 wt. % of catalyst with 14:1 mol/mol ratio of methanol/palm olein

under reaction temperature at 60 °C and reaction time for 2 h. This catalyst showed the high

biodiesel production yield over 97.59 %. The yield of biodiesel obtained was quantified and

confirmed by GC-MS. The fuel properties (both physical and chemical properties) of the

prepared biodiesel have been found to comply with the ISO and EN standards method. This

study establishes the successful application of calcined bovine bone as an efficient heterogeneous

catalyst for transesterification of palm olein, thus it can be used as an alternative inexpensive

catalyst source for biodiesel production.

Keywords Transesterification; Biodiesel; Bovine bone catalyst; Palm olein; Low-cost catalyst



Reactive Distillation for Biodiesel Production from Triglyceride

Natja-nan Boon-anuwat1, Worapon Kiatkittipong

2, Kanokwan Ngaosuwan

3, Suttichai Assabumrungrat

1,*

1 Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University,

Bangkok, 10330, Thailand 2Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Technology,

Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom 73000, Thailand 3Department ofChemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering,

Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep, Bangkok 10120, Thailand


Biodiesel, an alternative renewable fuel, can be produced from varieties of renewable lipids such as

vegetable oil, animal fat and non-edible oil. The technologies of biodiesel production currently

employ homogeneous catalysts in both batch and continuous operation. However, the conventional

processes still have several limitations. For example, the equilibrium-limited of the

transesterification reactions lead to a need of large excess of alcohol over a stoichiometric ratio to

achieve high conversion of triglyceride. In addition, the conventional process might generate waste

water, salt waste streams which required further separation and treatment processes resulting in

high operating cost. In this study, biodiesel production in reactive distillation as a multifunctional

reactor is focused to overcome the aforementioned limitations of conventional processes. Process

simulations of transesterification of triglyceride and methanol were performed using Aspen Plus.

The equilibrium based model with thermodynamic properties estimated by the Dortmund modified

UNIFAC model was employed in this study. The results showed that the proposed reactive

distillation for biodiesel production in this work not only eliminated a requirement of separation

and purification of the products by combining into a single-step process but also improved the

biodiesel yield with much smaller excess of methanol in feed comparing to the conventional one.

Since the process is more compact and less methanol need to be recovered, these lead to a lower in

overall energy consumption. The effects of important operating and design parameters on the

performance of reactive distillation process were analyzed and determined the optimum conditions.

Keywords Reactive distillation; Biodiesel production; Simulation; Transesterification;

Triglyceride



238

U and 232

Th Contents of Jasmine Brown rice

(Oryza sativa L.) and Their Associated Health Risk

Boonsom Porntepkasemsan1* Arporn Busamongkol

1 and Vorapot Permnamtip

1

1 Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organization),

9/9 Moo 7 Ongkharak, Nakhon Nayok 26120 Thailand


Rice is considered as one of the critical foods for Thai population in terms of radionuclides intake.

The elevated concentration of 238

U and 232

Th in paddy soils are contributed from phosphate

fertilizers. Under flooded condition of rice cultivation practice, 238

U and 232

Th contaminated in the

fertilizer are easily taken up by rice plant. In this paper, a total of 30 Jasmine brown rice samples

were collected from locally grown paddy fields where located in northern and north eastern part of

Thailand. The concentrations of 238

U and 232

Th in Jasmine brown rice samples were 0.841 – 1.212

and 1.443 – 2.159 Bq.kg-1

, respectively. The observed concentrations varied markly between areas.

These differences are the result of differences in the soil conditions and cultivation practices due to

the phosphate fertilizer applications. The results revealed comparable values to the Asian countries

reported values. Annual committed effective dose due to 238

U and 232

Th intakes were considered

radiologically safe for consumption.

Keywords 238

U; 232

Th; Jasmine brown rice (Oryza sativa L.); Effective dose; Phosphate fertilizer



Radiocarbon Ages of Wood Charcoals

Wutthikrai Kulsawat

1* and Kiattipong Kamdee

1

1 Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organization),

9/9 Moo 7 Ongkharak, Nakhon Nayok 26120 Thailand


Radiocarbon dating of macroscopic charcoal is a useful tool for contributing supportive data to the

archaeological interpretation. Charcoal is a good sample of 14

C dating because it retains information

on the period of tree growth and a possible contamination by younger/old carbon can be usually

removed during the chemical pre-treatment procedures. In this study, the combustion of charcoals at

4000C was performed prior to direct absorption

14C dating method. Nine dated charcoal specimens

from two pits excavated in Phuket province were presented. The deepest depth showed the highest 14

C dating values of 1060 + 450 and 850 + 160 years B.P. for pit 1 and 2, respectively. Two

charcoals indicated recent past from only pit 2.

Keywords Radiocarbon dating; 14

C dating; Charcoal, Direct absorption technique



Reversible Hydrogen Storage of Nanoconfined LiBH4 in PMMA

Polymer Matrix

Sukanya Meethom, Rapee Gosalawit-Utke1*, Claudio Pistidda

2, Chiara Milanese

3, Daniel Laipple

2, Thanit

Saisopa4, Amedeo Marni

3, Thomas Klassen

2, Martin Dornheim

2


Nakhon Ratchasima 30000,Thailand, 2Institute of Materials Research, Helmholtz‒Zentrum Geesthacht, Geesthacht 21502, Germany.

3Pavia Hydrogen Lab., C. S. G.I., Department of Chemistry, Physical Chemistry Division,

University of Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy. 4School of Physic, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology,

Nakhon Ratchasima 30000,Thailand.

*Email: [email protected]

Lithiumborohydride (LiBH4) is one of the most promising materials for reversible hydrogen

storage due to its high gravimetric and volumetric hydrogen densities of 18.5 wt. % H2 and 121 kg

H2/m3, respectively. However, due to its thermodynamic and kinetic restrictions as well as release

of toxic diborane (B2H6) gas, several strategies, such as intermetallic compounds, catalytic

modifications, reactive hydride composites (RHCs), and nanoconfinement in nanoporous scaffolds,

have been recently proposed to solve these problems. In this work, nanoconfinement of LiBH4 in a

gas permeable polymer host of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is proposed to especially

decrease operating temperature and pressure for hydrogen exchange reaction. The onset desorption

temperature of nanoconfined LiBH4−PMMA is reduced to ~ 80 °C. In the case of absorption, it

should be noted that nanoconfined LiBH4−PMMA can be absorbed at the lowest condition (140 °C

under 50 bar H2 for 12 h) when compared with other modified LiBH4. Furthermore, with respect to

hydrophobicity of PMMA host, deterioration of LiBH4 by oxygen and humidity is avoided. This

leads to practical handling of LiBH4 in ambient condition.

Keywords Hydrogen storage; Nanoconfinement; PMMA; Lithiumborohydride; Polymer



Grease Waste to Bio-oil

via Catalytic Pyrolysis Process over ZSM-5

Nutnan Kanestitaya1*, Unalome Wetwatana Hartley

1, Thanes Utistham

2

1Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Faculty of The Sirindhorn International Thai-German

Graduate School of Engineering, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok,

Bangkok, 10800, Thailand 2 Energy Department, Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR),

Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand


Grease waste with moisture content greater than 80.0% was used as a raw material for bio-oil

production via hydrothermal pyrolysis process in the presence of ZSM-5. 100 g of grease was put in

a 0.5 litre batch reactor and carried out for 30 minutes at 100 psi of N2. The optimum operating

temperature of the reaction was studied by varied from 220 to 420 °C. The highest yield of bio–oil,

45.31%, was achieved at 260 °C. ZSM−5 catalyst was prepared by rapid crystallization method

using AlCl3 and TPABr as reagents. The catalyst’s performance was studied in terms of product

yield and the effect on final pressure. The heating value of the bio-oil was measured to define the

quality of the bio-oil. . Quantity of the catalyst used was varied from 0.1-0.5 g to investigate mass

transfer limitation of the system. It was found that the lab-prepared ZSM−5 could increase the

quality of bio−oil by increasing H content (15.89%) and decreasing O content (29.27%) in bio−oil.

The final pressure was reduced by 11.35% with 0.1g catalyst used.

Keywords Bio−oil; Grease waste; ZSM−5; Pyrolysis



Studies on Silver Ion Adsorption Using Curcumin-Silica

Coated Cotton

Radchada Buntem1*

, Thitiwat Tanyalax1, Srinapha Vorapracha

1

1 Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Silpakorn University, Nakorn Pathom, Thailand


The curcumin-silica coated cotton were prepared and used for silver ion adsorption. Three types of

coated cottons: curcumin-coated cotton (COTC), silica-coated cotton (COTS) and curcumin-silica

coated cotton (COTSC) were prepared. COTC was prepared by immersing a piece of cotton (2 cm x

2 cm) in the saturated curcumin solution for 30 minutes. While COTS and COTSC were prepared

by the same method using silica sol and curcumin-silica sol respectively. The silica sol was

prepared by mixing tetraethylorthosilicate and (3-chloropropyl)trimethoxysilane in ethanol with

tetrapropylammonium bromide dissolved in distilled water. To prepare curcumin - silica sol, 2.00

mL of saturated curcumin solution was added to the freshly prepared silica sol. The SEM

micrographs of uncoated cotton (COT) and COTC show characteristic ridges and grooves while

COTS and COTSC show finer surfaces. For silver ion adsorption, all coated cottons were put into

0.1 M of AgNO3 solution (pH 6, 25 °C). COTSC showed the highest adsorption percentage and

adsorption capacity. COTSC was selected for further tests. The concentrations of silver ion solution

were varied to 10-2

, 10-3

, 10-4

, 10-5

and 10-6

M. The lower the concentration of silver ion, the higher

the adsorption percentage was observed. At 10-6

M, the adsorption percentage of 96.39 was

obtained. On the contrary, the highest adsorption capacity (53.05 mg/g adsorbent) was observed at

the concentration of 0.1 M. The optimum pH for adsorption was 6. The effect of interferences on

the silver ion adsorption was in the following order: Pb2+

> Cd2+

> Cu2+

> Fe3+

> Ni2+

. The

desorption was performed using 0.2 M Na2S2O3 solution. Ag+-COTSC showed the highest

desorption percentage after being left in the solution for 1 hour. The silver particles on Ag+-COTSC

surface are silver and silver(I) oxide as evidenced from X-ray diffraction.

Keywords silica; cotton; adsorbent



Cementation of Cu2+

from Solution using Scrap Iron

Veeramol Vailikhit*and Weerada Thanapongtharm

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen,

Nakhon Pathom,73140 Thailand


Cementation of aqueous Cu

2+ using scrap iron was investigated for potential use by industry to

affordably comply with the legislated Thai heavy-metal discharge limits. This involves the simple

redox reaction nFe(s) + Cu2+

(aq) nFe2+/3+

(aq) + Cu(s), n = 1 or ⅔, driven by the greater reactivity of

iron.

Scrap iron, in the form of steel nails (~97% Fe + 3% C), was used in idealised wastewater

modelled by solutions of CuSO4.5H2O, with the acidic pH controlled by addition of HCl. The

concentrations of Cu2+

and Fe2+/3+

, in the ppm range, in solution were measured with flame AAS

every half an hour for 3 hours. The effect of initial Cu2+

concentration, pH and surface area of

solid iron on Cu2+

and Fe2+/3+

concentration over time was determined. The surface area of iron was

limited to a maximum amount determined by the geometry of the beaker used as the reaction

vessel, and the need for some free space for the magnetic stirring bar to spin. That is, there is a

practical upper limit to the amount of solid iron that a reaction vessel can hold.

While all the Cu is expected to be eventually removed from solution, generally within a practical

time limit of three hours, up to about 94% of Cu2+

was reduce from an initial concentration of

33ppm. The final concentration was below the 2ppm Cu2+

limit set by Thai law.

Keywords Cementation; Cu2+

; iron



Photoelectrocatalytic Degradation of Oxalic Acid using

FTO/WO3/BiVO4 Film Electrodes under

Visible Light Irradiation

Thawatchai Juthamas, Chatchai Ponchio*

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology

Thanyaburi, Klong 6,Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani, 12110 Thailand


This research has been developed the photoelectrocatalytic technique (PEC) in order to degrade

organic compound that containing in water. Oxalic acid was used as organic compound sample and

degraded by photoelectro-oxidation reaction at FTO/WO3/BiVO4 semiconductor electrode under

bias potential and visible light irradiation. The effect of initial concentration of oxalic acid, pH,

electrode size and so all were studied for the highest efficiency of oxalic acid degradation. UV-VIS

spectrophotometer was used to monitoring amount of oxalic acid with time function. The results

showed that with optimum conditions for the degradation of oxalic acid of using initial

concentration of 1mM, pH at 8 with the electrode size of 2x3cm, oxalic acid could be degraded up

to 70% in 3 hours. This technique is simple and economical suitable to apply in organic compound

degradation in waste water treatment process.

Keywords Photoelectrocatalysis; Oxalic acid degradation, Visible light irradiation



Polyethyleneimine-Modified Cation Exchange Resin and its

Potential for Heavy Metal Ion Removal

Patcharin songpoom1, Nattaporn Pimpha2 and Panya Sunintaboon1,3*

1Polymer Science and Technology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400

2National Nanotechnology Center, Thailand Science Park, Pathumthani, 12120

3Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400


Amberlite 200C (AM), the commercial cation exchange resin was modified by incorporation of

polyethyleneimine (PEI) on its macroporous surface through electrostatic interaction and

crosslinking with glutaraldehyde (GA). The modification was investigated through the variation of

pH, PEI concentration, immersion time, and GA content. After that, the change was traced by

elemental analysis (EA), pH titration, UV-Visible and FTIR spectroscopy. Then, the modified resin

was subjected to Cu (II) ion adsorption in which the high adsorption efficiency was obtained at pH

7, 3.5% PEI content, 2 h immersion time and 0.13% GA. Due to the successive adsorption, a color

of resin changed from light brown to dark blue. Cu (II) ions, which were adsorbed to the modified

resin, could be desorbed with 1 M HCl/0.5 M NaCl binary solution for recovering the modified

resin.

Keywords Polyethyleneimine; Cation exchange resin; Cu (II) ion



Conversion of Cassava Starch to Sugar for Ethanol Production

by Thai Rice Cake Starter (Loog-pang-Kao-Mhark) and

Saccharomyces cerevisiae M30

Arnon Khamkeaw and Muenduen Phisalaphong*


Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering,

Chulalongkorn University,Phyathai Road, Phatumwan, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand


Optimum hydrolysis conditions of cassava starch for producing sugar syrups by using Thai rice cake

starter (Loog-pang-Kao-Mhark) under batch fermentation were studied. The optimum operating

conditions were: 20 % (w/v) cassava starch concentration, 1 % (w/v) of the rice cake starter,

fermentation temperature of 50°C and initial pH level of 5.0. The results showed effective

depolymerization of cassava starch to sugar syrups, in which cassava starch could be completely

converted to reducing sugar within 48 hours at the maximum of sugar concentration of 182.5 g/L.

Furthermore, the sugar syrups were used for ethanol production by Saccharomyces cerevisiae M30

at 33 oC and 150 rpm. The results showed high fermentation rates, in which sugars could be

completely converted into ethanol within 60 hours.

Keywords : Ethanol; Cassava starch; Loog-pang; Tan-kogi; Saccharomyces cerevisiae



Nanoconfinement of LiBH4–NaAlH4 in PMMA Polymer Matrix

for Reversible Hydrogen Storage

Nuntida Wiset1, Rapee Gosalawit-Utke


2, Chiara Milanese

3, Daniel Laipple

2, Amedeo

Marni3, Thomas Klassen

2, Martin Dornheim

2


Nakhon Ratchasima 30000,Thailand, 2Institute of Materials Research, Helmholtz‒Zentrum Geesthacht, Geesthacht 21502, Germany.

3Pavia Hydrogen Lab., C. S. G.I., Department of Chemistry, Physical Chemistry Division, University of

Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy.

*Email: [email protected]

Lithium borohydride (LiBH4) is a potential complex hydride due to its high reversible hydrogen

storage capacity of 13.5 wt. %. Unfortunately, its practical application in mobile fuel cell systems

is limited due to both thermodynamic and kinetic drawbacks, i. e., severe operating conditions for

both dehydrogenation (above 600°C) and rehydrogenation (T=600°C under 350 bar H2). Moreover,

release of diborane (B2H6) gas, toxic to environment and fuel cell system is observed during LiBH4

dehydrogenation. Therefore, various methods, including alloy formations, reactive hydride

composites (RHCs), nanoconfinement in nanoporous scaffolds, and catalytic doping have been

proposed to overcome these limitations. In this work, we focus on nanoconfinement of LiBH4 in a

new host material of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Not only de/rehydrogenation temperature

is decreased via nanoconfinement in PMMA polymer matrix, but also prevention of LiBH4

deterioration by oxygen and humidity is obtained. Furthermore, via catalytic doping of sodium

aluminium hydride (NaAlH4), dehydrogenation kinetics is significantly improved.

Keywords Lithium borohydride; Sodium aluminiumhydride; PMMA; Low temperature and

pressure



Preparation and Characterization of Chemically Modified Silica

Gel as Selective Adsorbents for Hg(II) Ions

Sararat Buara, Theeranan Duangdeetip, Narong Chimpalee, Chantana Waivinitpong, Nantanit

Wanichacheva*

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Silpakorn University, Nakorn Pathom 73000, Thailand

* E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]

Rhodamine B hydrazine was synthesized and fabricated on the silica by using 3-

glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane as a linker. The modified particles were characterized by FT-IR,

SEM, TGA and DSC. Fluorescence enhancement and chromogenic change results showed that the

modified particles were sensitive to the presence of Hg2+

in aqueous solutions, which served as a

“naked-eye” indicator by a noticeable color change of the solutions and particles (from light pink to

pink - red color). The “naked-eye” working range for the detection of Hg2+

was in the range of 50

ppb - 20 ppm.

Keywords Rhodamine B hydrazine; Synthesis; Particles



Non-precious Metal Oxygen Reduction Catalysts based on

Cobalt Oxide-Cobalt Phthalocyanine Nano Hybrid as Applied

to Microbial Fuel Cells

Jalal Ahmed, Sunghyun Kim*

Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Korea


Development of four-electron oxygen reduction catalysts based on non-precious metal is current

extensive research interest in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) as the increasing cost of precious metals,

especially platinum, has hindered their widespread use for practical application. Two-step two-

electron reduction process is not desirable in MFCs because produced hydrogen peroxide may have

harmful effect on biofilm at the anode. Here we have sought the possibility of cobalt oxide-assisted

cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) complex as an alternative catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction

(ORR) applied to an air-cathode MFC.

CoOx-C was prepared by mixing cobalt nitrate with carbon black and heating at 400℃ in ambient

condition, which produce a graphitic structure of carbon. The formed C-CoOx was soaked in the

CoPc solution to make nano hybrid system (C-CoOx-CoPc). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and

TEM showed nano particle formation of average 30 nm and no metallic cobalt species. Rotating

ring-disk experiments revealed that both C-CoOx-CoPc and C-CoPc reduced oxygen first to HO2-

then to water at the disk electrode. Large oxidation current of HO2- was detected at C-CoPc but only

small current was observed for C-CoOx-CoPc, indicating HO2- was rapidly decomposed and water

was formed.

When applied to MFCs, the maximum power density of 780 mW/m2

was achieved with the C-

CoOx-CoPc cathode, which was about 50 % higher than that with carbon supported CoPc. The

voltage output of the MFC dropped only 19 % from its initial voltage after 100 days′ operation,

suggesting that the synthesized catalyst showed enough long term stability. The voltage drop was

partially resulted from the covering of biofilm on the catalyst layer, 89~92 % of which was

reinstated upon scrapping off the biofilm. This work shows that C-CoOx-CoPc could be a potential

alternative to Pt in MFCs for sustainable energy generation.

Keywords Oxygen reduction, microbial fuel cell, cobalt oxide, metallo phthalocyanine, power

density



Chemical Surface Modification of Charcoal from Longan Seed

for the Treatment of Water Hardness

Rattikarn Lamkhao, Naparat Jiwalak, Duangduean Thepnuan*

Department of Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Chiang Mai Rajabhat University,

Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand


This work focused on the treatment of water hardness by using charcoal from longan seed as

adsorbent. The longan seeds were carbonized in 200 litter furnace tank at 350 – 400°C for 6 hours.

The carbonized longan seeds were modified surface by impregnation with sodium hydroxide

solution. The adsorption efficiency of CaCO3 was performed by determination of Ca2+

in adsorbate

solution with EDTA titration method. The adsorbent were prepared at various conditions, the ratio

of charcoal: NaOH is 1.5: 1.0 and 6 hours for impregnate time gave the highest adsorption

efficiency of CaCO3, and the particle size (1, 2 and 4 mm) of charcoal is not significant. In the

adsorption studies, the adsorption efficiency more than 75 percent were obtained in 24 hours , with

250:1 ratio of the amount of charcoal from longan seed per amount of calcium ion (CL/Ca). The

prepared charcoal was used for treatment of 1000 ppm CaCO3 standard solution, the adsorption

efficiency 57% - 63% (n=3) was achieved when 50 millilitre of solution were treated in 6 hours

with 5 grams of the charcoal. The prepared charcoal form longan seed was successfully applied to

treatment Ca2+

in natural ground waters in high level of hardness (> 300 ppm) and satisfactory

adsorption efficiency were obtained in the range of 77% - 87% (n=3).

Keywords Longan seed; Charcoal; Chemical surface modification; Water hardness



Metal Sulfides-catalyzed Hydrodeoxygenation of Vegetable Oil

Vorranutch Itthibenchapong1*, Atthapon Srifa

2, Kajornsak Faungnawakij

1

1Nanomaterials for Energy and Catalysis Laboratory, National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC),

National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA),Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand 2Center of Excellence on Catalysis and Catalytic Reaction Engineering, Department of Chemical

Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand


The catalytic conversion of biomass has been employed over 10 years to obtain biofuels as one of

alternative green energy sources due to the scarcity of fossil fuels. Hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) has

been used in various applications such as biomass upgrading into chemical platforms, biodiesel

quality improvement, and bio-hydrotreated diesel (BHD) production. Non-noble metal HDO

catalysts involve with Co, Ni, Cu, and Mo in forms of metal, metal oxides, and sulphides on

supports e.g. SiO2, γ-Al2O3, graphite, zeolites. Metal sulfide catalysts are typically synthesized

through the sulfurization with H2S; however, H2S is a severely toxic gas and high cost in

comparison to other industrial gases. Therefore, the use of low cost and water-soluble sulfiding

agent provides some advantages i.e., encouraging sulfurization with metal salt solution, simple

scaling up, and lower cost production. Moreover, the presulfurization is not required when

performing continuous reactor system. In our work, we used thiourea as the sulfur source to prepare

NiMoS2/γ-Al2O3. The synthesis approach required a range of 300-500 oC in air or under inert

atmosphere. As-synthesized catalysts were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, TGA, SEM, TEM, and

N2 adsorption-desorption. The catalytic activities have been studied on a commercial refined palm

olein utilizing a fixed-bed reactor. The liquid product yields > 90% of C15-C18 alkanes (BHD) with

high selectivity of HDO (about 70%), whereas the competitive reactions, decarboxylation (DCO2) and decarbonylation (DCO) reactions were also occurred at relatively lower selectivity. BHD

product obtained from these processes has great potential to use high blending ratio with petroleum

diesel (e.g. 20-30%) because of none oxygenated component and similarity of composition and

properties in comparison to those of refined fossil diesel.

Keywords Biofuel; Hydrodeoxygenation; Bio-hydrotreated diesel



Biodiesel Production from Tung Seed Oil using Microwave

Irradiation and Ultrasonication

Achara Kleawkla*, Panan Supakaew

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Maejo University, Chiang Mai, 50290, Thailand


This research project studied biodiesel production from tung seed oil by transesterification

reaction. The reaction was assisted by microwave irradiation and ultrasonication. Effect of catalyst,

reaction temperature, time for microwave irradiation, time for ultrasonication and mole ratio of

oil/methanol (w/w) were studied. It was found that the percentages of biodiesel from tung seed oil

was 93.76%. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) used was found to be an efficient catalyst with the

amount of 0.7%wt. The reaction temperature was 65 oC with 5 minutes of microwave irradiation

and 15 minutes of ultrasonication. The molar ratio of oil/methanol (w/w) was 1:10 and the acid

value (ASTM D664) of the biodiesel was 0.1492 mgKOH/g.

Keywords Biodiesel; Microwave; Tung seed oil; Ultrasonication



Adsorption of Humic Compounds by Water Treatment Sludge

Kamonrat Thipayamaskomon, Sasiwan Pherkthong and Anawat Pinisakul*

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok,

10140, Thailand


This research studied the adsorption of humic compounds by water treatment sludge. Physical and

chemical characteristics of sludge from water treatment sludge which was an absorbent were

determined. Factors affecting adsorption process consisting of equilibration time, initial pH of

solution, initial concentration and among of sludge were studied. In addition, the studies of

adsorption isotherms were evaluated. It was found that the sludge structure was not changed after

burning at 550°C. The major chemical compositions of SiO2, Al2O3 and Fe2O3 were found.

The adsorption modes were studied composed of separation adsorption of humic acid and salicylic

acid and simultaneously adsorption of humic acid and salicylic acid. For separation adsorption,

the equilibration time of salicylic acid adsorption of 2 hours (71% of removal) was found which was

faster than that of humic acid (3 hours and 85% of removal) because of the different molecular sizes

and the specific of different porosity of sludge. The initial pH values of solution were not affected

to adsorption process. When the initial concentration and among of sludge were increased,

the adsorption efficiency were decreased and increased, respectively. For simultaneously

adsorption, the equilibration time of humic acid was faster than that of salicylic acid because of the

competition for adsorption and ability to combine with existing molecules. The highest removal

efficiencies were found at initial pH value of 3. The effect of initial concentration and among of

sludge were same as separation mode. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm can be used to describe

the separation adsorption mode while both Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm can be

used to describe the simultaneously adsorption mode.

Keywords Freundlich Adsorption Isotherm; Humic acid; Langmuir Adsorption Isotherm; Salicylic

acid; Water Treatment Sludge



Bio-oil Production via Two-step Hydrothermal Liquefaction

Process of Microalgae

Keerati Prapaiwatcharapana, Prapan Kuchonthara

b, Napida Hinchiranan

b*

a Department of Petrochemical And Polymer Science. Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University,

Bangkok 10330, Thailand b Department of Chemical Technology. Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok

10330,Thailand * E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

The microalgae can be potentially converted as biofuels via several routes. The hydrothermal

liquefaction (HTL) is an alternative technique since it does not require the drying as a pretreatment

process. However, the bio-oil derived from HTL of the microalgae has a large amount of nitrogen

(N) which is inappropriate for directly applying as the fuels for combustion engines. Therefore,

conditions to operate a two-step sequential hydrothermal liquefaction (SEQHTL) were invastigated

to reduce the N content in the bio-oil. In this work, Coelastrum sp. containing 3.5 wt% N content

was used as feedstock. For bio-oil production, the SEQHTL was performed to remove the high N-

fraction such as proteins of the microalgae in the first step and, then to produce bio-oil in the

second step with higher temperatures. The effects of SEQHTL conditions on product yields and

elemental compositions of bio-oil were investigated. The experiment was carried out in a semi-

batch reactor. The water flow rate was 0.25-1 mL/min, temperature of the first step and second step

were 150-225 oC and 280-360

oC, resepectively. The highest total bio-oil yield (34.4 wt% with

1.51 wt% of N content based on fed microalgae) was achieved by using 200 oC at the first step and

280 oC at the second step with 0.5 ml/min. The results were also compare with the direct

hydrothermal liquefaction (DHTL) which generated the maximum bio-oil content as 29.5 wt%

with 2.52 wt% of N content based on fed microalgae at 320 oC and 0.5 mL/min.

Keywords Bio-oil; Liquefaction; Two-step process; Reducing nitrogen; Semi-batch reactor



Simulation of Chemical Looping Reforming Process for

Hydrogen Production from Biomass Feedstock

Trirat Udomchoke

1, Suwimol Wongsakulphasatch

2, Worapon Kiatkittipong

2,

Amornchai Arpornwichanop1, Suttichai Assabumrungrat

1,*

1Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University,

Bangkok, 10330, Thailand 2Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Technology,

Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom, 73000, Thailand


Autothermal reforming (ATR), a combination of steam reforming and partial oxidation, is

potentially attractive and competitive to other reforming techniques as it is an economic synthesis

gas production. However, typical ATR needs high purity oxygen as an oxidant which typically

requires a cryogenic air separation unit. Chemical looping reforming process, a unique integration

of air separation and autothermal reforming, was therefore employed for hydrogen production in

this study. The process performance of chemical looping versus typical autothermal reforming was

evaluated by simulation using Aspen Plus. Corn stover was used as a raw material which was

converted by pyrolysis process to bio-oil before feeding to chemical looping reforming or typical

ATR for hydrogen production. Nickel-oxide (NiO) was used as oxidizing agent in fuel reactor of

the chemical looping process. Exothermic heat from air reactor was delivered to endothermic fuel

reactor via the NiO oxygen carrier particles. The results show that chemical looping process can

overcome the typical ATR process by reducing the energy consumption which is mainly attributed

to air separation unit.

Keywords Hydrogen production; Chemical looping; Biomass; Simulation; Pyrolysis bio-oil



Degradation of Volatile Organic Compounds by Non-thermal

Plasma Coupled with Photocatalysis

Hathairat Muangsaen,Varong Pavarajarn*

Center of Excellence in Particle Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering,

Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, THAILAND


Degradation of toluene vapor, which was used as representative for volatile organic compounds

(VOCs), by combination of non-thermal plasma and photocatalytic oxidation, was investigated in

this study. The degradation took place in a tubular flow reactor with an aluminum wire aligned at

the center of the tube. The inner wall of the reactor was loaded with titanium dioxide photocatalyst

(Degussa P-25, 80% anatase 20% rutile), via dip-coating using a well-stirred suspension containing

0.5 g of photocatalyst in 10 mL of ethanol. Upon the application of potential in the range of 1.0-2.5

kV between the wall of the reactor and the wire, non-thermal plasma was generated as corona

discharge within the reactor. The length of the plasma zone was fixed at 10 cm. Wet air mixed with

toluene vapor was supplied to the reactor, while the gas at the outlet of the reactor was periodically

analyzed by gas chromatography. Synergistic effect from the combination of photocatalytic

oxidation and non-thermal plasma was found to enhance the degradation of toluene. Effects of

several parameters, such as electrical current, oxygen concentration and moisture content, on

reaction kinetics were investigated and reported.

Keywords Non-thermal plasma; Photocatalysis; Degradation; VOCs; Toluene



Esterification of Free Fatty Acids in Triglycerides Using an

Acidic Cation-exchange Resin Catalyst

Rungnapa Keawmesri, Benchaporn Meemuk, Waraporn Nualpaeng,

Nawin Viriya-empikul, Kajornsak Faungnawakij*

National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency

(NSTDA),111 Thailand Science Park, Pahonyothin Rd., Klong Laung, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand


Conversion of free fatty acid (FFA) to biodiesel is one of the most interesting ways for harvesting

renewable energy. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) can be derived from esterification of free fatty

acid presented in vegetable oil or fat. Biodiesel production via FFA esterification on acidic cation-

exchanged Amberlyst BD20 resin catalysts was carried out using the continuous-flow packed-bed

reactor. The operating parameters including mass transfer resistance, liquid hourly space velocity

(LHSV) and catalyst loading, were investigated to identify the optimal reaction condition and

catalytic behaviors. The experimental results revealed that the conversion of FFA increased with

pressure meanwhile decreased with LHSV. The conversion of FFA to FAME was >99 wt% at the

methanol to oil molar ratio of 15:1 (at 100oC and 3 bar). The kinetic study was also examined to

predict the rate of reaction in various fatty acids.

Keywords Amberlyst BD20; Free Fatty Acid, Esterification Reaction; Fatty Acid Methyl Esters



Effect of Temperature and Time on Carbon-rich Seed Sowing

Media Synthesized from Water hyacinth via

Hydrothermal Process

Pattraporn Changsuwan , Prarop Kaukaew , Nawin Viriya-empikul*, Kajornsak Faungnawakij

National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency, 111

Thailand Science Park, Paholyothin Rd., Patumthani 12120, Thailand

* Email: [email protected] (N. Viriya-empikul)

Recent attention has been given to biochar (from carbonization process) as a soil amendment

because of its potential properties and benefits to physicochemical characteristics, such as bulk

density, water holding capacity, and %carbon. Organic carbon content of final product has been

reported to be as 70-90%, depending on the material resources and synthesized conditions.

However, the synthesizing of biochar has to apply large of energy (i.e. high temperature process,

T>500 oC) and need to use almost dry raw materials. Although, the chosen biomass, water

hyacinth, which is rapid growing weed in Thailand’s rivers, is rich in necessary nutrients for plant

growth (e.g. nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium), a lot of water inside the weed (water content

>90 wt%) is a big problem of process energy consumption. The hydrothermal process is one of

suitable technique to overcome the high energy consuming by mind condition (i.e. low reaction

temperature). To achieve the study of seed sowing media production, the effect of reaction

temperature (160-240 C) and holding time (0-2 hours) on physicochemical (e.g. pH, EC, and

water holding capacity) of the carbon-rich soil product has been investigated. Finally, the structure

and functional group (e.g. carboxylic and phenolic group) on surface of soil product has been

characterized by SEM image and FTIR, respectively.

Keywords Water hyacinth; Soil conditioner; Hydrothermal carbonization; Biomass



Simultaneous Removal of Chemical Oxygen Demand and

Nitrogen by Biofilm Growing on Hollow Fiber Membranes

Chanyud Kritsunankul*, Panuwat Khanthong, Irada Topanich

Department of Natural Resources and Environment. Faculty of Agriculture Natural Resources and

Environment, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, 65000, Thailand


A sequencing batch biofilm reactor (SBBR) was established to remove organic carbon and

nitrogen from domestic wastewater. The SBBR which contain commercially hollow fiber

membranes for supporting biofilm growth and oxygen supplying material was operated with

hydraulic retention time of 6 hours by controlled the ratio of anaerobic to aerobic period of 1:2.

The results showed that most of chemical oxygen demand (COD) were reduced in anaerobic phase

while nitrogen was removed in aerobic phase. The efficiencies of COD and nitrogen removal in

anaerobic-aerobic SBBR were 90% and 85%, respectively. The loss of total nitrogen in aerobic

phase implied that nitrogen was removed via simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND)

processes. In addition, batch tests clearly demonstrated that both nitrate and nitrite were used as

electron acceptors for denitrification process.

Keywords Biofilm; Domestic wastewater; Hollow fiber membrane; Nitrogen removal



Removal of Metal Ions from Wastewater Using Rice

Husk Charcoal

Thongsuk Palama, Pirom Suwannasom *

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Rajabhat Mahasarakham University,

Maha Sarakham, 44000, Thailand.


Adsorption is widely accepted in environmental treatment applications throughout the world.

Liquid–solid adsorption systems are based on the ability of certain solids to preferentially

concentrate specific substances from solutions onto their surfaces. This principle can be used for

the removal of pollutants, such as metal ions and organics, from wastewaters. Rice Husk charcoal

(RHC) was synthesized and used for the removal of metals ions (manganese, iron, nickel and

copper) from aqueous solutions. From the study, it can be concluded that the RHC has the ability

to retain Mn2+

, Fe2+

, Ni2+

and Cu2+

metals ions from aqueous solutions at the studied

concentrations. Removal of heavy metals (manganese, iron, nickel and copper) from aqueous

solution was possible using an activated carbon obtained from RHC. It was seen that adsorption

took place for the four metals within 25 minutes for the concentration levels studied. Under our

experimental conditions and for the studied heavy metals pH plays an important role in the

adsorption process, particularly on the adsorption capacity. The pH selected for an optimal rate of

adsorption for all ions investigated is 5.0. It is shown that RHC has a relatively high adsorption

capacity for these heavy metals; the quantities adsorbed per gram of RHC at equilibrium (qe) are

29.56 mg/g for Mn2+

, 31.43 mg/g for Fe2+

, 32.54 mg/g for Ni2+

and 35.44 mg/g for Cu2+

. This

adsorption is described by an isotherm type I and is fully matched by the Langmuir isotherm. The

kinetics of the manganese, iron, nickel and copper adsorption on the RHC was found to follow a

pseudo-second-order rate equation. This method has an additional advantage, as it could be applied

in developing countries due to the low cost.

Keywords Rice Husk charcoal; Adsorption; Heavy metal



Preparation of Sorbent from Ground Fish Scales (Nile Tilapia)

for The Removal of Dyes from Wastewater

Panadda Tansupo*, Sarin Tongtammachat, Kanokwan Khonkhayan and Nattiya Worachin

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Rajabhat Mahasarakham University,

Mahasarakham 44000, Thailand


The present work has two objectives: (1) the first objective is addressed to compare the method for

fish scales treatment with chemical and physical activation and (2) to evaluate the optimum

condition for the use of optimized sorbent for removing dyes from synthesized wastewater. The

effect of various activation conditions viz. time, concentration and KOH/sorbent ratio on

adsorption efficiency in term of iodine number was carried out. Scanning electron microscopy

(SEM) and FT-IR spectroscopy were used to examine surface modification of sorbents before and

after activation. The adsorption experiments using sorbents with different preparation methods

show different in adsorption capacity. This study demonstrated that, a suitable method for sorbent

preparation condition was impregnated it with 5% (v/v) KOH for 1 hour. The effect of adsorption

such as contact time, pH of the solution, and initial dye concentration on dye sorption for cationic

Methylene blue, (MB) and anionic Methyl Orange, (MO) remediation were studied using

optimized biosorbent. The optimum adsorption condition was found at pH 2.0 and the contact time

of 2 hours. Under suitable condition the percentage of methylene blue and methyl orange removal

was 98.5% and 53.5 %, respectively. From these results, pretreated ground fish scale can exhibit

excellent adsorption characteristics for removal both acid and basic dyes.

Keywords Fish scale; Adsorption; Activated carbon; Dyes



Environmental Applications of Thai Natural Zeolites

in Ammonia, Sulfide and Phosphate Adsorption

based on Chemical Treatment Process

Malee Prajuabsuk1*, Napapun Kongtong

1, Sukanya Phakapon

1, Winai Prorakas

1, Buncha Pangsub

1,

Pornpimol Poomkhonsan1, Nasongchai Sewiwong

1, Pornpan Pungpo

1 and Usa Onthong

2

1 Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ubonratchathani University,

Ubonratchathani, 34190 Thailand 2 Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Taksin University, Songkhla, 70000 Thailand


Environmental applications of Thai natural zeolites in adsorb ammonia, sulfide ion and phosphate

ion from aqueous solution on laboratory scale have been studied. The experiment was carried out

at the initial concentration of 10 mg/L, two hours adsorption time and 40 g/L of the ratio of zeolites

usage per water sample volume. The results showed that natural zeolites are successfully used to

reduce significantly ammonia, sulfide ion and phosphate ion with the adsorption efficiency of

61.40%, 73.68 and 69.80%, respectively. The optimum of the ratios of zeolites per aqueous

solution were 160 g/L, 40 g/L and 80 g/L for ammonia, sulfide ion and phosphate ion, respectively.

The optimum adsorption time was an hour for ammonia and phosphate ion and two hours for

sulfide ion adsorption. Based on the adsorption capacities isotherm of all adsorptions, the obtained

isotherm corresponded well to the Freundlich isotherm more than the Langmiur isotherms. These

natural zeolites were recommended adsorption for high removal ammonia, sulfide ion and

phosphate ion from wastewater with low cost treatment and environmentally friendly chemical

processes.

Keywords Natural Zeolite, Ammonia, Sulfide, Phosphate, Adsorption isotherm



Removal of Fluoride from Aqueous Solution

by Using Sediment from Drinking Water Treatment Processes

Warissapon Ruksorn, Chutimon Satirapipathkuls*

Chemical Engineering Research Unit for Value Adding of Bioresource, Department of Chemical



The removal of fluoride from water by using adsorbent sediment from drinking water treatment

processes was investigated in batch technique. Influences of pH, adsorbent dose and contact time

on the adsorption were studied. The fluoride concentration was analyzed by SPANDS method,

outlined in the Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater (APHA, 1995). It was

found that the adsorption of fluoride is dependent on the initial pH. The adsorption bead was found

with high fluoride adsorption ability. Maximum fluoride removal was obtained within the pH range

5.0–7.0. The result showed that the sufficient time for adsorption of fluoride ions is 2 h.

Keywords Fluoride; Removal; Adsorbent; Mud; Drinking water treatment



Potential Bio-butanol Production from Water-hyacinth

Hydrolysate by Clostridium Acetobutylicum

Manop Boonjaroen, Chutimon Satirapipathkuls*


Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University,

Phyathai Road, Phatumwan, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand


The aim of this present work was to demonstrate the feasibility of using water-hyacinth

hydrolysate as a carbon source for acetone, butanol and ethanol (ABE) fermentation by

Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824 in batch culture. The effects of temperature (35-37oC) on

the total solvents production were investigated as well as the effects of different reducing sugar

concentrations in the range of 40~60 g/L. The results showed that Cl. acetobutylicum ATCC 824

provided solvent production efficiently from water hyacinth hydrolysate. Within the range of

reducing sugar concentration investigated, the highest total solvents production (13.71 g/L) was

obtained at 60 g/L initial reducing sugar concentration and 35oC.

Keywords Clostridium acetobutylicum, water-hyacinth hydrolysate, acetone- butanol- ethanol

(ABE), batch fermentation.



Acetone-Butanol-Ethanol Production from Sugarcane Juice

by Clostridium saccharobutylicum BAA 117

Kritsada Meesukanun, Chutimon Satirapipathkuls*

Chemical Engineering Research Unit for Value Adding of Bioresource, Department of Chemical



The conversion of sugarcane juice to acetone- butanol- ethanol (ABE) by Cl. saccharobutylicum

BAA 117 has been investigated in pH-controlled batch fermentations. Parameters were varied to

define optimal conditions. The effects of pH on the solvents production were investigated in the

range of 4.5-6.5 as well as the effects of different temperature. Total solvent concentrations, yields

and productivities achieved from sugarcane juice with Cl. saccharobutylicum BAA 117 were

compared with the previous reported values from other strains.

Keywords Cl. saccharobutylicum BAA 117; Sugarcane juice; Acetone- butanol- ethanol (ABE);

Batch culture.



Methylene Blue Removal from Synthetic Wastewater by

Adsorption on Water Treatment Sludge

Thanatcha Potiya1, Peerakarn Banjerdkij

2,*, Nuttaporn Pimpa

3

1Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Advanced and Sustainable Environmental Engineering

(International Program), Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand 2Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University,

Bangkok 10900, Thailand 3National Nanotechnology Center, National Science and Technology Development Agency,

Pathumthani 12120, Thailand


Water treatment sludge (S) obtained from Bangkhen water treatment plant was used as adsorbent

for methylene blue (MB) removal from aqueous solution. Nitric acid treated sludge (NS) was

prepared by impregnation with 1 M HNO3 for 4 h. The surface area and structure of S and NS were

characterized by BET-N2 method. The effect of initial MB concentration has been investigated

using batch experiment. The result showed that surface area of S and NS were 36.78 and 38.31

m2/g, respectively. The zeta potential measurement indicated that surface charge of S and SS were

negatively charge which has ability to attract positively charged molecule. The initial MB

concentration was increased, the percentage of MB removal decreased accordingly while the

amount of adsorbed adsorbate on adsorbent at equilibrium time (qe) increased. The maximum of

adsorption capacity was found to be 90.91 mg/g. Adsorption isotherm was carried out with

Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm equation. The experimental data have demonstrated that the

equilibrium data were fit well by a Langmuir isotherm equation.

Keywords Adsorpiton; Methylene blue; Water treatment sludge



Paraquat Adsorption on MCM-41 Loaded with Aluminum by

Hydrothermal Method

Wina Rongchapo1, Krittanun Deekomwong

1,2, Sirinuch loiha

2, Sanchai Prayoonpokarach

1, Jatuporn

Wittayakun1*


Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand 2Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand


Herbicide paraquat which is highly toxic could be removed from aqueous solution by ion exchange

using porous adsorbents. The focus of this work was on an investigation of paraquat adsorption on

Al-MCM-41. Al with 10, 15 and 25% by weight was loaded on MCM-41 by hydrothermal method

to increase exchange sites. Characterization by X-ray diffraction and N2 adsorption-desorption

revealed that Al loading did not destroy the MCM-41 structure but caused a decrease in surface

area. Ability to adsorb paraquat at concentration of 240 ppm decreased in the following order:

15%wtAl-MCM-41 > 10%wtAl-MCM-41 ≈ 25%wtAl-MCM-41 > MCM-41 with percent removal

of 92.20, 68.95, 68.60 and 18.97% respectively. Too high Al amount (namely, 25 %wt) led to

agglomeration of alumina particles and MCM-41 pore blocking which resulted in lower adsorption

ability. Adsorption of paraquat was further investigated on 15%wtAl-MCM-41 in the concentration

ranged from 80 to 720 ppm. The adsorption fitted well with Langmuir model and the maximum

adsorption capacity was 76.3 mg/g-adsorbent.

Keywords Adsorption; Al-MCM-41; MCM-41; Paraquat



Paraquat Removal by Adsorption on Organoclay and

Mesoporous Clay

Chalermpan Keawkumay1, Wina Rongchapo

1, Nitinat Suppakarn

2,

Sanchai Prayoonpokarach1, Jatuporn Wittayakun

1*

1School of Chemistry, Institute of Science

2School of Polymer Engineering, Institute of Engineering, Suranaree University of Technology,

Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand


This work focused on adsorption of herbicide paraquat from aqueous solution by montmorillonite

(MMT), tetradecylamine modified MMT (TDA-MMT) and mesoporous MMT. The Organoclay

TDA-MMT was prepared from MMT and TDA to increase interlayer spacing and mesoporous

MMT was prepared from MMT and cetyltrimetylammonium bromide as a template to increase

surface area. After modification, the interlayer spacing of organoclay increased from 1.54 to 3.22

nm. The surface area of mesoporous MMT increased from 49 to 379 m2g

-1. Paraquat adsorption

was done in a batch-type experiment. The kinetic study was performed using 50 mgL-1

of paraquat

under the equilibrium time of one hour. The adsorption isotherm was carried out using the paraquat

concentration ranging from 10 to 400 mgL-1

. The amount of remaining paraquat in the solution was

determined by using UV-Vis spectrophotometer at the maximum absorbance (λmax) of 257 nm. The

adsorption kinetics from all adsorbents was pseudo-second order and the adsorption isotherms

obeyed Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption capacity of MMT, TDA-MMT and

mesoporous MMT was 37.5, 51.6 and 24.8 mg/g, respectively. TDA-MMT had the highest

maximum adsorption capacity among the other adsorbents plausibly because the expanded

interlayer spacing of MMT by TDA cations facilitated the penetration of paraquat cations into the

MMT layers to bind with negative charges of siloxane surface.

Keywords Paraquat; Adsorption; Montmorillonite; Organoclay; Mesoporous clay



Degradation of Methylene Blue by Nitrogen-Doped TiO2

Blended with Alumina Cement

Kamonwan Pinato1, Pullawit Lousuphap

1, Withaya Panpa

2, Komkrit Suttiponparnit

3 Supatra Jinawath

1,

Sirithan Jiemsirilers1,4

, and Dujreutai Pongkao Kashima1,4*

1 Research Unit of Advanced Ceramics, Department of Materials Science, Faculty of Science,

Chulalongkorn University, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand. 2 Faculty of Industrial Technology,Thepsatri Rajabhat University

3 PTT Research and Technology Institute (PTT RTI), 71 Moo 2, Phaholyothin Rd.,

Km.78, Sanubtueb, Wangnoi, Ayutthaya 13170,Thailand. 4 Center of Excellence on Petrochemical and Materials Technology,

Chulalongkorn University, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330,Thailand. *E-mail: [email protected]

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalyst is widely used in environmental applications especially in air

and water treatments. However TiO2 (anatase) responds to only UV light (wavelength < 390 nm)

due to its large band gap energy of 3.2 eV. Accordingly, numerous attempts to activate TiO2 by

visible light have been reported. In this work, reducing the band gap energy by nitrogen-doped.

TiO2 blended with alumina cement is proposed. The nitrogen-doped TiO2 photocatalyst was

prepared by mechanochemical process in a planetary ball mill. To facilitate the separation and reuse

process for wastewater treatment, the nitrogen-doped TiO2 photocatalyst powder was blended with

alumina cement and then coated on porous glass spheres (Ecolite) by granulation process followed

by air and water curings, respectively. Photocatalytic activity was evaluated by investigation of

methylene blue degradation under visible light irradiation. It was found that 40% of methylene blue

could be degraded within 6 hours by the 15% wt nitrogen-doped TiO2 .

Keywords Nitrogen doped Titanium dioxide; Alumina cement; Substrate(Ecolite)



The Modification of Pomelo Peels for Oil Adsorption

Sirihathai Srikwanjai1, Thanit Pewnim

2*

1 Department of Chemistry, Mahidol Wittayanusorn School, Nakhon Pathom, 73170 Thailand

2 Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom 73000 Thailand


The pomelo peel is the raw agricultural solid wastes and it showed as a low cost, high porous, and

abundantly available sorbent. The pomelo peel was modified with fatty acid for oil removal was

studied. The small pieces of adsorbents ( 0.50 cm) were prepared in 5 types: 1) fresh white

pomelo peel (WPP1) 2) fresh green pomelo peel (GPP1) 3) WPP1 was dried in an oven at 60oC for

24 hours (PP2) 4) PP2 modified by using stearic acid at different concentration (PP3) and 5) PP2

modified by using lauric acid at different concentration (PP4). The oil removal capability was

investigated by varying contact time and amount of adsorbents. PP3 and PP4, coated with fatty

acids at 1.5% w/v, were studied to compare their oil and water adsorption abilities. The results

showed that the adsorbent could absorb oil better than water. It was found that PP3, coated by

stearic acid at 2.5% w/v, could adsorb oil more than 2 times of adsorbent weight. This implies that

the modified adsorbent with fatty acid has more hydrophobic than unmodified pomelo peel.

Therefore, pomelo peel adsorbent has a good potential in adsorbing oil from the contaminated

environment.

Keywords Pomelo peel; Oil adsorption; Stearic acid; Lauric acid



Biosorption of Nickel(II) Ion from Aqueous Solution using Garcinia mangstana Linn. Peel

Ladda Thodsungnoen1, Suphattra Jirajakchai

1, Sudarat Sombatsri

1, Pakit Kumboonma

1,

Chaiyos Chankaew1,*

1Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Liberal Arts, Rajamangala University of

Technology Isan, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000 Thailand *E-mail: [email protected]

The biosorption of Ni(II) ions from Garcinia mangstana Linn. peel was studied. The adsorption

experiments were conducted in a batch setup. Parameters affecting the adsorption of Ni(II) ions

including pH of a solution, contact time, and initial nickel(II) concentration were investigated. The

amount of Ni(II) ions in the solution was measured by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

With the 100 mg/L Ni(II) ions solution of pH 6.0, contact time of 90 min and 0.10 g of Garcinia

mangstana Linn. peel, about 53% of Ni(II) ions was removed from the solution. The

adsorption the solution. The adsorption kinetic data correlates with pseudo-second order

kinetic model.

Keywords Garcinia Mangstana Linn.; Adsroption; Ni2+



Biochemical Interactions of Nonylphenol Ethoxylate with

microalgae, Chlorella vulgaris, and Microcrustacean,

Moina macrocopa

Thanapon Charoenwongpaiboon*, Amonrujee Nakphlaiphan, Thanit Pewnim

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom, 73000, Thailand


Detergents are essential for cleaning in all sectors of communities, ranging from household uses to

office uses, and to industrial uses. The major component of a detergent is alkylphenol ethoxylates

(APEs) in the form of nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) or octylphenol ethoxylates (OPEs). The

widespread use of alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs) is a concern since products of their biochemical

transformation are nonylphenol (NP) and octylphenol (OP) which have parts of their chemical

structures mimicking estrogens. The presence of these endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is

problematic to the environment, particularly the aquatic living organisms of the early food chain.

We have been interested in the interactions of NPEs with microalgae, Chlorella vulgaris, and

microcrustacean, Moina macrocopa.Treating Chlorella vulgaris with 5,000 ppb NPEs resulted in a

substantial promotion of growth as measured in terms of chlorophyll content by Epi-fluorescence

microscope and UV-Visible spectrophotometer. However, NPEs at 10,000 ppb resulted in more

than 5 folds drop in numbers of the microalgae. Examination of the biochemical transformation

products by NMR showed the presence of a phenolic compound which likely was nonylphenol

(NP). Treating a microcrustacean, Moina macrocopa with 5,000 ppb NPEs induced the formation

of resting eggs (ephippia) implying that the surfactant or its bio-transformed products influenced

the animals at a biochemical level resulting in the production of the ephippia.

Keywords nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs); nonylphenol (NP); Chlorella vulgaris; Moina

macrocopa; ephippium



Efficiency of Activated Carbon on BTEX Adsorption by Passive

Air Sampling Technique

Kittipas Nungsoongnern1, Panthira Ketkaew

1 and Winyu Chitsamphandhvej

1*

1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi,

Bangkok, 10140, Thailand

* E-mail: [email protected]

This work aimed to study the efficiency of commercial activated carbon from coconut shells in

order to be used for adsorption of BTEX by passive air sampling around Map Ta Put Industrial

Estate, Rayong Province. Four different commercial activated carbons were studied. It was found

that the activated carbon with 20-100 mesh size that possessed 447 mg/g of iodine number, 1319.10

m2/g of BET surface area, 0.6457 cm

3/g pore volume, 19.58 Å pore size and macro-pore area of

1556.0 m2/g, showed a high efficiency and reproducibility in BTEX adsorption. Passive samplers

made of LDPE plastic bags containing activated carbon were placed at 7 sampling points where the

air quality was regularly monitored by the Pollution Control Department, Ministry of Natural

Resources and Environment. The sampling period was 7-28 days. After each sampling period,

BTEX was eluted by carbon disulfide and analyzed by GC-FID. The results showed that the

average and maximum concentration of benzene were 2.86 and 3.15 µg/m3 respectively, which

were higher than the recommended standard value for VOCs (1.7 µg/m3). The average and

maximum distributed concentration of toluene were 39.02 and 171.12 µg/m3 respectively, while

ethylbenzene and xylene were not detected.

Keywords: Activated Carbon / Passive Sampling / BTEX / GC-FID



Simulation of the Oxidative Coupling of Methane Process for

C2 Production from Biomass

Hattachai Aeowjaroenlapa, Suttichai Assabumrungrat

a, Wisitsree Wiyaratn

b

a Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University,

Bangkok, 10330, Thailand b Faculty of Industrial Education and Technology, King Monkut’s University of Technology Thonburi,

Bangkok, 10140, Thailand bE-mail: [email protected]

In this study, the process model for C2 production from biomass was developed and simulated by

ASPEN PLUS program. Plant capacity was designed at 200,000 tons of biomass per year (dry

basis). Wheat straw was considered as raw material which was reduced in size as a preliminary

treatment before pretreated by two-step steam explosion at 100oC and 180

oC and then fed to

produce biogas by solid state digestion method. Biogas is subsequently fed to produce C2 via the

oxidative coupling of methane over Na-W-Mn/SiO2 catalyst at 850oC and 657 mmHg. The model

results showed that wheat straw can be converted to ethane and ethylene, which are the main

building block for petrochemical industry.

Keywords Oxidative coupling of methane; Biogas; Biomass; Simulation



Studies on Copper Ion Adsorption Using Functionalized

Silica Monolith

Radchada Buntem1*

and Kewarin Pramual1



Functionalized silica monoliths were prepared by co-condensation between tetraethylorthosilicate

and N-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ethylenediamine. The mixture between ethanol, H2O, tetraethyl-

orthosilicate, N-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ethylenediamine and 1M HCl was stirred for 1 hour at

room temperature to obtain the clear silica sol. 1.2 g of the sol was poured into plastic vial with the

paraffin cover and left for 2 days for the polymerization process to obtain the gel. The disc-shape

gel was dried in the oven at 50 °C for 12 hour. The obtained silica monolith was weighed and

analyzed by IR spectroscopy and BET method. The surface charge of the monolith was also studied

using the titration technique. The factors affecting the copper ion adsorption like pH, copper ion

concentration and metal ion interference were studied. The optimum pH for copper ion adsorption

was found to be 5 with the adsorption capacity of 35.12 mmol/g adsorbent. For the copper ion

concentration, the higher the concentration results in the higher adsorption capacity. The

equilibrium adsorption can be reached within 1 hour. After the adsorption of copper ion, the color

of the monolith was changed to blue due to the complex between amino group on the silica and the

Cu2+

. The inferences like Pb2+

, Cd2+

, Ni2+

and Fe3+

affect the adsorption capacity at different degree.

The monolith after adsorption was further analyzed by IR spectroscopy, BET method and X-ray

Diffraction.

Keywords silica adsorbent; silica monolith; functionalized silica



Preparation Method of Carbon Nanotube-based Anodes for

Microbial Fuel Cell

Pannaporn Pusomjit1, Jaturong Phonprasert

1, Nedsine Wichkumjonn

2, Nichanan Thepsuparungsikul

1*

1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Silpakorn University, Nakorn Pathom 73000, Thailand

2Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand


Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is an eco-technology for renewable energy recovery as wastewater is

biologically treated and energy is generated at the same time. MFCs use bacteria present in

wastewater to directly convert organic matter to electricity. The bacteria are able to convert a

variety of organic matter into carbon dioxide, water and energy. Among all MFC parts, electrode

materials play a crucial role in electricity generation. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are promising

candidates as electrode materials due to their physical and chemical properties. In this study, CNT-

based anodes were fabricated using simple and cost-effective filtration method. Multi-walled

carbon nanotubes with carboxyl group (MWCNT-COOH) were dispersed in 2.0% (v/v) Triton X-

100 for 60 min. The homogenized MWCNT suspension was then vacuum-filtered through a

Poreflon membrane filter. After drying at room temperature overnight, the attached MWCNTs on

Poreflon membrane were directly used as an anode.

Keywords Anode; Carbon nanotube; Microbial fuel cell



The Use of Chemically Treated Baggase for Biosorption of Dye

from Aqueous Solutions.

Kingkan Sansuk and Adisak Jaturapiree*

Chemistry Program, Faculty of Science and Technology, Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat University . Thailand


In this work, the batch adsorption experiment was carried out for the removal of direct blue dye

from aqueous solution by using untreated bagasse and 2M NaOH-treated bagasse. The

experimental parameters such as contact time and initial dye concentration on adsorption process

have been investigated. The results showed that treated bagasse had greater % dye removal and

reached the equilibrium faster than the untreated bagasse. For adsorption isotherm, Langmuir

isotherm model was the best data fitting for the untreated bagasse. However, Freundlich model

indicated the best fitting for the NaOH-treated bagasse. In addition, surface morphology of both

untreated and treated bagasse was also examined using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

The results in this study indicated that the NaOH-treated bagasse was an attractive candidate for

removing direct blue dyes from aqueous solution.

Keywords Biosorption; Bagasse; Chemical treatment; Dye removal



Studies on Drug Release from Silica-modified Microcrystalline

Cellulose Beads

Radchada Buntem1*

, Nithinan Sriraveeroj1



The host material used in this study is silica-modified microcrystalline cellulose. Theophylline drug

used for asthma medication was incorporated into this hybrid material. The silica-modified

microcrystalline cellulose containing theophylline was prepared by the following method. Mix 250

mg microcrystalline cellulose with 10 mL of 3 % (m/V) sodium alginate solution, then the mixture

was stirred until the clear solution was obtained. Silica sol, prepared by mixing

tetraethylorthosilicate, theophylline dissolved in ethanol, water and 1 M HCl, was subsequently

added to the solution. The mixture was then dropped into 0.2 M CaCl2 to obtain round-shape beads

containing drug. The beads were filtered and left dried in air at room temperature. They were

further analyzed by SEM, thermogravimetric analysis and BET method. Drug release was

performed at pH 1.2 and 6.8 using dried beads. The amount of released theophylline was monitored

by spectrophotometry at = 271 nm. The amount of released drug was reached at equilibrium after

3 hours.

Keywords Silica-MCC; Drug release; Theophylline



Development of Microbial Fuel Cell based on

Multi-walled Carbon Nanotube Anodes

Nichanan Thepsuparungsikul1*, How Yong Ng

2

1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Silpakorn University, Nakorn Pathom 73000, Thailand

2Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore 269734, Singapore


Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is an innovative technology that could allow direct harvesting of energy

from wastewater through microbial activity with simultaneous oxidation of organic matter in

wastewater. Among all MFC parts, electrode materials play a crucial role in electricity generation.

A variety of electrode materials have been used, including plain graphite, carbon paper and carbon

cloth. However, these electrode materials generated only limited electricity or power. Recently,

many research studies have been conducted on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) because of their unique

physical and chemical properties which include high conductivity, high surface area, corrosion

resistance, and electrochemical stability. These properties make them extremely attractive for

fabricating electrodes and catalyst supports. In this study, CNT-based electrodes had been

developed to improve MFC performance in terms of electricity generation and treatment efficiency.

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with carboxyl groups have been employed to fabricate

electrodes for single-chamber air-cathode MFCs. The quality of the prepared MWCNTs-based

electrodes was evaluated by morphology, electrical conductivity and specific surface area using

field emission scanning electron microscope, four-probe method and Brunauer-Emmerr-Teller

method, respectively. The performance of MFCs equipped with MWCNTs-based electrodes was

evaluated by chemical analysis and electrical monitoring and calculation. In addition, the

performance of these MFCs, using MWCNTs as electrodes, was compared against that using

commercial carbon cloth.

Keywords Anode; Microbial fuel cell; Multi-walled carbon nanotube



Methoprene Increased GnRH-Like Peptide Producing Cells

in Moina macrocopa

Soraya Kemkang*, Kamonchanock Eungrasamee, Amonrujee Nakphlaiphan, Thanit Pewnim

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom, 73000, Thailand


Methoprene is a synthetic juvenile hormone analogue (JH) commonly used in controlling the

development of insect pests, particularly, mosquitoes. It prevents normal molting and development

of insects from the immature stage to the adult stage. Generally, the JH analogue is used in

relatively high concentration compared to the normal level found for insect development. Since the

presence of methoprene is an environmental issue due to its possible effect on aquatic animals, we

hereby investigated its influence on a microcrustaceans commonly found in the aquatic

environment. Moina macrocopa were treated with methoprene at three different concentrations,

namely, 10 ppb, 100 ppb and 1,000 ppb. The number of GnRH-like peptide-producing cells

(GPCs) found in the second antennae of the animals were assessed by immunocytochemical

technique. The presence of GPCs was detected using rabbit anti-GnRH as a primary antibody to be

followed by the Cyanine dye-conjugated (Cy3) goat anti-rabbit IgG as a secondary antibody. The

fluorescence due to the presence of Cy3 was monitored by an epifluorescence microscope. It was

found that methoprene at 10 and 100 ppb increased the number of GPCs by about 2 fold while

methoprene at 1,000 ppb increased the number of GPCs by 2.3 fold.

Keywords Methoprene; GnRH-like peptide; Immunocytochemistry; Microcrustacean; Moina

macrocopa



Effects of Culture media and culture method on Germination of

Secondary Somatic Embryo of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)

Sakulrat Sanputawong*, Sompong Te-chato

Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya

Nakorn Sri Thammarat Saiyai Campus, Nakorn Sri Thammarat, 80110, Thailand

Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Natural Resources, Prince of Songkla University,

Hat Yai, Songkhla, 90112, Thailand


Somatic embryos (SEs) at the final stages called haustorium embryos (HEs) were obtained from

two crosses of hybrid tenera of oil palm. HEs were cultured on MS medium supplemented with 0.2

M sorbitol and 200 mg/l ascorbic acid for 2 months. The results revealed that secondary somatic

embryos (SSEs) were achieved at 80% obtained from cross number 7, and the highest number of

SSE/HE formation at 18 SSE/HE from cross number 16. SSEs were transfer to solid MS medium

supplemented with 3% sucrose, 0.75% agar and overlaid with 5 ml of liquid MS medium

supplemented with 3% sucrose, 0.06 mg/l NAA and 0.03 mg/l BA with or without activated

charcoal or liquid MS medium supplemented with 3% sucrose, 0.06 mg/l NAA and 0.03 mg/l BA

for 3 months. The results revealed that germination of SSE was obtained in solid MS medium

without activated charcoal. The highest number of shoot formation was obtained from cross

number 16 at 15 shoot/HE was obtained from liquid MS medium.

Keywords Culture media; Germination; Secondary Somatic Embryo; oil palm



Development of Phthalocyanine-Based Systems

for Electrocatalytic Reduction of Carbon Dioxide

Kattarinya Jaisabuy, Patchanita Thamyongkit, and Parichatr Vanalabhpatana*

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University,

Bangkok 10330, Thailand


An increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide has been one of the main reasons for climate change and

global warming. Although electrochemical techniques can be applied to reduce or transform carbon

dioxide into more useful products such as alcohol and methane via electron transfer reactions, these

reactions require electrocatalysts due to their slow kinetics. Metal-phthalocyanine based com-

pounds have received widespread attention as electrocatalysts since metal phthalocyanines and their

derivatives can give diverse electrochemical properties owing to the π-electron system of

phthalocyanine ring and the central metal ion. In addition, they are conductive and can be activated

by light. Therefore, this research focuses on method development for utilizing and evaluating metal

phthalocyanine-based electrocatalysts for carbon dioxide reduction. Metal phthalocyanine-based

compounds were successfully synthesized, characterized, and applied as homogeneous

electrocatalysts for the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide in non-aqueous media. The

efficiency of phthalocyanine-based electrocatalysts as well as the effects of phthalocyanine

structures and the central metal ion will be discussed in comparison with other types of

electrocatalysts.

Keywords Electrocatalyst; Carbon dioxide reduction; Phthalocyanines

mailto:[email protected]



Recycling of Bagasse as an Adsorbent for Removal of Methyl

Orange Dye from Aqueous Solution

Rungrudee Srisomang*, Wisuda Robroo, Tipparat Panpakdee

The Chemistry Program, Faculty of Science, Udon Thani Rajabhat University,

Udon Thani, 41000, Thailand


Bagasse is the fibrous matter that remains after sugarcane is crushed to extract their juice. Bagasse

was used to prepare activated carbon by physiochemical activation with phosphoric acid (H3PO4)

as the activating at 600 C for 2 h. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out for the removal

of methyl orange from its aqueous solution using bagasse ash (BA). This study examines

adsorption kinetic parameters on BA. The effects of adsorbent dose, pH, contact time and initial

concentration of methyl orange on adsorption were evaluated. Optimum conditions for methyl

orange removal was found to be adsorbent dose 0.2 g, pH value 3.0, equilibrium time 60 minutes.

The adsorption behavior of methyl orange on the BA was studied. The equilibrium adsorption data

of methyl orange on BA conformed to the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The adsorption

data were measured in the initial concentration ranges from 50 to 300 µg/mL of dye. The

adsorption behaviors of methyl orange on BA adsorbent tend to be of multilayer type confirmed by

the Freundlich plot, as demonstrated by the highest regression coefficient (R2) value. The value R

2

values of BA adsorbent are close to 1 when compared with linearized Langmuir plotted. The

results according to the linearized Freundlich isotherm showed that the interaction forces not

limited to a monomolecular layer, but could continue until a multimolecular layer of adsorbed

covered the adsorbent surface.

Keywords Batch adsorption; Methyl orange; Isotherm; Bagasse



Isotherm, Kinetic and Thermodynamic Study of Chromium (III)

and Chromium (VI) Adsorption onto Sawdust of Coconut Trees

Nisakorn Thongkon1*, Sarunchai Rungsawang

1, Surachet Saelu

1

1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi,

Bangmod, Thungkru, Bangkok,10140,Thailand


This work concerns the study of chromium ion adsorption onto sawdust of coconut trees from

sawmill’ s process. The softwood sawdust was treated with solution of NaOH and HCl in order to

remove lignin and himicellulose, respectively before adsorption processes. The concentraion of

acid-base, contact time and the ratio of sawdust/acid-base solution were investigated for the

maximum percentage of removal. Batch sorption experiments showed that the adsorption capacity

of chromium (III) was higher than of chromium (VI). The different variables affecting the

percentage of adsorption such as adsorption time, amount of adsorbent, pH of the solution and

initial chromium ion concentration have been investigated. The maximum percentage of adsorption

from the optimum condition was of 99.8 and 88.0 for Cr (III) and Cr (VI) ions, respectively. Flame

atomic absorption spectrometer was used to determine the remaining concentration of chromium in

solution after adsorption onto modified sawdust. Adsorption isotherm correlated well with the

Langmuir isotherm by the best fit with R2 value of 0.982 and 0.917 for Cr (III) and Cr (VI),

respectively. Experimental data were also evaluated to find out kinetic characteristics of the

adsorption processes. Adsorption processes were found to follow pseudo-second order type for Cr

(III) and pseudo-first order type adsorption kinetics for Cr (VI). Thermodynamic parameters, Ho,

ΔSo and ΔG

o were also calculated from the experimental data. Standard heats of adsorption (H

o)

were found to be endothermic and ΔSo values were calculated to be positive for the adsorption of Cr

(III) and Cr (VI) ions onto the adsorbent. Negative ΔGo values indicated that adsorption process for

these chromium ions onto modified sawdust is spontaneous.

Keywords Sawdust; Cellulose; Isotherm; Chromium



Photocatalytic Degradation of Direct Blue 98

by CuO/ZnO reduced-Graphene Oxide nanocomposite

Nunnapus Pansomjit, Siraprapa Lhosupasirirat, Aimorn Saksaengwijit*

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Mongkut University of Technology Thonburi,

Bangkok 10160 Thailand


The graphene-supported CuO/ZnO was prepared by directly immersing metal ions in basic solution

of dispersed graphene oxide at room temperature. The results from the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and

Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic technique (FTIR) indicated that the wurtzite phase of ZnO

and monoclinic CuO were covered on the reduce graphene sheets. The catalytic activity of

nanocomposite CuO/ZnO-reduced graphene oxide was determined by using as a catalyst for

photodegradation of dye solution. The influences such as pH, catalyst dosage, temperature and

initial concentration of dye on the photodegradation efficiency were investigated. Under the UV

irradiation the CuO/ZnO-rGO composite has higher photocatalytic activity than the ZnO-rGO

composite by a factor of 1.54.

Keywords Photodegradation, CuO/ZnO, Graphene oxide

mailto:[email protected]



The Removal of Hexavalent Chromium from Wastewater using

Coconut Copra Meal as Adsorbent

Sarayoot Supannachat, Natee Wongsrisujarit, Tanathad Kulprathipanya, Paparkorn Mahattanaprut, Siwarutt

Boonyarattanakalin*

School of Bio-Chemical Engineering and Technology, Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology,

Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12121 Thailand


Chromium contamination problem in water has raised concerns to seek for efficient treatment and

management. The major sources for the chromium contamination come from the metal plating

industries. In Bangkok, it had been reported that about 0.05 to 448 ppm chromium was discharged

from metal plating industries. Exposure to chromium can result in health problems, including

allergic dermatitis and cancer. The removal of chromium (Cr6+

) from the water, using the coconut

copra meal as sorbent, was investigated. Coconut copra meal is the byproduct left after the coconut

oil extraction. It is potentially available in large amount with low cost. Coconut copra meal was

found to be capable of removing chromium in aqueous solutions. In this experiment, the coconut

meal was pretreated to remove the residual oil before the adsorption of Cr6+

. The pH of the

chromium solution was studied to observe the optimal conditions for the treatment. The adsorption

efficiency was studied. The coconut copra meal biomass showed the capability in removing certain

amounts of chromium ion out of the initial concentration of 10 ppm at pH 3.

Keywords coconut copra meal; chromium; adsorption



Removal of Cr(VI) from Aqueous Solution by Activated Carbon

Developed from Pomelo Peel

Techin Tungcharernpaisarn, and Chatuporn Sawatraksa*

Department of Chemistry, Mahidol Wittayanusorn school, Nakhorn Phathom 73170, Thailand

*E-mail address: [email protected]

Cr(VI) ion is now used in many industries in Thailand. It is obviously toxic to human since it is a

carcinogen. So it is necessary to purify the Cr(VI) ion contaminated water from the industries.

There are many ways to purify it such as reverse osmosis or ion exchange but one of the most

widely studied and cheap ways is using activated carbon. Thus this project aims to develop

activated carbon from pomelo peel and study its Cr(VI) ion adsorption. Pomelo peel-based

activated carbon can be developed by using 98% Sulfuric acid. This activated carbon can absorb

Cr(VI) ion in synthesized contaminated water. %adsorption is varied by weight of the adsorbent

and when the weight of adsorbent reaches 2.0 g , %adsorption tends to stop rising. The optimum

pH is 2 which has %adsorption = 81.04%. The Cr(VI) ion adsorption of the pomelo peel-based

activated carbon is in equilibrium after 180 minutes of contact time. The isotherm of the Cr(VI) ion

adsorption of the pomelo peel-based activated carbon is tend to be Frendlich isotherm at R2 =

0.9788.

Keywords Pomelo peel; Activated carbon; Frendlich isotherm

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