Development of sustainable biomass residues for biofuels applications.

A comprehensive understanding of physiochemical properties, thermal degradation behavior and chemical composition is significant for biomass residues before their thermochemical conversion for energy production. In this investigation, teff straw (TS), coffee husk (CH), corn cob (CC), and sweet sorghum stalk (SSS) residues were characterized to assess their potential applications as value-added bioenergy and chemical products. The thermal degradation behavior of CC, CH, TS and SSS samples is calculated using four different heating rates. The activation energy values ranged from 81.919 to 262.238 and 85.737-212.349 kJ mol-1 and were generated by the KAS and FWO models and aided in understanding the biomass conversion process into bio-products. The cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin contents of CC, CH, TS, and SSS were found to be in the ranges of 31.56-41.15%, 23.9-32.02%, and 19.85-25.07%, respectively. The calorific values of the residues ranged from 17.3 to 19.7 MJ/kg, comparable to crude biomass. Scanning electron micrographs revealed agglomerated, irregular, and rough textures, with parallel lines providing nutrient and water transport pathways in all biomass samples. Energy Dispersive X-ray spectra and X-ray diffraction analysis indicated the presence of high carbonaceous material and crystalline nature. FTIR analysis identified prominent band peaks at specific wave numbers. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that these residues hold potential as energy sources for various applications, such as the textile, plastics, paints, automobile, and food additive industries.

Applications of nanotechnology in smart textile industry: A critical review.

Background: In recent years, nanotechnology has been playing an important role in designing smart fabrics. Nanomaterials have been employed to introduce in a sustainable manner, antimicrobial, ultraviolet resistant, electrically conductive, optical, hydrophobic and flame-retardant properties into textiles and garments. Nanomaterial based smart devices are now also being integrated with the textiles so as to perform various functions such as energy harvesting and storage, sensing, drug release and optics. These advancements have found wide applications in the fashion industry and are being developed for wider use in defence, healthcare and on-body energy harnessing applications. Aim of review: The objective of this work is to provide an insight into the current trends of using nanotechnology in the modern textile industries and to inspire and anticipate further research in this field. This review provides an overview of the most current advances concerning on-body electronics research and the wonders which could be realized by nanomaterials in modern textiles in terms of total energy reliance on our clothes. Key scientific concepts of review: The work underlines the various methods and techniques for the functionalization of nanomaterials and their integration into textiles with an emphasis on cost-effectiveness, comfort, wearability, energy conversion efficiency and eco-sustainability. The most recent trends of developing various nanogenerators, supercapacitors and photoelectronic devices on the fabric are highlighted, with special emphasis on the efficiency and wearability of the textile. The potential nanotoxicity associated with the processed textiles due to the tendency of these nanomaterials to leach into the environment along with possible remediation measures are also discussed. Finally, the future outlook regarding progress in the integration of smart nano-devices on textile fabrics is provided.