Terminalia bellericaRoxb. （Belleric myrobalan） is one of the important multipurpose trees in central India. The fruits of the tree are highly valued for medicinal uses, with the greatest demand coming from the pharm...Terminalia bellericaRoxb. （Belleric myrobalan） is one of the important multipurpose trees in central India. The fruits of the tree are highly valued for medicinal uses, with the greatest demand coming from the pharmaceutical industry. This has resulted in overexploitation and present harvesting practices have led to a significant decline in natural regeneration for this tree species. Our study was conducted from 2006 to 2009 in Chhattisgarh （India） to standardize suitable harvesting practices for sustainable management for this valuable species. Experiments were conducted at four different sites located in Dhamtari, Sarguja, and Rai-garh forest divisions of the state, covering both protected and open forest in a complete randomized block design （RCBD）. At each site, linear transects of 200 m× 100 m （2 ha） were randomly selected to sample the initial population and study the effects of two harvesting methods （tradi-tional and nondestructive） and four harvesting intensities （60%, 70%, 80%, and 90%） on the sustainability ofT. bellerica. Fruits were collected and analyzed for their tannin and gallic acid content. Significant increase in tannin and gallic acid content was found with the maturity of fruits （September to December）. This is the first study to experimentally assess the consequences of harvesting ofT. bellericafruits in central India. Our findings reveal that harvesting intensity, time, and method are key factors for maintaining the population. Nondestructive harvesting meth-ods were found to be superior to traditional harvesting in terms of regen-eration, recruitment, and concentration of active ingredients. When the fruits were harvested through non-destructive means at maturity, the population of species increased. The study concludes that 70% harvest of T. bellerica fruits through non-destructive means maintains the sustain-ability and provides quality raw material for the pharmaceutical industry.展开更多
The global increase in energy demand has resulted in the depletion of non-renewable resources and caused environmental degradation.Consequently,emerging renewable technologies are a potential solution to fulfil energy...The global increase in energy demand has resulted in the depletion of non-renewable resources and caused environmental degradation.Consequently,emerging renewable technologies are a potential solution to fulfil energy demand and mitigate the effect of global warming.Low-cost solar energy harvesting technologies are most feasible technologies.Various solar cells technologies have been developed with improved overall performance and conversion effi-ciency.However,due to low cost and a wide range of applications,dye-sensitized solar cells(DSSCs)have been immensely focused on one of the most promising third-generation solar cells.The highest conversion efficiency of DSSC achieved after three decades of research is more than 14%,but the commercialization of this technology is still a challenge.In this review paper,an attempt has been made to present the comparison of different articles published,that gives the in-depth study of recent developments in various types of DSSCs based on architectural assembly and physical appearance.An overview of the limitations and challenges with their possible improvement strategies have also been discussed.This review paper concludes that appropriate selection of electrolytes dramatically affects the performance of DSSC,and quasi-solid-state electrolyte proves to be a better option.Besides,it also concludes that tandem structures are widely agreed with the approach to expand light utilization spectrum for an overall increase in its performance.However,still,the research is required,which could efficiently widen the applications of the DSSCs.展开更多
Buildings contribute to 33%of total global energy consumption,which corresponds to 38%of greenhouse gas emissions.Enhancing building’s energy efficiency remains predominant in mitigating global warming.Advance-ments ...Buildings contribute to 33%of total global energy consumption,which corresponds to 38%of greenhouse gas emissions.Enhancing building’s energy efficiency remains predominant in mitigating global warming.Advance-ments in thermal energy storage(TES)techniques using phase change material(PCM)have gained much attention among researchers,primarily to minimize energy consumption and to promote the use of renewable energy sources.PCM technology stays as the most promising technology for developing high-performance and energy-efficient buildings.The major drawback of PCM is its poor thermal conductivity which limits its potential use which could be resolved by dispersing conductive nanofillers.The acquired database on synthesis routes,properties,and performance of nano-dispersed phase change materials(NDPCMs)with various techniques presented in the paper should deliver useful information in the production of NDPCMs with desirable characteristics mainly for building construction applications.An outline of contemporary developments and use of NDPCMs as TES medium is delivered.Finally,a brief discussion on challenges and the outlook was also made.In-depth research is needed to explore the fundamental mechanisms behind the enhanced thermal conductivity of NDPCM with nanofillers dispersion and also a thorough investigation on how these mechanisms drive improvement in building performance.展开更多
Phase change materials(PCMs)play a leading role in overcoming the growing need of advanced thermal management for the storage and release of thermal energy which is to be used for different solar applications.However,...Phase change materials(PCMs)play a leading role in overcoming the growing need of advanced thermal management for the storage and release of thermal energy which is to be used for different solar applications.However,the effectiveness of PCMs is greatly affected by their poor thermal conductivity.Therefore,in the present review the progress made in deploying the graphene(Gr)in PCMs in the last decade for providing the solution to the aforementioned inadequacy is presented and discussed in detail.Gr and its derivatives((Gr oxide(GO),Gr aerogel(GA)and Gr nanoplatelets(GNPs))based PCMs can improve the thermal conductivity and shape stability,which may be attributed to the extra ordinary thermo-physical properties of Gr.Moreover,it is expected from this review that the advantages and disadvantages of using Gr nanoparticles provide a deep insight and help the researchers in finding out the exact basic properties and finally the applications of Gr can be enhanced.In this work,Gr and its derivatives based PCMs was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR),X-ray diffraction spectroscopy(XRD),and scanning electron microscopy(SEM)by which crystal structure was known,phase was identified along with the knowledge of surface structure respectively.The increase in the mass fraction(%)of the filler(Gr and its derivatives)led to even better thermo-physical properties and thermal stability.The thermal characterization was also done by differential scanning calorimetry(DSC),thermo gravimetric analysis(TGA)and thermal conductivity tests.The enthalpy of freezing and melting showed that Gr and its derivatives based PCMs had a very high energy storage capability as reflected in its various applications.展开更多
The ever-present demand for energy from various application in industrial and domestic processes has led to the consumption of fossil fuel at a rapid rate with adverse effect due to global warming.This study focuses o...The ever-present demand for energy from various application in industrial and domestic processes has led to the consumption of fossil fuel at a rapid rate with adverse effect due to global warming.This study focuses on the thermal energy storage aspect intended for medium temperature applications.A novel composite A70 and PANI was prepared and characterized.The study investigates the composites thermophysical and optical properties.Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Transient Hot Bridge measured thermal storage capacity and thermal conductivity of the composite,respectively.The heat storage capacity of the composite remained stable within 4%whereas a highest rise of 11.96%in thermal conductivity was measured.The composites thermal,chemical,and physical stability were analysed from Thermogravimetric Analyser,Fourier Infrared Transform,and Scanning Electron Microscope,respectively.The composites were thermally stable up to a temperature of 250°C.No chemical reaction occurred between the nanomaterial and base PCM matrix.The microscopic visuals did not show any considerable change in the microscopic structure of the material.In the case of optical properties,the composites showed significant reduction in transmittance of solar spectrum with respect to pure A70.The maximum decrement in transmission was around~89%compared to A70.As the composite prepared were thermally stable till 250°C,hence may be utilized for solar thermal and low concentrated photovoltaic application but not limited to these.展开更多
基金supported by a grant from the Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce(Trading and Development)Co-operative Federation Ltd.,Raipur,India
文摘Terminalia bellericaRoxb. （Belleric myrobalan） is one of the important multipurpose trees in central India. The fruits of the tree are highly valued for medicinal uses, with the greatest demand coming from the pharmaceutical industry. This has resulted in overexploitation and present harvesting practices have led to a significant decline in natural regeneration for this tree species. Our study was conducted from 2006 to 2009 in Chhattisgarh （India） to standardize suitable harvesting practices for sustainable management for this valuable species. Experiments were conducted at four different sites located in Dhamtari, Sarguja, and Rai-garh forest divisions of the state, covering both protected and open forest in a complete randomized block design （RCBD）. At each site, linear transects of 200 m× 100 m （2 ha） were randomly selected to sample the initial population and study the effects of two harvesting methods （tradi-tional and nondestructive） and four harvesting intensities （60%, 70%, 80%, and 90%） on the sustainability ofT. bellerica. Fruits were collected and analyzed for their tannin and gallic acid content. Significant increase in tannin and gallic acid content was found with the maturity of fruits （September to December）. This is the first study to experimentally assess the consequences of harvesting ofT. bellericafruits in central India. Our findings reveal that harvesting intensity, time, and method are key factors for maintaining the population. Nondestructive harvesting meth-ods were found to be superior to traditional harvesting in terms of regen-eration, recruitment, and concentration of active ingredients. When the fruits were harvested through non-destructive means at maturity, the population of species increased. The study concludes that 70% harvest of T. bellerica fruits through non-destructive means maintains the sustain-ability and provides quality raw material for the pharmaceutical industry.
基金Universiti Malaysia Pahang(UMP)for the financial support under Grant RDU192205 and RDU192403.
文摘The global increase in energy demand has resulted in the depletion of non-renewable resources and caused environmental degradation.Consequently,emerging renewable technologies are a potential solution to fulfil energy demand and mitigate the effect of global warming.Low-cost solar energy harvesting technologies are most feasible technologies.Various solar cells technologies have been developed with improved overall performance and conversion effi-ciency.However,due to low cost and a wide range of applications,dye-sensitized solar cells(DSSCs)have been immensely focused on one of the most promising third-generation solar cells.The highest conversion efficiency of DSSC achieved after three decades of research is more than 14%,but the commercialization of this technology is still a challenge.In this review paper,an attempt has been made to present the comparison of different articles published,that gives the in-depth study of recent developments in various types of DSSCs based on architectural assembly and physical appearance.An overview of the limitations and challenges with their possible improvement strategies have also been discussed.This review paper concludes that appropriate selection of electrolytes dramatically affects the performance of DSSC,and quasi-solid-state electrolyte proves to be a better option.Besides,it also concludes that tandem structures are widely agreed with the approach to expand light utilization spectrum for an overall increase in its performance.However,still,the research is required,which could efficiently widen the applications of the DSSCs.
基金The authors would like to acknowledge Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) forthe financial assistance given under RDU 213308 and DRS, Sunway University through SunwayUniversity’s International Research Network Grant Scheme (IRNGS) 2021 (STR-IRNGS-SETRCNMET-01-2021) for carrying out this work.
文摘Buildings contribute to 33%of total global energy consumption,which corresponds to 38%of greenhouse gas emissions.Enhancing building’s energy efficiency remains predominant in mitigating global warming.Advance-ments in thermal energy storage(TES)techniques using phase change material(PCM)have gained much attention among researchers,primarily to minimize energy consumption and to promote the use of renewable energy sources.PCM technology stays as the most promising technology for developing high-performance and energy-efficient buildings.The major drawback of PCM is its poor thermal conductivity which limits its potential use which could be resolved by dispersing conductive nanofillers.The acquired database on synthesis routes,properties,and performance of nano-dispersed phase change materials(NDPCMs)with various techniques presented in the paper should deliver useful information in the production of NDPCMs with desirable characteristics mainly for building construction applications.An outline of contemporary developments and use of NDPCMs as TES medium is delivered.Finally,a brief discussion on challenges and the outlook was also made.In-depth research is needed to explore the fundamental mechanisms behind the enhanced thermal conductivity of NDPCM with nanofillers dispersion and also a thorough investigation on how these mechanisms drive improvement in building performance.
文摘Phase change materials(PCMs)play a leading role in overcoming the growing need of advanced thermal management for the storage and release of thermal energy which is to be used for different solar applications.However,the effectiveness of PCMs is greatly affected by their poor thermal conductivity.Therefore,in the present review the progress made in deploying the graphene(Gr)in PCMs in the last decade for providing the solution to the aforementioned inadequacy is presented and discussed in detail.Gr and its derivatives((Gr oxide(GO),Gr aerogel(GA)and Gr nanoplatelets(GNPs))based PCMs can improve the thermal conductivity and shape stability,which may be attributed to the extra ordinary thermo-physical properties of Gr.Moreover,it is expected from this review that the advantages and disadvantages of using Gr nanoparticles provide a deep insight and help the researchers in finding out the exact basic properties and finally the applications of Gr can be enhanced.In this work,Gr and its derivatives based PCMs was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR),X-ray diffraction spectroscopy(XRD),and scanning electron microscopy(SEM)by which crystal structure was known,phase was identified along with the knowledge of surface structure respectively.The increase in the mass fraction(%)of the filler(Gr and its derivatives)led to even better thermo-physical properties and thermal stability.The thermal characterization was also done by differential scanning calorimetry(DSC),thermo gravimetric analysis(TGA)and thermal conductivity tests.The enthalpy of freezing and melting showed that Gr and its derivatives based PCMs had a very high energy storage capability as reflected in its various applications.
基金One of the author(A K Pandey)duly acknowledges the financial assistance through Sunway University collaborative research fund:MRU 2019(STR-RMF-MRU-004-2019)for carrying out this researchThe authors thank the technical and financial assistance of UM Power Energy Dedicated Advanced center(UMPEDAC)and the Higher Institution center of Excellence(HICoE)Program Research Grant,UMPEDAC-2018(MOHE HICOE-UMPEDAC)+1 种基金Ministry of Education MalaysiaTOP100UMPEDAC and RU012-2019,University of Malaya.
文摘The ever-present demand for energy from various application in industrial and domestic processes has led to the consumption of fossil fuel at a rapid rate with adverse effect due to global warming.This study focuses on the thermal energy storage aspect intended for medium temperature applications.A novel composite A70 and PANI was prepared and characterized.The study investigates the composites thermophysical and optical properties.Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Transient Hot Bridge measured thermal storage capacity and thermal conductivity of the composite,respectively.The heat storage capacity of the composite remained stable within 4%whereas a highest rise of 11.96%in thermal conductivity was measured.The composites thermal,chemical,and physical stability were analysed from Thermogravimetric Analyser,Fourier Infrared Transform,and Scanning Electron Microscope,respectively.The composites were thermally stable up to a temperature of 250°C.No chemical reaction occurred between the nanomaterial and base PCM matrix.The microscopic visuals did not show any considerable change in the microscopic structure of the material.In the case of optical properties,the composites showed significant reduction in transmittance of solar spectrum with respect to pure A70.The maximum decrement in transmission was around~89%compared to A70.As the composite prepared were thermally stable till 250°C,hence may be utilized for solar thermal and low concentrated photovoltaic application but not limited to these.
