Articles de revista
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/121677
2024-03-29T09:12:28ZIn-depth insights on multi-ionic transport in electrodialysis with bipolar membrane systems
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/404373
In-depth insights on multi-ionic transport in electrodialysis with bipolar membrane systems
Filingeri, Antonia; López Rodríguez, Julio; Culcasi, Andrea; León Oviedo, Tamara Elizabeth; Tamburini, Alessandro; Cortina Pallás, José Luís; Micale, Giorgio; Cipollina, Andrea
Electrodialysis with Bipolar Membranes (EDBM) has become a key technology for valorising waste brine streams as a new chemical production route. Even though its application has been widely studied using single electrolyte solutions (e.g., NaCl or Na2SO4), there is still a lack of knowledge about using multi-ionic mixtures. For the first time, this work aims to evaluate the EDBM performance when treating synthetic solutions mimicking the waste brines produced in a integrated process for the valorisation of solar saltworks bitterns. The behaviour of a lab-scale EDBM unit was assessed using SUEZ ion exchange membranes (IEMs), operating at 300 A m-2, and the ion transport through IEMs was investigated, based on the calculation of apparent transport numbers and selectivities. The results highlighted that multi-ionic solutions barely affected the production of hydroxide ions. Chlorides were transported up to 7 times faster than sulphates across the anion-exchange membranes, while the cation-exchange membranes exhibited slightly higher selectivity for potassium than for sodium (~1.2). The current efficiencies ranged between 70 % and 80 %, while a minimum specific energy consumption of 1.60 kWh kg-1NaOH was obtained for the most concentrated brine at 1 mol L-1 OH–. These results provide novel and valuable information to support the development and implementation of EDBM as a sustainable technology for supporting a resource-efficient and competitive economy through on-site and delocalized chemicals production routes.
2024-03-13T08:40:19ZFilingeri, AntoniaLópez Rodríguez, JulioCulcasi, AndreaLeón Oviedo, Tamara ElizabethTamburini, AlessandroCortina Pallás, José LuísMicale, GiorgioCipollina, AndreaElectrodialysis with Bipolar Membranes (EDBM) has become a key technology for valorising waste brine streams as a new chemical production route. Even though its application has been widely studied using single electrolyte solutions (e.g., NaCl or Na2SO4), there is still a lack of knowledge about using multi-ionic mixtures. For the first time, this work aims to evaluate the EDBM performance when treating synthetic solutions mimicking the waste brines produced in a integrated process for the valorisation of solar saltworks bitterns. The behaviour of a lab-scale EDBM unit was assessed using SUEZ ion exchange membranes (IEMs), operating at 300 A m-2, and the ion transport through IEMs was investigated, based on the calculation of apparent transport numbers and selectivities. The results highlighted that multi-ionic solutions barely affected the production of hydroxide ions. Chlorides were transported up to 7 times faster than sulphates across the anion-exchange membranes, while the cation-exchange membranes exhibited slightly higher selectivity for potassium than for sodium (~1.2). The current efficiencies ranged between 70 % and 80 %, while a minimum specific energy consumption of 1.60 kWh kg-1NaOH was obtained for the most concentrated brine at 1 mol L-1 OH–. These results provide novel and valuable information to support the development and implementation of EDBM as a sustainable technology for supporting a resource-efficient and competitive economy through on-site and delocalized chemicals production routes.The european (green?) deal: a systematic analysis of environmental sustainability
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/403024
The european (green?) deal: a systematic analysis of environmental sustainability
Hereu Morales, Joan; Segarra Fisa, Alba; Valderrama Angel, César Alberto
Transitioning towards a sustainable society is at the core of public planning in the EU through the European Green Deal (EGD). However, is the EGD a master plan for actual sustainable development in the EU? This work aims to answer this question through an analysis of the environmental sustainability within the EGD's plans through the method of critical discourse analysis, and discussing the results with previous efforts for sustainable development in the EU and in the UN. The results of the analysis identify fundamental flaws in the environmental sustainability of the EGD, which seems to repeat mistakes of previous efforts for sustainability planning in the EU. This work concludes that economic growth is the predominant focus in public planning and that the EGD needs a review of various environmental aspects to be considered the master plan for a transition towards a sustainable EU.
2024-02-23T10:59:26ZHereu Morales, JoanSegarra Fisa, AlbaValderrama Angel, César AlbertoTransitioning towards a sustainable society is at the core of public planning in the EU through the European Green Deal (EGD). However, is the EGD a master plan for actual sustainable development in the EU? This work aims to answer this question through an analysis of the environmental sustainability within the EGD's plans through the method of critical discourse analysis, and discussing the results with previous efforts for sustainable development in the EU and in the UN. The results of the analysis identify fundamental flaws in the environmental sustainability of the EGD, which seems to repeat mistakes of previous efforts for sustainability planning in the EU. This work concludes that economic growth is the predominant focus in public planning and that the EGD needs a review of various environmental aspects to be considered the master plan for a transition towards a sustainable EU.Molybdenum release from high burnup spent nuclear fuel at alkaline and hyperalkaline pH
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/402365
Molybdenum release from high burnup spent nuclear fuel at alkaline and hyperalkaline pH
García Gómez, Sonia; Giménez Izquierdo, Francisco Javier; Casas Pons, Ignasi; Llorca Piqué, Jordi; Pablo Ribas, Joan de; Martínez Torrents, Albert; Clarens Blanco, Frederic; Kokinda, Jakub; Iglesias Pérez, Luis; Serrano Purroy, Daniel
This work presents experimental data and modelling of the release of Mo from high-burnup spent nuclear fuel (63 MWd/kgU) at two different pH values, 8.4 and 13.2 in air. The release of Mo from SF to the solution is around two orders of magnitude higher at pH = 13.2 than at pH = 8.4. The high Mo release at high pH would indicate that Mo would not be congruently released with uranium and would have an important contribution to the Instant Release Fraction, with a value of 5.3%. Parallel experiments with pure non irradiated Mo(s) and XPS determinations indicated that the faster dissolution at pH = 13.2 could be the consequence of the higher releases from metallic Mo in the fuel through a surface complexation mechanism promoted by the OH- and the oxidation of the metal to Mo(VI) via the formation of intermediate Mo(IV) and Mo(V) species.
2024-02-21T09:47:54ZGarcía Gómez, SoniaGiménez Izquierdo, Francisco JavierCasas Pons, IgnasiLlorca Piqué, JordiPablo Ribas, Joan deMartínez Torrents, AlbertClarens Blanco, FredericKokinda, JakubIglesias Pérez, LuisSerrano Purroy, DanielThis work presents experimental data and modelling of the release of Mo from high-burnup spent nuclear fuel (63 MWd/kgU) at two different pH values, 8.4 and 13.2 in air. The release of Mo from SF to the solution is around two orders of magnitude higher at pH = 13.2 than at pH = 8.4. The high Mo release at high pH would indicate that Mo would not be congruently released with uranium and would have an important contribution to the Instant Release Fraction, with a value of 5.3%. Parallel experiments with pure non irradiated Mo(s) and XPS determinations indicated that the faster dissolution at pH = 13.2 could be the consequence of the higher releases from metallic Mo in the fuel through a surface complexation mechanism promoted by the OH- and the oxidation of the metal to Mo(VI) via the formation of intermediate Mo(IV) and Mo(V) species.Modelling the release of Mo, Tc, Ru and Rh from high burnup spent nuclear fuel at alkaline and hyperalkaline pH
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/400104
Modelling the release of Mo, Tc, Ru and Rh from high burnup spent nuclear fuel at alkaline and hyperalkaline pH
Giménez Izquierdo, Francisco Javier; Pablo Ribas, Joan de; García Gómez, Sonia; Serrano Purroy, Daniel; Iglesias Pérez, Luis; Clarens Blanco, Frederic; Martínez Torrents, Albert
The present work shows experimental data on the release of some radionuclides that are forming the so-called e particles in the spent nuclear fuel (SNF): Mo, Tc, Ru and Rh. The leaching experiments were carried out with a 60 GWd·t-1 burnup SNF at two different pH values, 8.4 and 13.2, and under oxidizing conditions. The modelling of the data showed that the higher release of Mo, Tc, Ru and Rh at pH 13.2 could be due to the higher dissolution rate of the e-particles.
2024-01-24T10:09:32ZGiménez Izquierdo, Francisco JavierPablo Ribas, Joan deGarcía Gómez, SoniaSerrano Purroy, DanielIglesias Pérez, LuisClarens Blanco, FredericMartínez Torrents, AlbertThe present work shows experimental data on the release of some radionuclides that are forming the so-called e particles in the spent nuclear fuel (SNF): Mo, Tc, Ru and Rh. The leaching experiments were carried out with a 60 GWd·t-1 burnup SNF at two different pH values, 8.4 and 13.2, and under oxidizing conditions. The modelling of the data showed that the higher release of Mo, Tc, Ru and Rh at pH 13.2 could be due to the higher dissolution rate of the e-particles.Bioderived pickering emulsion based on chitosan/trialkyl phosphine oxides applied to selective recovery of rare Earth elements
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/400083
Bioderived pickering emulsion based on chitosan/trialkyl phosphine oxides applied to selective recovery of rare Earth elements
Lapo Calderón, Byron Gonzalo; Pavón Regaña, Sandra; Hoyo Pérez, Javier; Fortuny Sanromá, Agustín; Scapan, Paul; Bertau, Martin; Sastre Requena, Ana María
A novel biobased pickering emulsion (PE) material was prepared by the encapsulation of Cyanex 923 (Cy923) into chitosan (CS) to selectively recover rare earth elements (REEs) from the aqueous phase. The preparation of PE was optimized through sequentially applying a 23 full factorial design, followed by a 33 Box–Behnken design varying the Cy923 content, CS concentration, and pH of CS. The material was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy, rheological, compositional, and stability measurements. The resultant material was evaluated in the removal of yttrium by pH influence, nitrate concentration, kinetics, equilibrium isotherms, reusability, and a comparison with liquid–liquid (L–L) extraction and tested in a real scenario to extract Y from a fluorescent lamp powder waste. In addition, the selectivity of PE for REE was investigated with Y/Ca, Gd/Ca, and La/Ni systems. PE extracts REE at 1 = pH = 5 at nitrate concentrations up to 2 mol/L. The kinetics and equilibrium studies showed reaction times <5 min and a maximum sorption capacity of 89.98 mg/g. Compared with L–L extraction, PE consumed 48% less Cy923 without using organic diluents. PE showed a remarkable selectivity for REE in the systems evaluated, showing separation factors of 22.62, 9.35, and 504.64 for the blends Y/Ca, Gd/Ca/Mg, and La/Ni, respectively. PE showed excellent selectivity extracting Y from a real aqueous liquor from the fluorescent lamp powder. PE demonstrates to be an effective and sustainable alternative for REE recovering due to its excellent efficiency in harsh conditions, favorable green chemistry metrics, and use of a biopolymer material in its composition avoiding the use of organic solvents used in L–L extraction.
2024-01-24T07:37:43ZLapo Calderón, Byron GonzaloPavón Regaña, SandraHoyo Pérez, JavierFortuny Sanromá, AgustínScapan, PaulBertau, MartinSastre Requena, Ana MaríaA novel biobased pickering emulsion (PE) material was prepared by the encapsulation of Cyanex 923 (Cy923) into chitosan (CS) to selectively recover rare earth elements (REEs) from the aqueous phase. The preparation of PE was optimized through sequentially applying a 23 full factorial design, followed by a 33 Box–Behnken design varying the Cy923 content, CS concentration, and pH of CS. The material was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy, rheological, compositional, and stability measurements. The resultant material was evaluated in the removal of yttrium by pH influence, nitrate concentration, kinetics, equilibrium isotherms, reusability, and a comparison with liquid–liquid (L–L) extraction and tested in a real scenario to extract Y from a fluorescent lamp powder waste. In addition, the selectivity of PE for REE was investigated with Y/Ca, Gd/Ca, and La/Ni systems. PE extracts REE at 1 = pH = 5 at nitrate concentrations up to 2 mol/L. The kinetics and equilibrium studies showed reaction times <5 min and a maximum sorption capacity of 89.98 mg/g. Compared with L–L extraction, PE consumed 48% less Cy923 without using organic diluents. PE showed a remarkable selectivity for REE in the systems evaluated, showing separation factors of 22.62, 9.35, and 504.64 for the blends Y/Ca, Gd/Ca/Mg, and La/Ni, respectively. PE showed excellent selectivity extracting Y from a real aqueous liquor from the fluorescent lamp powder. PE demonstrates to be an effective and sustainable alternative for REE recovering due to its excellent efficiency in harsh conditions, favorable green chemistry metrics, and use of a biopolymer material in its composition avoiding the use of organic solvents used in L–L extraction.Role of imperfections in transfer of organic micro-pollutants through RO/NF membranes: Numerical study
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/399797
Role of imperfections in transfer of organic micro-pollutants through RO/NF membranes: Numerical study
Bondarenko, Mykola; Yaroshchuk, Andriy
Due to relatively low diffusivities, the rejection of organic micro-pollutants in pressure-driven membrane processes is more affected by Concentration Polarization (CP) than that of typical inorganic ions. On the other hand, it can be more sensitive to various membrane imperfections because the rejection of these solutes by intact membranes can be expected to be quite high. This makes necessary simultaneous accounting for membrane imperfections and Concentration Polarization in Reverse Osmosis and/or Nanofiltration of organic micro-pollutants.
2024-01-18T12:55:22ZBondarenko, MykolaYaroshchuk, AndriyDue to relatively low diffusivities, the rejection of organic micro-pollutants in pressure-driven membrane processes is more affected by Concentration Polarization (CP) than that of typical inorganic ions. On the other hand, it can be more sensitive to various membrane imperfections because the rejection of these solutes by intact membranes can be expected to be quite high. This makes necessary simultaneous accounting for membrane imperfections and Concentration Polarization in Reverse Osmosis and/or Nanofiltration of organic micro-pollutants.Gd2O3 doped UO2(s) corrosion in the presence of silicate and calcium under alkaline conditions
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/399019
Gd2O3 doped UO2(s) corrosion in the presence of silicate and calcium under alkaline conditions
García Gómez, Sonia; Giménez Izquierdo, Francisco Javier; Casas Pons, Ignasi; Llorca Piqué, Jordi; De Pablo Ribas, Joan
The anodic reactivity of UO2 and UO2 doped with Gd2O3 was investigated by electrochemical methods in slightly alkaline conditions in the presence of silicate and calcium. At the end of the experiments, the electrodes were analysed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to determine the oxidation state of the uranium on the surface. The experiments showed that the increase in gadolinia doping level led to a reduction in the reactivity of UO2, this effect being more marked at the highest doping level studied (10 wt.% Gd2O3). This behaviour could be attributed to the formation of dopant-vacancy clusters (GdIII-Ov), which could limit the accommodation of excess O2- into the UO2 lattice. In addition, the presence of Ca2+ and SiO32- decreased the anodic dissolution of UO2. In summary, the Gd2O3 doping in presence of silicate and calcium was found to strongly decrease the oxidative dissolution of UO2, which is a beneficial situation regarding the long-term management of spent nuclear fuel in a repository.
2024-01-10T11:37:11ZGarcía Gómez, SoniaGiménez Izquierdo, Francisco JavierCasas Pons, IgnasiLlorca Piqué, JordiDe Pablo Ribas, JoanThe anodic reactivity of UO2 and UO2 doped with Gd2O3 was investigated by electrochemical methods in slightly alkaline conditions in the presence of silicate and calcium. At the end of the experiments, the electrodes were analysed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to determine the oxidation state of the uranium on the surface. The experiments showed that the increase in gadolinia doping level led to a reduction in the reactivity of UO2, this effect being more marked at the highest doping level studied (10 wt.% Gd2O3). This behaviour could be attributed to the formation of dopant-vacancy clusters (GdIII-Ov), which could limit the accommodation of excess O2- into the UO2 lattice. In addition, the presence of Ca2+ and SiO32- decreased the anodic dissolution of UO2. In summary, the Gd2O3 doping in presence of silicate and calcium was found to strongly decrease the oxidative dissolution of UO2, which is a beneficial situation regarding the long-term management of spent nuclear fuel in a repository.Sustainability assessment of green ammonia production to promote industrial decarbonization in Spain
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/398975
Sustainability assessment of green ammonia production to promote industrial decarbonization in Spain
Vinardell Cruañas, Sergi; Nicolas, Palina; Sastre Requena, Ana María; Cortina Pallás, José Luís; Valderrama Angel, César Alberto
This article investigates the economic and environmental implications of implementing green ammonia production plants in Spain. To this end, one business-as-usual scenario for gray ammonia production was compared with three green ammonia scenarios powered with different renewable energy sources (i.e., solar photovoltaic (PV), wind, and a combination of solar PV and wind). The results illustrated that green ammonia scenarios reduced the environmental impacts in global warming, stratospheric ozone depletion, and fossil resource scarcity when compared with conventional gray ammonia scenario. Conversely, green ammonia implementation increased the environmental impacts in the categories of land use, mineral resource scarcity, freshwater eutrophication, and terrestrial acidification. The techno-economic analysis revealed that the conventional gray ammonia scenario featured lower costs than green ammonia scenarios when considering a moderate natural gas cost. However, green ammonia implementation became the most economically favorable option when the natural gas cost and carbon prices increased. Finally, the results showed that developing efficient ammonia-fueled systems is important to make green ammonia a relevant energy vector when considering the entire supply chain (production/transportation). Overall, the results of this research demonstrate that green ammonia could play an important role in future decarbonization scenarios.
2024-01-10T08:29:02ZVinardell Cruañas, SergiNicolas, PalinaSastre Requena, Ana MaríaCortina Pallás, José LuísValderrama Angel, César AlbertoThis article investigates the economic and environmental implications of implementing green ammonia production plants in Spain. To this end, one business-as-usual scenario for gray ammonia production was compared with three green ammonia scenarios powered with different renewable energy sources (i.e., solar photovoltaic (PV), wind, and a combination of solar PV and wind). The results illustrated that green ammonia scenarios reduced the environmental impacts in global warming, stratospheric ozone depletion, and fossil resource scarcity when compared with conventional gray ammonia scenario. Conversely, green ammonia implementation increased the environmental impacts in the categories of land use, mineral resource scarcity, freshwater eutrophication, and terrestrial acidification. The techno-economic analysis revealed that the conventional gray ammonia scenario featured lower costs than green ammonia scenarios when considering a moderate natural gas cost. However, green ammonia implementation became the most economically favorable option when the natural gas cost and carbon prices increased. Finally, the results showed that developing efficient ammonia-fueled systems is important to make green ammonia a relevant energy vector when considering the entire supply chain (production/transportation). Overall, the results of this research demonstrate that green ammonia could play an important role in future decarbonization scenarios.Dissolution of high burn-up spent nuclear fuel at high-pH
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/398513
Dissolution of high burn-up spent nuclear fuel at high-pH
Iglesias Pérez, Luis; Kokinda, Jakub; Serrano Purroy, Daniel; Martínez Torrents, Albert; Casas Pons, Ignasi; Pablo Ribas, Joan de; Clarens Blanco, Frederic; Giménez Izquierdo, Francisco Javier
The release of radionuclides from high-burnup spent nuclear fuel (SNF) segments was studied at pH = 13.2 as well as the effect of the presence of calcium and silicon. The aim was to ascertain the dissolution of SNF in solutions corresponding to a high-level nuclear waste repository including concrete in different structural parts. The release of uranium at pH = 13.2 was higher than at pH = 8.4 in bicarbonate medium, while the presence of calcium resulted in a decrease of the uranium concentrations in solutions, assumed to be the consequence of the formation of a secondary solid phase such as Ca2U2O7. Caesium release was found higher at pH = 13.2 as well, but it was not influenced by the presence of Ca and Si at long term. On the other hand, actinide elements (plutonium, neptunium and americium) dissolution decreased at pH = 13.2, probably because of the formation of secondary solid phases. On the contrary, ruthenium and technetium release at pH = 13.2 was found to be much higher than the measured at lower pH, perhaps due to the higher dissolution kinetics of the metallic inclusions at such pH.
2023-12-21T12:52:47ZIglesias Pérez, LuisKokinda, JakubSerrano Purroy, DanielMartínez Torrents, AlbertCasas Pons, IgnasiPablo Ribas, Joan deClarens Blanco, FredericGiménez Izquierdo, Francisco JavierThe release of radionuclides from high-burnup spent nuclear fuel (SNF) segments was studied at pH = 13.2 as well as the effect of the presence of calcium and silicon. The aim was to ascertain the dissolution of SNF in solutions corresponding to a high-level nuclear waste repository including concrete in different structural parts. The release of uranium at pH = 13.2 was higher than at pH = 8.4 in bicarbonate medium, while the presence of calcium resulted in a decrease of the uranium concentrations in solutions, assumed to be the consequence of the formation of a secondary solid phase such as Ca2U2O7. Caesium release was found higher at pH = 13.2 as well, but it was not influenced by the presence of Ca and Si at long term. On the other hand, actinide elements (plutonium, neptunium and americium) dissolution decreased at pH = 13.2, probably because of the formation of secondary solid phases. On the contrary, ruthenium and technetium release at pH = 13.2 was found to be much higher than the measured at lower pH, perhaps due to the higher dissolution kinetics of the metallic inclusions at such pH.Towards a sustainable transformation of municipal wastewater treatment plants into biofactories using advanced NH3-N recovery technologies: A review
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/398504
Towards a sustainable transformation of municipal wastewater treatment plants into biofactories using advanced NH3-N recovery technologies: A review
Sheikh, Mahdi; Harami, Hossein Riasat; Rezakazemi, Mashallah; Cortina Pallás, José Luís; Aminabhavi, Tejraj M.; Valderrama Angel, César Alberto
Ammonia (NH3), as a prevalent pollutant in municipal wastewater discharges, can impair aquatic life and have a negatively impact on the environment. Proper wastewater treatment and management practices are essential to protect ecosystems and keep human populations healthy. Therefore, using highly effective NH3-N recovery technologies at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is widely acknowledged as a necessity. In order to improve the overall efficiency of NH3 removal/recovery processes, innovative technologies have been generally applied to reduce its concentration when discharged into natural water bodies. This study reviews the current status of the main issues affecting NH3 recovery from municipal/domestic wastewater discharges.
The current study investigated the ability to recover valuable resources, e.g., nutrients, regenerated water, and energy in the form of biogas through advanced and innovative methods in tertiary treatment to achieve higher efficiency towards sustainable wastewater and resource recovery facilities (W&RRFs). In addition, the concept of paradigm shifts from WWTP to a large/full scale W&RRF has been studied with several examples of conversion to innovative bio-factories producing materials. On the other hand, the carbon footprint and the high-energy consumption of the WWTPs were also considered to assess the sustainability of these facilities.
2023-12-21T12:31:02ZSheikh, MahdiHarami, Hossein RiasatRezakazemi, MashallahCortina Pallás, José LuísAminabhavi, Tejraj M.Valderrama Angel, César AlbertoAmmonia (NH3), as a prevalent pollutant in municipal wastewater discharges, can impair aquatic life and have a negatively impact on the environment. Proper wastewater treatment and management practices are essential to protect ecosystems and keep human populations healthy. Therefore, using highly effective NH3-N recovery technologies at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is widely acknowledged as a necessity. In order to improve the overall efficiency of NH3 removal/recovery processes, innovative technologies have been generally applied to reduce its concentration when discharged into natural water bodies. This study reviews the current status of the main issues affecting NH3 recovery from municipal/domestic wastewater discharges.
The current study investigated the ability to recover valuable resources, e.g., nutrients, regenerated water, and energy in the form of biogas through advanced and innovative methods in tertiary treatment to achieve higher efficiency towards sustainable wastewater and resource recovery facilities (W&RRFs). In addition, the concept of paradigm shifts from WWTP to a large/full scale W&RRF has been studied with several examples of conversion to innovative bio-factories producing materials. On the other hand, the carbon footprint and the high-energy consumption of the WWTPs were also considered to assess the sustainability of these facilities.