Jude Okolie

• B.Eng (Chemical Engineering) , MSc (Petroleum Engineering)
• Professor (Assistant) at University of Oklahoma

Machine learning has been generally used for prediction and classification tasks in the food value chain. However, its application in the study of food waste has been limited. Therefore, this study explored the potential of predicting fruit waste at a wholesale level of the food value chain, using a fresh produce wholesale market in South Africa as...

The aviation sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and with the increasing demand for air travel these emissions are projected to continue rising in the coming years. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) could greatly help reduce these emissions and make the aviation industry more eco-friendly. SAF is a renewable, low-carbon a...

Improvements in crop yields have been a challenge for breeders and biotechnologists, as multiple attributes must be considered simultaneously for successful breeding. These attributes include morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular features. In addition, they are closely associated with the photosynthetic efficiency of crops. In re...

The kinetics of Chemical Looping Combustion (CLC) using Co3O4 as an oxygen carrier for low-volatile semi-anthracite coal were studied with the aim of integrating CO2 capture into the combustion process. The effectiveness of varying temperature regimes (800–950 °C) and oxygen carrier ratios (ϕ = 0.5–2.0) on the CLC process was evaluated. The finding...

This study investigates the effect of pre-carbonization temperature on the energy storage properties of activated carbons derived from animal-origin precursors, specifically for application as supercapacitor electrodes. The objective was to develop materials with enhanced electrochemical performance. Pig hair, an abundant and sustainable carbon sou...

In the modern world, sustainability is crucial to human existence, and it is essential to introduce students to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. This is regarded as a framework that underpins societal challenges and the benefits of addressing them. Moreover, in the domain of chemical engineering education, introducing...

This paper examines machine learning (ML)'s contemporary applications in biofuel production, emphasizing microalgae-based bioenergy systems. The study aims to explore various aspects of ML integration in the biofuel production process, including microalgae detection, classification, growth phase optimization, and dataset quality and quantity consid...

This study investigates the impact of methane, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and their mixtures on hydrogen storage and recovery in depleted oil and gas reservoirs, with a focus on gas mixing and diffusion behaviour. Using the MATLAB Reservoir Simulation Toolbox (MRST), this research evaluates the effects of geological parameters such as permeability a...

The dairy industry is a significant player in the food industry, providing essential products such as milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, and milk powder to meet the global population's needs. However, the industry's activities have resulted in significant pollution, with heavy waste generation, disposal, and effluent emissions into the environment. P...

Biodiesel as a renewable alternative to conventional diesel is a growing topic of interest due to its potential environmental benefits. It is typically produced from oilseed crops such as soybean, rapeseed, palm oil, or animal fats. However, its sustainability is debated, primarily because of the reliance on edible oil feedstocks and associated eco...

This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the crucial role of activated carbon (AC) in energy harvesting and storage, highlighting its importance in the context of growing demands for sustainable and efficient energy solutions. It delves into the unique properties of AC that make it an ideal material for enhancing the performance of energy...

Activated carbon (AC) stands as a cornerstone of technological innovation, offering boundless possibilities in enhancing and revolutionizing catalytic processes across industries. This chapter presents a general overview of AC as a versatile, pivotal material in modern catalysis. The current chapter describes the broad-spectrum applications of AC a...

The aviation sector plays a vital role in global transportation, economic growth, and social integration. However, its rapid expansion has led to increased emissions. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) provides a promising solution by offering a clean-burning, renewable alternative to conventional jet fuel. SAF can be produced through various processe...

The application of an electric field to forward osmosis (FO) membranes enhances pure water flow by reducing membrane fouling and ion density. This electric field facilitates the electro-oxidation of pollutants, hydroxyl radical generation for pollutant degradation, or surface charging for pollutant rejection through electrostatic repulsion. Studies...

Syngas (CO + H 2) production through biomass gasification offers a promising and sustainable alternative to conventional fuels. This study investigates the co-gasification of palm oil decanter cake (PODC) and Alum Sludge (AS), utilizing response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) techniques to optimize and predict syngas...

Among the many promising applications for metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is the catalysis of water splitting and extraction of heavy metals from aquatic ecosystems. This chapter details the opportunities and challenges of using MOFs for this dual purpose. It starts by outlining distinctive physicochemical characteristics that make them amenable fo...

The aviation sector plays a crucial role in quickly moving people and goods around the world. It also greatly helps in the economic growth and social integration of countries. As the industry continues to experience rapid growth, there is a tendency for an increase in emissions associated with the industry. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) presents...

Descent (SGD) were used to model pyrolysis process. It was found that the out-of-the-box (without optimization) models for RF, XGBoost, ANN, and GBR performed the best and did not benefit from hyperparameter optimization. The GBR was identified as the most effective among various ML models. It accurately predicted yields of gas, biochar, bio-oil yi...

This study addresses the challenges of efficiently determining the higher heating value HHV of biomass a crucial parameter in large-scale biomass-based energy systems. The conventional method of measuring HHV using an oxygen bomb calorimeter is time-consuming, expensive, and less accessible to researchers, particularlyin developing nations. To over...

Due to the increasing world population and environmental considerations, there has been a tremendous interest in alternative energy sources. Hydrogen plays a major role as an energy carrier due to its environmentally benign nature. The combustion of hydrogen releases water vapor while it also has a vast industrial application in aerospace, pharmace...

In recent years, electro-membranes have garnered attention for their potential to address the limitations of conventional membranes, such as low permeability, poor selectivity, and fouling. Notably, electrospun electrochemical membranes have emerged as promising solutions, offering increased surface area and uniform porosity, leading to enhanced pe...

In the era of environmental consciousness, the demand for highly efficient materials and technologies capable of producing hydrogen is at an all-time high. One promising solution to this challenge lies in harnessing the power of biological hydrogen production, complemented by the integration of nanomaterials including carbon-based materials and tra...

Hydrogen energy is recognized for its renewability, cost-effectiveness, and environmentally friendly characteristics. These advantageous attributes position hydrogen energy as a viable solution for mitigating global warming concerns, particularly as a significant alternative to petroleum-based resources. Nevertheless, due to hydrogen's notably low...

Subsurface technologies present an excellent opportunity to produce hydrogen from hydrocarbon resources. It refers to the production of hydrogen directly from underground resources, particularly hydrocarbon resources. This method often involves injecting steam or oxygen into the reservoirs to initiate reactions that produce hydrogen. In some cases,...

Wastewater is characterized by multipollutant, and the presence of competitive adsorption could affect removal efficiency. Hence, the decontamination of water by adsorption in a multicomponent system allows an understanding of the practically and adsorbent efficiency. In this study, we present an analysis of the adsorption phenomena in a binary sol...

There is a lack of information about the detailed characterization of biomass of Nigerian origin. This study presents a comprehensive characterization of six biomass, groundnut shells, corncob, cashew leaves, Ixora coccinea (flame of the woods), sawdust, and lemongrass, to aid appropriate selection for bio-oil production. The proximate, ultimate, c...

The demand for sustainable energy sources has increased owing to environmental concerns, such as climate change, rising energy demand and rapid industrialization. Biomass utilization for bioenergy and value‐added chemical production has become essential for creating a circular low‐carbon bioeconomy and sustainable waste management techniques. This...

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) production from eggshells for dental implant purposes involved a novel approach utilizing a wet chemical precipitation technique. The eggshells, finely ground to a size below 250 µm, underwent calcination at a high temperature of 900°C for 2 hours. This thermal treatment facilitated the conversion of calcium carbonate into calc...

Biomass valorisation for bioenergy is crucial for establishing a sustainable low-carbon circular bioeconomy and addressing societal and environmental challenges. As global demand for renewable energy grows, effective waste management using biomass becomes increasingly vital. However, successful implementation requires addressing specific local, sci...

Biomethane potential (BMP) is often used to evaluate the biogas potential during anaerobic digestion (AD). However, BMP tests are complex and time-consuming. Therefore, the present study presents a hybrid model in machine learning (ML) for evaluating and predicting BMP based on biomass biochemical composition. Generative adversarial network (GAN) i...

Definition Active learning strategies are increasingly implemented in chemical engineering education, yet challenges persist in stimulating student participation and motivation. The rigorous demands placed on students in this field, from complex practical requirements to extensive programming and computational skills, underscore the need for innova...

This study investigates the corrosion behaviour of silver-gold nanoparticles as an inhibitor on the degradation of mild steel in 3.5% NaCl (saline environment) using gravimetric analysis and potentiodynamic measurement. The inhibitor Ag-AuNPs was synthesized from Kola nut pod. Five different concentrations of the Ag-AuNPs solution (0, 5, 10, and 20...

Chemical looping combustion (CLC) is an advanced combustion process in which the combustion reaction splits into two parts; in the first reaction metal oxides are used as oxygen suppliers for fuel combustion and then in the second reaction, reduced metal oxides are re-oxidised in an air reactor. Although this technology could be applicable for the...

This study aims to comprehensively investigate the current advances in water treatment technologies for the elimination of heavy metals using biomass-based adsorbents. The enhancement of adsorption capacity in biomass materials is achieved through surface modification, which increases their porosity and surface area. The study therefore focuses on...

Purpose: The use of inhibitors, especially in aqueous environments is one method of controlling corrosion. This study used gravimetric, gasometric, and potentiodynamic techniques to examine the corrosion inhibition potential of silver-gold nanoparticles (Ag-AuNPs) in a 1.0 M HCl solution. Methods: The Ag-AuNPs were chemically synthesized from Kola...

Biomethane potential (BMP) is often used to evaluate the biogas potential during AD. However, BMP tests are complex and time-consuming. Therefore, the present study presents a hybrid model in machine learning (ML) for evaluating and predicting BMP based on biomass biochemical composition. Generative adversarial network (GAN) is combined with differ...

h i g h l i g h t s g r a p h i c a l a b s t r a c t Greenhouse gases (GHG) reforming for mass hydrogen generation. Investigated a 915 MHz atmospheric pressure microwave plasma torch for GHG reforming. Attained hydrogen production rate and energy yield of 1672 g (H 2)/h and 41.8 g (H 2)/kWh. CH 4 and CO 2 conversion of 95.6% and 95.4%, respectivel...

A novel conceptual design for the co-production of biomethane and propylene glycol from integrated catalytic transfer hydrogenolysis (CTH), biogenic CO2 capture and biomethanation reaction was presented in this study. Furthermore, process economics and environmental impact study was performed to appraise the possibility of the proposed design. The...

Rapid industrial developments and rising population are mounting concerns, leading to increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and resultant climate change. Therefore, to curb such drastic trends, it is necessary to adopt and develop a sustainable environment. Among the most effective ways to lower GHG emissions is carbon capture. Absorption is one...

Mechanical, physical, and corrosion properties of pure aluminum cannot meet the requirements of the modern industries. This has led to increase in demand for aluminum alloys and aluminum matrix composites with enhanced properties. These properties make them suitable for most applications. This article analyzes the physicomechanical and microstructu...

Owing to the adverse effects of corrosion, scientist have devised several means of its control. Amongst these means is the use of inhibitors which could be synthetic or from natural sources. Synthetic inhibitors are often toxic and expensive, hence inhibitors from natural source are preferred. Action of Moringa oleifera and Jatropha curcas leaves e...

The aviation sector, a significant greenhouse gas emitter, must lower its emissions to alleviate the climate change impact. Decarbonization can be achieved by converting low-carbon feedstock to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This study reviews SAF production pathways like hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA), gasification and Fischer–Trop...

Activated carbon has long been used for filtering contaminants, thanks to its large surface area for adsorption. This, and other properties has led to a growing interest in activated carbon and a broader range of applications. This book explores the various forms of activated carbon, detailing how they can be prepared and characterised. The editors...

There is a continuous effort across the nation on production of bio-oil and biochar from biomass and plastics. However, there are no locally deigned and fabricated pyrolyser for this purpose. A mini ablative pyrolyzer was fabricated successfully. The maximum operating temperature is 600℃. The pyrolyser chamber was designed to produce bio-oil and bi...

The thermochemical conversion of biomass is a promising technology due to its cost-effectiveness and feedstock flexibility, with pyrolysis being a particularly noteworthy method for its diverse product range. Despite the potential of pyrolysis, commercialization remains elusive, and there is a growing need to fully understand its dynamics to facili...

Definition Gas–liquid mass transfer is a major issue during various bioprocesses, particularly in processes such as syngas fermentation (SNF). Since SNF involves the movement of gases into the fermentation broth, there is always a rate-limiting step that reduces process efficiency. Improving this process could lead to increased efficiency, higher p...

Human and animal waste, including waste products originating from human or animal digestive systems, such as urine, feces, and animal manure, have constituted a nuisance to the environment. Inappropriate disposal and poor sanitation of human and animal waste often cause negative impacts on human health through contamination of the terrestrial envir...

Previous investigations reported evaluation of biological, therapeutic and pharmacological activities of phenolic bioactive extract from Huntaria Umbellate Seed (HUS). However, process modelling and optimization, upscaling as well as techno-economic evaluation of Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE) of HUS are seldom documented in the literature. Th...

Waste tires are a distinct type of waste material that is produced in large quantities. These tires present a significant environmental challenge due to their high toxicity and flammability, as well as their persistence and the difficulty of storing or processing them. Every year, approximately 1.4 billion waste tires are produced, and they typical...

Human and animal waste, including waste products originating from human or animal digestive systems such as urine, feces, and animal manure, have constituted a nuisance to the environment. Inappropriate disposal and poor sanitation of human and animal waste often cause negative impacts on human health through contamination of the terrestrial enviro...

The control of infectious diseases can be improved via carefully designed decontamination equipment and systems. Research interest in ozone (a powerful antimicrobial agent), has significantly increased over the past decade. The COVID-19 pandemic has also instigated the development of new ozone-based technologies for the decontamination of personal...

The present study proposes a conceptual mobile autothermal methane pyrolysis unit for onsite hydrogen production. Considering the shortage of hydrogen pipeline infrastructure between production plants and fuelling stations in most places where hydrogen is required, it is imperative to create alternative hydrogen production means. The design combine...

Ozone – a powerful antimicrobial agent, has been extensively applied for decontamination purposes in several industries (including food, water treatment, pharmaceuticals, textiles, healthcare, and the medical sectors). The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to recent developments in the deployment of different ozone-based technologies for the...

Hydrogenolysis of crude glycerol is viewed as an alternative route for the production of propylene glycol owing to the issues of environmental sustainability and declining petroleum sources. However, the source of hydrogen is still a concern for the implementation of this technology. In this study, we investigated the economic viability of three di...

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are an emerging class of porous inorganic-organic high profile hybrid compounds that have attracted much attention in recent times due to their stunning properties. MOFs exhibit a large specific surface area (10 400 m² g⁻¹), high porosity (90%), high loading efficiency, uniform structural nanoscale cavities, tunable...

Higher heating values (HHV) is a very useful parameter for assessing the design and large-scale operation of biomass-driven energy systems. HHV is conventionally measured experimentally with an adiabatic oxygen bomb calorimeter. This procedure is often time-consuming and expensive. Furthermore, limited access to the required facilities is the main...

Freshwater is in limited supply, and the growing population further contributes to its scarcity. The effective treatment of wastewater is essential now more than ever, because waterborne infections significantly contribute to global deaths, and millions of people are deprived of safe drinking water. Current wastewater treatment technologies include...

Corncob was utilized as a low-grade and abundant material for the production of activated carbon through impregnation with potassium carbonate (K 2 CO 3) at different ratios (1:1 to 1:3). The impregnated samples were activated at different temperatures (500 • C to 800 • C) and activated carbons were used to fabricate electrodes for energy storage....

Green application of biodiesel-derived glycerol will boost biodiesel production in terms of sustainability and economics. The glycerol to liquid fuels is a promising route that provides an additional energy source, which contributes significantly to energy transition besides biodiesel. This pathway could generate alkyl-aromatic hydrocarbons with a...

The densification parameters for sub-bituminous coal briquette were optimized in this study to obtain 12 maximum drop to fracture (DF), water resistance index (WRI), and cold crushing strength (CCS). Full 13 factorial experimental design was used to optimize the compaction pressure (14 and 56 MPa), particle 14 size (0.5-1 mm), and external moisture...

Educators should be competent enough to plan, implement, evaluate, and administer the course they are assigned to teach. However, some educators are lacking the required pedagogical training such as experiential learning, equity, diversity, and inclusivity (EDI) in-classroom training, and much more. We proposed a three-year roadmap to help educator...

Several technologies have been developed to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), the hydroprocessing of esters and fatty acids (HEFA) representing one of the most mature pathways. Although HEFA has been widely adopted by industry, this pathway is mainly reliant on the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) reaction, which requires large amounts and high pres...

Gas-liquid mass transfer is a significant issue in most bioprocesses. More importantly, gas-liquid mass transfer limitation requires further attention during syngas fermentation (SNF). The gas-liquid mass transfer of gaseous substrates (CO, CO2, and H2) into the fermentation broth is a rate-limiting step in SNF that leads to low productivity and po...

Despite the increasing importance and recognition of equity, diversity, and inclusivity (EDI) within the academic and chemical industries, EDI is rarely implemented while designing some courses, especially during chemistry practical. Based on the instructor’s reflections and experiences, steps taken to include EDI as part of the organic chemistry l...

Propylene glycol is a ubiquitous sustainable chemical that have several industrial applications. It can be used as a non – toxic antifreeze, moisturizers, and in cosmetics products. Commercial production of propylene glycol uses petroleum-based propylene oxide. Therefore, there is a need to develop alternative and renewable propylene glycol product...