Pau Loke Show’s research while affiliated with Khalifa University and other places

This review illuminates the pivotal synergy between machine learning (ML) and biopolymers, spotlighting their combined potential to reshape sustainable energy, fuels, and biochemicals. Biobased polymers, derived from renewable sources, have garnered attention for their roles in sustainable energy and fuel sectors. These polymers, when integrated with ML techniques, exhibit enhanced functionalities, optimizing renewable energy systems, storage, and conversion. Detailed case studies reveal the potential of biobased polymers in energy applications and the fuel industry, further showcasing how ML bolsters fuel efficiency and innovation. The intersection of biobased polymers and ML also marks advancements in biochemical production, emphasizing innovations in drug delivery and medical device development. This review underscores the imperative of harnessing the convergence of ML and biobased polymers for future global sustainability endeavors in energy, fuels, and biochemicals. The collective evidence presented asserts the immense promise this union holds for steering a sustainable and innovative trajectory.

As one of the advanced oxidation processes, hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) has become a promising technology for treating industrial effluents by various cavitation devices due to the advantages of cost-effectiveness in operation, higher energy efficiencies, and large-scale operation. In this study, the effect of a distinctive division baffle on the performance of a circular Venturi is proposed focusing on the enhancement of cavitation intensity and reaction area by utilizing computational fluid dynamics. Three geometrical parameters of the distinctive division baffle, including divergent angle (β 2), convergent angle (α 2), and throat diameter (d 2), were investigated , after a well validation of the numerical method with a previous experiment. It was found that the β 2 and d 2 provided relatively more significant impact on cavitation intensification. Through the comprehensive evaluation of the selected three parameters, the most appropriate geometrical configuration of the novel Venturi was determined as a divergent angle β 2 of 6 • , a convergent angle α 2 of 16 • , and a throat diameter d 2 of 2.25 mm. Furthermore, the finally recommended design, significantly intensifying the cavitating process, has been tested at different pressure ratios and cavitating zone of recommended design is always much larger than original model. The recommended design achieved a vapor volume increasing rate of 102.3 %, 41 % and 57.5 % at PR = 2, 4 and 6. In conclusion, the novel strategy of Venturi with distinctive division baffle may provide inspiration and reference to the future research and industrial application of HC technology.

Dihydrogen, commonly named 'hydrogen', is a carbon–neutral and renewable fuel meeting environmental regulations in transportation and industrial production. Hydrogen is currently employed in fuel cells, hydrogen vehicles, and as an efficient energy carrier due to its high energy capacity of 121 kJ per g. Here we review hydrogen production by steam reforming of alcohols including methanol, ethanol, propanol, glycerol and butanol, with focus on catalysts, mechanisms, and analytical methods to characterize deposited carbon. In general, Ru- and Rh-based catalysts show efficient performance with almost 100% feedstock conversion and up to 89% of hydrogen yield, while Ni and Co catalysts exhibit lower ethanol conversion in the range of 40–100% depending on operating conditions. Nevertheless, Ni and Co catalysts have been mainly chosen as active metals for alcohols steam reforming due to their lower cost.

Fruit juice is an essential food product that has received significant acceptance among consumers. Harmonized concentration, preservation of nutritional constituents, and heat-responsive sensorial of fruit juices are demanding topics in food processing. Membrane separation is a promising technology to concentrate juice at minimal pressure and temperatures with excellent potential application in food industries from an economical, stable, and standard operation view. Microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF) have also interested fruit industries owing to the increasing demand for reduced pressure-driven membranes. UF and MF membranes are widely applied in concentrating, clarifying, and purifying various edible products. However, the rising challenge in membrane technology is the fouling propensity which undermines the membrane's performance and lifespan. This review succinctly provides a clear and innovative view of the various controlling factors that could undermine the membrane performance during fruit juice clarification and concentration regarding its selectivity and permeance. In this article, various strategies for mitigating fouling anomalies during fruit juice processing using membranes, along with research opportunities, have been discussed. This concise review is anticipated to inspire a new research platform for developing an integrated approach for the next-generation membrane processes for efficient fruit juice clarification.