Tamanu-based biodiesel can be used as a non-conventional fuel blended with conventional fuel in a compression ignition engine without any need for modification in engine design. The three main processes involved in production of biodiesel are removal of OH group by H₂SO₄ (acid) and KOH (base), and removal of soapy water. The molar ratios tried in this process were 4:1 to 10:1 and the yield was maximum at 6:1 (86.15%). In this present study, production of biodiesel from Tamanu oilseeds, its performance analysis and emission characteristics in a CI engine were extensively studied. Prepared Tamanu-based biodiesel was used in a four-stroke CI engine and performance analysis was done. The blend proportions used in the diesel engine were 10–40 wt.% biodiesel (B10, B20, B30 and B40). Analysis of emissions such as NO_X, CO, and HC from a CI engine has shown that the biodiesel blends produced fewer emissions than that of commercial diesel. Results revealed that there is a substantial reduction of emissions and an increase in performance of the biodiesel blends tested. Moreover, the amounts of toxic pollutants emitted from the biodiesel blends are significantly less when compared to commercial diesel.

We report on the synthesis and characterization of low-cost copper electrodeposited on a copper substrate (Cu/Cu), and its applicability towards nitrate reduction. The surface area of Cu was increased by the electrodeposition of Cu, and at a chosen deposition potential and pH, optimum electrodeposition parameters corresponding to better catalytic activity of nitrate reduction were determined. The electrodeposited catalysts were physically characterized using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Cyclic voltammetry was employed to screen the catalytic activity of the electrodeposited Cu/Cu catalysts towards nitrate reduction. Electrolysis was performed using potentiostatic technique and the effect of potential was studied. Product analysis showed 10% increase in nitrate removal efficiency on Cu/Cu system over bare Cu. Nitrate removal efficiency up to 97% was achieved while treating high concentration (1 M) nitrate with the optimized Cu/Cu cathode.

Over the past decades, there has been an escalating rise in the need for chemicals and catalytic materials to keep up with global demands. Addressing those issues by conventional methods often becomes inefficient, with myriad operational risks. Process intensification methods through procedural and equipment‐based modifications have been considered greener, have higher heat and mass transfer rates, and operate with lower costs. In this review, research using ultrasonic reactors and microreactors, along with developments through an integrated external energy source, for synthesizing acrylic microspheres is covered extensively. Acrylic microspheres have garnered much interest for their biocompatibility, affinity toward functionalization, and wide range of applications. Core–shell, composite, functional‐group modified, and porous acrylic microspheres are used for enzyme immobilization and as catalyst carriers. The use of acrylic support has provided huge improvements in catalytic activity, reusability, recyclability, and overall stability. Finally, various other process intensification methods and alternate support materials are covered to help enhance future developments in the field of catalysis.

1. Fossil fuels are essential, but their continued use necessitates seeking alternative energy sources to achieve zero carbon emissions, a major challenge [1]. Solar energy offers a clean and pollu...