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The present paper is focused on the extraction of gold from high-grade e-waste, i.e., spent electronic connectors and plates, by leaching and electrowinning. These connectors are usually made up of an alloy covered by a layer of gold; sometimes, in some of them, a plastic part is also present. The applied leaching system consisted of an acid solution of diluted sulfuric acid (0.2 mol/L) with thiourea (20 g/L) as a reagent and ferric sulfate (21.8 g/L) as an oxidant. This system was applied on three different high-grade e-waste, namely: (1) Connectors with the partial gold-plated surface (Au concentration—1139 mg/kg); (2) different types of connectors with some of which with completely gold-plated surface (Au concentration—590 mg/kg); and (3) connectors and plates with the completely gold-plated surface (Au concentration—7900 mg/kg). Gold dissolution yields of 52, 94, and 49% were achieved from the first, second, and third samples, respectively. About 95% of Au recovery was achieved after 1.5 h of electrowinning at a current efficiency of only 4.06% and current consumption of 3.02 kWh/kg of Au from the leach solution of the third sample.
Nicolò Ippolito; Ionela Birloaga; Francesco Ferella; Marcello Centofanti; Francesco Vegliò. Preliminary Study on Gold Recovery from High Grade E-Waste by Thiourea Leaching and Electrowinning. Minerals 2021, 11, 235 .
AMA StyleNicolò Ippolito, Ionela Birloaga, Francesco Ferella, Marcello Centofanti, Francesco Vegliò. Preliminary Study on Gold Recovery from High Grade E-Waste by Thiourea Leaching and Electrowinning. Minerals. 2021; 11 (3):235.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNicolò Ippolito; Ionela Birloaga; Francesco Ferella; Marcello Centofanti; Francesco Vegliò. 2021. "Preliminary Study on Gold Recovery from High Grade E-Waste by Thiourea Leaching and Electrowinning." Minerals 11, no. 3: 235.
Typical methods for the treatment of waste pickling solutions include precipitation by alkaline reagents, most commonly calcium hydroxide. As a result, large volumes of galvanic sludge form, containing iron, calcium, sulphates, and a relatively small quantity of zinc (<20%), making Zn recovery not profitable. In summary, state-of-the-art Zn galvanization processes entail the loss of valuable metals and the irrational and expensive handling of spent pickling solutions (SPSs). The resulting conclusion is that there is room for a significant improvement in the way SPSs are treated, with the double goal of enhancing Zn galvanization methods’ economic viability and achieving a lesser impact on the environment’s processes. The experimental results show that it is possible to use SPS as a coagulant to treat the process wastewaters, kept separated, and added with sodium hydroxide. The results in obtaining precipitates with Zn contents higher than 40%, increasing the added advantage of making Zn recovery profitable. The results show the possibility of using SPS as a coagulant in the process of physical-chemical wastewater treatment and sodium hydroxide to obtain a precipitate with a zinc content of more than 40%.
Svetlana Zueva; Francesco Ferella; Valentina Innocenzi; Ida De Michelis; Valentina Corradini; Nicolò Ippolito; Francesco Vegliò. Recovery of Zinc fromTreatment of Spent Acid Solutions from the Pickling Stage of Galvanizing Plants. Sustainability 2021, 13, 407 .
AMA StyleSvetlana Zueva, Francesco Ferella, Valentina Innocenzi, Ida De Michelis, Valentina Corradini, Nicolò Ippolito, Francesco Vegliò. Recovery of Zinc fromTreatment of Spent Acid Solutions from the Pickling Stage of Galvanizing Plants. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (1):407.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSvetlana Zueva; Francesco Ferella; Valentina Innocenzi; Ida De Michelis; Valentina Corradini; Nicolò Ippolito; Francesco Vegliò. 2021. "Recovery of Zinc fromTreatment of Spent Acid Solutions from the Pickling Stage of Galvanizing Plants." Sustainability 13, no. 1: 407.
Solar energy has contributed significantly to the energy transition towards a low carbon society. Public offices – including universities – are being called to participate in the solar energy transition, as the availability of their rooftops represents an opportunity. The present study aimed at evaluating the economic feasibility of a photovoltaic (PV) plant at the University of L’Aquila, approximately 10 years after an earthquake devastated the region. The reconstruction process is ongoing, and a solar PV plant could potentially move the city in a sustainable direction. The development of sustainability models requires the economic verification of relevant projects and a complete list of indicators for decision-makers. The present work found that a 210 kW PV plant at the University of L’Aquila would reduce emissions by 184.9 t CO2eq/year and generate 1500 € profits for each kW installed; and a 115 kW PV plant would reduce emissions by 101.5 t CO2eq/year and generate profits of 1370 € for each kW installed. The analysis of alternative scenarios gave solidity to the results, confirming the pivotal role of the share of self-consumed energy. Level of insolation and plant size were also found to significantly influence economic performance. Finally, the adoption of a bonus to encourage the production and self-consumption of energy may increase investors’ attention towards environmental issues.
Idiano D’Adamo; Filippo de Monte; Francesco Ferella; Massimo Gastaldi. The case study of a photovoltaic plant located at the university of L’Aquila: An economic analysis. Journal of Cleaner Production 2020, 278, 123561 .
AMA StyleIdiano D’Adamo, Filippo de Monte, Francesco Ferella, Massimo Gastaldi. The case study of a photovoltaic plant located at the university of L’Aquila: An economic analysis. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2020; 278 ():123561.
Chicago/Turabian StyleIdiano D’Adamo; Filippo de Monte; Francesco Ferella; Massimo Gastaldi. 2020. "The case study of a photovoltaic plant located at the university of L’Aquila: An economic analysis." Journal of Cleaner Production 278, no. : 123561.
The paper reports on a possible way to recycle fluid catalytic cracking catalysts (FCCCs), widely used in oil refining operations. This research proposes a novel approach that leads to a near zero-waste process. The spent FCCC was leached by 1.5 mol/L of HNO3, HCl and H2SO4 solutions at 80°C, for 3 h with a solid to liquid ratio of 20 %wt/vol. The leaching yields for cerium and lanthanum were in the range 69-82 %. The solid residues from the leaching stage were used as base material for the synthesis of the zeolites by means of a combined thermal-hydrothermal treatment. The characterization of the zeolites demonstrated that the Na-A phase was predominant over the Na-X phase. The zeolites were tested as sorbent material for CO2 separation from CH4, in order to simulate the upgrading of biogas to biomethane. The maximum adsorption rate of CO2 was 0.778 mol CO2/kg of zeolite at 3 bar, with a resulting CH4 recovery of 62 % and purity of 97 %vol. The zeolites synthesized from spent FCCC represent a feasible solution to recover such industrial waste.
Francesco Ferella; Valentina Innocenzi; Nicold M. Ippolito; Ida De Michelis. Adsorption of CO2 by synthetic zeolites. E3S Web of Conferences 2020, 161, 1 .
AMA StyleFrancesco Ferella, Valentina Innocenzi, Nicold M. Ippolito, Ida De Michelis. Adsorption of CO2 by synthetic zeolites. E3S Web of Conferences. 2020; 161 ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesco Ferella; Valentina Innocenzi; Nicold M. Ippolito; Ida De Michelis. 2020. "Adsorption of CO2 by synthetic zeolites." E3S Web of Conferences 161, no. : 1.
The textile industry is a source of significant amounts of cellulosic waste that can be processed into promising sorbents. The aim of study was understanding the adsorption behavior of metal ions on cellulose surfaces obtained from cellulose textile waste of light industry. Previous studies have shown that unmodified cellulose-based ion exchange resins obtained at different pH values were able to remove metal ions from aqueous solution. In present work the cellulose-based ion exchange resins were prepared by H2SO4 hydrolysis of initial waste product with following neutralization up to different pH and drying at 80 °C. Based on the fractional composition of powdered sorbents, the weighted average particle size of the sorbents used is determined: sorbents with pH = 1.5 - 3 ≈ 0.57 mm; sorbents with pH = 5 - 7 ≈ 0.14 mm. The IR analysis of the elemental composition of the particles showed the presence of bound sulfate groups in the powder sorbent with pH = 1.5-3. The results of experiments showed that the modification of the surface of the cellulose waste with sulfuric acid increased the effect of adsorption of Ni, Fe and Pb ions from an aqueous solution. It has been established that the electrostatic interaction between surface functional groups plays a significant role in the adsorption properties of the sorbents obtained. The affinity of sulphonic acid resins for cations generally varies with the ionic size and charge of the cation. This study showed that adsorption capacities of studied metals were in the order of Fe3+
Inna N. Pugacheva; Andrei V. Karmanov; Svetlana B. Zueva; Ida De Michelis; Francesco Ferella; Francesco Vegliò; Larisa V. Molokanova. HEAVY METAL REMOVAL BY CELLULOSE-BASED TEXTILE WASTE PRODUCT. IZVESTIYA VYSSHIKH UCHEBNYKH ZAVEDENIY KHIMIYA KHIMICHESKAYA TEKHNOLOGIYA 2020, 63, 105 -110.
AMA StyleInna N. Pugacheva, Andrei V. Karmanov, Svetlana B. Zueva, Ida De Michelis, Francesco Ferella, Francesco Vegliò, Larisa V. Molokanova. HEAVY METAL REMOVAL BY CELLULOSE-BASED TEXTILE WASTE PRODUCT. IZVESTIYA VYSSHIKH UCHEBNYKH ZAVEDENIY KHIMIYA KHIMICHESKAYA TEKHNOLOGIYA. 2020; 63 (2):105-110.
Chicago/Turabian StyleInna N. Pugacheva; Andrei V. Karmanov; Svetlana B. Zueva; Ida De Michelis; Francesco Ferella; Francesco Vegliò; Larisa V. Molokanova. 2020. "HEAVY METAL REMOVAL BY CELLULOSE-BASED TEXTILE WASTE PRODUCT." IZVESTIYA VYSSHIKH UCHEBNYKH ZAVEDENIY KHIMIYA KHIMICHESKAYA TEKHNOLOGIYA 63, no. 2: 105-110.
This article describes the improvement of wastewater treatment in a fertilizer plant located in Central Italy (municipality of Vasto). In this facility, water is used for the removal of dust and fluorinated gases from the air. The resulting wastewater contains fluorides and phosphates in hazardous forms. Its treatment ordinarily does not result in a Zero-Liquid Discharge (ZLD) process. To achieve this purpose, several reagents were tested, focusing on the correlation linking pH, type of reagent and the effect on the separation of fluorides and phosphates from the wastewater. It was eventually found, and explained with a model, that hydrated lime at pH = 12 was so effective as a precipitating agent that phosphate and fluoride separation reached a value of 99.9%, thus allowing for reuse of the water in the plant process. Furthermore, phosphates and fluorides precipitated in a non-hazardous form, so that the material could also be recycled. In synthesis, wastewater treatment of the fertilizer plant was upgraded so that it became a ZLD process coupled with the recovery and recycling of fluorides and phosphates.
Svetlana B. Zueva; Francesco Ferella; Giuliana Taglieri; Ida De Michelis; Inna Pugacheva; Francesco Vegliò. Zero-Liquid Discharge Treatment of Wastewater from a Fertilizer Factory. Sustainability 2020, 12, 397 .
AMA StyleSvetlana B. Zueva, Francesco Ferella, Giuliana Taglieri, Ida De Michelis, Inna Pugacheva, Francesco Vegliò. Zero-Liquid Discharge Treatment of Wastewater from a Fertilizer Factory. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (1):397.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSvetlana B. Zueva; Francesco Ferella; Giuliana Taglieri; Ida De Michelis; Inna Pugacheva; Francesco Vegliò. 2020. "Zero-Liquid Discharge Treatment of Wastewater from a Fertilizer Factory." Sustainability 12, no. 1: 397.
Catalysts for selective catalytic reduction are widely used for the reduction of nitrogen oxides into gaseous nitrogen in many industrial applications. These catalysts usually contain titanium, tungsten, and vanadium. Due to the increasing demand, a new strategy for the management of end-of-life catalysts is urgent, in particular for the recovery of valuable metals and the reduction of the material disposed of. Titanium, tungsten, and vanadium shall be recovered and reused for the production of new catalysts or other products, to establish a circular economy approach. In this paper, a systematic review of the main strategies adopted for the management of spent catalysts was proposed and, in particular, an overview of the regeneration and rejuvenation techniques, the current processes for the recovery of such catalysts and the treatments patented. The present study found that among the recycling processes for the extraction of metals, those based on alkaline roasting and/or leaching are the most used: vanadium and tungsten are indeed water-soluble, so that can be easily separated from titania during the leaching stage. Instead, the acid leaching is not developed because of the downstream stages required to separate the three metals from each other. The recovery of the metals is currently negligible at full scale. For this reason, the recovery of titanium, tungsten, and vanadium with high extraction yields and grades shall be pursued in the future at a large scale, and the research shall be oriented towards this scope, whereas landfilling, that is still the main option in the management of this material, shall be penalized with a disposal fee.
Francesco Ferella. A review on management and recycling of spent selective catalytic reduction catalysts. Journal of Cleaner Production 2019, 246, 118990 .
AMA StyleFrancesco Ferella. A review on management and recycling of spent selective catalytic reduction catalysts. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2019; 246 ():118990.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesco Ferella. 2019. "A review on management and recycling of spent selective catalytic reduction catalysts." Journal of Cleaner Production 246, no. : 118990.
In this research, extraction and purification of molybdenum from a leach solution of molybdenite dissolution was performed. Cationic polyelectrolytes were used for the first time in this study for selective recovery of molybdenum. For this purpose, some water-soluble coagulants of KlarAid PC products were employed and the experimental results in terms of recovery percentages, optimum value of needed polyelectrolyte and their performance were investigated. In order to evaluate the extraction and purification process, the precipitated molybdenum compounds were studied by ICP-OES, XRD, FTIR, and SEM. The results showed that about 88% of molybdenum could be recovered in one step with a final estimated purity of 100%. Afterward, a relatively pure MoO3 product with a layered-structure was successfully synthesized by a simple heat treatment. Finally, the results showed that the proposed novel method, polyelectrolyte extraction (PX), could be an efficient alternative to other processes (i.e. ion exchange resins and solvent extraction) for selective recovery of metals from acid solution.
Hossein Shalchian; Francesco Ferella; Ionela Birloaga; Ida De Michelis; Francesco Vegliò. Recovery of molybdenum from leach solution using polyelectrolyte extraction. Hydrometallurgy 2019, 190, 105167 .
AMA StyleHossein Shalchian, Francesco Ferella, Ionela Birloaga, Ida De Michelis, Francesco Vegliò. Recovery of molybdenum from leach solution using polyelectrolyte extraction. Hydrometallurgy. 2019; 190 ():105167.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHossein Shalchian; Francesco Ferella; Ionela Birloaga; Ida De Michelis; Francesco Vegliò. 2019. "Recovery of molybdenum from leach solution using polyelectrolyte extraction." Hydrometallurgy 190, no. : 105167.
Tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) is widely used as a solvent in the semiconductor industry. After the photo-impression process, it is necessary to remove the photoresist (PR) layer from the surface of the circuits; for this purpose, a TMAH solution is usually used. This chemical compound is highly toxic and corrosive and cannot be discharged into the environment. This study was carried out in collaboration with LFoundry (SMIC group), in order to prove the feasibility of biodegradation under aerobic conditions, using microorganisms coming from the LFoundry’s wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) at different operating conditions. The feed composition was modified in order to add a small but increasing amount of TMAH and PR. The aim was to verify if the increase of TMAH concentration was harmful to bacteria. The feed stream, containing TMAH and PR, was the only carbon source for the metabolism of the aerobic microorganisms. The results of this study demonstrated an effective biological degradation of TMAH and showed a total removal efficiency of more than 99.3%, with a final concentration of 7 mg/L. Moreover, the kinetic parameters of the Monod model were also calculated. The results obtained from the experimental campaign were used to design a pilot plant that will treat around 25 L/h of waste TMAH/PR solution.
Francesco Ferella; Valentina Innocenzi; Svetlana Zueva; Valentina Corradini; Nicolò M. Ippolito; Ionela P. Birloaga; Ida De Michelis; Marina Prisciandaro; Francesco Vegliò. Aerobic Treatment of Waste Process Solutions from the Semiconductor Industry: From Lab to Pilot Scale. Sustainability 2019, 11, 3923 .
AMA StyleFrancesco Ferella, Valentina Innocenzi, Svetlana Zueva, Valentina Corradini, Nicolò M. Ippolito, Ionela P. Birloaga, Ida De Michelis, Marina Prisciandaro, Francesco Vegliò. Aerobic Treatment of Waste Process Solutions from the Semiconductor Industry: From Lab to Pilot Scale. Sustainability. 2019; 11 (14):3923.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesco Ferella; Valentina Innocenzi; Svetlana Zueva; Valentina Corradini; Nicolò M. Ippolito; Ionela P. Birloaga; Ida De Michelis; Marina Prisciandaro; Francesco Vegliò. 2019. "Aerobic Treatment of Waste Process Solutions from the Semiconductor Industry: From Lab to Pilot Scale." Sustainability 11, no. 14: 3923.
In modern society, use of natural resources poses a great challenge. However, the circular economy paradigm has defined a new concept of waste, proposing it as a business opportunity. Of particular interest in this paradigm is ‘waste electrical and electronic equipment’ (WEEE), given its high growth rate, and ‘wasted printed circuit boards’ (WPCBs), which are the most valuable component of WEEE. Although WPCB recycling is currently dominated by large firms, the present work evaluates the economic feasibility of hydrometallurgical processes, as used within small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Discounted cash flow (DCF) is used as a reference methodology and net present value (NPV) is used as an economic performance index. The analysis is conducted on three categories of WPCBs (low-, medium- and high-grade) and 15 categories of e-waste. The results underline the key role played by the market price of Au and Pd, plus the purchase cost of WPCBs. Accordingly, sensitivity, scenario and risk analyses are conducted on these variables and a break-even point (BEP) analysis is used to define the exact values for which economic feasibility is verified. NPV is shown to vary from 6.8 million € for medium-grade WPCBs to 63.0 million € for high-grade WPCBs in a baseline scenario, with a negative (unprofitable) result (NPV of -2.8 million €) for low-grade WPCBs.
Idiano D’Adamo; Francesco Ferella; Massimo Gastaldi; Fabio Maggiore; Paolo Rosa; Sergio Terzi. Towards sustainable recycling processes: Wasted printed circuit boards as a source of economic opportunities. Resources, Conservation and Recycling 2019, 149, 455 -467.
AMA StyleIdiano D’Adamo, Francesco Ferella, Massimo Gastaldi, Fabio Maggiore, Paolo Rosa, Sergio Terzi. Towards sustainable recycling processes: Wasted printed circuit boards as a source of economic opportunities. Resources, Conservation and Recycling. 2019; 149 ():455-467.
Chicago/Turabian StyleIdiano D’Adamo; Francesco Ferella; Massimo Gastaldi; Fabio Maggiore; Paolo Rosa; Sergio Terzi. 2019. "Towards sustainable recycling processes: Wasted printed circuit boards as a source of economic opportunities." Resources, Conservation and Recycling 149, no. : 455-467.
The transport sector has a low penetration of renewable energy, and this presents a serious obstacle to tackling climate change. Biomethane is seen as a decarbonisation solution, but only some European countries have pursued its development. Italy is one of these countries, having released a decree to stimulate development of the sector. The present work considers two typologies of substrate (the organic fraction of municipal solid waste and by-products) used in three sizes of plants (125 m3/h, 250 m3/h and 500 m3/h). A detailed socio-economic analysis is presented and policy implications are provided. The recovery of waste enables the creation of a circular economy, but the economic feasibility of such a model is verified in only some scenarios. A sensitivity analysis on the critical variables is conducted to support investment in this area. The use of green gas is found to be capable of significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector, but the economic value of any environmental externality is low due to the value of carbon dioxide.
Idiano D'Adamo; Pasquale Marcello Falcone; Francesco Ferella. A socio-economic analysis of biomethane in the transport sector: The case of Italy. Waste Management 2019, 95, 102 -115.
AMA StyleIdiano D'Adamo, Pasquale Marcello Falcone, Francesco Ferella. A socio-economic analysis of biomethane in the transport sector: The case of Italy. Waste Management. 2019; 95 ():102-115.
Chicago/Turabian StyleIdiano D'Adamo; Pasquale Marcello Falcone; Francesco Ferella. 2019. "A socio-economic analysis of biomethane in the transport sector: The case of Italy." Waste Management 95, no. : 102-115.
The management of Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is always asking for innovative solutions. However, in order to make this business interesting for companies, more information is needed, especially economic data. To this aim, this work discusses the recycling of wasted Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs), both in technical and economic terms. In addition, a sensitivity analysis has been implemented to justify the soundness of the results and the effect of instability on some critical variables. Results demonstrated as spent LCDs are an interesting field in which to develop circular practices. The economic analysis defines that the recycling of wasted LCDs are profitable in the baseline scenario (134 thousand €) and this is determined mainly by both back cover and valuable PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards). Additionally, the project is not economically feasible without a disposal fee (-1.7 million €).
Idiano D'Adamo; Francesco Ferella; Paolo Rosa. Wasted liquid crystal displays as a source of value for e-waste treatment centers: a techno-economic analysis. Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry 2019, 19, 37 -44.
AMA StyleIdiano D'Adamo, Francesco Ferella, Paolo Rosa. Wasted liquid crystal displays as a source of value for e-waste treatment centers: a techno-economic analysis. Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry. 2019; 19 ():37-44.
Chicago/Turabian StyleIdiano D'Adamo; Francesco Ferella; Paolo Rosa. 2019. "Wasted liquid crystal displays as a source of value for e-waste treatment centers: a techno-economic analysis." Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry 19, no. : 37-44.
The present paper describes the experimental tests for the recycling of fluid catalytic cracking catalysts (FCCCs). The process aims at the recovery of cerium (Ce) and lanthanum (La) as well as the reuse of the leaching solid residue that represents the actual problem in terms of global amount landfilled every year. Landfilling is still the main choice for the handling of such catalysts. This novel process proposes an alternative recycling approach that leads to the production of synthetic zeolites, that have several industrial applications. FCCC was leached by 1.5 mol/L of HNO3, HCl and H2SO4 solutions at 80 °C, for 2 h with a solid to liquid ratio of 20 %wt, and the two rare earth elements were recovered by precipitation with an overall yield in the range 70–80%. The solid residues from the leaching stage were used as the base material for the synthesis of the zeolites by means of a combined thermal-hydrothermal treatment. The characterization of the zeolites demonstrated that the Na-A phase was predominant over the Na-X phase. The zeolites were tested as sorbent material for CO2 separation from CH4, in order to simulate the upgrading of biogas to biomethane. The maximum adsorption rate of CO2 was 0.778 mol CO2/kg of zeolite at 3 bar, with a resulting CH4 recovery of 62% and 97 %vol as purity. Since the results in adsorption of CO2 were not satisfying, the same zeolites were used to remove heavy metals from a synthetic wastewater solution containing three metals. Equilibrium and kinetic models were also developed in order to describe the adsorption process. The maximum adsorption load was calculated by the Langmuir isotherm and resulted to be 24–32 mg/g for Ni, 52–60 mg/g for Zn and 122–181 mg/g for Cu. The results also showed that the kinetics of the adsorption process is almost fast, as after 1 h at least 95% of zinc and copper were removed, whereas the kinetics of nickel was slower for all the three zeolites. As a conclusion, the zeolites are more efficient in metal adsorption than CO2 capture, but other applications will be tested in the future.
Francesco Ferella; Simona Leone; Valentina Innocenzi; Ida De Michelis; Giuliana Taglieri; Katia Gallucci. Synthesis of zeolites from spent fluid catalytic cracking catalyst. Journal of Cleaner Production 2019, 230, 910 -926.
AMA StyleFrancesco Ferella, Simona Leone, Valentina Innocenzi, Ida De Michelis, Giuliana Taglieri, Katia Gallucci. Synthesis of zeolites from spent fluid catalytic cracking catalyst. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2019; 230 ():910-926.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesco Ferella; Simona Leone; Valentina Innocenzi; Ida De Michelis; Giuliana Taglieri; Katia Gallucci. 2019. "Synthesis of zeolites from spent fluid catalytic cracking catalyst." Journal of Cleaner Production 230, no. : 910-926.
The study of the activity of a series of heterogeneous cis-dioxomolybdenum(VI) based catalyst precursors for the hydrogen peroxide promoted oxidation of benzothiophene, 2- and 3-methylbenzothiophene, dibenzothiophene and 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene, has been carried out. The last, chosen as model substrates of the common sulfurated derivatives of fuels, have been oxidized in the presence of selected imidazolium based ionic liquids, under extractive oxidative desulfurization conditions. The reactivity of sulfur-containing compounds toward the oxidation to their corresponding sulfones has been evaluated, firstly, for each type of substrate alone, and then applying the optimized procedure to a system formed by all sulfurated substrates. Our aim was to mimic the oxidation of a model diesel oil, under either thermal or microwave assisted heating. Cis-dioxomolybdenum (VI) compounds behaved as very active and stable catalytic systems retaining, in one selected case, the original activity at least for three cycles. Imidazolium ionic liquids played a dual fundamental role not only as extractant and reaction medium but also as stabilizing system for both the oxidant and the catalytic agents. Under optimized microwave-assisted conditions, the quantitative elimination of sulfurated substrates from the model diesel oil, was obtained after only 1 h or 2 h, when [BMIM]OTf or [BMIM]BF4 and [OMIM]BF4, respectively, have been used as ionic liquids.
Francesco Ferella; Lorenzo Biancalana; Fabio Marchetti; Marcello Crucianelli. Oxidative desulfurization of benzothiophene derivatives with cis-dioxomolybdenum(VI) catalyst precursors, under extractive conditions. Catalysis Today 2019, 357, 646 -654.
AMA StyleFrancesco Ferella, Lorenzo Biancalana, Fabio Marchetti, Marcello Crucianelli. Oxidative desulfurization of benzothiophene derivatives with cis-dioxomolybdenum(VI) catalyst precursors, under extractive conditions. Catalysis Today. 2019; 357 ():646-654.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesco Ferella; Lorenzo Biancalana; Fabio Marchetti; Marcello Crucianelli. 2019. "Oxidative desulfurization of benzothiophene derivatives with cis-dioxomolybdenum(VI) catalyst precursors, under extractive conditions." Catalysis Today 357, no. : 646-654.
The rare earth elements (REEs) were classified as critical raw materials for Europe for their economic relevance and the supply risk. Currently, most of REE production is concentrated in the Chinese area and it is used for the production of many technologies including: fluorescent lamps, fluid catalytic cracking catalysts and permanent magnets. At the end of their life, these products can cause management problems, mainly due to the hazardous component presence. Nevertheless, this critical issue is combined with the significant content of REEs, which makes them a potential resource of secondary raw materials. In this regard, the literature reports many processes for the waste exploitation, but the effective sustainability is often neglected. In this context, the present paper took into account three processes, one for each mentioned waste, to assess both the environmental and the economic aspects. The obtained results were allocated on the basis of metals market price proving an advantage for most of the elements, compared to the primary production. Following the paper evaluation, the fulfillment of the circular economy approach could reduce up to 200 times the impact in the climate change category and up to 70 times the cost due to the REE mining.
A. Amato; A. Becci; Ionela Birloaga; I. De Michelis; Francesco Ferella; V. Innocenzi; N.M. Ippolito; Carmen Pilar Jiménez-Gómez; F. Vegliò; F. Beolchini. Sustainability analysis of innovative technologies for the rare earth elements recovery. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 2019, 106, 41 -53.
AMA StyleA. Amato, A. Becci, Ionela Birloaga, I. De Michelis, Francesco Ferella, V. Innocenzi, N.M. Ippolito, Carmen Pilar Jiménez-Gómez, F. Vegliò, F. Beolchini. Sustainability analysis of innovative technologies for the rare earth elements recovery. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. 2019; 106 ():41-53.
Chicago/Turabian StyleA. Amato; A. Becci; Ionela Birloaga; I. De Michelis; Francesco Ferella; V. Innocenzi; N.M. Ippolito; Carmen Pilar Jiménez-Gómez; F. Vegliò; F. Beolchini. 2019. "Sustainability analysis of innovative technologies for the rare earth elements recovery." Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 106, no. : 41-53.
Francesco Ferella; Federica Cucchiella; Idiano D'Adamo; Katia Gallucci. A techno-economic assessment of biogas upgrading in a developed market. Journal of Cleaner Production 2019, 210, 945 -957.
AMA StyleFrancesco Ferella, Federica Cucchiella, Idiano D'Adamo, Katia Gallucci. A techno-economic assessment of biogas upgrading in a developed market. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2019; 210 ():945-957.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesco Ferella; Federica Cucchiella; Idiano D'Adamo; Katia Gallucci. 2019. "A techno-economic assessment of biogas upgrading in a developed market." Journal of Cleaner Production 210, no. : 945-957.
Every year the oil refining industry consumes thousand tons of fluid catalytic cracking zeolite from the E-cat generated in the fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) unit. In the present paper, a new process for recycling of fluid catalytic cracking catalysts (FCCCs) is presented. The process, previously tested at laboratory scale, was simulated by SuperPro Designer catalysts (FCCCs, also known as equilibrium catalysts, E-cat), which are mainly landfilled. Their intrinsic value is quite low and the content of rare earth elements (REEs), as lanthanum and cerium oxides, is around 3%wt. Moreover, their reuse in other industrial processes as raw material is very scarce. For each metric ton of spent FCCC treated for recovery of REEs, nearly the same amount of waste is generated from the process, the majority of which is represented by the solid residue resulting from the leaching stage. The manuscript presents a technological study and an economic analysis for the recovery of REEs, as well as the production of synthetic © software package. The plant was designed for a capacity of 4000 metric tons per year. The discounted cash flow (DCF) method was applied and Net Present Value (NPV) equal to about two-million € and Discounted Payback Time (DPBT) equal to two years defined the profitability of the process for recycling of FCCCs. This result depends on the selling price of zeolite. Consequently, a break-even point (BEP) analysis was conducted on this critical variable and the condition of economic feasibility was verified with a price of 1070 €/ton. This study tried to implement recycling strategies towards circular economy models.
Francesco Ferella; Idiano D’Adamo; Simona Leone; Valentina Innocenzi; Ida De Michelis; Francesco Vegliò. Spent FCC E-Cat: Towards a Circular Approach in the Oil Refining Industry. Sustainability 2018, 11, 113 .
AMA StyleFrancesco Ferella, Idiano D’Adamo, Simona Leone, Valentina Innocenzi, Ida De Michelis, Francesco Vegliò. Spent FCC E-Cat: Towards a Circular Approach in the Oil Refining Industry. Sustainability. 2018; 11 (1):113.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesco Ferella; Idiano D’Adamo; Simona Leone; Valentina Innocenzi; Ida De Michelis; Francesco Vegliò. 2018. "Spent FCC E-Cat: Towards a Circular Approach in the Oil Refining Industry." Sustainability 11, no. 1: 113.
The present paper deals with an innovative scrubber (air pollution abatement) used to remove particulate matter and other pollutants from air. Air pollution abatement scrubbers were placed in different urban areas and in industrial production sites. In particular, the results obtained in one fiberglass production facility showed a reduction in particulate matter of 46.3–99.9% in the size range 0.50–0.00 µm throughout the experimentation period. The aqueous solutions coming from the scrubbers, placed in different sites, were collected, analyzed and treated in order to regenerate the water and make it available for the periodic refilling of the scrubber’s tanks. Coagulation, precipitation, carbon adsorption and Fenton processes were applied in order to design a suitable integrated process able to treat all the samples coming from the scrubbers. The reduction in total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, phenols and chemical oxygen demand was higher than 85% by the Fenton process, demonstrating that water is completely recoverable and reusable. Alternatively, the treated water can be discharged into a surface water body. Based on the results from the experimental campaign, a mobile plant was designed in order to treat such wastewater. Depending on the physicochemical parameters of the wastewater, specific treatments can be chosen and carried out by such mobile plant.
F. Ferella; S. Zueva; V. Innocenzi; A. Di Renzo; A. Avveduto; L. Pace; P. Tripodi; F. Vegliò. New scrubber for air purification: abatement of particulate matter and treatment of the resulting wastewater. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology 2018, 16, 1677 -1690.
AMA StyleF. Ferella, S. Zueva, V. Innocenzi, A. Di Renzo, A. Avveduto, L. Pace, P. Tripodi, F. Vegliò. New scrubber for air purification: abatement of particulate matter and treatment of the resulting wastewater. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology. 2018; 16 (3):1677-1690.
Chicago/Turabian StyleF. Ferella; S. Zueva; V. Innocenzi; A. Di Renzo; A. Avveduto; L. Pace; P. Tripodi; F. Vegliò. 2018. "New scrubber for air purification: abatement of particulate matter and treatment of the resulting wastewater." International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology 16, no. 3: 1677-1690.
The present paper deals with the optimization of an industrial plant that treats waste solutions coming from different manufacturing processes. In particular, an extensive experimental work was carried out to understand whether some streams could be diverted from the distillation column in order to recover solvents, suitable as secondary fuel. Experimental tests, including four full factorial designs, optimized the consumption of reagents in the Fenton process: the specific consumptions were 0.65 g L−1 of H2O2 and 0.42 g L−1 of FeSO4·7H2O, when treating the evaporated fractions from multiple-effect evaporator, concentrator and dryer, diverted from the distillation column. The application of the Fenton process increased the abatement of the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and the oxygen uptake rate (OUR). The optimization of the feed entering the distillation column led to a water content lower than 5%vol in the distilled fraction: hence, such solvents could be used as additional fuel in a dual-fuel boiler. The economic analysis showed that it could be possible to save around 420,000 € y−1.
Francesco Ferella. Optimization of a plant for treatment of industrial waste solutions: Experimental and process analysis. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering 2018, 6, 377 -385.
AMA StyleFrancesco Ferella. Optimization of a plant for treatment of industrial waste solutions: Experimental and process analysis. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering. 2018; 6 (1):377-385.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesco Ferella. 2018. "Optimization of a plant for treatment of industrial waste solutions: Experimental and process analysis." Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering 6, no. 1: 377-385.
Exposure to atmospheric pollution is a major concern for urban populations. Currently, no effective strategy has been adopted to tackle the problem. The paper presents the Smart Clean Air City project, a pilot experiment concerning the improvement in urban air quality. Small wet scrubber systems will be operating in a network configuration in suitable urban areas of L’Aquila city (Italy). The purpose of this work is to describe the project and show the preliminary results obtained in the characterization of two urban sites before the remediation test; the main operating principles of the wet scrubber system will be discussed, as well as the design of the mobile treatment plant for the processing of wastewater resulting from scrubber operation. Measurements of particle size distributions in the range of 0.30–25 µm took place in the two sites of interest, an urban background and a traffic area in the city of L’Aquila. The mean number concentration detected was 2.4 × 107 and 4.5 × 107 particles/m3, respectively. Finally, theoretical assessments, performed by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) codes, will show the effects of the wet scrubber operation on air pollutants under different environmental conditions and in several urban usage patterns.
Alessandro Avveduto; Francesco Ferella; Marina De Giovanni; Valentina Innocenzi; Lorenzo Pace; Paolo Tripodi. L’Aquila Smart Clean Air City: The Italian Pilot Project for Healthy Urban Air. Environments 2017, 4, 78 .
AMA StyleAlessandro Avveduto, Francesco Ferella, Marina De Giovanni, Valentina Innocenzi, Lorenzo Pace, Paolo Tripodi. L’Aquila Smart Clean Air City: The Italian Pilot Project for Healthy Urban Air. Environments. 2017; 4 (4):78.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlessandro Avveduto; Francesco Ferella; Marina De Giovanni; Valentina Innocenzi; Lorenzo Pace; Paolo Tripodi. 2017. "L’Aquila Smart Clean Air City: The Italian Pilot Project for Healthy Urban Air." Environments 4, no. 4: 78.