Biofuels, Chemicals, and Energy Stories
Improving Alternative Energy Products
Global interest in pelletized pine as an energy source is growing, and U.S. exports of wood pellets are increasing each year. Partnering with Drax, a U.K.-based renewable energy company, sustainable bioproducts associate professor Dr. Jason Street is working to develop a cost-effective, reliable product that is sturdier in transport and burns cleaner than current products. To decrease the off-gassing from burning, Street and his team tested alternative additives in the pelletizing process in the laboratory. The additives tested, such as bio-char, bio-oil, sweet potato, and vegetable oil, had the added bonus of being recycled waste products. They were also able to reproduce a mill setting at the MSU Pace Seed Lab's industrial-sized mill.
The team had to closely analyze many variables that affect the outcomes, such as the additives used, the moisture content of the pellets, and the pressure and heat applied to the pellets. After three years, the project is beginning to yield positive results. The researchers have found ways to make a better, stronger pellet that burns cleaner and costs less.
2021
Water and Oil
Dr. El Barbary Hassan, a professor at Mississippi State, is collaborating with Mohamed El-Sakhawy from Egypt on a study to convert agricultural waste into renewable biofuels and wastewater treatment adsorbents. Funded by the U.S. Egypt Science and Technology Joint Fund, the study uses rice straw—abundant in both the U.S. and Egypt—to create bio-oil and biochar through pyrolysis. The U.S. team is focused on developing renewable biofuels, while the Egyptian team works on creating low-cost adsorbents for wastewater treatment. This project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural waste, while producing valuable products for renewable energy and environmental management.
2023
Green is the New Black
Dr. Jilei Zhang, a scientist at Mississippi State University, is researching the production of lignin-based graphene, a sustainable alternative to traditional graphite. Lignin, a byproduct from paper mills, is typically burned for energy, but Zhang's work explores turning it into bio-graphene oxide, which could have high-value applications. His team has successfully patented methods for producing graphene from lignin, with potential uses in concrete, batteries, and water treatment. Despite challenges in scaling production, Zhang is optimistic about its commercial potential, securing funding to continue research and development, particularly in strengthening concrete and removing heavy metals from water.