Fischer-Tropsch synthesis over lignin-derived cobalt-containing porous carbon fiber catalysts

Cobalt-containing lignin-based fibers were synthesized in one step by electrospinning of Alcell lignin solutions as carbon precursor, a low-cost and renewable co-product of the paper making industry. The lignin fibers were thermostabilized in air to avoid the fusion during the carbonization process between 500 and 800 °C to obtain cobalt...

Evaluation of MODIS-derived estimates of the albedo over the Atacama Desert using ground-based spectral measurements

Surface albedo is an important forcing parameter that drives the radiative energy budget as it determines the fraction of the downwelling solar irradiance that the surface reflects. Here we report on ground-based measurements of the spectral albedo (350–2200 nm) carried out at 20 sites across a North–South transect of approximately 1300 km in...

Carbon/H-ZSM-5 composites as supports for bi-functional Fischer-Tropsch synthesis catalysts

Mesoporous H-ZSM-5-carbon composites, prepared via tetrapropylammonium hydroxide (TPAOH) post treatment of H-ZSM-5 followed by deposition of pyrolytic carbon, have been used as the support for the preparation of Co-based Fischer-Tropsch catalysts. The resulting catalysts display an improved performance during Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS),...

Carbon/H-ZSM-5 composites as supports for bi-functional Fischer-Tropsch synthesis catalysts

Mesoporous H-ZSM-5–carbon composites, prepared via tetrapropylammonium hydroxide (TPAOH) post treatment of H-ZSM-5 followed by deposition of pyrolytic carbon, have been used as the support for the preparation of Co-based Fischer–Tropsch catalysts. The resulting catalysts display an improved performance during Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS),...

Challenges in microbial ecology: Building predictive understanding of community function and dynamics

The importance of microbial communities (MCs) cannot be overstated. MCs underpin the biogeochemical cycles of the earth's soil, oceans and the atmosphere, and perform ecosystem functions that impact plants, animals and humans. Yet our ability to predict and manage the function of these highly complex, dynamically changing communities is...

Flexible framework for the development of versatile MAV systems for multi-disciplinary applications

MAV (Micro Aerial Vehicle) systems have proven useful in multiple applications (e.g. aerial photogrammetry, aerial inspections,...). For each application different sensors and even different airframes are often needed. Having a flexible UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) devices (specifically an autopilot, a payload manager and a ground control...