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Evaluation of Distillery Fractions in Direct Methanol Fuel Cells and Screening of Reaction Products

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  • Giuseppe Montevecchi

    (Department of Life Sciences (Agro-Food Science Area), BIOGEST—SITEIA Interdepartmental Centre, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Piazzale Europa 1A, 42124 Reggio Emilia, Italy)

  • Maria Cannio

    (Department of Engineering “Enzo Ferrari”, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Vivarelli 10, 41125 Modena, Italy
    Resoh Solutions SRL, Via Pietro Guardini 476/N, 41124 Modena, Italy)

  • Umberto Cancelli

    (Department of Life Sciences (Agro-Food Science Area), BIOGEST—SITEIA Interdepartmental Centre, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Piazzale Europa 1A, 42124 Reggio Emilia, Italy
    Department of Food and Drug Sciences, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27A, 43100 Parma, Italy)

  • Andrea Antonelli

    (Department of Life Sciences (Agro-Food Science Area), BIOGEST—SITEIA Interdepartmental Centre, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Piazzale Europa 1A, 42124 Reggio Emilia, Italy)

  • Marcello Romagnoli

    (Department of Engineering “Enzo Ferrari”, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Vivarelli 10, 41125 Modena, Italy)

Abstract

Fuel cells represent an appealing avenue for harnessing eco-friendly energy. While their fuel supply traditionally stems from water electrolysis, an environmentally conscious approach also involves utilizing low-weight alcohols like methanol and ethanol. These alcohols, concentrated from sustainable sources within the enological by-product distillation process, offer a noteworthy contribution to the circular economy. This study delved into evaluating the efficacy of distillery fractions in powering methanol fuel cells. Beyond their energy-generation potential, the performed GC-MS analysis unveiled appreciable quantities of acetic acid resulting from the partial oxidation of ethanol. This revelation opens the door to intriguing possibilities, including the recovery and repurposing of novel compounds such as short-chain fatty acids (predominantly acetic acid), ketones, and aldehydes—establishing a link between sustainable energy production and the emergence of valuable by-product applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Giuseppe Montevecchi & Maria Cannio & Umberto Cancelli & Andrea Antonelli & Marcello Romagnoli, 2024. "Evaluation of Distillery Fractions in Direct Methanol Fuel Cells and Screening of Reaction Products," Clean Technol., MDPI, vol. 6(2), pages 1-15, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jcltec:v:6:y:2024:i:2:p:27-527:d:1380085
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sánchez-Monreal, Juan & García-Salaberri, Pablo A. & Vera, Marcos, 2019. "A mathematical model for direct ethanol fuel cells based on detailed ethanol electro-oxidation kinetics," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 251(C), pages 1-1.
    2. Dias, Marina O.S. & Modesto, Marcelo & Ensinas, Adriano V. & Nebra, Silvia A. & Filho, Rubens Maciel & Rossell, Carlos E.V., 2011. "Improving bioethanol production from sugarcane: evaluation of distillation, thermal integration and cogeneration systems," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(6), pages 3691-3703.
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