Dr. Titus Chinedu Egbosiuba Discovers Nickel Nanoparticle Catalyzed Enhancement for Biochar and Bio-oil Production

Dr. Titus Chinedu Egbosiuba, a senior lecturer and founder of the Nanomaterials Research Group at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli Anambra, Nigeria, has made significant strides in developing engineering materials through nanotechnology. His recent research focuses on green techniques for synthesizing engineering materials to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) like affordable clean energy and environmental sustainability.

In his latest work, Dr. Egbosiuba produced nickel nanoparticles using leaf extracts to reduce nickel salts to zerovalent nickel. This was then used to catalyze the pyrolysis of agricultural wastes into biochar and bio-oil. The products demonstrated thermal stability, optimal fuel properties, high carbon content, and high heating value (HHV). The improved kinematic viscosity, density, and heating rate were also established, contributing to the global adoption of green methods for converting waste into biofuel materials.

Dr. Egbosiuba expressed his satisfaction that his research is gaining global attention and being utilized by chemical industry stakeholders to convert waste materials into biofuels. He emphasized that the goal of reputable researchers is to enhance and sustain the knowledge base through developing and improving novel materials for industrial commercialization.