The adsorption routes of 4IR technologies for effective desulphurization using cellulose nanocrystals: Current trends, challenges, and future perspectives

• Published in: Heliyon 2024-01, Vol.10 (2), p.e24732, Article e24732
• Main Authors: Olawuni, Oluwagbenga A., Sadare, Olawumi O., Moothi, Kapil
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adsorptive desulphurization; Artificial intelligence; Environmental sustainability; Green isolation; Nanocellulose crystal
• ISSN: 2405-8440; 2405-8440
• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24732

The combustion of liquid fuels as energy sources for transportation and power generation has necessitated governments worldwide to direct petroleum refineries to produce sulphur-free fuels for environmental sustainability. This review highlights the novel application of artificial intelligence for optimizing and predicting adsorptive desulphurization operating parameters and green isolation conditions of nanocellulose crystals from lignocellulosic biomass waste. The shortcomings of the traditional modelling and optimization techniques are stated, and artificial intelligence's role in overcoming them is broadly discussed. Also, the relationship between nanotechnology and artificial intelligence and the future perspectives of fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technologies for optimization and modelling of the adsorptive desulphurization process are elaborately discussed. The current study surveys different adsorbents used in adsorptive desulphurization and how biomass-based nanocellulose crystals (green adsorbents) are suitable alternatives for achieving cleaner fuels and environmental sustainability. Likewise, the present study reports the challenges and potential solutions to fully implementing 4IR technologies for effective desulphurization of liquid fuels in petroleum refineries. Hence, this study provides insightful information to benefit a broad audience in waste valorization for sustainability, environmental protection, and clean energy generation. •Adsorptive desulphurization of liquid fuels to promote environmental sustainability.•4IR technologies application to improve the desulphurization processes.•Valorization of biomass waste to generate value-added products.•Green synthesis strategies of nanocellulose crystal from waste biomass.•Nanotechnology and artificial intelligence to boost the production of cleaner fuels.