Next Sustainability最新文献

{"title":"Electrochemical urea degradation and energy co-generation using palladium and iron-based catalysts","authors":"Nivaldo G. Pereira Filho,&nbsp;Victoria A. Maia,&nbsp;Rodrigo F.B. de Souza,&nbsp;Almir O. Neto","doi":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100102","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100102","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cyclic voltammetry and in-situ ATR-FTIR spectroscopy experiments revealed that urea oxidation occurs through both faradaic direct and indirect mechanisms. The Pd/C electrocatalyst facilitated the formation of formate and NO_x species, while Fe/C predominantly promoted formate formation via an indirect pathway, attributed to the high activity of iron in water activation. Polarization and power density curves indicated that both electrocatalysts degraded urea with simultaneous energy co-generation, showing comparable activity. Pd/C achieved a power density of 1.3 mW cm⁻², while Fe/C reached 1.1 mW cm⁻². Although Pd/C demonstrated advantages in reaction kinetics, the significantly lower cost of iron positions Fe/C as a promising alternative for practical applications, particularly in direct urea-fed fuel cell reactors. Additionally, Fe/C exhibited 50 % higher urea consumption near the open circuit potential compared to Pd/C, highlighting its potential for the development of more cost-effective and efficient fuel cell designs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100960,"journal":{"name":"Next Sustainability","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100102"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143162225","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Drought and flood risk mapping using a GIS-based multi-criteria decision method: A case of the Olifants Basin, South Africa","authors":"Luxon Nhamo ,&nbsp;James Magidi ,&nbsp;Sylvester Mpandeli ,&nbsp;Onisimo Mutanga ,&nbsp;Stanley Liphadzi ,&nbsp;Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi","doi":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100100","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100100","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Droughts and floods are climate extremes of the same hydrological cycle that need to be studied concurrently. In this age of increasing climate risks and uncertainty, droughts and floods have become the most impactful extreme climate events accounting for about 80 % of loss of human life and 70 % of economic losses in sub-Saharan Africa alone. However, research has tended to study the two climate extremes in isolation. In this study, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a Multi-criteria Decision Method (MCDM), together with Geographic Information System (GIS) and geostatistical techniques were used to simultaneously detect and assess drought and flood risks in the Olifants River Basin in South Africa. The drought and flood risk maps were delineated and overlaid on the smallest water management units to identify sub-basins at risk of either drought or flooding. Results indicate that low-lying areas are at risk of floods but can resist drought conditions for long periods as water accumulation allows the soils to retain water for prolonged periods. Whereas high-altitude areas quickly show drought stress as the shallow soils on steep slopes are incapable of retaining water for longer periods but are generally at low risk of floods. The mapped drought and flood risk areas agree with historical and topographic data, and satellite-derived indices related to drought and floods. Understanding the close interactions between drought and floods informs inclusive and holistic strategic policy decisions on disaster risk reduction by enhancing preparedness and proactive interventions to these weather extremes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100960,"journal":{"name":"Next Sustainability","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100100"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143162671","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Scalable recycling and characterization of end-of-life solid oxide cell ceramic component materials","authors":"Gudaysew Tsegaye Yenesew,&nbsp;Clément Nicollet,&nbsp;Eric Quarez,&nbsp;Annie Le Gal La Salle,&nbsp;Olivier Joubert","doi":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100110","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100110","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>By recycling solid oxide cells (SOCs) end-life materials, the environmental impact can be reduced, and the materials' closed-loop life cycle can help preserve natural resources and create a sustainable and circular system. This study presents a technique for recovering NiO, La_xSr_1-xCoO₃ (LSC) and Zr_1-xY_xO_2-x/2 (YSZ) components from SOC end-of-life products. First, the entire cell components, including the electrolyte, fuel and air electrodes were crushed, ball-milled, and leached with nitric acid. Following the maximum dissolution of cations, centrifugation was used to remove the non-leached YSZ as a sediment. The leached solution, which is rich in nickel, cobalt, strontium, and lanthanum ions was treated with dimethylglyoxime (C₄H₈N₂O₂ DMG) and Ni is preferentially precipitated as C₈H₁₄N₄NiO₄. LSC is then recovered from thermal treatment of solution leftover from C₈H₁₄N₄NiO₄ centrifugation and filtration. About 90 wt% of the ceramic components were successfully recovered. The compositions of recovered materials show a commercial-grade purity i.e about 99 at% for NiO, 96 at% for LSC and 97 at% for YSZ.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100960,"journal":{"name":"Next Sustainability","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100110"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143163267","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Disruptive technologies that deliver a circular economy for plastics","authors":"Katherine E.S. Locock ,&nbsp;Andrew Terhorst ,&nbsp;Sarah King ,&nbsp;Kymberley R. Scroggie","doi":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100098","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100098","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Plastics are ubiquitous and integral to modern life with global production doubling in the next 20 years. Only minimal amounts, however, are reused or recycled with the common methods of dealing with plastic waste i.e., incineration and landfill, and leaking into the environment (pollution) all resulting in a loss of plastic from the economy. A circular economy for plastics reduces plastic pollution and climate effects and provides social and economic benefits. This article reviews the patent landscape and identifies disruptive technologies that contribute to a circular economy for plastics. Using a collaboration between subject matter experts and ChatGPT, we identified five distinct disruptive technology categories and associated keywords that support a circular economy: bioplastics, chemical recycling, synthetic biology, traceable plastics and waste separation. Using the associated keywords, we categorised patents from 2018 to 2022 into these disruptive technologies to assess current trends. The patent landscape was challenging to navigate due to the deliberately broad language used to construct patents, leading to many irrelevant patents being categorised. Low technology readiness levels of some patents examined also limits the current disruptiveness of these technologies. Adequate financial funding and economic incentives were the most evident barriers to disruptive technology maturity and uptake.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100960,"journal":{"name":"Next Sustainability","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100098"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143163061","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An exergy-based analysis for the synthesis of aromatics from biomass","authors":"Mohammed Usman ,&nbsp;Joseph Akintola ,&nbsp;Gabriel Umoh ,&nbsp;Joseph Akpan ,&nbsp;Ekpotu Wilson ,&nbsp;Queen Moses ,&nbsp;Philemon Udom ,&nbsp;Edose Osagie","doi":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100109","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100109","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The chemical process industry has been facing rising energy costs, increasing competition due to rapid globalization, and more stringent government regulations amid growing public concern for the environment, health, and safety. In response to these challenges and considering the industry's capital-intensive nature, ongoing optimization through redesigning existing production plants has become a key strategy. This study designs and analyses a typical process plant with two routes for synthesizing aromatics from methanol and pentane. Process route 1 involves co-feeding, while process route 2 incorporates recycling and producing pentane. For methanol synthesis, cellulose (biomass) is used as the initial raw material, leading to the synthesis of aromatics through a reaction with pentanes. Exergy, exergo-economic, and pinch analyses are performed on both process routes. The routes display different overall exergy performances, with process routes 1 and 2 achieving 39.53 % and 25.43 % exergy, respectively. The highest exergetic performance is recorded in the CO₂ heater (67.69 %) and the biomass oxidation reactor (88.70 %) for process routes 1 and 2, respectively. Exergo-economic evaluations indicate that Benzene distillation separation experiences exergy destruction rates of 28.61 % and exergo-economic factor of 99.92 % for process 1, while the aromatics heater shows the highest exergy destruction of 56.68 % for process 2. Implementing heat integration in the process routes reveals that process route 1 achieves energy savings of 92.09 %, while process route 2 results in 51.38 % energy savings. This study demonstrates the two process routes’ long-term economic viability and efficiency, which can be further optimised in future studies to achieve sustainable process implementation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100960,"journal":{"name":"Next Sustainability","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100109"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143228671","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dye adsorption on fish scale biosorbent from tannery wastewater","authors":"Md. Abul Hashem ,&nbsp;Forhad Ahammad ,&nbsp;Bishwajit Chandra Das ,&nbsp;Eshtiyaq Tauhid Enan ,&nbsp;Modinatul Maoya ,&nbsp;Mohammad Jakir Hossain Khan ,&nbsp;Md. Mukimujjaman Miem","doi":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100112","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100112","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In leather processing, dyeing is an essential operation to make it attractive for fashion style. Emitted dyeing wastewater contains dye, fixing agent, syntan, resin, and fat. Dye removal from real wastewater is challenging because it includes other matrices. Dyes in wastewater have an adverse influence on the aquatic ecosystem. This research concerns the suitability of fish biowaste adsorbent for dye removal from tannery wastewater. The obtained biosorbent was analyzed through Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, pH point of zero charge (pHpzc), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The dye removal efficiency was evaluated by monitoring the biosorbent dose, settling time, stirring time, and temperature effect. The dye adsorption mechanism was characterized using Freundlich and Langmuir’s regression models. The maximum dye removal efficiency (81.8 %) was achieved with a 2 g biosorbent dose per 50 mL of wastewater, 25 min stirring time, 30°C temperature, and 20 h settling time at pH 4.8. The adsorption kinetics demonstrated that the pseudo-second-order reaction (PSO) model shows a good regression coefficient (<em>R</em>^<em>2</em>=0.94). The removal of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), turbidity, and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) were 39.8 %, 69.7 %, 48.1 %, and 90.1 %, respectively. Hence, the fish scale biosorbent could be a feasible adsorbent for leather dyeing wastewater treatment, and further research can be conducted to explore its potential for large-scale application.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100960,"journal":{"name":"Next Sustainability","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100112"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143377915","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sustainable 3D printing of bone scaffolds using animal biowaste feedstocks","authors":"A. Dukle,&nbsp;M. Ravi Sankar","doi":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100099","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100099","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Numerous 3D printing feedstocks are currently being studied for the 3D printing of bone scaffolds for bone regeneration, with differing degrees of success. Most of these feedstocks are produced using ceramics, polymers, and composites. However, the currently available feedstocks are costly and have a significant impact on the environment during production and distribution. On the other hand, every day, a large amount of biowaste is produced from plant, animal, and microbial sources, which are becoming increasingly difficult to manage. Therefore, there is always a demand for efficient disposal and recycling methods. This study provides an overview of the use of biowaste-derived 3D printing feedstocks for bone tissue engineering applications. In recent years, biowaste, which is a renewable and cost-effective source, has been explored as a potential alternative to conventional feedstocks. This paper covers various types of animal derived biowastes and highlights their potential advantages for bone tissue engineering. It also discusses different properties, including rheology, mechanical strength, printability, and bioactivity for bone tissue engineering applications. The study also addresses the challenges and future perspectives of biowaste-derived feedstocks for bone tissue engineering, including regulatory hurdles, biocompatibility, and scalability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100960,"journal":{"name":"Next Sustainability","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100099"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143379096","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Forecasting of municipal solid waste generation in Türkiye and techno-economic-environmental assessment of electricity generation via incineration till 2032","authors":"Mehmet Melikoglu","doi":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2024.100092","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2024.100092","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper develops a forecasting model for municipal solid waste (MSW) generation and its potential for energy recovery through incineration in Türkiye. MSW generation in 81 provinces of Türkiye are forecasted till 2032 using novel semi-empirical models based on two different scenarios. It is forecasted that Türkiye’s MSW generation in 2032 will reach up to 36.2 million tonnes and from incineration of this MSW up to 16.8 TWh of electricity worth 2.1 billion US$ (based on 2024 June wholesale industrial prices) can be generated. Nationwide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from incineration of MSW for electricity generation can reach 19.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2032. Root mean squared error and mean absolute percentage error values indicated high goodness of fit and accuracy for the forecasting models. As future research it is suggested that the methodology given in this study can be used by others for forecasting MSW generation with energy recovery as electricity via incineration and associated GHG emissions calculations in different countries conditional that historic geographical per capita data is available and associated model parameters are calculated based on existing circumstances.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100960,"journal":{"name":"Next Sustainability","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100092"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143140691","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhanced flux and fouling performance via H2N@ZSM-22 infused thin-film composite membranes on ZSM-22/PES-UF support","authors":"Nyiko M. Chauke ,&nbsp;Richard M. Moutloali ,&nbsp;James Ramontja","doi":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2024.100097","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2024.100097","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this study, advanced polyamide thin-film composite (PA-TFC) membranes incorporating zeolite (ZSM-22) and amine-zeolite (H₂N@ZSM-22) fillers were synthesised <em>via</em> interfacial polymerisation (IP) to enhance water permeability performance and anti-fouling behaviour. The incorporation of zeolite and amine-zeolite ZSM-22 in the selective PA layer resulted in distinct ridge-like and valley-like surface morphologies, contributing to improved hydrophilicity and fouling resistance. Comprehensive characterisation using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and water contact angle (WCA) analysis confirmed the successful incorporation and uniform dispersion of zeolite and amine-zeolites fillers within the PA layer. The functionalised PA layers demonstrated superior hydrophilicity, resulting in significant improvements in water flux, high anti-fouling ratios and salt rejection compared to the zeolite PA-TFC membranes. The obtained PA-TFC membrane structural design, supported on ZSM-22/polyethersulfone ultrafiltration (ZSM-22/PES UF) substrate, played a crucial role in ensuring mechanical stability and promoting interfacial bonding. The amine-zeolites PA-TFC membranes achieved exceptional water fluxes, reaching up to 48.92 L·m⁻²·h⁻¹ ·bar⁻¹ , and exhibited fouling ratios ranging from 65.78 % to 73.68 % as well as salt rejection to about 77 %. Notably, the H₂N@T60-ZSM-22/PA@ZSM-22/PES configuration showed the lowest fouling ratio of 65.78 % and higher salt rejection, demonstrating the potential for selective filtration under low-pressure conditions. Despite minimal performance variations among the different membrane configurations, consistent and robust antifouling behavior was observed across all samples. These findings underscore the promise of amine-zeolite ZSM-22 PA-TFC membranes as high-performance candidates for achieving enhanced flux, fouling resistance, and selective separation, contributing valuable insights for the advancement of membrane technology in water treatment applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100960,"journal":{"name":"Next Sustainability","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100097"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143163057","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Recovery of radio chemically pure 90Sr suitable for milking clinical grade 90Y from high level liquid waste: A process developmental investigation","authors":"Pasupati Nath Khan ,&nbsp;Sumit Pahan ,&nbsp;A. Sengupta ,&nbsp;Tessy Vincent","doi":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100111","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100111","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Radio chemically pure ⁹⁰Y is desired for its use as radio therapeutic agent. As a modern practice ⁹⁰Y, is milked from its parent ⁹⁰Sr, thus the radiochemical purity of resulted ⁹⁰Y will be governed by the purity of its parent Sr. High level liquid waste (HLLW) generated from the spent nuclear fuel reprocessing contains ample quantity of ⁹⁰Sr, the parent of its β decaying product ⁹⁰Y. In our previous studies it was explored that BOC8A/ Nitrooctane can be preferably used to recover ⁹⁰Sr in 0.01 M HNO₃ from HLLW with ∼1 % Am (III) &amp; Eu (III) contamination. Thus, ⁹⁰Sr recovered needs multi step purification before milking ⁹⁰Y. To minimise the number of step in purification to obtain ultrapure ⁹⁰Sr (10⁻⁹ Ci alpha / Ci Sr) a well-known hydrophilic supramolecule 18C6 is introduced in the stripping step. A new process scheme has been developed using BOC8A, 18C6 and Tetra-2-ethylhexyl diglycolamide etc. CHON based extractant to obtain highly pure ⁹⁰Sr product. The mechanism and effect of different parameters on stripping of Sr with 18C6 have also been investigated in detail. The stripping phenomenon has been found to be spontaneous at 298 K and the change in Gibb’s free energy was found to be - 22.9 kJ mol⁻¹K⁻¹</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100960,"journal":{"name":"Next Sustainability","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100111"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143403021","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}