Muhammad Hassnain, Asad Ali, Muhammad Rizwan Azhar, Abdulrahman Abutaleb, Muhammad Mubashir
{"title":"Challenges and Perspectives on Photocatalytic Membrane Reactors for Volatile Organic Compounds Degradation and Nitrogen Oxides Treatment","authors":"Muhammad Hassnain, Asad Ali, Muhammad Rizwan Azhar, Abdulrahman Abutaleb, Muhammad Mubashir","doi":"10.1002/gch2.202500035","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202500035","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Air pollution is a pressing environmental and public health issue, with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NO<i><sub>x</sub></i>) being among the most hazardous airborne pollutants. Photocatalytic membrane reactors (PMRs) have emerged as a promising technology for air purification due to their ability to integrate photocatalytic degradation and membrane separation in a single system. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the advancements, challenges, and future prospects of PMR technology for VOC degradation and NO<i><sub>x</sub></i> treatment. Various photocatalytic membranes and their fabrication techniques, including material selection, structural modifications, and catalyst immobilization strategies, are critically analyzed. The study further explores different PMR configurations, operational parameters, and their efficiency in air treatment applications. A theoretical PMR test system is also presented to evaluate design optimization strategies. Despite its potential, challenges such as membrane fouling, catalyst deactivation, and scale-up limitations remain critical barriers to widespread adoption. Future trends focus on enhancing photocatalytic performance, developing cost-effective materials, and optimizing reactor designs to facilitate large-scale industrial applications of PMRs.</p>","PeriodicalId":12646,"journal":{"name":"Global Challenges","volume":"9 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/gch2.202500035","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143930259","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ripel Chakma, M. Khalid Hossain, Prabhu Paramasivam, R. Bousbih, Mongi Amami, G. F. Ishraque Toki, Rajesh Haldhar, Ashish Kumar Karmaker
{"title":"Recent Applications, Challenges, and Future Prospects of Microbial Fuel Cells: A Review","authors":"Ripel Chakma, M. Khalid Hossain, Prabhu Paramasivam, R. Bousbih, Mongi Amami, G. F. Ishraque Toki, Rajesh Haldhar, Ashish Kumar Karmaker","doi":"10.1002/gch2.202500004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202500004","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Microbial fuel cell (MFC), a clean and promising technology that has the potential to tackle both environmental degradation and the global energy crisis, receives tremendous attention from researchers over recent years. The performance of each system component, including the membrane and electrode utilized in MFCs, has a great effect on the efficiency of converting chemical energy found in organic waste to power generation through bacterial metabolism. The MFCs have diverse applications that are growing day by day in developed countries. This review discusses recently available various potential applications including wastewater treatment, biohydrogen production, hazardous waste removal, generation of bioelectricity, robotics, biosensors, etc. There are still several challenges (e.g., system complexity, economic, commercialization, and other operational factors) for large-scale practical applications, particularly for relatively low power output and delayed start-up time, which is also reported in this review article. Moreover, the operational factors (e.g., electrode materials, proton exchange system, substrate, electron transfer mechanism, pH, temperature, external resistance, and shear stress and feed rate) that affect the performance of MFCs, are discussed in detail. To resolve these issues, optimizations of various parameters are also presented. In the previously published studies, this paper indicates that MFCs have demonstrated power densities ranging from 2.44 to 3.31 W m<sup>−</sup><sup>2</sup>, with Coulombic efficiencies reaching up to 55.6% under optimized conditions. It is also reported that MFCs have achieved the removal efficiency of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC), and antibiotics up to 93.7%, 70%, and 98%, respectively. Finally, this paper highlights the future perspective of MFCs for full-scale applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":12646,"journal":{"name":"Global Challenges","volume":"9 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/gch2.202500004","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143930257","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Sustainable Strategies for Converting Organic, Electronic, and Plastic Waste From Municipal Solid Waste Into Functional Materials (Global Challenges 4/2025)","authors":"Abdelaziz Gouda, Nour Merhi, Mohamad Hmadeh, Teresa Cecchi, Clara Santato, Mohini Sain","doi":"10.1002/gch2.1705","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.1705","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The cover image is based on the article “Sustainable Strategies for Converting Organic, Electronic, and Plastic Waste From Municipal Solid Waste Into Functional Materials” by Abdelaziz Gouda et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202400240\u0000 \u0000 <figure>\u0000 <div><picture>\u0000 <source></source></picture><p></p>\u0000 </div>\u0000 </figure></p>","PeriodicalId":12646,"journal":{"name":"Global Challenges","volume":"9 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/gch2.1705","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143840562","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Badrinarayan Rath, Praveenkumar T R, Kavindra Singh Dhami, Prabhu Paramasivam, Mohamed Yusuf
{"title":"Sustainable LC3 Concrete in the Circular Economy: Assessment of Mechanical, Microstructural, and Durability Characteristics with Surkhi, Metakaolin, Nano-Silica, and M-Sand Blended Concrete","authors":"Badrinarayan Rath, Praveenkumar T R, Kavindra Singh Dhami, Prabhu Paramasivam, Mohamed Yusuf","doi":"10.1002/gch2.202500026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202500026","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Researchers are increasingly focused on eco-friendly concrete with reduced carbon footprints. Among sustainable options, Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) concrete offers enhanced strength and durability with lower greenhouse gas emissions. This study evaluates the mechanical, microstructural, and durability characteristics of LC3 concrete modified with surkhi and nano-silica as cementitious materials, replacing metakaolin and gypsum. Surkhi and nano-silica are varied from 0%–40% and 0%–4%, respectively, while fine aggregate is completely replaced with M-sand to improve packing density. Ten M30-grade concrete mixes are analyzed after 28 and 90 days of curing. By incorporating surkhi and nano-silica as partial replacements for metakaolin and gypsum in LC3 concrete, the research investigates potential improvements in strength, durability, and microstructural integrity of the concrete and provides lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional Portland cement. Results revealed that surkhi and nano-silica significantly improved strength and microstructure, with surkhi optimally limited to 30%. M-sand proved effective in enhancing durability against weathering. These findings position modified LC3 concrete as a sustainable alternative, offering improved performance and advancing its potential within the circular economy framework.</p>","PeriodicalId":12646,"journal":{"name":"Global Challenges","volume":"9 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/gch2.202500026","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143930458","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fatih Sevim, Ömer Laçin, Fatih Demir, Ömer Faruk Erkiliç
{"title":"Adsorption Capacity, Isotherm, Kinetics, and Thermodynamics Examinations on the Removal of a Textile Azo Dye by Local Natural Adsorbent","authors":"Fatih Sevim, Ömer Laçin, Fatih Demir, Ömer Faruk Erkiliç","doi":"10.1002/gch2.202500024","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202500024","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The discharge of industrial wastewater containing toxic dyes has significantly increased, posing risks to human health and aquatic ecosystems. The growing demand for dyes in the textile industry has driven research into effective and economical removal methods. Adsorption is widely preferred due to its low cost, non-toxic by-products, and eco-friendly nature. This study investigates the removal of Reactive-Blue-160 textile azo dye using a local natural clay mineral. The effects of contact time, pH, adsorbent dosage, and temperature on adsorption are examined, along with adsorbent characterization. Optimal conditions (pH 5.70, adsorbent dosage 2.0 g L⁻¹, contact time 60 min, and dye concentration 150 mg L⁻¹) achieve 93.05% removal. Characterization reveals a heterogeneous clay surface dominated by smectite and chlorite. The adsorption data are evaluated using isotherm and kinetic models, with Freundlich and pseudo-second-order providing the best fit. Thermodynamic analysis indicates spontaneous and endothermic adsorption, with a negative Gibbs free energy and a positive enthalpy change of 15.71 kJ mol⁻¹, confirming physical adsorption. These findings highlight the potential of natural clay minerals for dye removal, offering a sustainable solution for industrial wastewater treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":12646,"journal":{"name":"Global Challenges","volume":"9 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/gch2.202500024","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143930457","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Parya Broomandi, Mehdi Bagheri, Ali Mozhdehi Fard, Aram Fathian, Mohammad Abdoli, Adib Roshani, Sadjad Shafiei, Michael Leuchner, Jong Ryeol Kim
{"title":"Energy Generation and Carbon Footprint under Future Projections (2022–2100) of Central Asian Temperature Extremes","authors":"Parya Broomandi, Mehdi Bagheri, Ali Mozhdehi Fard, Aram Fathian, Mohammad Abdoli, Adib Roshani, Sadjad Shafiei, Michael Leuchner, Jong Ryeol Kim","doi":"10.1002/gch2.202400356","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202400356","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5 °C is becoming increasingly difficult. The study analyzed data from 700 locations (1962–2100) to assess climate change impacts on heating-cooling energy and carbon footprint in under-researched Central Asia (CA). Under SSP2-4.5, icing and frost days reduce, while summer days and tropical nights increase. Central Asian countries will see an increase in cooling needs despite the projected decline in heating demands, with Kyrgyzstan experiencing the highest rise in cooling degree days, projected to increase by 132% and 165% in the near-future under SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5, respectively. As a result, cooling energy generation is expected to rise by 39% and 92% under SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5, respectively. However, CO<sub>2</sub> emissions for cooling are much lower in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan due to their reliance on renewable energy. CO<sub>2</sub> emissions in these countries are projected to be ≈10 times lower than in other parts of CA. From 2022 to 2100, cooling-related emissions are estimated to increase by 41% and 80% under SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5, respectively across CA. Urgent adaptation is needed for resilient cities and stable power by expanding renewables, modernizing infrastructure, boosting efficiency, adopting policies, and fostering cooperation.</p>","PeriodicalId":12646,"journal":{"name":"Global Challenges","volume":"9 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/gch2.202400356","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143930521","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Silver Nanoparticle-Mediated Antiviral Efficacy against Enveloped Viruses: A Comprehensive Review","authors":"Ekaterine Mosidze, Gianluigi Franci, Federica Dell'Annunziata, Nicoletta Capuano, Marica Colella, Flora Salzano, Massimiliano Galdiero, Aliosha Bakuridze, Veronica Folliero","doi":"10.1002/gch2.202400380","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202400380","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Viral infections continue to pose a significant challenge to global health, with increasing resistance to conventional antiviral therapies highlighting the urgent need for alternative treatment strategies. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have attracted attention as broad-spectrum antiviral agents due to their unique physicochemical properties and ability to target multiple stages of viral infection. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the antiviral mechanisms of AgNPs, highlighting their efficacy against clinically relevant enveloped viruses such as influenza, herpes simplex, hepatitis B, and coronaviruses. How key nanoparticle characteristics, including size, shape, surface functionalization, and synthesis methods, influence their antiviral performance is examined. Studies indicate that AgNPs exert their effects through direct interactions with viral particles, inhibition of viral adhesion, and entry into host cells with disruption of viral replication. Furthermore, their potential applications in therapeutic formulations, antiviral coatings, and nanomedicine-based strategies are explored. Despite their promise, challenges regarding cytotoxicity, stability, and large-scale production must be addressed to ensure their safe and effective clinical use. This review highlights the transformative potential of AgNPs in antiviral therapy and highlights the need for further investigation to facilitate their clinical translation in the fight against emerging and drug-resistant viral infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":12646,"journal":{"name":"Global Challenges","volume":"9 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/gch2.202400380","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143930269","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"From Lab to Field: Damp Heat Testing and its Implications for PV Module Service Lifetime","authors":"Abdulkerim Gok","doi":"10.1002/gch2.202400229","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202400229","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Damp heat testing, as outlined in the IEC 61215 standard, evaluates PV modules under prolonged humidity exposure. However, its effectiveness as a reliability test remains debated. This study maps damp heat testing times equivalent to a service lifetime of 30 years across Europe, highlighting the impact of local climate conditions. The activation energy of power degradation is key in determining testing times. For an activation energy of 0.6 eV, testing times range from over 2250 h in southern Europe to <750 h in northern Europe. In central Europe, testing times generally range from 1250 to 1750 h. Madrid and Rome stand out among major European capitals for their testing times, with Madrid having one of the shortest and Rome one of the longest. In Madrid, increasing the activation energy from 0.4 to 0.8 eV reduces the testing time from 5548 h to just 290 h. To ensure the standard testing time of 1000 h represents a service lifetime of 30 years across Europe, the activation energy should be at least 0.7 eV. These findings emphasize the need for customized testing protocols that consider regional climate differences and design factors, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.</p>","PeriodicalId":12646,"journal":{"name":"Global Challenges","volume":"9 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/gch2.202400229","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143840768","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jarrod L. Thomas, Adrian H. M. Heagerty, Pola Goldberg Oppenheimer
{"title":"Emerging Technologies for Timely Point-of-Care Diagnostics of Skin Cancer","authors":"Jarrod L. Thomas, Adrian H. M. Heagerty, Pola Goldberg Oppenheimer","doi":"10.1002/gch2.202400274","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202400274","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Skin cancer is a global health crisis and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. A leading factor of malignancy remains the UV radiation, driving various biomolecular changes. With shifting population behaviors, deficiency in screening programs and reliance on self-presentation, climate change and the ageing world populace, global incidents have been surging alarmingly. There is an urgent need for new technologies to achieve timely intervention through rapid and accurate diagnostics of skin cancer. Raman spectroscopy has been emerging as a highly promising analytical technology for diagnostic applications, poised to outpace the current costly, invasive and slow procedures, frequently hindered by varying sensitivity, specificity and lack of portability. Herein, complex and intricate progress are overviewed and consolidated across medical and engineering disciplines with a focus on the latest advances in the traditional and emerging skin cancer diagnostics. Methods detecting structural and chemical responses are categorized along with emerging chemo-biophysical sensing techniques. Particular attention is drawn to Raman spectroscopy, as a non-invasive, rapid and accurate sensing of molecular fingerprints in dermatological matrix with an additional focus on artificial intelligence, as a decision support tool collectively, laying the platform toward development and rapid translation of point-of-care diagnostic technologies for skin cancer to real-world applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":12646,"journal":{"name":"Global Challenges","volume":"9 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/gch2.202400274","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143930263","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Anoop Singh, Eliyash Ahmed, Mehrajud Din Rather, Atchaya Sundararajan, Alka Sharma, Farah S. Choudhary, Ashok K. Sundramoorthy, Saurav Dixit, Nikolai Ivanovich Vatin, Sandeep Arya
{"title":"Marketing Strategies in Nanomaterials for Sensor Applications: Bridging Lab to Market","authors":"Anoop Singh, Eliyash Ahmed, Mehrajud Din Rather, Atchaya Sundararajan, Alka Sharma, Farah S. Choudhary, Ashok K. Sundramoorthy, Saurav Dixit, Nikolai Ivanovich Vatin, Sandeep Arya","doi":"10.1002/gch2.202400294","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202400294","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Nanomaterials have revolutionized sensor technology by offering enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and miniaturization capabilities. However, the commercialization of nanomaterial-based sensors remains challenging due to the complexities involved in bridging laboratory innovations to market-ready products. This review article explores the various marketing strategies that can facilitate the successful commercialization of nanomaterials for sensor applications. It emphasizes the importance of understanding market needs, regulatory landscapes, and the value proposition of nanomaterials over traditional materials. The study also highlights the role of strategic partnerships, intellectual property management, and customer education in overcoming market entry barriers. Through a comprehensive analysis of case studies and industry practices, this review provides a framework for companies and researchers to effectively transition from lab-scale innovations to commercially viable sensor products. The findings suggest that a well-rounded marketing strategy, combined with robust product development and stakeholder engagement, is crucial for capitalizing on the unique benefits of nanomaterials in sensor applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":12646,"journal":{"name":"Global Challenges","volume":"9 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/gch2.202400294","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143930503","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}