Materials Today Sustainability最新文献

{"title":"Predicting high-performance perovskite solar cells using AI-based machine learning models","authors":"Shafidah Shafian ,&nbsp;Mohd Nizam Husen ,&nbsp;Lin Xie ,&nbsp;Kyungkon Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101176","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101176","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have garnered significant attention in the photovoltaic field due to their remarkable power conversion efficiencies (PCEs), with the certified PCE reaching 27.0% for single-junction cells and 30.1% for tandem perovskite/perovskite multijunction cells over the past decade. However, challenges remain including material instability, compositional inconsistency, and limited long-term performance. Machine learning (ML) has emerged as a transformative tool to address these challenges by accelerating material discovery, optimizing device design, and enabling data-driven insights from large and complex datasets. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of how ML is being applied to advance PSCs technologies. It begins with an overview of perovskite structures, device architectures, and performance parameters relevant to ML modelling. A structured ML workflow is introduced, covering data acquisition, feature selection, model development, performance evaluation, and model interpretability through explainable AI (XAI) techniques. Recent studies are examined across two major domains: material discovery and device performance optimization. Unlike previous reviews, this work emphasis on quantitative comparisons of ML algorithms by systematically assessing models reported in recent literature to identify the most effective predictors across various tasks. Furthermore, it discusses the strengths and limitations of current datasets and modelling strategies. The review concludes with insights into existing challenges and outlines future directions to support the efficient, interpretable, and scalable application of ML in PSCs research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 101176"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144631741","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A review on the evolution of ionic liquids: Sustainable synthesis, applications, and future prospects","authors":"Maha Awjan Alreshidi ,&nbsp;Krishna Kumar Yadav ,&nbsp;Shoba Gunasekaran ,&nbsp;Amel Gacem ,&nbsp;Padmanabhan Sambandam ,&nbsp;Ganesan Subbiah ,&nbsp;Javed Khan Bhutto ,&nbsp;Saravanan Palanivel ,&nbsp;Ahmed M. Fallatah ,&nbsp;Muhammad A. Abo El-Khair ,&nbsp;Jawaher Faisal Almalawi ,&nbsp;Mir Waqas Alam ,&nbsp;Tamizhdurai Perumal ,&nbsp;Subramani Annadurai","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101160","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101160","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ionic liquids (ILs) have emerged as a transformative class of materials, offering unique physicochemical properties such as low volatility, high thermal stability, and tunable solubility. Their evolution is categorized into four generations: first-generation ILs, primarily used as green solvents; second-generation ILs, designed for specific applications in catalysis and electrochemical systems; third-generation ILs, incorporating bio-derived and task-specific functionalities for biomedical and environmental applications; and fourth-generation ILs, focusing on sustainability, biodegradability, and multifunctionality. This review explores the synthesis, applications, and future scope of ILs across various domains, including biomedicine, renewable energy, industrial processes, and current industry applications. In biomedical sciences, ILs enhance drug solubility, improve targeted drug delivery, and serve as antimicrobial agents, offering novel solutions to pharmaceutical challenges. In the energy sector, ILs play a critical role as electrolytes in fuel cells, supercapacitors, and advanced battery technologies, facilitating efficient energy conversion and storage. Additionally, ILs contribute to CO₂ capture and utilization, addressing global environmental concerns. Current industrial applications of ILs include their use as solvents and catalysts in petrochemical processing, biodiesel production, pharmaceutical synthesis, and metal extraction in mining industries. ILs are also employed in gas separation, electroplating, cellulose processing, and as lubricants in high-performance machinery due to their thermal and chemical stability. Their role in improving battery efficiency, polymer processing, and corrosion protection further highlights their industrial significance. The future of ILs lies in the development of smart, biodegradable, and recyclable materials with tailored functionalities for next-generation applications. Innovations in IL-based energy storage, precision medicine, and sustainable industrial processes will further expand their potential. As research progresses, ILs are expected to drive advancements in green chemistry, renewable energy, and biocompatible technologies, positioning them as key enablers of a sustainable and technologically advanced future.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 101160"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144579381","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Alternative energy sources from wastes and microalgae Chlorella vulgaris used for the capture of atmospheric CO2 in the production of cement","authors":"Loredana-Vasilica Postolache ,&nbsp;Gabriela Soreanu ,&nbsp;Igor Cretescu ,&nbsp;Nita Tudorachi ,&nbsp;Ion Anghel ,&nbsp;Dana Maria Preda ,&nbsp;Daniela Rusu ,&nbsp;Mirela-Fernanda Zaltariov ,&nbsp;Jose Luis Valverde ,&nbsp;Gabriela Lisa","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101175","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101175","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study explores the potential of using alternative energy sources as plastics (P), textiles (T), tires (A), cardboard (C), and used railway sleepers (G), combined with microalgae <em>Chlorella vulgaris</em> (Cho) residue in the cement production, which is one of the most energy-intensive industries globally. The algae were obtained from a photobioreactor designed for atmospheric CO₂ capture. Several analytical methods were employed for the characterization of these sources, including thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in air and nitrogen, microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC), and a combined thermogravimetric analysis with mass spectrometry (MS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The waste morphology and composition were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Thermogravimetric results indicated that adding Cho to railway sleeper waste improved combustibility, with the most favorable outcomes at a 15 % Cho mixture. MCC analysis revealed that the most efficient energy-recovery mixtures were 30Cho-P, 30Cho-T, 15Cho-G, 30Cho-C, and 45Cho-A. Furthermore, TG-MS-FTIR analysis showed that CO₂ was the dominant emission, with SO₂ present in tire-based mixtures and NO/NO₂ in textiles ones. FTIR spectra confirmed the identification of ionic fragments in the decomposition gases, further supporting the findings on gaseous emissions from the binary waste mixtures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 101175"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144563928","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unlocking improved hydrogen storage: Thermodynamic tuning and ionic conductivity boost in Fe-doped Mg2NiH4","authors":"Ikram Belkoufa ,&nbsp;Abdelmajid Assila ,&nbsp;Seddiq Sebbahi ,&nbsp;Amine Alaoui-Belghiti ,&nbsp;Said Laasri ,&nbsp;Mouhaydine Tlemçani ,&nbsp;El Kebir Hlil ,&nbsp;Abdelowahed Hajjaji","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101172","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101172","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mg₂Ni is considered a promising candidate for hydrogen storage materials due to its reasonable hydrogenation and dehydrogenation kinetics and cost-effectiveness. However, the high thermodynamic stability of Mg₂NiH₄ poses a significant challenge in terms of the operating temperature required for hydrogen release. This study investigates the crystal and electronic structure, and thermodynamic stability of Iron-doped Mg₂NiH₄ and their alloys using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory. The results demonstrate that by replacing one in sixteen Mg atoms and one in eight Ni atoms with Fe, the enthalpy of hydrogen desorption can be reduced from 65.173 to 57.58 and 50.72 kJ/mol H₂, respectively. Furthermore, the study clarifies the crystal structure and electron properties of Fe-doped Mg₂Ni and Mg₂NiH₄, highlighting the significant role of weakened covalent interactions in the H–Ni bonding that contribute to the reduced thermodynamic stability of the hydrides. This study demonstrates that ionic conductivity improves with the destabilization of Mg₂NiH₄, achieving up to 5 <span><math><mrow><mo>×</mo></mrow></math></span> 91.10⁻¹ S/cm for Mg₁₅FeNi₈H₃₂ at 400 K. Substituting magnesium (Mg) with iron (Fe) significantly impacts the electronic structure of the material. The additional d-electrons from Fe enhance the density of electronic states near the Fermi level, leading to increased charge carrier mobility and, consequently, higher conductivity. In contrast, replacing nickel (Ni) with Fe has a less pronounced effect, as both Ni and Fe are transition metals with similar electronic configurations and d-electrons near the Fermi level. This results in fewer new electronic states and a smaller increase in conductivity compared to Mg substitution.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 101172"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144549633","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the impact of MXene-based materials on hydrogen storage performance: Experimental insights, applications, and challenges","authors":"Turkan Kopac","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101173","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101173","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The hydrogen storage potential of 2D transition metal carbides and nitrides, called MXenes, has attracted interest due to their compositional variability, tunability, compatibility, and reversibility, making them promising hydrogen storage candidates. This study aims to comprehensively review recent experimental publications on MXene-based hydrogen storage, providing a global overview of advancements and experimental evidence. A thorough review has underscored MXenes' potential as catalysts for enhancing metal hydride-based hydrogen storage and elucidates the mechanisms underlying their performance improvement. This research provides a framework for designing high-performance composite catalysts with MXenes, optimizing metal hydrides for high storage capacity, rapid kinetics, and low operating temperatures. The findings elucidate the enhancement of hydrides with MXenes, facilitating the development of effective hydrogen storage materials. Furthermore, this research delineates prospects, obstacles, and potential developments for advancing hydrogen storage and utilizing MXenes as catalysts, with the objective of creating sustainable hydrogen storage systems contributing to clean energy technologies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 101173"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144563929","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Metal‐organic framework templated CoNi2S4 anchored MWCNT: A multifunctional application for photocatalysis, water splitting, and dye-sensitized solar cells","authors":"K. Aravinthkumar ,&nbsp;Shuchen Hsieh ,&nbsp;A. Santhana Krishna Kumar ,&nbsp;C. Raja Mohan","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101174","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101174","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The escalating energy crisis, dependence on non-renewable energy sources, and the need for efficient elimination of hazardous chemical compounds from water underscore the pressing demand for alternative renewable energy solutions and environmental protection techniques. Solar energy has developed as a feasible clean energy source, with electrochemical water splitting and photocatalytic water purification offering promising techniques for creating clean energy and tackling environmental challenges. This research presents an innovative hybrid catalyst, designated as ZIF-67-NC@CNS/MWCNT, which consists of N-doped Zeolite Imidazolate Framework-67 (ZIF-67) derived carbon and CoNi₂S₄ with Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT), utilizing a Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) as a template. This distinctive structure demonstrates exceptional multifunctional electrochemical performance in many applications, including Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs), Oxygen Evolution Reactions (OER), Hydrogen Evolution Reactions (HER), and photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline (TC). This composite, used as a counter electrode in DSSCs, attained a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.35 %, a short-circuit current density (J_SC) of 12.54 mA cm⁻² and an open-circuit voltage (V_OC) of 0.8 V. The observed increases may be ascribed to reduced peak-to-peak separation, lowered charge transfer resistance, shorter electron lifetimes, and greater exchange current density. The ZIF-67-NC@CNS/MWCNT composite exhibited remarkable bifunctional electrocatalytic activity, with overpotentials of 144 mV and 178 mV at 10 mA cm⁻² for the OER and HER, respectively. Interestingly, the hybrid composite achieved the highest degradation efficiency of 97.56 % against TC under white light irradiation. The synergistic effect of metal sulfides and carbon materials can provide additional electron transmission paths and contact areas, leading to effective I₃⁻ reduction, reduced overpotential, and enhanced degradation efficiency. Consequently, the ZIF-67-NC@CNS/MWCNT hybrid functions as a proficient multifunctional electrocatalyst for many energy and environmental applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 101174"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144522922","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Boosting photocatalytic hydrogen evolution via synergistic effects between 4H–SiC and tetrapyridylporphyrin","authors":"Federica Florio ,&nbsp;Roberto Fiorenza ,&nbsp;Angelo Ferlazzo,&nbsp;Maria Elena Fragalà,&nbsp;Matteo Barcellona,&nbsp;Antonino Gulino","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101171","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101171","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The pursuit for sustainable and clean energy sources has conveyed into hydrogen production as a viable alternative to fossil fuels. Hydrogen plays a crucial role in the sustainable energy future. Photocatalytic water splitting and the photoreforming reactions, which use sunlight to produce hydrogen, are emerging and promising methodologies for green hydrogen production. Among the materials investigated for this purpose, silicon carbide-based semiconductors have recently attracted considerable attention due to their exceptional thermal stability, chemical inertness and suitable bandgap for solar/visible light absorption. In this field, the present study explores an innovative system which combines 4H–SiC with 5,10,15,20-tetra(4-pyridyl)-21H,23H-porphine to enhance the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. By integrating the robust structural and optical properties of SiC with the superior catalytic properties of porphyrins, we propose a synergistic approach with improved efficiency of hydrogen production thanks to the increased absorptivity of the SiC-porphyrin system.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 101171"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144549632","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Process optimization and performance evaluation of back contact integrated cooling devices for CPV cells","authors":"Gábor Rózsás,&nbsp;Gábor Takács,&nbsp;Balázs Plesz,&nbsp;György Bognár","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101170","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101170","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Despite their high efficiency, concentrator solar cells have one major issue: they produce a significant amount of waste heat. This leads to excessive temperatures inside the cell, which reduces the efficiency of the electrical conversion and shortens the life of the cell. Therefore, efficient cooling solutions are needed. In this paper, a novel approach for the cooling of concentrator solar cells is proposed. Compared to the solutions found in the literature, the proposed solution incorporates microchannels into the backside metal contact layer of the solar cell. This way, there are no restrictions regarding the semiconductor material, no decrease in mechanical stability, and no thermal interface material is required. First, the appropriate channel geometry and theoretical performance were determined for a 2 × 2 cm² solar cell using Siemens FloTherm computational fluid dynamics and an in-house analytical modelling tool written in ANSI C. The paper describes the step-by-step iterations of the design and the manufacturing process that were necessary to reach the theoretically calculated ideal performance. Hydrodynamic and thermal measurements were performed generation by generation, taking into account the results obtained from simulation results. For the latest generation, comparing the hydrodynamic properties at a flow rate of 80 cubic centimeters per minute, the difference between the simulated and the average difference of measured pressure drop values is 2.29 %. The measured data confirms that the partial thermal resistance of the microchannel-based cooling device is 0.32 K/W at a maximum applied pressure drop of 1 bar. This means that the temperature increment for a solar cell with a surface area of 4 cm² exposed to a concentration level of 100 suns is only 11.5 K.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 101170"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144563930","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Embedded nanoparticle silk fibroin hydrogel as surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates for detection of methylene blue in water","authors":"Chukwuka Bethel Anucha ,&nbsp;Erwann Guenin ,&nbsp;Aline Percot","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101169","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101169","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) is a powerful and attractive analytical detection technique capable of amplifying Raman signal of target molecules near or at the surface of plasmonic metal nanoparticles due to resonance and charge transfer effect. Silk fibroin (SF), a protein extracted from <em>Bombyx mori</em> cocoon has stirred interest for use as a SERS matrix due to ease of processing and workability into different material shapes for hosting SERS active materials. Water stabilized plasmonic nanoparticles (Nps) namely: Au, and Ag synthesized by facile green procedure and another synthesized form of Ag nanoparticles via Lee Meisel protocol (referred to here as Ag∗) were prepared, and characterized by transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and UV–visible spectroscopy. Firstly, SERS detection activity tests of the Nps were performed in suspension over methylene blue (MB) as the model organic pollutant. The SF-AuNp, SF-AgNp, SF-AgNps∗ hydrogels were then prepared by previously developed enzyme cross-linking methodology. SEM, FTIR, and UV–vis spectroscopy were used to characterize the Nps containing hydrogels. SERS detection activity over MB was then extended to hydrogels containing Nps. Executed SERS test over MB analyte and under 785 nm excitation recorded 1.56 μM, 15.63 μM, and 15.63 μM respectively as concentration detection levels reached with Au-Nps, AgNps, AgNps∗ suspensions, while 0.27 μM, 0.27 μM, and 0.17 μM were respectively achieved in the case of SF-AuNps, SF-AgNps, and SF-AgNps∗ hydrogels SERS activity performance evaluation. From a general look, the best performing SF-AgNps∗ with a signal amplification factor of about 7.4 for tested Nps suspension, achieved over 400 signal amplification for the tested SF-AgNps∗ hydrogel material representing almost 60 times fold of enhancement obtained in comparison to Nps tested in solution. The inherent adsorption capability of the SF-Nps hydrogels in comparison to the suspension test, facilitated through the concentration of MB by the SF-Nps hydrogels matrix for detection, represents a promising strategy in the development of efficient environmental detection systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 101169"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144511056","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Eco-friendly rock fracturing: Enhancing SREMA with calcium sulfate for sustainable mineral recovery","authors":"T. Kannangara ,&nbsp;P.G. Ranjith ,&nbsp;V.R.S. De Silva","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101167","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101167","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The study investigates the impact of calcium sulfate (CaSO₄) on the performance of Slow-Releasing Energy Material Agents (SREMAs) for in-situ mineral recovery (IMR). Comprehensive experimental analyses were conducted, including expansive pressure measurement, isothermal calorimetry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results revealed that incorporating 1 % CaSO₄ into SREMA formulations optimally enhances portlandite and ettringite formation, achieving a 15.3 % increase in expansive pressure (28.67 MPa) compared to the control mix. Rheological tests indicated improved workability and cohesiveness at this concentration, balancing flowability and washout resistance in water-saturated conditions. Excessive CaSO₄ (&gt;1 %) reduced performance by disrupting hydration dynamics and forming secondary phases. The findings underscore the synergistic role of CaSO₄ in promoting hydration efficiency and volumetric expansion, which could have implications for improving the performance of SREMAs in IMR applications. Future research is recommended to further optimize the system to increase the expansive pressure generation potential in SREMA through additive enhancements and nanoparticle integration for deep subterranean applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 101167"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144522918","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}