Materials Today Sustainability最新文献

{"title":"Development and validation of eco-friendly designed heat and moisture exchange filters for the safeguard of the respiratory tract and of the environment","authors":"Chiara Artusi ,&nbsp;Elisabetta Campodoni ,&nbsp;Leonardo Tarlati ,&nbsp;Brais Vazquez Iglesias ,&nbsp;Anna Sansone ,&nbsp;Carla Ferreri ,&nbsp;Franco Belosi ,&nbsp;Alberta Vandini ,&nbsp;Paolo Monticelli ,&nbsp;Monica Sandri","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101108","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101108","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>For many years, Heat and Moisture Exchange (HME) filters have been used for the safeguard of hospitalized patients subjected to long-term mechanical ventilation, anaesthesia, or intensive care. These devices, also namely “artificial noses”, are essential to maintain normal levels of humidity, warmth, and decontamination of the trachea when the upper airways are bypassed and in general when patients are subjected to ventilation with technical gases. Their function is to retain and reuse part of the heat and the moisture captured from the exhaled air, to precondition the inhaled technical gas. The currently used HME devices still have some limitations concerning above all the costs of raw materials and processes as well as their environmental impact. Further, this study aims to develop and validate eco-friendly and biodegradable HME filters developed through a green manufacturing process and reusing raw materials deriving from food waste to reduce their environmental impact. In detail, an extremely porous aerogel has been developed by exploiting the chemical advantages offered by biopolymers, like gelatin and chitosan, and designed with a view of attempt selection of raw materials and of process parameters for the obtaining of highly efficient devices, but while maintaining a low costs attractive to the market of disposable devices such as HME. Between the process parameters, freeze-drying and cross-linking steps were managed to achieve the target of low cost and time savings, making the process more easily scalable at industrial level, and improving the HME efficiency. Pressure drops, moisture and heat transfer, microbial filtration efficiency and bacteriostatic capacity of the HME filters were validated, both in vitro and in a hospital environment, also highlighting the device's ability to capture bacterial and inhibit their proliferation, a key feature for the preservation of patent health and of clinical instruments as well as for the possibility of being marketed. Further, it was achieved a proof of concept on the inclusion of a diagnostic tool in the HME structure. It can provoke the colour changing of the device in the presence of bacteria. This would make it easier to de-hospitalize patients, reducing healthcare costs but keeping their health status constantly monitored outside the hospital.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 101108"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143768878","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Synthesis and characterization of recyclable MCM-41/UiO-66 silicate mesoporous nanostructures with high demulsification efficiency of crude oil-in-water emulsions","authors":"Raheleh Saeedirad,&nbsp;Majid Abdouss,&nbsp;Seyed Mohammad Reza Shoja","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101107","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101107","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study presents a novel MCM-41/UiO-66 hybrid nanostructure, achieving exceptional demulsification efficiency and recyclability, offering a sustainable solution for oil-water emulsions in the petroleum industry. With a remarkable 99 % demulsification efficiency and minimal residual oil content, MCM-41/UIO-66 demonstrates exceptional separation capabilities. The successful hybridization of UiO-66, integrating seamlessly with silica-based support, preserved intrinsic structures and enhanced thermal stability. The material exhibits improved textural properties and porosity as well as effective phase separation capabilities, as validated through rigorous testing. Quantitative analysis illustrates dosage-dependent enhancement, with a notable 99 % efficiency achieved at 0.2 wt% MCM-41/UiO-66. Elevated temperatures positively influence demulsification efficiency. The proposed desulfurization mechanism positions MCM-41/UiO-66 as a promising material for broader applications. Recycling tests underscore its excellent reusability and effective recovery, solidifying MCM-41/UiO-66 as a versatile and sustainable solution for petroleum industry challenges.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 101107"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143748196","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multi-site activation in metal-doped CuPd alloy catalysts enhances nitrate electroreduction to ammonia","authors":"Chen Zhao,&nbsp;Tong-Hui Wang,&nbsp;Zhi Wen Chen,&nbsp;Zi Wen,&nbsp;Qing Jiang","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101104","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101104","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO₃RR) represents an environmentally friendly pathway for ammonia production and nitrate purification while the development of efficient NO₃RR catalysts is crucial to achieve a high performance. In this study, a series of transition metal-doped CuPd alloy (TM-CuPd, TM = Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) were explored as NO₃RR catalysts through density functional theory calculation. Multi-site active center was designed to explore the structure-performance relation on TM-CuPd catalysts for NO₃RR. Notably, Mn–CuPd was proposed to provide a unique combination of high activation ability for NO₃⁻ and robust protonation ability for intermediates, leading to excellent catalytic performance with the reaction free energy change of 0.14 eV for the potential limiting step of Mn–CuPd in the NO₃RR. In essence, the excellent activity of Mn–CuPd catalyst benefits from the highly flexible adsorption behavior of intermediates on the multi-site active center, which effectively optimizes the reaction pathway.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 101104"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143759068","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investigation of hybrid substrates of waste paper and hemp hurds for mycelium-based materials production","authors":"Yang Qiu ,&nbsp;Georg Hausner ,&nbsp;Qiuyan Yuan","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101101","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101101","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hemp hurds are popular for producing mycelium-based materials (MBMs), which are emerging biomaterials for the packaging industry. However, hemp hurds have been repurposed for alternative uses, resulting in potential challenges of limited availability and increased costs of substrates for manufacturing MBMs. This study aimed to reduce the reliance on hemp hurds as a substrate in the production of MBMs.Waste paper, which is more readily available and cost-effective, was blended with hemp hurds to create mycelium-based materials in this research. The fabrication duration and physical and mechanical characteristics of samples were assessed and compared to those made of pure hemp hurds substrates. The results showed that samples made of hybrid substrates exhibited longer production duration than those from 100 % hemp hurds. In addition, different fungal species have varying abilities to digest hybrid substrates, resulting in different morphology of the final product. <em>Fomes fomentarius-</em>based samples had a velvety and foam-like appearance, <em>Ganoderma lucidum</em>-based samples exhibited a more compact structure, and <em>Trametes pubescens-</em>based samples showed a loose structure with less mycelium skin on the surface. The study demonstrated that adding waste paper to the substrates increased the dry density of final products. Non-etheless, the dry density of the final products (0.097 g/cm³ – 0.145 g/cm³) remained competitive because it was significantly lower than that of pulp moulding packaging (0.2–1.0 g/cm³), a commonly used green packaging material nowadays. In addition, incorporating waste paper increased products’ compressive properties. Compressive strength at 35 % strain was increased by 13.9 % for <em>Ganoderma lucidum</em>-based samples, 25.7 % for <em>Fomes fomentarius</em>-based samples, and 30.8 % for <em>Trametes pubescens</em>-based samples.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 101101"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143748197","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Towards smart agriculture through nano-fertilizer-A review","authors":"Juhi Jannat Mim ,&nbsp;S.M. Maksudur Rahman ,&nbsp;Fardin Khan ,&nbsp;Dipto Paul ,&nbsp;Shakil Sikder ,&nbsp;Hridoy Pollab Das ,&nbsp;Safiullah Khan ,&nbsp;Naziat Tabassum Orny ,&nbsp;Md. Rifat Hossain Shuvo ,&nbsp;Nayem Hossain","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101100","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101100","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nanoparticles' recent advancement and phenomenal ingenuity radically change Fertilizers for developing agro-based technology. This paper illustrates the groundbreaking use of nano fertilizers (NFs) rather than conventional fertilizers. The simultaneous improvement of nutrient flow is detected, and nutrient solubility is significant after using NFs. The continuous synchronization of the transportation of nutrients enhances plant growth by minimizing toxicity. The seed germination tends to accelerate, and acidity levels can be ideally monitored with the help of organic and inorganic NFs. The foliar application also helps to increase efficiency for targeted tissues by spraying plant leaves, which develops plant growth. Soil and roots are other media that introduce NFs, which escalate plant tissue growth. ZnO, MnO₂ &amp; MoO₃ are the most commonly used NFs and can be synthesized by the Precipitation method, Vacuum Arc Deposition, Chemical Absorption, or many other techniques. Long-term usage, cost efficiency, and environmental phenomena may be the main concerns for researchers. Still, new possibilities for food safety and economic viability create remarkable opportunities for innovative nano-fertilizers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 101100"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143629265","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investigating a multi-generational energy system incorporating an OTEC cycle, solar collector, and wind turbine: Six E analysis, including energy, exergy, exergoenvironmental, exergoeconomic, emergoeconomic, and emergoenvironmental","authors":"Hadi Kamfar ,&nbsp;Abolfazl Shojaeian ,&nbsp;Jaber Yousefi Seyf ,&nbsp;Najmeh Hajialigol","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101097","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101097","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the context of increasing focus on renewable energy due to environmental degradation, population growth, and declining freshwater resources, this study examines a combined power generation and freshwater production system. The feasibility of integrating solar and wind energy systems is assessed using EES software, with sensitivity analysis identifying optimal input parameters for the organic cycle fluid. Results show that increasing solar collector area, solar radiation, pinch point temperature, and wind speed improves performance initially, but leads to higher exergy destruction, environmental impact, and economic costs. Therefore, identifying optimal values for each parameter is essential for overall system optimization. Exergoeconomic and exergoenvironmental analyses indicate that the lowest economic exergy coefficient is associated with closed heater equipment, while the lowest exergoenvironmental factor is linked to the Rankine condenser. The total economic cost, environmental impact, and energy-based cost and impact rates for January are reported as 373.1 ($/h), 2.184 ($/h), 3.962 × 1014 (Sej/h), and 4.022 × 1016 (Sej/h), respectively.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 101097"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143610570","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Covalent organic frameworks: A green approach to environmental challenges","authors":"Doaa Zamel ,&nbsp;Atta Ullah Khan","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101096","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101096","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as a versatile class of crystalline porous materials with exceptional structural tunability, high surface area, and Chemical stability. The concurrent polymerization and crystallization of monomers with specific bonding designs produce covalent organic frameworks, which are polymeric networks bound together by strong covalent bonds in 2D or 3D structures. The properties exhibited by COFs have quickly broadened to include those relevant for applications such as heterogeneous catalysis, energy storage, and water and air purification. However, most of these applications demand morphological control, material quality, and synthetic efficiency, which surpass the limitations of current synthesis methods. Achieving this level of quality requires deeper understanding of COF nucleation and synthesis processes. This review sheds the light on the advancements in COF synthesis, highlighting the development of innovative methodologies to achieve precise structure and effective functionality of COFs. Furthermore, the environmental applications of COFs have been critically examined, with a focus on their role in pollutant capture, water purification, and catalytic degradation of environmental contaminants. Moreover, it further concludes with an outlook on future directions and challenges in the field, emphasizing the need for further research to increase the scalability, stability, and reusability of COFs in practical environmental applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 101096"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143601349","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Innovative multiphase composites of transition metal oxides for long-term stability and high energy density in storage devices","authors":"Nayab Zahra ,&nbsp;Muhammad Shahbaz ,&nbsp;Mohsin Saleem ,&nbsp;Muhammad Zubair Khan ,&nbsp;Muneeb Irshad ,&nbsp;Shahzad Sharif ,&nbsp;Jung Hyuk Koh ,&nbsp;Mohsin Ali Marwat ,&nbsp;Gwangseop Lee ,&nbsp;Muhammad Irfan ,&nbsp;Abdul Ghaffar","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101099","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101099","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The development of an optimal material that facilitates multiple redox reactions is crucial for advancing energy storage devices. In the present study, we focused on preparing such a material through an easy and cost-effective method to achieve enhanced charge storage ability with large power. Multiphase composites based on Mn, Ce, Co, and Ni oxides were prepared via solution combustion synthesis (SCS) for supercapacitor electrode applications. Three composites, Mn–O/CeO₂ (N1), Ni–O/Co₃O₄ (N2), and Mn–O/CeO₂/Ni–O/Co₃O₄ (N3), all in equal ratios, were prepared after sintering at 700 °C for 3 h in the open air. Preliminary characterizations, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), were performed to investigate the structural, optical, and morphological properties of the three distinct composites. XRD analysis confirmed the presence of various phases, such as CeO₂, Mn₂O₃, Co₃O₄, NiO, Ni₂O₃, and Mn₅O₈ in the different composites, significantly influencing their physical and electrochemical behavior. With three-electrode assembly, electroanalytical tools such as cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanic charge-discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were utilized to divulge electrochemical properties which confirmed pseudocapacitive behavior in the synthesized electrode composites. The specific capacitance of 59.3 F/g, 91.67 F/g, and 23.14 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g were recorded for N1, N2, and N3, respectively. Having tempting results of N2 cathode, it was fabricated against activated carbon (AC) anode to form a hybrid supercapacitor device which demonstrated a specific capacitance of 78.25 F/g, a specific energy of 24.45 Wh/kg, and a large specific power of 1086.80 W/kg at 1 A/g current density, with a coulombic efficiency of 106.5% over 1000 GCD cycles.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 101099"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143610564","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An insight into the application and progress of artificial intelligence in the hydrogen production industry: A review","authors":"Mostafa Jamali ,&nbsp;Najmeh Hajialigol ,&nbsp;Abolfazl Fattahi","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101098","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101098","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The urgent need for low carbon emissions in hydrogen production has become increasingly critical as global energy demands rise, highlighting the inefficiencies in traditional methods and the industry's challenges in meeting evolving environmental standards. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these challenges and opportunities. The current review discusses the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, especially machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) algorithms, for process optimization in hydrogen production and associated power systems. The current study analyzes data from several important industry case studies and recently published studied evidence by using a review methodology in order to critically evaluate the effectiveness of AI applications. Key findings show how AI greatly improves operational efficiency through optimized production conditions and forecasted energy use. The review indicates that real-time data processing by AI helps to quickly detect anomalies for timely correction, minimizing downtimes and maximizing reliability. Integrating AI with energy management solutions not only optimizes hydrogen production but also supports a transition to sustainable energy systems. Thus, the current review recommends strategic investments in AI technologies and comprehensive training programs to harness their full potential, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable energy future.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 101098"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143620948","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Machine learning and sustainable geopolymer materials: A systematic review","authors":"Ho Anh Thu Nguyen ,&nbsp;Duy Hoang Pham ,&nbsp;Yonghan Ahn ,&nbsp;Bee Lan Oo ,&nbsp;Benson Teck Heng Lim","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101095","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101095","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Over the last decade, a considerable amount of research has documented the application of machine learning (ML) and its potential for cleaner production of sustainable construction materials particularly on geopolymers. Conceptually, the use of ML could help optimize the mixture composition, predict the property and performance of geopolymers materials. However, existing studies seem to mainly concentrate on geopolymer concrete and thus overlook other forms such as mortar and paste, and the data requirements of ML. In addressing the gaps, the aim of this study is to provide a current status of art on the use of ML on geopolymer materials by specifically exploring (i) the progression of ML in geopolymer materials from 2012 to 2023; (ii) the forms and types of geopolymer being researched using ML; (iii) the data sources and sizes, and ML algorithms being used; and (iv) the tasks being performed using ML. The overall findings show that ML are primarily utilized for predicting geopolymer properties, particularly compressive strength, while their potential in mixture optimization and structural maintenance remains largely untapped. Additionally, the small training datasets and the predominant reliance on data from previous publications in most studies underscore the limited utilization of field data. In conclusion, this study informs researchers of the current challenges in the application of ML for geopolymer materials and proposes directions for future research in using ML for improved property prediction and mixture optimization of sustainable geopolymer materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 101095"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143579450","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}