{"title":"Decarbonizing our environment via the promotion of biomass methanation in developing nations: a waste management tool","authors":"Chidiebere Millicent Igwebuike, Toyese Oyegoke","doi":"10.1515/pac-2023-1109","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2023-1109","url":null,"abstract":"For a long time, fossil fuel has been a part of our everyday lives and has constantly led to the emission of carbon dioxide (CO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>) into the environment. The release of methane (CH<jats:sub>4</jats:sub>) into our surroundings can be caused by the decomposition of organic wastes produced by our daily activities; CH<jats:sub>4</jats:sub> produced by human activity is responsible for at least 25 % of global warming. CH<jats:sub>4</jats:sub> is a known potent greenhouse gas that can trap about 35 times more heat than CO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>. These greenhouse gases play a role in climate change and global warming. It, therefore, becomes important to explore measures for decarbonizing our environment. Biomethane production using our generated waste is a promising decarbonization approach with significant potential for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. This paper overviews potential biomass methanation feedstocks and investigates several technologies, such as anaerobic digestion, combined pyrolysis and methanation, and combined gasification and methanation. SWOT analysis of waste conversion to biomethane was conducted, and important points related to the scaling-up of biomethane production processes were outlined. Also, insights into prospects for promoting biomass methanation deployment were provided. In conclusion, biomass methanation has great potential for producing sustainable energy. Hence, collaboration between industrialists, researchers, government agencies, and stakeholders including an understanding of the financial investments, return on investments, or potential subsidies and incentives could enhance the practicality of the proposed solution. Research and development should be continuously carried out as they are necessary to scale up and promote the technology. Also, there should be technical training for stakeholders as it is essential for the smooth development of the sector.","PeriodicalId":20911,"journal":{"name":"Pure and Applied Chemistry","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140105728","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Enrico Berretti, Andrea Giaccherini, Vincenzo Dell’Aquila, Francesco Di Benedetto, Giordano Montegrossi, Giovanni Orazio Lepore, Massimo Innocenti, Francesco D’Acapito, Francesco Vizza, Alessandro Lavacchi
{"title":"In-situ and operando Grazing Incidence XAS: a novel set-up and its application to model Pd electrodes for alcohols oxidation","authors":"Enrico Berretti, Andrea Giaccherini, Vincenzo Dell’Aquila, Francesco Di Benedetto, Giordano Montegrossi, Giovanni Orazio Lepore, Massimo Innocenti, Francesco D’Acapito, Francesco Vizza, Alessandro Lavacchi","doi":"10.1515/pac-2023-1013","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2023-1013","url":null,"abstract":"In this article, we present an <jats:italic>in-situ</jats:italic> and <jats:italic>operando</jats:italic> time-resolved X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) technique which exploits a combination of Grazing Incidence XAS (GIXAS) and Fixed Energy X-ray Absorption Voltammetry (FEXRAV), the Grazing Incidence FEXRAV (GI-FEXRAV). A case-study is also outlined. Palladium ultra-low loadings were deposited above Au polycrystalline iso-oriented substrates adopting three different deposition methods: surface-controlled electrochemical methods, direct electrodeposition, and physical vapour deposition (PVD). These catalytical surfaces were prepared for the investigation by GI-FEXRAV of the Pd oxidation/dissolution phenomenon that could occur when the metal is used in the anodic compartment of Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells (DAFCs) or in electrochemical reformers. Moreover, we report a robust, low cost and versatile procedure to obtain wide and flat iso-oriented gold substrates that can mimic monocrystalline gold (1 1 1) in the electrochemical response. The use of GI-FEXRAV for the <jats:italic>operando</jats:italic> characterization of the catalysts, in conjunction with the designed experimental cell and our flexible Au-based electrochemical substrates show an invaluable potential in the <jats:italic>operando</jats:italic> study of fundamental phenomena in heterogeneous electrocatalysis model systems and, due to its versatility, paves the way to further studies on a wide selection of electrochemical systems.","PeriodicalId":20911,"journal":{"name":"Pure and Applied Chemistry","volume":"57 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140074394","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Maximising the consistency of the presentation of the molecular level with its quantum mechanical description: challenges and opportunities","authors":"Liliana Mammino","doi":"10.1515/pac-2023-1121","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2023-1121","url":null,"abstract":"Reasoning in terms of molecules has since long become fully embedded in any chemistry discourse. On the other hand, students’ familiarization with the molecular level in pre-university instruction is not always satisfactory, and their ability to view chemical phenomena in terms of what molecules do may not reach the extent and quality that would be needed to ensure effective conceptual understanding. Students may remain uncertain about the interpretation of the molecular features of a number of phenomena even through undergraduate instruction. Removing uncertainties and promoting comfortable familiarization is increasingly becoming an imperative for chemistry education, in view of the novel central role that the molecular level is acquiring not only for the customary interpretation of phenomena, but for the high variety of applications that have been blooming in recent years. Consequently, learners’ familiarization with the world of molecules needs to become more informative and complete. It is equally important that the information that they acquire about molecules be consistent with the modern descriptions, which are based on quantum mechanics. This requires accurate search for optimal balances between the need to simplify the terms of the descriptions in order to make them accessible to leaners according to the different levels of chemistry learning, and the simultaneous need to maintain adequate conceptual rigour. The present work outlines approaches which have proved viable and effective, and which rely on accurate use of language and visualization as the major explanation resources.","PeriodicalId":20911,"journal":{"name":"Pure and Applied Chemistry","volume":"108 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140074191","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Margot Hurlbert, Tanushree Das, Hemda Garelick, Nicholas Priest
{"title":"Public knowledge, sentiments, and perceptions of low dose radiation (LDR) and power production, with special reference to reactor accidents","authors":"Margot Hurlbert, Tanushree Das, Hemda Garelick, Nicholas Priest","doi":"10.1515/pac-2023-1207","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2023-1207","url":null,"abstract":"People’s perceptions concerning radiation inform decision making in relation to nuclear power production. There have been extensive studies of people’s perceptions of radiation including in relation to the Fukushima and Chernobyl nuclear events. This paper reports on a social science literature review study and is concerned with public responses to low dose radiation (LDR) and nuclear facilities, particularly in the marine environment. This review confirms that people with little knowledge about radiation have the highest risk perceptions in relation to nuclear power; conversely people with a broader knowledge have lower risk perceptions and are more favourable to nuclear power. Education can increase positive perceptions, but the influence of underlying experience of feeling, emotion, attachment, or mood may dampen this effect. This paper reports studies which document anxiety within the Japanese community in relation to the Fukushima nuclear accident. Literature concerning specific radionuclides released is described. While there are uncertainties about the presence of health impacts following LDR exposures, public attitudes are not in line. There is a need for better dialogue between nuclear professionals and scientists to achieve better nuclear education and public communication outcomes; more specific communication surrounding multi-isotopes, and multi-elements of nuclear power plant disaster releases is warranted. Trusted communicators should include nuclear and social scientists as well as regulators. Given the importance of decarbonization in the context of climate change, this is increasingly important.","PeriodicalId":20911,"journal":{"name":"Pure and Applied Chemistry","volume":"3 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140055110","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The transfer of irradiated uranium from the Irish Sea coast to the terrestrial environment in Cumbria, UK","authors":"Nicholas Priest, Maurice Moore, Matthew Thirlwall","doi":"10.1515/pac-2023-1017","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2023-1017","url":null,"abstract":"Sea-to-land transfer of irradiated uranium in soil samples was measured along a transect from the Cumbrian coast south of the Windscale Sellafield nuclear site in a NE direction across the Cumbrian coastal plain. Soluble uranium components were extracted by ion exchange chromatography and ratios <jats:sup>236</jats:sup>U:<jats:sup>238</jats:sup>U and <jats:sup>235</jats:sup>U:<jats:sup>238</jats:sup>U were measured using multi-collector ICP-MS. The method employed demonstrated the utility of <jats:sup>236</jats:sup>U ratio measurements for the determination of irradiated uranium in environmental samples. The results produced for uranium were like those that have been reported for other fission product and nuclear fuel components that have been shown to be marine in origin. Measured <jats:sup>236</jats:sup>U levels were highest close to the seashore and decreased rapidly as an exponential function of distance. The results indicated the absence of depleted uranium, such as might result from the deposition of aerosols generated by the testing of DU munitions at the nearby Eskmeals firing range in all but one sample.","PeriodicalId":20911,"journal":{"name":"Pure and Applied Chemistry","volume":"66 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140055234","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sandra Agudo-Álvarez, Sandra S. Díaz-Mínguez, Raúl Benito-Arenas
{"title":"The amide group and its preparation methods by acid-amine coupling reactions: an overview","authors":"Sandra Agudo-Álvarez, Sandra S. Díaz-Mínguez, Raúl Benito-Arenas","doi":"10.1515/pac-2023-1104","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2023-1104","url":null,"abstract":"The amide bond is one of the most important structural units in nature, as it is part of the backbone of peptides and natural proteins, as well as some essential amino acids, DNA, RNA, hormones, or vitamins found in the body. Furthermore, this bond is significant in the pharmaceutical industry due to its presence in the structure of numerous APIs contained in drugs. This paper reviews the most important methods collected in the bibliography for the preparation of this moiety.","PeriodicalId":20911,"journal":{"name":"Pure and Applied Chemistry","volume":"82 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140055115","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Efficiency of green synthesised carbon nanotubes from Moringa oleifera leaf extract as potential toxic metals adsorbent in polluted water","authors":"Mansur Ibrahim Yahaya, Zara’u Salihu","doi":"10.1515/pac-2024-0103","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2024-0103","url":null,"abstract":"Among the many drawbacks of the current wastewater treatment systems are their high energy consumption and creation of harmful sludge. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are advantageous for the treatment of water due to their strong adsorption capacity and selectivity towards various pollutants. Thus, creating methods for treating water by producing CNTs from <jats:italic>Moringa oleifera</jats:italic> leaf extract can greatly help with the clean water problem. The synthesised material’s Ultra Visible (260–385 nm), FTIR (764–3295 cm<jats:sup>−1</jats:sup>) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) characterizations have demonstrated their CNTs characteristics. The repeatability testing yielded the %RSD values for Ca = 0.4, Cu = 0.24, Mg = 0.9, Pb = 1.06 and Zn = 0.36 which suggest that the AES approach demonstrated a high degree of precision. The findings show that the quantity of recovered metals increases with retention period. Mg > Cu > Zn > Ca > Pb was the order of the metal adsorption capacity throughout retention durations of 3, 6, 24, and 48 h. As the initial concentrations of the components under research were doubled and tripled, so were the removal capacities of CNTs increased which may be as a result of an increase in metal ions in the solution. The outcomes show how well the synthetic CNTs can remove heavy metals from wastewater.","PeriodicalId":20911,"journal":{"name":"Pure and Applied Chemistry","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140045709","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Shaping the future of green hydrogen: De Nora’s electrochemical technologies for fueling the energy transition","authors":"Michele Perego, Patrick Scilabra","doi":"10.1515/pac-2023-0810","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2023-0810","url":null,"abstract":"De Nora, an Italian multinational corporation listed on Euronext Milan, stands as a notable leader in sustainable technologies, especially within the growing field of green hydrogen. Over its century-long existence, the company has undergone distinct phases, culminating in a significant global role for a greener and more sustainable future. De Nora has substantiated its international presence with a robust network of 25 operational entities, five research centers, and a workforce exceeding 2000 employees. Originating in 1923 under Oronzio De Nora’s vision, the establishment of Oronzio De Nora Impianti Elettrochimici propelled the company into pioneering electrochemical advancements. Initially focusing on chlor-alkali technologies, De Nora’s strategic collaborations and acquisitions facilitated its evolution from a specialized enterprise to a versatile multinational entity. The contemporary phase of De Nora’s journey has been fortified by strategic partnerships, notably with Blackstone Tactical Opportunities and later Snam S.p.A. These alliances align with the need to face climate change and underscore De Nora’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. As the transition to cleaner energy solutions accelerates worldwide, De Nora’s expertise in electrode technology and electrochemical processes positions it as a frontrunner in the green hydrogen revolution. Central to this evolution is the rise of green hydrogen, produced through water electrolysis using renewable sources. De Nora’s research and development initiatives have yielded transformative outcomes, including energy-efficient electrodes and innovative electrode packages tailored for alkaline electrolysis. This focus on efficiency and cost reduction enhances De Nora’s potential to drive the widespread adoption of green hydrogen technology, amplifying its influence on the global energy landscape. De Nora’s impact extends to pivotal global initiatives, exemplified by its role as a strategic partner in NEOM project, an ambitious green hydrogen production facility in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, De Nora’s contributions resonate in Europe’s largest green hydrogen generation project through collaboration with H2 Green Steel in Sweden. Moreover, a crowning achievement in De Nora’s trajectory is the visionary ‘GigaFactory’, a model of innovation and sustainability made in partnership with Snam. Located near Milan, this pioneering manufacturing hub will embody principles of Industry 4.0, flexibility and automation practices. Supported by the European IPCEI Hydrogen program and the European Commission, this initiative represents a significant stride towards a renewable hydrogen value chain. In conclusion, De Nora’s journey encapsulates a century-long evolution from its electrochemical roots to a dynamic global company propelling sustainable technologies. Anchored by an unwavering commitment to carbon neutrality and bolstered by transformative partnerships, the company embodies innovation and col","PeriodicalId":20911,"journal":{"name":"Pure and Applied Chemistry","volume":"72 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140018904","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Ozone-initiated degradation of 1,2-dichlorobenzene over ceria-supported manganese, nickel, vanadium and iron catalysts","authors":"Nomthandazo Mkhize, Viswandha Srirama Rajasekhar Pullabhotla","doi":"10.1515/pac-2023-1019","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2023-1019","url":null,"abstract":"Oxidative degradation of 1,2-dichlorobenzene using different loadings of metal (Mn, Ni, V, and Fe) supported on CeO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub> was studied. All metal (Mn, Ni, V, and Fe) loaded CeO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub> catalysts were synthesized using the method called wet impregnation and the as-synthesized catalyst materials were characterized using different analytical instruments such as FT-IR, SEM-EDX, XRD, BET, ICP-OES, and TEM methods. The oxidation reactions of 1,2-dichlorobenzene were studied by bubbling substrate (1,2-dichlorobenzene) with ozone (0.0794 mg/L) into a glass reactor via a porous bubbler of porosity 2 over a period of 24 h. A 2.5 % Fe/CeO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub> catalyst was found to be the most active catalyst with a percentage conversion of 62 % within 24 h of ozonation. The oxidation products were identified using GC-MS and FT-IR spectroscopy was used to study the functional groups present in the ozonation product. The ozonation products that were identified are mucochloric acid and 3,4-dichloro-2,5-furandione. All the V loaded on CeO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub> catalysts produced 100 % mucohloric acid at the end of ozonation (24 h).","PeriodicalId":20911,"journal":{"name":"Pure and Applied Chemistry","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140018905","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chiara Ruggirello, Karin Mörl, Annette G. Beck-Sickinger
{"title":"Peptides for therapeutic applications – challenges and chances","authors":"Chiara Ruggirello, Karin Mörl, Annette G. Beck-Sickinger","doi":"10.1515/pac-2024-0104","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2024-0104","url":null,"abstract":"Peptides have beneficial properties for therapeutic applications due to their excellent target specificity, high affinity and activity, low toxicity and predictable metabolism. Thus, they became an important tool for research and medical purpose. However, peptides are fragile molecules, therefore, in order to be used as therapeutic agents they need to be stabilised by non-peptidic modifications. Required improvements of these peptide properties include longer half-life, higher bioavailability, increased potency and efficiency. Strategies to achieve these goals have been identified in the last years, with synthetic strategies to obtain sufficient amounts becoming increasingly important. In this review, peptides are discussed with respect to their therapeutic applications. Examples from glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists are shown. Peptides are compared to small molecules and antibodies with respect to advantages and disadvantages in therapeutic applications.","PeriodicalId":20911,"journal":{"name":"Pure and Applied Chemistry","volume":"36 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140018658","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}