npj Materials Sustainability最新文献

{"title":"Challenges and opportunities on the utilisation of ionic liquid for biomass pretreatment and valorisation","authors":"Antonio Ovejero-Pérez, Pedro Y. S. Nakasu, Cynthia Hopson, Josiel Martins Costa, Jason P. Hallett","doi":"10.1038/s44296-024-00015-x","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44296-024-00015-x","url":null,"abstract":"Biomass processing employing ionic liquids is already an established option at the laboratory scale. Ionic liquids can disrupt and deconstruct the lignocellulosic biomass network, giving rise to multiple options for valorisation. However, there is still much work remaining to accomplish the scale-up and commercialisation of ionic liquid-based biomass processing. Important issues such as ionic liquid cost and recyclability, among others, need to be carefully addressed. In addition, ionic liquids modify the structure and properties of the recovered materials, impacting potential applications. Due to the complex nature of ionic liquids, where multiple combinations of anions and cations are possible, these issues should be considered for each process and application, making it difficult to generalise for all cases. This perspective covers the main challenges and opportunities in the employment of ionic liquids for biomass processing, both in the biomass processing stage and in the valorisation of the recovered fractions. Among them, we discuss the importance of solvent recovery and costs as two critical issues to consider in biomass processing, as well as the major role lignin condensation plays in hindering ionoSolv lignin valorisation and different approaches to valorise the recovered cellulose.","PeriodicalId":471646,"journal":{"name":"npj Materials Sustainability","volume":" ","pages":"1-6"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s44296-024-00015-x.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140924941","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Digital technologies for construction sustainability: Status quo, challenges, and future prospects","authors":"Weisheng Lu, Jinfeng Lou, Benjamin Kwaku Ababio, Ray Y. Zhong, Zhikang Bao, Xiao Li, Fan Xue","doi":"10.1038/s44296-024-00010-2","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44296-024-00010-2","url":null,"abstract":"The nexus between digital technologies (DTs) and sustainability in the built environment has attracted increasing research interest in recent years, yet understanding DT utilization and its impact on construction processes remains fragmented. To address this gap, this study conducts a systematic review of the construction sustainability literature to analyze and synthesize research findings on the application of DTs at various stages of the construction lifecycle. We undertake an in-depth content analysis of 72 articles, with findings revealing that prominent DTs for construction sustainability include building information modeling, the Internet of Things, big data, and artificial intelligence. We also identify that the application of DTs for sustainability across the construction lifecycle is clustered in four areas: namely (1) integration and collaboration; (2) optimization, simulation, and decision-making; (3) tracking, monitoring, and control; and (4) training. Based on existing knowledge gaps, future research opportunities are identified, including the development of integrated and interoperable systems, long-term performance and resilience, and advanced simulation and modeling techniques. This study contributes to the literature on construction digitalization by offering a complete overview of research investigations in relation to construction sustainability and identifying research crucial to advancing a DT-enabled sustainable built environment.","PeriodicalId":471646,"journal":{"name":"npj Materials Sustainability","volume":" ","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s44296-024-00010-2.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140817296","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Perspectives of soil nanoremediation: the case of nano zerovalent iron and metal(loid) contaminants","authors":"Michael Komárek","doi":"10.1038/s44296-024-00013-z","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44296-024-00013-z","url":null,"abstract":"The use of nano zero-valent iron in environmental remediation has gained much attention in the last two decades. While these engineered nanoparticles have been successfully used in groundwater remediation, their potential in soil remediation remains limited, mainly due to the associated higher costs and comparable efficiency when compared to conventional iron-based materials, e.g., iron grit. Additionally, there is still a limited number of studies describing their efficiency under field conditions, possible toxicological issues, including toxicity to humans, LCA of the technology, and its economic viability in general. This perspective article aims to describe the mechanisms behind this technology and critically review the potentials and drawbacks of nZVI use in the remediation of soil contaminated with metals and metalloids as its potential for its widespread use in soil remediation is probably still limited.","PeriodicalId":471646,"journal":{"name":"npj Materials Sustainability","volume":" ","pages":"1-5"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s44296-024-00013-z.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140642055","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unlocking the Potentials of Biodegradable Plastics with Proper Management and Evaluation at Environmentally Relevant Concentrations","authors":"Yingxue Yu, Markus Flury","doi":"10.1038/s44296-024-00012-0","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44296-024-00012-0","url":null,"abstract":"Biodegradable plastics have been proposed as an alternative to conventional plastics for many applications, such as single-use plastic bags, disposable cutleries and tablewares, and agricultural plastic mulch films. However, concerns have arisen about environmental sustainability of biodegradable plastics, especially regarding degradability, generation of biodegradable micro- and nanoplastics, and release of additives. Here, we critically evaluate literature on the degradation and ecotoxicity of biodegradable plastics with the consideration of environmentally relevant concentrations. Our evaluation suggests that, provided with proper disposal and full biodegradation, biodegradable plastics, including biodegradable micro- and nanoplastics, would not accumulate substantially in the environment and would be far from reaching concentrations at which negative impacts on ecosystems can be expected. In addition, we highlight existing regulatory efforts to prevent adverse ecotoxicity of biodegradable plastics. To ensure timely biodegradation under various disposal conditions, we propose to calibrate the actual biodegradability in disposal environments against the intrinsic biodegradability in standards. Further, we recommend to supplement biodegradability certificates on biodegradable plastics with clear disposal instructions, to ensure proper end-of-life management. With proper testing, comprehensive labeling, and effective management, we believe that, for certain applications, biodegradable plastics are a promising substitute for conventional plastics.","PeriodicalId":471646,"journal":{"name":"npj Materials Sustainability","volume":" ","pages":"1-7"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s44296-024-00012-0.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140606551","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Machine learning for sustainable organic waste treatment: a critical review","authors":"Rohit Gupta, Zahra Hajabdollahi Ouderji,  Uzma, Zhibin Yu, William T. Sloan, Siming You","doi":"10.1038/s44296-024-00009-9","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44296-024-00009-9","url":null,"abstract":"Data-driven modeling is being increasingly applied in designing and optimizing organic waste management toward greater resource circularity. This study investigates a spectrum of data-driven modeling techniques for organic treatment, encompassing neural networks, support vector machines, decision trees, random forests, Gaussian process regression, and k-nearest neighbors. The application of these techniques is explored in terms of their capacity for optimizing complex processes. Additionally, the study delves into physics-informed neural networks, highlighting the significance of integrating domain knowledge for improved model consistency. Comparative analyses are carried out to provide insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each technique, aiding practitioners in selecting appropriate models for diverse applications. Transfer learning and specialized neural network variants are also discussed, offering avenues for enhancing predictive capabilities. This work contributes valuable insights to the field of data-driven modeling, emphasizing the importance of understanding the nuances of each technique for informed decision-making in various organic waste treatment scenarios.","PeriodicalId":471646,"journal":{"name":"npj Materials Sustainability","volume":" ","pages":"1-18"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s44296-024-00009-9.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140538023","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microbial conversion of carbon dioxide into premium medium-chain fatty acids: the progress, challenges, and prospects","authors":"Kai-Kai Wu, Pian-Pian Xu, Lei Zhao, Nan-Qi Ren, Yi-Feng Zhang","doi":"10.1038/s44296-024-00008-w","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44296-024-00008-w","url":null,"abstract":"The conversion of carbon dioxide to medium-chain fatty acids (CO2-to-MCFAs) through microbial processes represents a valuable technology for sequestering and exploiting CO2, generating superior bio-chemicals from the primary contributor to the greenhouse effect. However, a comprehensive overview and generalization of microbial CO2-to-MCFAs are presently deficient. Based on this, the present review systematically summarizes the research progress, explicates the process mechanisms, analyses the key challenges and possible solutions, and anticipates forthcoming research perspectives and priorities for the first time. We proposed two original strategies, namely the synchronous strategy and integrated strategy, from current research into microbial CO2-to-MCFAs. The synchronous strategy concurrently achieves hydrogen (H2) and CO2 assimilation, as well as MCFAs production, by employing a reactor that co-cultivates predominant H2/CO2-utilizing microorganisms and chain elongation microorganisms. The integrated approaches involve CO2-to-precursors (i.e., acetate and ethanol) and subsequent precursors-to-MCFAs, achieved through the use of two bioreactors for separately cultivating H2/CO2-utilizing microorganisms and chain elongation microorganisms. Mechanistic insights reveal that microbial CO2-to-MCFAs predominantly encompasses two processes: H2 and CO2 assimilation into precursor and subsequent precursors chain elongation into MCFAs, through a Wood-Ljungdahl pathway and a two-round elongation, respectively. The analyses of key challenges and possible solutions for microbial CO2-to-MCFAs underscore the imperative to enhance efficiency and economy and to shed light on metabolic mechanisms. Furthermore, in order to improve the strategy application potential of microbial CO2-to-MCFAs, future research perspectives and priorities, e.g. exploitation of functional pure bacteria, screening of functional pure bacteria, multi-omics analysis, genetic modification and enhancement, enhancement of bioreactor stability, specific MCFA production, development of coupled purification technology for MCFAs, and economic benefits and ecological environmental risks, are proposed and prospected. This work is expected to offer a thorough understanding of the microbial CO2-to-MCFAs, guide and inspire researchers to address critical challenges in-depth and propel the development of CO2-to-MCFAs.","PeriodicalId":471646,"journal":{"name":"npj Materials Sustainability","volume":" ","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s44296-024-00008-w.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140291450","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Publisher Correction: Reimagining plastics waste as energy solutions: challenges and opportunities","authors":"Angie F. J. Tan, Sam Yu, Cheng Wang, Guan Heng Yeoh, Wey Yang Teoh, Alex C. K. Yip","doi":"10.1038/s44296-024-00018-8","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44296-024-00018-8","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":471646,"journal":{"name":"npj Materials Sustainability","volume":" ","pages":"1-1"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s44296-024-00018-8.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140114363","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Toward a circular economy: zero-waste manufacturing of carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites","authors":"Philip R. Barnett, Nadim S. Hmeidat, Bingqian Zheng, Dayakar Penumadu","doi":"10.1038/s44296-024-00006-y","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44296-024-00006-y","url":null,"abstract":"Fiber-reinforced composites are becoming ubiquitous as a way of lightweighting in the wind, aerospace, and automotive industries, but current recycling technologies fall short of a circular economy. In this work, fiber-reinforced composites made of recycled carbon fiber and polyphenylene sulfide were recycled and remanufactured using common processing technologies such as compression and injection molding. An industrially viable size-exclusive sieving technique was used to retain fiber length and reduce variability in the mechanical properties of the remanufactured composites. Fiber length reduction alone could not explain the strength reductions apparent in the composites, which we propose are due to microstructural inhomogeneity as defined by poor dispersion of the fibers. Future recycling efforts must focus on fiber length retention and good dispersion to make composite remanufacturing a viable path toward a circular economy.","PeriodicalId":471646,"journal":{"name":"npj Materials Sustainability","volume":" ","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s44296-024-00006-y.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140096748","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reimagining plastics waste as energy solutions: challenges and opportunities","authors":"Angie F. J. Tan, Sam Yu, Cheng Wang, Guan Heng Yeoh, Wey Yang Teoh, Alex C. K. Yip","doi":"10.1038/s44296-024-00007-x","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44296-024-00007-x","url":null,"abstract":"Recent statistics portray a stark reality, particularly highlighting the inadequate recycling measures and the consequent environmental threats, most notably in developing nations. The global ramifications of plastic pollution are elucidated, specifically focusing on the alarming accumulation in regions such as the “Great Pacific Garbage Patch” and evolving waste management practices in Southeast Asian countries. We emphasize the significance of Waste-to-Energy (W2E) and Waste-to-Fuel (W2F) technologies, e.g., pyrolysis and gasification, for converting difficult-to-recycle plastic waste into a dense-energy source. However, we identify a critical gap in current research: the emission of CO2 during these processes. This perspective spotlights emergent CO2 capture and utilization technologies, underscoring their role as a robust turnkey solution in making W2E and W2F methods more sustainable and unleashing the huge potential of using waste plastics as a dense-energy source. The scientific community is urged to develop tailored solutions for reducing CO2 emissions in plastic waste conversion processes. This approach promotes circular resource utilization and realizes the socio-economic and environmental advantages of plastic waste utilization technologies, advocating their implementation in economically disadvantaged regions.","PeriodicalId":471646,"journal":{"name":"npj Materials Sustainability","volume":" ","pages":"1-7"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s44296-024-00007-x.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139916829","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Maximising the benefits of calcium carbonate in sustainable cements: opportunities and challenges associated with alkaline waste carbonation","authors":"Fei Jin, Mingshan Zhao, Maochun Xu, Liwu Mo","doi":"10.1038/s44296-024-00005-z","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44296-024-00005-z","url":null,"abstract":"Cement production significantly contributes to global climate change and implementation of carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) in construction materials is considered a crucial step toward achieving net-zero emissions. Substituting Portland cement (PC) clinker with limestone has been demonstrated to effectively reduce CO2 emissions while enhancing the properties of cement and concrete. Beyond limestone extraction, quarrying, and crushing, various types of alkaline waste materials generated from industrial processes can serve as valuable resources for producing diverse forms of calcium carbonate, simultaneously capturing a substantial amount of CO2. In this context, we contend that due to the distinct characteristics of various calcium carbonate forms, there exists the substantial potential to maximise their technical, economic, and environmental advantages in the production of sustainable cements. We reviewed existing studies of the effects of different calcium carbonate forms on cement properties and underscored the viability of utilising various alkaline wastes to produce different calcium carbonate products. As a promising approach for CO2 reduction, waste management, and resource recovery, we addressed the opportunities and challenges associated with advancing CCUS through the utilisation of carbonated alkaline wastes in sustainable cements. To achieve real-world impacts, we emphasised the necessity for interdisciplinary research collaborations, active involvement from industry stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and governmental support to facilitate the large-scale adoption of these innovative practices.","PeriodicalId":471646,"journal":{"name":"npj Materials Sustainability","volume":" ","pages":"1-7"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s44296-024-00005-z.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139494626","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}