{"title":"Reconstructing cobalt disulfide nanosheets through sulfur doping hexamethylenetetramine regulated β-Co(OH)2 for oxygen evolution reaction","authors":"Xiangtai Zhang, Lei Wu","doi":"10.1007/s11705-025-2525-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11705-025-2525-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Exploiting advanced transition metal based electrocatalysts is critical for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) due to their high efficiency in an alkaline environment for water splitting. Herein, CoS<sub>2</sub> nanosheets were synthesized through simple hydrothermal process and sulfurized layered <i>β</i>-Co(OH)<sub>2</sub> nanosheets as a precursor. The regulation strategy of hexamethylenetetramine was employed to create layered single-crystal <i>β</i>-Co(OH)<sub>2</sub> nanosheets. X-ray absorption fine structure indicates the crystal phase reconstructions occur on <i>β</i>-Co(OH)<sub>2</sub> surface during the sulfidation reaction. The sulfurized <i>β</i>-Co(OH)<sub>2</sub> nanosheets present an overpotential of only 297 mV to reach 10 mA·cm<sup>−2</sup>, a low Tafel slope of 71.7 mV·dec<sup>−1</sup> and excellent stability for OER. The results clarified that the CoS<sub>2</sub> nanosheets excellent OER performance is attributable to cobalt sulfide sheet structure and structural changes by sulfur dopants. The results of the sulfurized layered <i>β</i>-Co(OH)<sub>2</sub> to produce CoS<sub>2</sub> nanosheets indicate that this strategy may represents a potential replacement for oxygen evolution application, particularly for the large-scale production of water splitting catalysts.</p><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":571,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering","volume":"19 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143423203","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Peng Sun, Kelan Liu, Cunjun Dong, Li Yan, Hongyan Zhu, Mingliang Fang, Donglei Fu, Xinghai Liu
{"title":"Optimizing polylactic acid: synthesis, properties, and regulatory strategies for food packaging applications","authors":"Peng Sun, Kelan Liu, Cunjun Dong, Li Yan, Hongyan Zhu, Mingliang Fang, Donglei Fu, Xinghai Liu","doi":"10.1007/s11705-025-2523-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11705-025-2523-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Polylactic acid, a biodegradable polymer derived from renewable resources, is increasingly used in food packaging due to its transparency, renewability, and food safety. However, its mechanical properties, heat resistance, and barrier performance present significant challenges that limit its application. Currently, there is a lack of comprehensive literature addressing methods to optimize polylactic acid’s performance for various food packaging application. Hence, this review provides an overview of polylactic acid production processes, including the synthesis of lactic acid and lactide, as well as methods such as polycondensation and ring-opening polymerization. We critically examine the advantages and limitations of polylactic acid in various food packaging contexts, focusing on strategies to enhance its mechanical properties, barrier performance against oxygen and water vapor, surface hydrophobicity, thermal stability, and resistance to ultraviolet light. Furthermore, we summarize recent advancements in polylactic acid applications for food packaging, highlighting innovations in antioxidant, antimicrobial, and freshness indicator packaging. These developments underscore the significant potential of polylactic acid in the food packaging sector and offer valuable insights for future research directions.</p><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":571,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering","volume":"19 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142994349","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Siqi Liu, Zhiqiang Zhou, Yuan Xiao, Huanhuan Duan, Guomin Cui
{"title":"Enhanced optimization of single and multi-component mass exchanger networks using parallelization and adaptive relaxation","authors":"Siqi Liu, Zhiqiang Zhou, Yuan Xiao, Huanhuan Duan, Guomin Cui","doi":"10.1007/s11705-025-2522-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11705-025-2522-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This paper proposes an innovative simultaneous optimization approach for single and multi-component mass exchanger network synthesis (MENS). A retrofitted stage-wise superstructure and a parallelized random walk algorithm with compulsive evolution (RWCE) are adopted. An iterative calculation method is designed to satisfy the requirements of multi-component mass transfer, with a relaxation for the outlet composition of the lean streams. The parametric analysis shows that the relaxation coefficient plays a major role in driving the convergence of the method. To improve the robustness of the established model, an adaptive relaxation coefficient strategy is implemented for multi-component MENS problems. In a divergence situation, the outlet concentration of the lean stream can be adjusted automatically by a random relaxation coefficient. Finally, three industrial MENS examples are considered in this work, whose total annual cost (TAC) are reduced by 7179, 2212, and 551 $·year<sup>−1</sup>. The corresponding optimization times are obtained to be 336, 125, and 145 s. The results indicate improvements in the economy and time, demonstrating that the parallelized RWCE can yield an optimal TAC and optimization efficiency compared to previous results. Overall, the adaptive relaxation coefficient strategy enhances the convergence for multi-component MENS problems.</p><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":571,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering","volume":"19 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142994562","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Enhanced CO2 adsorption properties with bimetallic ZnCe-MOF prepared using a microchannel reactor","authors":"Pin Cui, Ying Tang, Aixia Guo, Chenxu Wang, Minmin Liu, Wencai Peng, Feng Yu","doi":"10.1007/s11705-025-2518-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11705-025-2518-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The use of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as CO<sub>2</sub>-gas-capture materials has attracted extensive research attention. In this study, two types of MOFs—Zn-MOF and ZnCe-MOF—were synthesized utilizing the microchannel reaction method, with water being employed as the solvent. The specific surface area, pore size, and pore volume of Zn-MOF and ZnCe-MOF were 1566.4 and 15.6 m<sup>2</sup>·g<sup>−1</sup>, 0.65 and 7.32 nm, as well as 1.65 and 0.03 cm<sup>3</sup>·g<sup>−1</sup>, respectively. Furthermore, Ce doping not only increased the pore size of ZnCe-MOF but also its adsorption energy from −0.19 eV (Zn-MOF) to −0.53 eV (ZnCe-MOF). At 298 K, the adsorption capacities of Zn-MOF and ZnCe-MOF were 0.66 and 0.74 mmol·g<sup>−1</sup>, respectively. In addition, the CO<sub>2</sub> adsorption behaviors of Zn-MOF and ZnCe-MOF were linear and logarithmic, respectively. Theoretical calculations show that the results of adsorption thermodynamic simulations were consistent with the experiments. Thus, the preparation of ZnCe-MOF materials using a microchannel reactor provides a new approach for the continuous preparation of MOFs.\u0000</p><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":571,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering","volume":"19 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2024-12-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142962961","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Wentao Pan, Hong Liu, Yongzhi Chen, Qi Wang, Yunxia Wang, Li Zhang, Yongzhen Peng
{"title":"Towards the application of mainstream low-carbon anammox wastewater treatment technologies: strategies, innovations, and prospects","authors":"Wentao Pan, Hong Liu, Yongzhi Chen, Qi Wang, Yunxia Wang, Li Zhang, Yongzhen Peng","doi":"10.1007/s11705-024-2511-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11705-024-2511-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Enhancing nitrogen removal is a very active branch in municipal wastewater treatment research, toward this end, anammox technology is a sustainable solution. This review systematically outlines the strategies employed to enhance mainstream anammox performance, including nitrite accumulation and microbial enrichment based on partial nitrification coupled anammox and partial denitrification coupled anammox, developed to address the challenges of low ammonium content in wastewater, nitrate accumulation in the effluent, and the influence of organic matter. The characteristics and advantages of novel anammox-coupled processes, including partial nitrification and partial denitrification coupled anammox, endogenous partial denitrification coupled anammox, and denitrifying anaerobic methane oxic coupled anammox are also comprehensively discussed; these aim to ensure the highly efficient and stable operation of anammox under diverse wastewater conditions by constructing a composite biological nitrogen removal system based on anammox, supplemented by nitrification-denitrification and other processes. Additionally, a novel anammox application route including mainstream partial denitrification/anammox and absorptionbiodegradation as well as sidestream partial nitrification/anammox is proposed, and its application pathway in conceptual wastewater treatment plants is outlined, aiming to foster the development of cost-effective, efficient, and energy-saving advanced wastewater treatment processes. Finally, prospects are presented that indicate the gaps in contemporary research and potential future research directions. Overall, this review provides a reference for treating municipal wastewater with anammox and sheds new light on related strategies and nitrogen removal mechanisms.</p><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":571,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering","volume":"19 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2024-11-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142811067","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Asma Leghari, Yao Xiao, Lu Ding, Hammad Sadiq, Abdul Raheem, Guangsuo Yu
{"title":"Influence of hydrothermal carbonized sewage sludge on coal water slurry performance","authors":"Asma Leghari, Yao Xiao, Lu Ding, Hammad Sadiq, Abdul Raheem, Guangsuo Yu","doi":"10.1007/s11705-024-2508-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11705-024-2508-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Coal utilization, as a major energy source, raises sustainability concerns and environmental impacts, prompting researchers to explore blending it with other feedstocks. This study discusses hydrochar coal-water slurry (HC-CWS) preparation conditions, emphasizing apparent viscosity and exploring the influence of high ash content on char reactivity. The study highlights that the presence of free water in sludge is moderately influential, while high amounts of free water in raw sewage sludge (SS) and its near absence during hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of SS are both unfavorable for enhancing the overall performance of coal-water slurry (CWS). HTC reduces the concentration of hydroxyl functional group, enhancing slurry performance and reducing ash content in HC-CWS, indicating that coal complements hydrochar (HC). High-temperature HC preparation is unsuitable for HC-CWS due to increased viscosity and decreased stability. In terms of ash content, the optimal pH and HC ratio for CWS are determined at 30% HC. The gasification reactivity of HC, prepared at 180 °C with a 30% HC ratio in CWS at <i>R</i><sub>0.5</sub> is 6 × 10<sup>−3</sup> and at <i>R</i><sub>0.9</sub> is 9 × 10<sup>−3</sup>. However, increasing HC to 50% diminishes reactivity under CO<sub>2</sub> atmosphere. The inhibitory effect was observed with an increasing percentage of HC in CWS and the synergy factor decreased in the following order: 10% HC > 30% HC > 50% HC, i.e., from 1.04 to 0.35. The possible reason is the presence of high ash content and their similar initial gasification rates during its early stages.</p><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":571,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering","volume":"19 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2024-09-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142692043","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Structure-performance relationship of additive-incorporated tetraethylenepentamine-functionalized SiO2 in direct air capture of CO2","authors":"Zuoyan Yang, Yuqi Zhou, Hongjie Cui, Zhenmin Cheng, Zhiming Zhou","doi":"10.1007/s11705-024-2512-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11705-024-2512-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Direct air capture (DAC) using amine-functionalized solid adsorbents holds promise for achieving negative carbon emissions. In this study, a series of additive-incorporated tetraethylenepentamine-functionalized SiO<sub>2</sub> adsorbents with varying tetraethylenepentamine and additive contents were prepared via a simple impregnation method, characterized by various techniques, and applied in the DAC process. The structure-performance relationship of these adsorbents in DAC was investigated, revealing that the quantity of active amine sites (or the tetraethylenepentamine content in the exposed layer), as determined by CO<sub>2</sub>-TPD measurement, was an important factor affecting the adsorbent performance. This factor, which varied with the tetraethylenepentamine content, additive type, and additive content, showed a positive correlation with the CO<sub>2</sub> adsorption capacity of the adsorbents. The optimal adsorbent, 40TEPA-10PEG/SiO<sub>2</sub> containing 40 wt % tetraethylenepentamine and 10 wt % polyethylene glycol (Mn = 200), exhibited a stable CO<sub>2</sub> capacity of 2.1 mmol·g<sup>−1</sup> and amine efficiency of 0.22 over 20 adsorption–desorption cycles (adsorption at 400 ppm CO<sub>2</sub>/N<sub>2</sub> and 30 °C for 60 min, and desorption at pure N<sub>2</sub> and 90 °C for 20 min). Moreover, even after deliberate accelerated oxidation treatment (pretreated in air at 100 °C for 10 h), the CO<sub>2</sub> capacity of 40TEPA-10PEG/SiO<sub>2</sub> remained at 2.0 mmol·g<sup>−1</sup>. The superior thermal and oxidative stability of 40TEPA-10PEG/SiO<sub>2</sub> makes it a promising adsorbent for DAC applications.\u0000</p><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":571,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering","volume":"19 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2024-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142761775","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mechanistic studies of zeolite catalysis via in situ solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy: progress and prospects","authors":"Chao Wang, Min Hu, Jun Xu, Feng Deng","doi":"10.1007/s11705-024-2505-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11705-024-2505-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Zeolites, with their exquisite microporous frameworks and tailorable acidities, serve as ubiquitous catalysts across a diverse spectrum of industrial applications, ranging from petroleum and coal processing to sustainable chemistry and environmental remediation. Optimizing their performance hinges on a thorough understanding of the structure-performance relationship. <i>In situ</i> solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy has emerged as a critical tool, providing unparalleled atomic-level insights into both structure and dynamic aspects of zeolite-catalyzed reactions. Herein, we review recent progress in the development and application of the <i>in situ</i> solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance technique to zeolite catalysis. We first review the <i>in situ</i> nuclear magnetic resonance techniques used in zeolite-catalyzed reaction, including batch-like and continuous-flow reaction modes. The conditions and limitations for these techniques are thoroughly summarized. Subsequently, we review the applications of <i>in situ</i> nuclear magnetic resonance techniques in zeolite-catalyzed reaction, focusing on some important catalytic reactions like methanol-to-hydrocarbons, ethanol dehydration, alkane activation, and beyond. Emphasis is placed on the strategies of specific <i>in situ</i> nuclear magnetic resonance methodologies to tackle critical challenges encountered in these fields, such as probing intermediates and unraveling reaction mechanisms. Additionally, we discuss the burgeoning opportunities and prospective challenges associated with <i>in situ</i> nuclear magnetic resonance studies of zeolite-catalyzed processes.\u0000</p><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":571,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering","volume":"19 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2024-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142691963","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Excellent charge separation over NiCo2S4/CoTiO3 nanocomposites improved photocatalytic hydrogen production","authors":"Linlin Fan, Xin Guo, Lujun Wang, Zhiliang Jin, Noritatsu Tsubaki","doi":"10.1007/s11705-024-2509-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11705-024-2509-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The rapid migration and separation of photoinduced carriers is a key factor influencing photocatalytic efficiency. Constructing an S-scheme heterojunction is a strategic technique to enhance the separation of photo-generated carriers and boost overall catalytic activity. Herein, a simple physical stirring technique was adopted to successfully fabricate a novel NiCo<sub>2</sub>S<sub>4</sub>/CoTiO<sub>3</sub> S-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst. Upon exposure to light, the NiCo<sub>2</sub>S<sub>4</sub>/CoTiO<sub>3</sub>-10 specimen demonstrated an outstanding hydrogen evolution rate of 2037.76 µmol·g<sup>−1</sup>·h<sup>−1</sup>, exceeding twice the rate observed for the pristine NiCo<sub>2</sub>S<sub>4</sub> (833.72 µmol·g<sup>−1</sup>·h<sup>−1</sup>). The experimental outcomes reveal that the incorporation of CoTiO<sub>3</sub> significantly enhances the charge separation and transfer within the system. Concurrently, the formation of the S-scheme mechanism facilitates the separation of carriers while maintaining high redox capabilities. This work introduces an innovative approach to forming S-scheme heterojunctions based on bimetallic sulfides, thereby offering new prospects for the efficient utilization of solar energy.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":571,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering","volume":"19 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2024-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142691843","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Antony Rajendran, Arumugam Sakthivel, Zhiwei Dong, Wenying Li
{"title":"What makes biochar an interesting CO2 adsorbent?","authors":"Antony Rajendran, Arumugam Sakthivel, Zhiwei Dong, Wenying Li","doi":"10.1007/s11705-024-2516-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11705-024-2516-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Biochar belongs to the category of low-cost, stable, and environmentally benign carbon-based materials. In this article, the reasons that highlight the advantages of biochar materials to be used in carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) adsorption are briefly viewed with recent examples. Also, the issues to be solved for recommending biochar materials in the practical applications are listed.\u0000</p><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":571,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering","volume":"19 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2024-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142761892","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}