RSC sustainability最新文献

{"title":"Towards polycotton waste valorisation: depolymerisation of cotton to glucose with polyester preservation.","authors":"Nienke Leenders, Gerard P M van Klink, Gert-Jan M Gruter","doi":"10.1039/d5su00230c","DOIUrl":"10.1039/d5su00230c","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Every second, the equivalent of a garbage truck filled with textile waste is discarded. Due to the complex composition of clothing materials, more than 80 wt% of this waste is either incinerated or sent to landfills. Currently, only 15 wt% of textiles are recycled, and of that fraction, approximately 93 wt% undergoes downcycling, resulting in lower-value products. Generally, about 50 wt% of textile waste is composed of polycotton-a blend of cotton, a glucose-based polysaccharide, and polyester, primarily poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). Although this combination leverages the advantageous properties of both fibres, full valorisation of these materials is complex due to their blended structure. Simultaneously, there is an urgent need to transition away from fossil-based feedstocks. Cotton-rich textiles present a promising alternative as a non-food-based glucose source for the chemical industry, owing to their high cellulose content and widespread availability. Therefore, this review explores the current state-of-the-art methods for hydrolysing cotton into glucose through acid and/or enzymatic hydrolysis, while preserving the polyester component. These techniques enable the effective separation and subsequent valorisation of both cotton and PET fractions, facilitating their reuse in the production of new materials.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12287909/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144735973","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":"Collagen from skipjack tuna skin waste enhances cellular proliferative activity, vascularization potential and anti-inflammatory properties of nanofibrous and hydrogel scaffolds†","authors":"Tejaswini Petkar, Marie Andrea Laetitia Huët, Devesh Bekah, Itisha Chummun Phul, Nowsheen Goonoo and Archana Bhaw-Luximon","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00352K","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00352K","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Marine collagen is gaining prominence in tissue engineering as a sustainable biomaterial and a safe alternative to mammalian collagen. Collagen was extracted from skipjack tuna skin waste using the acetic acid extraction method with a yield of 10.02 ± 2.69%. SDS PAGE indicated the presence of α-tropocollagen chains (α1 and α2) with molecular weights of 120–140 kDa, a β dimer at ∼200 kDa, and a γ component trimer at ∼250 kDa. The hydroxyproline content of the extracted collagen (14.42 ± 0.11%) was higher than reported values, indicating better structural integrity and thermostability. The extracted collagen was added to three scaffolds namely a polydioxanone/poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-<em>co</em>-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PDX/PHBV 50/50, 10 wt%) nanofibrous mat, polysucrose methacrylate hydrogel (PSucMA 5 wt%) and cellulose-lignin (Cel-lig 2 wt%) hydrogel. <em>In vitro</em> experiments were performed using RAW 264.7 macrophages to assess inflammatory activity, human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) to assess proliferative activity and Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) to assess the vascularization potential of the scaffolds with collagen. The macrophages showed a reduced inflammatory M1 phenotype in the presence of collagen, while HUVECs and HDFs showed enhanced proliferation. Overall, fish skin waste collagen has the potential to enhance the performance and allows the engineering of multitasking scaffolds.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 8","pages":" 3567-3581"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d5su00352k?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144740050","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":"Outstanding Reviewers for RSC Sustainability in 2024","authors":"","doi":"10.1039/D5SU90032H","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU90032H","url":null,"abstract":"<p >We would like to take this opportunity to thank all <em>RSC Sustainability</em> reviewers for helping to preserve quality and integrity in chemical science literature. We would also like to highlight the Outstanding Reviewers for <em>RSC Sustainability</em> in 2024.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 8","pages":" 3227-3227"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d5su90032h?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144740067","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":"Effects of alkanolamines on photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide to liquid fuels using a copper-doped dititanate/graphene photocatalyst†","authors":"Wannisa Neamsung, Nutkamol Kitjanukit, Apisit Karawek, Napatr Chongkol, Napat Lertthanaphol, Poomipat Chotngamkhum, Kongphoom Khumsupa, Poomiwat Phadungbut, Woranart Jonglertjunya, Pattaraporn Kim-Lohsoontorn and Sira Srinives","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00268K","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00268K","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Carbon dioxide (CO<small>₂</small>) photoreduction is a promising alternative to carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies. It relies on photocatalysts to convert CO<small>₂</small> to high-value products. The copper-doped dititanate nanosheets/graphene oxide composite (CTGN) is a heterostructure of two 2-dimensional nanomaterials: nanosheets and graphene oxide (GO), exhibiting outstanding photoactivity. It was demonstrated to assist in CO<small>₂</small> photoreduction, yielding fuel products such as methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol. In this study, we used CTGN as a photocatalyst model to investigate the effects of alkanolamines, including monoethanolamine (MEOA), diethanolamine (DEOA), and triethanolamine (TEOA), in facilitating CO<small>₂</small> photoreduction. TEOA performed the best, producing methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, acetone, and <em>n</em>-butanol with an impressive total carbon consumption (TCC) of 7890 μmol g<small>_cat</small><small>⁻¹</small>. Alkanolamines exhibited a dual function as a sacrificial agent (SCR) and a CO<small>₂</small>-capturing substance for photoreduction. TEOA was an excellent SCR and captured CO<small>₂</small> loosely <em>via</em> base-catalyzed hydration, promoting the subsequent release of CO<small>₂</small> for photoreduction. A study on medium pH revealed a decreased photoreduction rate at increased pH due to a strong bond between CO<small>₂</small> and the alkali solution, which reduces the reaction rate.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 8","pages":" 3520-3529"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d5su00268k?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144740034","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":"Facile hydrothermal synthesis of rare earth hydroxycarbonate phosphors for high-performance warm white LEDs","authors":"Haoxuan Zeng, Qiao Liang, Lu He, Ziyuan Li, Taihui Chen and Xiaoli Wu","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00406C","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00406C","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The traditional synthesis of inorganic phosphors often requires complex procedures, including precursor preparation and high-temperature treatment. In contrast, this study introduces a simplified hydrothermal precipitation approach for fabricating europium/terbium hydroxycarbonates (Eu<small>₂</small>(OH)<small>_<em>x</em></small>(CO<small>₃</small>)<small>_<em>y</em></small>(NO<small>₃</small>)<small>_{(6−<em>x</em>−2<em>y</em>)}</small>·<em>n</em>H<small>₂</small>O and analogous Tb compound). The synthesized materials demonstrate high thermal stability, with high quenching activation energies (<em>E</em><small>_a(Eu)</small> = 0.283 eV, <em>E</em><small>_a(Tb)</small> = 0.221 eV). When applied in white LED devices, these phosphors demonstrate warm white light emission with a color rendering index (CRI) reaching <em>R</em><small>_a</small> = 84.0 and correlated color temperature (CCT) of 3865 K, making them promising for lighting applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 8","pages":" 3392-3395"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d5su00406c?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144740057","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":"Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. mediated sustainable synthesis of α-Fe2O3/g-C3N4 S-scheme heterojunctions for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride: a mechanistic insight and DFT study†","authors":"Mano Ranjan Barik, Jagadish Kumar and Sushanta Kumar Badamali","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00437C","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00437C","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The development of efficient and sustainable photocatalytic systems is critical for addressing emerging pollutants in wastewater. In this study, we report the green synthesis of a novel S-scheme α-Fe<small>₂</small>O<small>₃</small>/g-C<small>₃</small>N<small>₄</small> heterojunction, engineered to enhance the visible-light-driven photodegradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH). The composite was fabricated using an eco-friendly route involving <em>Nyctanthes arbor-tristis</em> L. leaf extract, ensuring a minimal environmental footprint. Structural and chemical characterization studies <em>via</em> XRD and FTIR confirmed the presence of distinct crystalline phases and key functional groups, including Fe–O and C<img>N bonds. Morphological analysis using FESEM and HRTEM revealed a well-defined interfacial architecture, while XPS confirmed the presence of Fe<small>³⁺</small>, C, and N elements, validating successful heterojunction formation. The heterostructure exhibited a BET surface area of 21 m<small>²</small> g<small>⁻¹</small> and a narrowed optical band gap of 2.2 eV, using UV-Vis DRS. Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy demonstrated significantly reduced recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs, indicating efficient charge separation. Under visible-light irradiation, the α-Fe<small>₂</small>O<small>₃</small>/g-C<small>₃</small>N<small>₄</small> photocatalyst achieved an impressive 93% degradation of TCH within 60 minutes, significantly outperforming pristine g-C<small>₃</small>N<small>₄</small>(32%) and α-Fe<small>₂</small>O<small>₃</small>(43%). The enhanced photocatalytic activity is attributed to a synergistic S-scheme charge transfer pathway that promotes redox potential and suppresses charge recombination. A detailed parametric study was conducted to evaluate the effects of catalyst dosage, initial TCH concentration, heterojunction ratio, and exposure duration. DFT calculations explained the geometrically favorable crystal and band structures. Superoxide radicals were identified as major reactive species from scavenging studies. A plausible mechanism for TCH degradation was established based on LCMS analysis.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 8","pages":" 3582-3600"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d5su00437c?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144740051","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":"Lignin-derived guaiacols as platform chemicals for the modular synthesis of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolines and benzomorpholines.","authors":"Antonio A Castillo-Garcia, Jörg Haupenthal, Anna K H Hirsch, Katalin Barta","doi":"10.1039/d5su00151j","DOIUrl":"10.1039/d5su00151j","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Reductive catalytic fractionation (RCF) has emerged as a centrally important method in modern biorefining, delivering well-defined aromatic platform chemicals from lignin with high selectivity. To establish attractive future biorefinery schemes, urgent attention needs to be devoted to the development of sustainable catalytic methods for the downstream conversion of these aromatic platform chemicals. In this regard, the efficient production of structurally complex, biologically active amines with high atom and step economy represents an attractive goal. Herein, we describe the development of novel catalytic pathways for converting prominent lignin-derived guaiacols that originated during RCF processing into different series of six-membered N-heterocycles, applying hydrogen borrowing amination and C-N cross coupling as key catalytic steps. Specifically, 4-propanol guaiacol (1G) was converted into 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolines 1Gd_n, whereas the formation of benzomorpholines 2-3Gd_n from 4-propyl guaiacol (2G) and 4-ethyl guaiacol (3G) was achieved. The biological activity of the developed compound libraries was evaluated in terms of anticancer activity using human HepG2 cells, which displayed promising activity in several examples.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12264585/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144676730","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":"Addressing the global data imbalance of contaminants of emerging concern in the context of the United Nations sustainable development goals","authors":"Andrea-Lorena Garduño-Jiménez, Rachel L. Gomes, Yolanda López-Maldonado and Laura J. Carter","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00144G","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00144G","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) pose a significant global threat due to the ecotoxicological and human health risk they pose. Therefore, it is urgent that this pollution challenge is effectively addressed. Addressing CEC pollution is directly linked to several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), in particular SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 14: Life Below Water and SDG 15: Life on Land and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. However, tackling this global issue is hindered by the fact that there is considerably more CEC data available for the Global North than South. Utilising research on Global North situated pollutants and impacts may lead to strategies that are inappropriate and even detrimental to the Global South, with differing pollution profiles and/or environmental risk. In addition, to effectively address pollution, efforts must equitably include the views and knowledge of the diverse communities around the globe, given that pollution does not respect political borders. Therefore, it is essential to involve as many stakeholders as possible and to explicitly acknowledge the impact that global resource inequalities have on this data imbalance. While it may not be feasible to include everyone, prioritizing diversity and the representation of diverse perspectives helps to mitigate biases and address existing disparities more fairly. This paper examines the critical importance of meaningfully including Indigenous Peoples and local communities in CEC research and outlines specific actionable recommendations to facilitate their inclusion throughout the research process. Drawing on best practices in equity, diversity, and inclusion, the discussion emphasizes the necessity of collaborative approaches that respect indigenous and local communities' rights and self-determination. This is not only a matter of social justice but a necessity for acquiring representative global data and developing effective and equitable pollution governance frameworks. Specific recommendations to achieve this aim are made in four key areas for scientists and policy makers working on CECs: (1) Understanding the context and adapting sampling processing and analysis accordingly; (2) respectful and equitable collaborations, ensuring Indigenous Peoples and local communities views are respected; (3) funding and mechanisms for fair and equitable collaborations, recognition and transparency; and (4) sensitive language and narrative use, where we argue that the language used within CEC research and policy must be carefully considered to address the underpinning discourse based on capitalist and colonial ideals which sustains the global CEC data imbalance. This will lead to more globally comprehensive data that in turn informs more equitable global policy to address CEC pollution.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 8","pages":" 3384-3391"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d5su00144g?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144740056","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":"One-pot iron chloride-catalyzed sustainable syntheses of quinolines from amino acids, alkyl lactate and arylamine†","authors":"Meitian Fu, Lu Yin, Junjie Li, Sihan Zhao, Fujun Wang, Minglong Yuan and Chao Huang","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00306G","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00306G","url":null,"abstract":"<p >An iron(<small>III</small>)- and oxygen-promoted one-pot method for the efficient syntheses of quinolines from amino acids, alkyl lactate, and arylamine was carried out. The efficient tandem cyclization of the three components begins with the breaking of the amino acids' C–C and C–N bonds and the lactate's O–H bond, followed by sequential condensation and coupling to form new C–N and C–C bonds. The reaction is based on biomass-based amino acids and alkyl lactate, using earth-abundant metals as catalysts and oxygen as the oxidizer, without adding additional solvents; renewable aldehydes are generated and the reuse of alkyl lactate is realized, which is remarkable for its green and sustainable characteristics. More than 40 quinolines were synthesized in isolated yields of up to 75%. This one-pot, multi-step synthesis method significantly shortens the life cycle of the biomass-based conversion process. This study demonstrates the promise of biomass conversion in sustainable organic synthesis and lays the foundation for the sustainable conversion of small biomolecules <em>in vitro</em> and bio-based feedstocks into high-value-added chemicals.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 8","pages":" 3548-3553"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d5su00306g?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144740048","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":"A facile and sustainable method for integrating bio-based quercetin into cotton structures to impart multifunctionality: a thorough study on the effects of treatment conditions†","authors":"Mandira Mondal and S. Wazed Ali","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00077G","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00077G","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The worsening climate crisis has prompted a call to reduce the use of hazardous chemicals and promote eco-friendly finishing agents for value-added textiles. Therefore, exploring the right biomolecule-based finish with excellent multifunctional properties and wash durability is essential in today's world. Through a sustainable approach, quercetin (a flavonoid) is proposed as a finishing agent on cotton substrates at three different treatment temperatures, <em>i.e.</em>, 80 °C, 100 °C, and 120 °C. All treated fabrics show excellent antioxidant and ultra-violet resistance properties. The cotton fabric treated at 120 °C shows antioxidant activity of ∼85% and an ultra-violet protection factor (UPF mean value) of ∼150 with a 50+ rating after 8 laundering cycles. The best antibacterial performance (∼90% against <em>E. coli</em> and ∼92% against <em>S. aureus</em>) is observed when treated at 80 °C. However, there is a decrement in the antibacterial properties against both bacteria with an increase in the treatment temperature. This study provides a detailed analysis of the multi-functional properties of quercetin on cotton fabrics and also systematically presents the variation of functional properties with changes in the treatment conditions. This systematic study is highly focused, as the fragmented and oxidative quercetin by-products formed at different conditions play major roles in the wash durability and multi-functional properties. This novel and simple eco-friendly textile finishing method can certainly facilitate the adoption of biomolecule-based materials to imbue multiple functionalities to cotton fabric with reasonable wash durability.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 8","pages":" 3601-3614"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d5su00077g?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144740052","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}