RSC sustainability最新文献

{"title":"Direct recycling of EV production scrap NMC532 cathode materials†","authors":"Emily C. Giles, Abbey Jarvis, Alexander T. Sargent, Paul A. Anderson, Phoebe K. Allan and Peter R. Slater","doi":"10.1039/D4SU00389F","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D4SU00389F","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The transition to widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is leading to a steep increase in lithium ion battery production around the world. With this increase it is predicted there will not only be a large increase in end of life batteries needing to be recycled, but also a substantial amount of production scrap, particularly in the early stages of gigafactory set-up. The recycling of such battery electrode materials has a number of challenges which need to be considered, in particular the delamination from the current collector and removal of the binder, <em>e.g.</em> mainly polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) for cathode materials. Traditional pyrometallurgy or hydrometallurgy approaches require multiple separation steps to obtain pure metal salts before resynthesising the cathode active material, and so can be high cost, high CO<small>₂</small> and high waste processes. Production scrap in particular, however, offers the potential for lower cost and lower environmental impact direct recycling processes to be employed, which preserves the manufactured value of the electrode material. To illustrate the potential of such an approach, here we demonstrate a direct recycling approach on EV production scrap cathode materials which utilises a low temperature heat treatment to decompose the binder and allow delamination of the cathode material from the Al current collector. A further higher temperature heat treatment is then employed to ensure complete binder removal and regenerate the cathode, with the results showing that the addition of a small amount of Li is required to improve electrochemical performance (first cycle discharge capacity (2.5–4.2 V) of 129(2) mA h g<small>⁻¹</small> and 146(4) mA h g<small>⁻¹</small> with 0 wt% and 10 wt% added lithium, respectively). Electrochemical performance can be further improved by increasing the upper voltage window to 4.3 V (first cycle discharge capacity of 146(4) mA h g<small>⁻¹</small> and 164(2) mA h g<small>⁻¹</small> at 2.5–4.2 V and 2.5–4.3 V, respectively).</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 10","pages":" 3014-3021"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2024/su/d4su00389f?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142192812","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":"Glycerol-derived ethers enable hydrogen-free reductive catalytic fractionation of softwood lignin into functionalized aromatic monomers†","authors":"Bernard C. Ekeoma, Jason E. Bara and James D. Sheehan","doi":"10.1039/D4SU00441H","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D4SU00441H","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Catalytic reductive processes facilitate deconstruction of lignins into value-added aromatics. This study explores the novel use of glycerol-derived ethers (GDEs), specifically 1-3-dimethoxypropan-2-ol (DMP) and 1,3-diethoxypropan-2-ol (DEP), as hydrogen transfer solvents for reductive catalytic fractionation (RCF) of softwood biomass, marking a departure from conventional use of high-pressure molecular hydrogen and short-chain alcohols. The influence of process conditions, namely, batch holding time, temperature, catalyst species and dosage, solvent-to-biomass ratio, acidic medium (by acetic acid addition), and water volumes as a co-solvent on the yield of aromatic monomers and delignification were evaluated. Under optimal conditions, GDE-mediated RCF of softwood achieved aromatic monomer yields and delignification up to 24.9 wt% and 90.7 wt%, respectively. Aromatic monomers with unsaturated and oxygenated side chains were observed including value-added species, such as vanillin, isoeugenol, coniferaldehyde, eugenol, and vanillic acid. This observation contrasts with prior RCF studies applying <em>ex situ</em> hydrogen which yield monomers with saturated alkyl side chains (<em>e.g.</em>, 4-propylguaiacol, 4-ethylguaiacol). Mass-based green chemistry metrics (<em>e.g.</em>, solvent intensity, process mass intensity) demonstrate GDEs supported material-efficient, catalytic deconstruction of softwood lignins into value-added aromatic monomers. MALDI-TOF analyses of resultant lignin oils revealed the occurrence of sidechain dehydration and decarbonylation of oligomeric species. HSQC NMR of lignin oils indicated the absence of native linkages, especially β-O-4 bonds, post RCF treatment. Furanic monomers derived from carbohydrate fractions were identified and furan yields were higher under neat solvent conditions (∼8 wt%) than in the presence of redox catalyst (∼2 wt%). This study demonstrated successful and optimized utilization of GDEs as hydrogen transfer solvents for RCF of softwood biomass, resulting in competitive yields of functionalized aromatics within the confines of green chemistry.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 10","pages":" 2851-2870"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2024/su/d4su00441h?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142192834","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":"Engineered hole-free, spacer-free dye-sensitized light harvesters for indoor photovoltaic and self-powered applications†","authors":"Andrew Simon George, Sourava Chandra Pradhan, K. N. Narayanan Unni and Suraj Soman","doi":"10.1039/D4SU00434E","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D4SU00434E","url":null,"abstract":"<p >We have custom-engineered dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) by eliminating spacers and holes, fabricating hole-free, spacer-free (HF-SF) DSCs with a 96% active area to total area ratio. These newly engineered HF-SF dye cells provide better scalability, lower cost, and improved aesthetics with enhanced device performance delivering more than 30% efficiency under indoor/ambient illumination. Two serially interconnected HF-SF DSCs fabricated using D35:XY1b co-sensitized organic dyes and [Cu<small>^(I/II)</small>(dmp)<small>₂</small>] electrolyte were able to autonomously power an indoor temperature and humidity monitoring unit free of batteries at realistic indoor illumination intensities below 200 lux.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 10","pages":" 2839-2843"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2024/su/d4su00434e?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142192836","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":"Advancements and assessment of compressed carbon dioxide energy storage technologies: a comprehensive review","authors":"Hailing Ma, Yao Tong, Xiao Wang and Hongxu Wang","doi":"10.1039/D4SU00211C","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D4SU00211C","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Compressed carbon dioxide energy storage (CCES) emerges as a promising alternative among various energy storage solutions due to its numerous advantages, including straightforward liquefaction, superior energy storage density, and environmental compatibility. This review delves into the recent advancements, economic viability, technological feasibilities, and operational aspects of CCES systems comprehensively. It encapsulates the evaluation methodologies, examines the intricacies of compressed carbon dioxide storage, and explores the avenues for performance optimization within CCES technology. A comparative analysis reveals that among <em>trans</em>-critical, supercritical, and liquid CCES systems, the supercritical variant exhibits enhanced thermodynamic properties and a more straightforward configuration, positioning it as the preferred choice for large-scale applications. Additionally, this review incorporates recent advancements in CO<small>₂</small>-related conversion technologies, such as photocatalytic and photothermal CO<small>₂</small> reduction, which further enhance the potential of CCES systems. The review highlights the future direction for CCES development, emphasizing the need for optimal compression–expansion ratios, refined analytical models, and integrated multi-disciplinary approaches. This discussion aims to serve as a foundational reference for the effective design and implementation of CCES systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 10","pages":" 2731-2750"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2024/su/d4su00211c?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142192837","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":"Realities of the consortium approach in science: sustainable enzymatic production of C1 chemicals from carbon dioxide","authors":"Andrea Rodil, Ingemar von Ossowski, Mari Nyyssönen, Yufang Tian, Marleen Hallamaa, Jan Deska, Malin Bomberg and Silvan Scheller","doi":"10.1039/D4SU00274A","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D4SU00274A","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Research at the frontiers of science is getting increasingly specialised. At the same time, major global challenges require the cooperation and innovation of different research fields. One solution for enhancing scientific discovery and innovation within this landscape is to form research consortia that bring together expertise from different disciplines. Such multidisciplinary efforts are also highly recognized and increasingly enforced by funding agencies. Within this landscape, we established a research consortium consisting of three partners to explore environmental acid-tolerant formate dehydrogenases as novel biocatalysts for formic acid production from CO<small>₂</small>. Taking our ambitious project on biocatalytic CO<small>₂</small> valorisation as a case study, we reflect on the realities of forming a research consortium, highlighting some of the related theoretical and technical issues, as well as its intrinsic positive and valuable nourishing effect on researchers. Finally, we offer some constructive criticism and practical advice to other scientists willing to embark on complex scientific projects through collaborations.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 11","pages":" 3264-3275"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2024/su/d4su00274a?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142192835","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":"Fallen leaves to sustainable energy solution: review on hydrogen production","authors":"Kyu Kyu Tin, Wirach Taweepreda, Akanksha Singh, Naresh Kumar Wagri and Anil Kumar","doi":"10.1039/D4SU00356J","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D4SU00356J","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Fallen leaves represent a significant feedstock for hydrogen production due to their high cellulose content, abundance, and minimal sulfur content. These characteristics make them suitable for various hydrogen production technologies, including biohydrogen and biomass-derived liquid reforming processes, contributing to sustainable energy production. This comprehensive literature review explores fallen leaves as a low-cost biomass feedstock for hydrogen production in the pursuit of zero-carbon and sustainable energy solutions. Steam methane reforming, while cost-effective and possessing high production capacity, results in substantial carbon emissions. In contrast, electrolysis, leveraging renewable resources, is attractive but requires significant energy input. Biomass gasification and thermochemical processes show promise for sustainable hydrogen production, though further technological advancements are necessary. Additionally, anaerobic fermentation by microorganisms can directly produce hydrogen from biomass (including fallen leaves), offering an energy-efficient method that utilizes organic waste. This review evaluates hydrogen production concerning energy efficiency, economics, and environmental impact. The findings contribute to the global transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, aligning with climate commitments and the goal of carbon neutrality.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 10","pages":" 2751-2767"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2024/su/d4su00356j?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142192838","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":"Sustainable agro-waste pellets as granular slow-release fertilizer carrier systems for ammonium sulfate†","authors":"B. G. K. Steiger, N. T. Bui, B. M. Babalola and L. D. Wilson","doi":"10.1039/D4SU00141A","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D4SU00141A","url":null,"abstract":"<p >In this study, several granular biocomposite carrier systems were prepared that contain biomaterials (chitosan, torrefied wheat straw and avian eggshells) as additive components at variable composition. The biocomposites were loaded with ammonium sulfate (AS) by two methods: (1) <em>in situ</em> addition of AS during pellet preparation, and (2) an adsorption method of AS after pellet preparation. Characterisation was carried out <em>via</em> spectroscopy (XRD, FT-IR) and complementary methods (TGA, acid stability). The pellet system (C1) by method (1) contained <em>ca.</em> 22 mg per g NH<small>₄</small><small>⁺</small>, whereas pellet systems by method (2) contained up to <em>ca.</em> 40 mg per g NH<small>₄</small><small>⁺</small>. The mol-ratio of NH<small>₄</small><small>⁺</small> : SO<small>₄</small><small>²⁻</small> varied from 2.18 (C1) to 2.72 (CW72), 2.97 (CW20), 2.64 (CW21) and 3.20 (CW22). Release studies in water showed that C1 pellets released almost 100% NH<small>₄</small><small>⁺</small> within 3 h, while release varied from <em>ca.</em> 60% (CW72), <em>ca.</em> 40% (C20), 20% (C21) to 10% (CW22). By comparison, the systems prepared through method (2) showed a marginal increase of the release profiles up to 96 h. Granular AS carrier systems prepared by method (2) displayed greater mechanical stability and AS content <em>versus</em> the systems prepared by method (1). We demonstrated the ability to tailor the physico-chemical properties of such biocomposite carriers and highlight their promising potential as slow-release fertilizer systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 10","pages":" 2979-2988"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2024/su/d4su00141a?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142192839","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":"Greener nanobiopolymers and nanoencapsulation: environmental implications and future prospects","authors":"Shikha Gulati, Anoushka Amar, Lakshita Chhabra, Riya Katiyar, Meenakshi, Tanu Sahu and Rajender S. Varma","doi":"10.1039/D4SU00411F","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D4SU00411F","url":null,"abstract":"<p >To minimize the consumption of nonrenewable resources and ensure environmental sustainability, there ought to be greater utilization of abundant and renewable greener nanobiopolymers, particularly those derived from various plants and microbes. This article discusses the various types, origins, and synthesis methods of biopolymers, including those that come from natural resources and microorganisms, with a focus on their properties in nanoformat; the most common and recently researched nanobiopolymers have been deliberated. In addition, discussion on various synthesis steps and structural characterization of green polymeric materials such as cellulose, chitin, and lignin is also incorporated. A comprehensive discussion of greener nanobiopolymers with illustrative examples has been presented for the last five years comprising their diverse types and topologies including the environmental improvements realized <em>via</em> the deployment of nanoencapsulation, especially the applications of polymer nanoencapsulated materials in wastewater and soil treatment. The emphasis on the use of greener nanobiopolymers for sustainable environmental remediation is specifically highlighted for the decontamination of soil, water, and air with the main objective being to offer an overview of their adaptability embracing nanotechnology. This effort could stimulate additional research in their deployment in practical environmental applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 10","pages":" 2805-2832"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2024/su/d4su00411f?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142192844","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":"Introduction of the first commercial biobased benzoxazines for the manufacturing of fibre reinforced polymers†","authors":"Gideon Abels, Katharina Koschek, Paul Jones and Wendy Howarth","doi":"10.1039/D4SU00192C","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D4SU00192C","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Benzoxazines are a promising material class due to their flexible molecular design, high thermomechanical properties, and inherent flame retardancy. Especially the latter makes them interesting for all kinds of applications, for example lightweight constructions in the transportation sector. The first commercial benzoxazines were based on bisphenol and aniline, petrochemical resources produced from crude oil. However, due to the growing demand for more sustainable materials the use of biobased resources for benzoxazine synthesis has been thoroughly investigated in the past years. In this work, we present the first commercial benzoxazines that consist of biobased compounds. After analysing the curing behaviour of these new resins using thermal analysis, polymers are manufactured and characterised from them. Finally, the resins were used for manufacturing fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP) for flame-retardant lightweight applications. Thermomechanical and combustion analysis showed that the polymers achieve high flexural moduli up to 2.8 MPa and glass transition temperatures of 100 °C and 141 °C. In addition, the biobased benzoxazines have promising flame-retardancy due to intumescence, resulting in high LOI values of 31.4 ± 0.2 and 33.3 ± 0.1%</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 10","pages":" 2959-2967"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2024/su/d4su00192c?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142192840","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":"Safe-and-sustainable-by-design roadmap: identifying research, competencies, and knowledge sharing needs","authors":"Christina Apel, Akshat Sudheshwar, Klaus Kümmerer, Bernd Nowack, Klara Midander, Emma Strömberg and Lya G. Soeteman-Hernández","doi":"10.1039/D4SU00310A","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D4SU00310A","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The European Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability introduces the Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) concept. It goes beyond current regulatory compliance and aims to ensure the safety and sustainability of (novel) chemicals, materials, products, and processes. It starts at early-innovation stages and follows the chemicals and materials throughout their entire lifecycle. This perspective paper presents an SSbD roadmap that explores current needs and gives recommendations for the practical operationalization of SSbD in industrial operations and processes. This roadmap was co-created including different SSbD stakeholders and encompasses three interlinked agendas on (i) research needs, (ii) skills, competencies, and education needs, and (iii) knowledge and information sharing needs. An overarching need is the development of a common understanding of SSbD with clear definitions, terminology, and criteria. In addition, SSbD operationalisation needs to be pragmatic and applied as early as possible in the innovation process. From a research needs perspective, it is essential to integrate the different fields of innovation, safety, and sustainability. From a skills, competencies and education perspective, targeted training is needed that balances the depth and breadth of SSbD required for a specific audience. These trainings should not only convey hard/technical skills, but also soft/social skills to support more sustainability-oriented decisions on all levels. From a knowledge and information sharing perspective, a strategic plan and a trusted environment are needed to support dialogue between all SSbD stakeholders while at the same time protecting intellectual property (IP). The roadmap should help to coordinate planning for the implementation of SSbD at industrial, academic, policy, and regulatory level by defining actions and raise strategic efforts.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 10","pages":" 2833-2838"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2024/su/d4su00310a?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142192843","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}