RSC sustainability最新文献

{"title":"Sustainable bio-based isocyanate-free poly (urethane amic acid) coatings for the corrosion protection of mild steel","authors":"Rakesh Rapolu, Kashmiri Borah, P. Ermiya Prasad, Aqueeb Javeed and Aruna Palanisamy","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00835B","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00835B","url":null,"abstract":"<p >In pursuit of sustainable and environmentally benign coating technologies, we report the synthesis and evaluation of isocyanate-free/non-isocyanate poly (urethane amic acid) (NIPUAA) coatings developed from a renewable source, castor oil. NIPUAA was prepared using a step-growth polymerization strategy using functionalized castor oil (carbonated castor oil, CCO), isophorone diamine and pyromellitic dianhydride, eliminating the need for toxic isocyanates. The chemical structure of the synthesized NIPUAA was confirmed by FTIR and NMR spectroscopy, indicating the successful formation of urethane and amic acid linkages. The thermal transitions and stability were analyzed using DSC and TGA. The results showed a moderate level of thermal endurance, suitable for coating applications. The NIPUAA coatings were coated on mild steel substrates and subjected to a thorough performance evaluation, including Tafel polarisation, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and salt spray testing for corrosion resistance. Pencil hardness, abrasion resistance, adhesion test, and cone mandrel flexibility tests were used to assess mechanical durability. The coatings demonstrated competitive performance in comparison to conventional systems, with satisfactory corrosion inhibition and mechanical integrity. These findings demonstrate the potential of NIPUAA derived from castor oil as a promising candidate for isocyanate-free protective coatings, providing a more environmentally friendly option for multipurpose metal surface protection.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 3","pages":" 1485-1498"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/su/d5su00835b?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147388492","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":"Microwave assisted construction of a SnOx/ZnSn(OH)6 heterojunction for photocatalytic CO2 cycloaddition","authors":"Soumita Sarkar, Soumalya Banerjee, Sk Afsar Ali, Sunny Sarkar and Astam K. Patra","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00789E","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00789E","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The utilization of photochemical reactions to convert CO<small>₂</small> and epoxides into valuable cyclic organic carbonates is a highly sought-after process in various industries. The development of a high-performance photocatalyst for this cycloaddition of CO<small>₂</small> presents a significant challenge, particularly in the context of sustainability initiatives. To effectively harness light energy for CO<small>₂</small> value-added processes, we have engineered a SnO<small>_<em>x</em></small>-decorated perovskite-type ZnSn(OH)<small>₆</small> photocatalyst. Through analysis using UV-Vis and Mott–Schottky plots, we have gained insights into the electronic structure of the materials, including adsorption, band gap, and band position. The incorporation of SnO<small>_<em>x</em></small> into the ZnSn(OH)<small>₆</small> cube has significantly improved charge transfer, as demonstrated by photocurrent and Nyquist measurement. This molecular framework lays the foundation for the high photocatalytic performance and stability exhibited by SnO<small>_<em>x</em></small>/ZnSn(OH)<small>₆</small> in facilitating the cycloaddition of CO<small>₂</small> and various epoxides to produce cyclic carbonates. The SnO<small>_<em>x</em></small>/ZnSn(OH)<small>₆</small> catalyst demonstrates high performance, achieving an impressive yield of ≈95% and reaction activity of 4750.0 µmol g<small>⁻¹</small> h<small>⁻¹</small> with high values of green chemistry metrics (AE = 100%, RME = 92.98%, PMI = 5.99 and <em>E</em> factor = 4.99). This performance surpasses that of several other catalysts. Further examination through LSV, EPR and electron–hole scavenger tests has provided a deeper understanding of the reaction mechanism under light irradiation. Additionally, the materials have demonstrated good stability, highlighting their potential in sustainable processes.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 3","pages":" 1544-1556"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/su/d5su00789e?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147388496","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":"ZIF-67/CQD nanohybrids for combined adsorptive and photocatalytic removal of tetracycline: kinetic, isotherm, and mechanistic insights","authors":"Khizra Ali, Palkaran Sethi and Soumen Basu","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00898K","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00898K","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p &gt;The uncontrolled dissemination of antibiotic residues in aquatic environments necessitates the development of multifunctional materials capable of efficiently eliminating such pollutants through synergistic mechanisms. In this investigation, a series of zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-67)/carbon quantum dot (CQD) nanohybrids were fabricated &lt;em&gt;via&lt;/em&gt; a facile solvothermal strategy by modulating the CQD loading (5%, 10%, and 15% w/w) to optimize their adsorption and photocatalytic efficiencies toward tetracycline remediation. Structural, morphological, and physicochemical attributes were meticulously elucidated through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), confirming the high crystallinity, uniform CQD dispersion, enlarged surface area, and improved charge-transfer dynamics of the composites. Among the synthesized samples, the 10ZQ (10% w/w CQD-loaded ZIF-67) composite exhibited the most pronounced performance, achieving 99% removal of 50 ppm tetracycline within 50 min under sunlight irradiation, corresponding to an apparent rate constant of &lt;em&gt;k&lt;/em&gt; = 0.0057 min&lt;small&gt;&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/small&gt;. Adsorptive behavior was evaluated through comprehensive modeling using Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Harkins–Jura, Halsey, and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherms, along with kinetic models, including pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich, liquid-film diffusion and intraparticle diffusion equations, and degradation kinetics, including zero-order, pseudo-first-order, and pseudo-second-order kinetics. The adsorption data fit well in the Langmuir model (&lt;em&gt;R&lt;/em&gt;&lt;small&gt;&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/small&gt; = 0.9916) and Elovich kinetics model (&lt;em&gt;R&lt;/em&gt;&lt;small&gt;&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/small&gt; = 0.9977), indicating homogeneous monolayer chemisorption. Photocatalytic degradation kinetics also closely followed the zero-order model (&lt;em&gt;R&lt;/em&gt;&lt;small&gt;&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/small&gt; = 0.9932). Reactive species trapping experiments revealed that superoxide radicals (&lt;small&gt;&lt;sub&gt;˙&lt;/sub&gt;&lt;/small&gt;O&lt;small&gt;&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;&lt;/small&gt;&lt;small&gt;&lt;sup&gt;−&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/small&gt;) were the dominant oxidants in tetracycline oxidation. Furthermore, mineralisation analysis showed 76% TOC removal and 78% COD removal, confirming the substantial oxidation of tetracycline into harmless inorganic products. HRMS analysis unveiled the evolution of various intermediates &lt;em&gt;via&lt;/em&gt; ring-cleavage, demethylation, and hydroxylation reactions, allowing a detailed mechanistic pathway to be proposed. Overall, this work introduces a robust dual-functional ZIF-67/CQD heterostructure exhibiting exceptional stability, recyclability, and activity for antibiotic removal, thereby establishing a promising platform for s","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 3","pages":" 1436-1455"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/su/d5su00898k?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147388486","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":"Decolonizing green chemistry research through Matharu plots","authors":"Francisco Yarur Villanueva, Daniel J. Inglis and Avtar S. Matharu","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00777A","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00777A","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Research decolonization is necessary to forge diverse workspaces and foster equitable opportunities for underrepresented populations in science. The prevailing power structures in which the scientific enterprise operates are deeply rooted in colonial frameworks, perpetuating bias and discrimination towards people from the Global South. Therefore, there is an urgent need to dismantle these systemic disparities. Change must start at the educational level. In this work, we introduce the concept of a Matharu plot as an example of a practical and impactful tool to generate critical discussions and drive tangible change towards decolonized and inclusive research. A Matharu plot is a one-page infographic that shows the geographical distribution of cited research with an accompanying narrative. A Matharu plot highlights any potential biases that may be inherent in the literature and thus facilitates a shift in mindset towards inclusive, decolonized research. Matharu plots can be easily integrated into undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral-level chemistry curricula and any other academic discipline, serving as a versatile and transformative resource that advances equitable chemical education in sustainability.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 3","pages":" 1327-1331"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/su/d5su00777a?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147388506","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 glycerol-based reactive diluent alternatives to commercial ethylene glycol diacrylate (EGDA) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) for additive manufacturing","authors":"Vojtěch Jašek, Silvestr Figalla, Veronika Lavrinčíková and Radek Přikryl","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00891C","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00891C","url":null,"abstract":"<p >This work proposes an efficient production route to sustainable reactive diluents based on modified glycerol as an alternative to commercial compounds such as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and ethylene glycol diacrylate (EGDA). The synthesis of methacrylated vegetable oil (MO) was performed through nucleophilic substitution catalyzed by an organic base (triethylamine). Glycerol monomethacrylate (MGLY) and glycerol trimethacrylate (TGLY) were produced by Fischer esterification. The structural cross-analysis included <small>¹</small>H NMR, ESI-MS, and FT-IR. The rheological investigation of systems composed of 75 wt% MO and 25 wt% reactive diluent confirmed the diluting role of MGLY and TGLY. The TGLY-based system exhibited a competitive apparent viscosity at 30 °C (<em>η</em><small>_30°C</small> = 590 mPa s) and a flow activation energy (<em>E</em><small>_a</small> = 48.4 kJ mol<small>⁻¹</small>) comparable to those of commercial HEMA- and EGDA-based precursors. The testing specimens for DMA, TGA, and mechanical analysis were successfully fabricated using an mSLA 3D printer, confirming their utility for additive manufacturing. The TGLY-containing system outperformed all the investigated thermosets in the crosslinking density (<em>ν</em><small>_e</small> = 15.5 kmol m<small>⁻³</small>), the storage modulus at 30 °C (<em>E</em>′ = 473 MPa), and the tensile and flexural moduli. Based on the results, synthesized compounds improved the rheological, thermo-mechanical, and mechanical properties of MO-based thermosets.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 2","pages":" 1081-1096"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/su/d5su00891c?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146154495","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":"Impact of molecular weight, additives and copolymers on the chemical recycling of (bio)plastics using solid ruthenium-based catalysts","authors":"Marcus S. Lehnertz, Sylvie Dufour, Tabea Becker, Isabel Thiele, Saskia Waldburger, Jean-Marie Raquez, Sonja Herres-Pawlis, Sebastian L. Riedel and Regina Palkovits","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00469A","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00469A","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The production of polymers is rising ever since the 1950s. One of the emerging trends is the implementation of bioplastics, <em>i.e.</em>, polymers encompassing biodegradability and biosourcing. Even whether biodegradability is an interesting end-life option if plastic waste is mismanaged, the development of robust processes for direct chemical recycling is more appealing to create a real circular value chain. Furthermore, the direct recycling method of bioplastic reduces the competition of raw materials used for fabricating bioplastics with food production. In this study, the chemical recycling through hydrolysis of the bioplastics PLA and PHA is investigated. Ru/CeO<small>₂</small> is applied as solid catalyst. The focus is placed on investigating the influence of molecular weight, the incorporation of additives such as reinforcement agents, and the implementation of copolymers in varying molar proportions. By comprehensively investigating the influence of polymer properties and additives, this study aims to contribute to the early identification of recycling challenges, enabling a forward-thinking approach to design efficient recycling processes, ensuring the sustainable integration of bioplastics into a truly circular economy.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 2","pages":" 1070-1080"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/su/d5su00469a?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146154480","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":"Advances in plant oil-based polymeric materials with dynamic covalent bonds","authors":"Xiaohui Huang, Yanlin Li, Jing Liu, Hang Zhou, Kashif Khan, Yi Tan and Chengguo Liu","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00718F","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00718F","url":null,"abstract":"<p >With the current unstable supply of petroleum resources, the environmental pollution problems, as well as the increasing demand for sustainable development, plant oils, which are natural, renewable resources, have been regarded as potential alternative resources to petrochemical-based materials for fabricating polymers due to their advantages, such as renewability and wide availability. However, traditional plant oil-based polymer materials have limitations in terms of recyclability and reprocessability. In recent years, dynamic covalent bond polymers have undergone rapid development and hold significant promise for addressing the inherent trade-off between performance and sustainability in traditional polymeric materials, thereby offering innovative solutions for sustainable development. Herein, we have summarized the fundamental characteristics of plant oil resources, along with the evolution and characteristics of dynamic covalent bonds. The two primary exchange mechanisms of covalent adaptable networks (CANs) and recent advances in plant oil-based dynamic covalent polymer materials are also reviewed. Additionally, we discuss the utilization of various dynamic covalent bonds in polymer material design while providing perspectives on future developments in this field.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 4","pages":" 1703-1716"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/su/d5su00718f?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147686486","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 review of aqueous-based binders used for cathode fabrication in lithium-ion batteries","authors":"Samuel O. Ajayi, Tarekegn H. Dolla, Peter R. Makgwane, Xinying Liu, Moses M. Solomon, Cyril O. Ehi-Eromosele and Mkhulu K. Mathe","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00849B","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00849B","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Lithium-ion batteries have emerged as the leading energy storage technology for electric vehicles and devices due to their high energy density and rechargeability. Although binders constitute less than 5 wt% of the electrode composition and contribute minimally to the overall LIB cost (&lt;2%), they have a significant impact on battery performance, particularly on cycling stability. Poly(vinylidene fluoride) remains the most widely used binder in LIB cathodes, but it is typically processed using <em>N</em>-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, a flammable and harmful solvent. Consequently, these limitations have stimulated the research and development of environmentally sustainable and economically viable alternatives, referred to as aqueous binders. While aqueous binders have been extensively investigated for anode fabrication, their use in cathode materials is more challenging due to the higher reactivity of the cathode materials with water than that of anodes. This review presents an overview of commonly employed aqueous binders for LIB cathodes, with particular focus on carboxymethyl cellulose, poly(acrylic acid), and chitosan. Their electrochemical performances are critically evaluated in comparison with the conventional PVDF binder. The aqueous binders enhance cathode performance through improved dispersion, adhesion, and interfacial stability. They also exhibit reduced charge-transfer resistance and better Li<small>⁺</small> transport due to strong ionic interactions and compact electrode formation. In addition, the challenges inherent in aqueous binder systems such as crack formation, lithium leaching and Al current collectors are examined. pH control using weak acids such as phosphoric acid and carbon-coated aluminum collectors mitigates Al corrosion and crack formation during aqueous processing. The industrial perspective of aqueous binder implementation in LIB cathode fabrication is also discussed.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 3","pages":" 1160-1179"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/su/d5su00849b?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147388527","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":"Design of fully reprocessable composite non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) foams from sustainable blends of cyclic carbonates","authors":"Federica Orabona, Federica Recupido, Krzysztof Polaczek, Giuseppe Cesare Lama, Martina Morra, Francesco Taddeo, Martino Di Serio, Tapio Salmi, Letizia Verdolotti and Vincenzo Russo","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00946D","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00946D","url":null,"abstract":"<p >In response to the growing need to reduce reliance on petrochemical feedstock and eliminate toxic isocyanates in polyurethane production, this study presents the synthesis of composite non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) foams starting from a novel blend of bio-based cyclic carbonates. The resulting flexible foams are fully reprocessable and have a bio-based content ranging from 92% to 99%. They were prepared through a two-step procedure where aminolysis was first carried out between 1,4-butane diamine (BDA) and blends of carbonated soybean oil (CSBO) and bio-based butanediol bis-cyclic carbonate (BCC). A blowing reaction was induced <em>via S</em>-alkylation using a dithiol while diatomite was incorporated as a renewable nanoporous filler providing nucleating and reinforcing properties. The influence of the CSBO/BCC ratio on foam properties was systematically investigated through chemical, physical, thermal, and morphological analyses. A structure–property relationship was established using an adapted Gibson–Ashby model. The resulting foams exhibited open-cell morphology with uniform cell sizes (400–600 µm) and apparent densities between 200 and 250 kg m<small>⁻³</small>. Notably, the foams were successfully re-shaped into flexible films <em>via</em> temperature-controlled compression molding, confirming their potential for recyclability and reuse. The stress-relaxation behavior of the re-processed NIPU presented a decreasing trend by increasing the relaxation time and was described by the Kohlrausch–Williams–Watts function. The activation energy was calculated according to the Arrhenius equation and was found to be 91 ± 8 kJ mol<small>⁻¹</small> indicating a relatively strong temperature dependence of the relaxation mechanisms. This work unlocks a new design strategy for the sustainable synthesis of fully recyclable NIPU foams, opening up new directions in green polyurethane chemistry.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 3","pages":" 1527-1543"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/su/d5su00946d?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147388495","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":"Synthesising lead oxide and oxychloride minerals from spent lead acid battery waste using a choline-chloride based deep eutectic solvent","authors":"Enrico W. Manfredi-Haylock, Gwilherm K. Kerherve and David J. Payne","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00444F","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00444F","url":null,"abstract":"<p >In this study, spent lead–acid battery (LAB) paste was chemically converted into PbC<small>₂</small>O<small>₄</small> using a choline chloride–oxalic acid deep eutectic solvent (DES). The conversion occurred at room temperature (23 ± 2 °C) within 24 h, yielding a pure PbC<small>₂</small>O<small>₄</small> intermediate as confirmed by PXRD and XPS. Subsequent calcination produced a range of oxychloride phases depending on the temperature (300–500 °C, 1 hour) which were identified by PXRD and XPS. At 300 °C, PbC<small>₂</small>O<small>₄</small> did not substantially decompose although yielded some traces of lead metal at the surface likely from the evolution of some CO. At 400 °C Pb<small>₂</small>C<small>₂</small>O<small>₄</small>Cl<small>₂</small> and Pb<small>₃</small>O<small>₂</small>Cl<small>₂</small> were observed in the bulk, elucidating the calcination mechanism in the presence of chlorine. Finally at 500 °C Pb<small>₃</small>O<small>₂</small>Cl<small>₂</small> and PbO phases were obtained in the bulk with traces of oxalate remaining at the surface. Due to the room temperature nature of the conversion and the low calcination temperature, this process reduces the energy demand relative to conventional pyrometallurgy (&gt;1000 °C) for recovering lead minerals from lead acid batteries. However, the formation of non-conductive oxychlorides presents a challenge for direct reuse in LAB manufacture. These findings highlight both the potential and limitations of if chlorine containing DES are used for battery recycling.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 3","pages":" 1499-1507"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/su/d5su00444f?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147388493","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}