RSC sustainability最新文献

{"title":"Powering the sustainable future: a review of emerging battery technologies and their environmental impact","authors":"Peeyush Phogat, Subhadeepa Dey and Meher Wan","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00127G","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00127G","url":null,"abstract":"<p >This review paper provides a comprehensive analysis of various battery technologies, categorizing them into primary (non-rechargeable), secondary (rechargeable), specialty, and emerging battery types. It delves into the key properties of these batteries, including energy density, cycle life, cost, environmental impact, and their suitability for different applications. The review highlights the environmental implications of each battery type, focusing on the sustainability of materials and manufacturing processes. Furthermore, it discusses potential future trends in battery technology, including advancements in solid-state batteries, nanotechnology, recycling techniques, and alternative chemistries. The paper concludes by summarizing key findings and emphasizing the importance of ongoing research and innovation in the field to meet the increasing global demand for efficient and sustainable energy storage solutions.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 8","pages":" 3266-3306"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d5su00127g?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144740068","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 minireview on rubber nanocomposites for sustainable supercapacitors","authors":"Susmi Anna Thomas, Jayesh Cherusseri and Deepthi N. Rajendran","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00234F","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00234F","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The recent advancements in electronic gadgets necessitate the use of flexible electrochemical energy storage devices to power them. Supercapacitors are the best choices, but the availability of flexible electrode-active materials with excellent electrochemical charge storage capacity is a major bottleneck. The present review discusses the synthesis of flexible electrodes using rubber nanocomposites for supercapacitor applications. This is the first report in the literature on the use of rubber nanocomposites for supercapacitor application. Rubber and their derivatives are used as additives for the fabrication of nanocomposites in both electrode-active materials and electrolytes. Initially, this review discusses the properties of rubber nanocomposites, and then, their various synthesis methods are explained. Furthermore, the preparation of electrode-active materials using rubber nanocomposites, particularly for supercapacitor applications, is elucidated. The evaluation of the electrochemical performance of rubber nanocomposite-based electrodes and supercapacitors is also explained with the help of cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and galvanostatic charge/discharge measurement analyses. Rubber nanocomposites are suitable candidates for fabricating supercapacitor electrodes as they possess the high tensile strength, natural abundance, flexibility, environmentally friendly and low cost.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 8","pages":" 3358-3383"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d5su00234f?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144740055","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":"Less chemicals for more controlled syntheses: on the benefits of mixtures of alcohols for room temperature surfactant-free colloidal syntheses of gold nanoparticles†","authors":"Julie Christine Hamer Larsen, Astrid Nymann Porsgaard, Leander Vinding, Aleksandra Smolska and Jonathan Quinson","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00259A","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00259A","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The full exploitation of nanoparticle (NP) properties requires their controlled syntheses, ideally achieved by more sustainable strategies. We report on the benefits of using mixtures of ethanol and glycerol for the room temperature syntheses of stable surfactant-free colloidal gold (Au) NPs in alkaline water–alcohol solutions. Using [ethanol + glycerol] mixtures with a low amount of glycerol, <em>e.g.</em> only 2 v%, improves the size control over the Au NPs and enables the total alcohol content to be lowered for a successful synthesis. The results provide solid foundation towards the rational development of more sustainable syntheses of colloidal NPs.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 7","pages":" 2876-2882"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d5su00259a?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144536825","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 sustainable future: the impact of real-time feedback systems on water conservation efforts","authors":"Manoj Kumar Jindal, Pradip Kumar Tewari, Vikky Anand and Uthukotasriram Abhishek","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00081E","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00081E","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Lack of fresh water and population explosion are major sustainability challenges globally. Water management is closely linked to sustainable development goals (SDGs), as water is fundamental to sustainable development and plays a role in achieving all SDG targets, either directly or indirectly. This article explores the potential of sensor-based real-time feedback systems as a tool for promoting water conservation and addressing the global challenges of water scarcity. This approach aims to mitigate existing water issues by changing the behavior of people, encouraging the uptake of water conservation measures, and changing the patterns of utilization for long-term sustainability. It incorporates principles from behavioral science to modify user behavior by using information processing theory that exposes users to water scarcity messages. As a theoretical concept, the applications of the theory of planned behavior and nudge theory are explored to guide individuals' choices toward water-saving behaviors through feedback that subtly influences decision-making. Concerns such as cost, data privacy, and the sustainability of behavior change are discussed. The effectiveness of real-time feedback mechanisms has been demonstrated in other domains, such as energy conservation, yet remains underexplored in the context of water management. This article highlights the feasibility of such systems, examines their potential impact on water conservation efforts, and discusses key challenges such as cost, data privacy, and behavioral adaptability. By integrating sensor technology with water fixtures and providing instant feedback, individuals can be nudged toward sustainable consumption patterns, ultimately reducing the burden on water treatment facilities and ensuring long-term water security.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 7","pages":" 2863-2869"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d5su00081e?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144536823","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":"Surfactant-free gold nanoparticles synthesized in alkaline water–ethanol mixtures: leveraging lower grade chemicals for size control of active nanocatalysts†","authors":"Frederik Jæger, Albert Abildtrup Pedersen, Peter Stensgaard Wacherhausen, Aleksandra Smolska and Jonathan Quinson","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00213C","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00213C","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Low(er) purity chemicals are often detrimental for nanomaterial synthesis. Here, lower grade chemicals, <em>e.g.</em> lower grade water, are used to achieve size control over surfactant-free gold nanoparticles simply obtained at room temperature in alkaline ethanol–water mixtures. The nanoparticles are active catalysts, <em>e.g.</em> for water treatment with the example of the reduction of 4-nitrophenol. The simple strategy reported to obtain size-controlled gold nanoparticles opens new door for the holistic development of sustainable nanotechnologies.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 7","pages":" 2870-2875"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d5su00213c?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144536824","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microbial degradation of tannery chrome-solid waste using Bacillus thuringiensis: optimization of collagen hydrolysate extraction via response surface methodology†","authors":"Sharmin Akter Liza and Md. Abdulla-Al-Mamun","doi":"10.1039/D4SU00666F","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SU00666F","url":null,"abstract":"<p >A significant amount of chrome-containing shaving dust is generated by the leather industry during leather processing, posing a threat to both the ecosystem and human health. Its widespread disposal, including the mixing of leachate with groundwater, leads to a decline in water quality, while incineration can convert Cr(<small>III</small>) into the carcinogenic Cr(<small>VI</small>). Since shaving dust contains a substantial amount of protein, discarding it without recovering this valuable resource would be a considerable waste, as it could be repurposed to produce various profitable goods such as protein hydrolysate. This study presents an efficient and eco-friendly approach for managing chrome shaving dust through microbial degradation using the <em>Bacillus thuringiensis</em> strain SRL4A (PP802975). The bacterium exhibited optimal growth after 36 hours of incubation at 45 °C, at pH 8, and demonstrated high chromium resistance, tolerating up to 900 ppm of Cr(<small>III</small>) salts. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed in conjunction with Central Composite Design (CCD) to investigate the impact of independent variables (seed volume, nutrient source, and time) on the response variable degradation. The optimum values of the independent process parameters for maximum degradation (94.80%) were obtained at 35% (v/w) seed volume, 12.86% (w/w) nutrient source, and 101.27 hours of incubation time. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) confirmed that the degradation of chrome shavings was primarily influenced by seed volume, followed by nutrient source and time. Hydrolysates were collected at various intervals during proteolysis, chromium was removed, and the samples were characterized. The final protein and chromium content in the hydrolysate were 979.44 ± 4.88 mg L<small>⁻¹</small> and 1.40 ± 0.37 mg L<small>⁻¹</small>, respectively. UV-vis and FTIR spectroscopy analysis demonstrated characteristic protein peaks. TGA indicated the higher thermal stability of the recovered collagen hydrolysate. SEM revealed a porous protein sample, and EDX confirmed the presence of C, N, O, and S elements. The findings of this research provide valuable insights into developing sustainable strategies for managing tannery waste per principles of circular economy and environmental stewardship.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 7","pages":" 3198-3214"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d4su00666f?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144536756","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":"Ultrathin 2D metallenes for energy storage: a myth or reality?","authors":"Jayesh Cherusseri, Susmi Anna Thomas and Deepthi N. Rajendran","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00085H","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00085H","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Rapid depletion of fossil fuels and increased energy scarcity have paved the way for the use of electrochemical energy storage devices, such as rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors, to power electronic devices. Ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) materials have attracted significant research interest due to their prominent characteristics, including large surface area, lightweight, good electronic conductivity, and good chemical and electrochemical properties. Metallenes are emerging class of 2D materials with an atomic thickness and consisting of metals or alloys with a well-controlled surface atomic arrangement. 2D metallenes are invariably used as electrode-active materials in energy storage devices such as rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors in the literature. Since metallenes consist of metallic 2D sheets, charge storage is limited by electrode kinetics and the electrode is more prone to corrosion when used in electrolytes. This motivated us to examine the truth behind these fascinating materials. We critically analysed the various types of metallenes available to date, their synthesis methods, and the mechanism of charge storage in rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors for better clarification.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 9","pages":" 3841-3862"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d5su00085h?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144909480","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":"From waste to power: utilizing barley husk as a sustainable anode active material alternative to graphite in lithium-ion batteries†","authors":"Chenghao Yue, Alireza Fereydooni, Puritut Nakhanivej, Maria Balart Murria, Mingrui Liu, Yuexi Zeng, Zhijie Wei, Qiuju Fu, Xuebo Zhao, Melanie J. Loveridge and Yimin Chao","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00254K","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00254K","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Barley husks (BH), an agricultural by-product rich in carbon and silica, have been utilized as a sustainable precursor for synthesizing carbon anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). A comparative analysis with graphite, the conventional anode material, demonstrates the potential of BH-derived carbon as a viable alternative. Material characterization techniques confirmed the formation of a hard carbon structure with a porous morphology, enhanced by the silica content, which contributes to structural stability and performance. The BH-derived anode exhibited a specific capacity of 380 mA h g<small>⁻¹</small> at C/5, surpassing that of graphite with improved cycling stability and rate capability. BH represent a sustainable and promising alternative for next-generation energy storage technologies, with improved performance and eco-friendly potential.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 7","pages":" 2915-2926"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d5su00254k?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144536828","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 packaging solutions: harnessing primary sludge cellulosic fibres in foamed starch materials via injection moulding†","authors":"Susana C. Pinto, Bernardo Graça, Vasco G. Lopes and Dmitry. V. Evtuguin","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00118H","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00118H","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Driven by stringent environmental regulations and keen social awareness, the pulp and paper industry is increasingly challenged by the growing volume of residues generated, highlighting the need for more comprehensive plants and to find solutions to transform biowastes into value-added products. Tackling this problem while replacing synthetic polymer packaging with natural alternatives is challenging, but it also provides an opportunity to address both issues. The main objective of this study was to develop sustainable packaging solutions using primary sludge, a major cellulose fibre residue from the paper industry. For the purpose, the sludges were combined with starch, a natural polymer, to produce foamed trays <em>via</em> injection moulding, using water as plasticizing and blowing agent. The injection moulding conditions were optimized, and the physical properties and microstructure of the resulting materials were evaluated. The results showed that foamed trays could be successfully produced using formulations with up to 28% wt of primary sludge incorporated into a starch matrix through injection moulding. The resulting trays had a cellular foamed structure with a dense hard hydrophobic surface layer, displaying a water contact angle greater than 115°. The foamed inner structure contributed for the low density of about 0.500 g cm<small>⁻³</small> and the high-water absorption capacity. The packaging material revealed flexural stress values varying in the order of 5.0–7.0 MPa and flexural modulus of 370–450 MPa. This study demonstrated that sustainable 3D foamed packaging materials can be produced from natural and waste materials using injection moulding, representing a shift from earlier thermopressing methods traditionally used for manufacture starch-based biocomposites.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 7","pages":" 3060-3071"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d5su00118h?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144536701","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":"Methane decomposition using a Ni–Cu-based hollow-wall-structured catalyst prepared by combined electroless plating†","authors":"Prithvi Rasaili, Ryo Watanabe, Hiroshi Akama and Choji Fukuhara","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00216H","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00216H","url":null,"abstract":"<p >A bimetallic Ni–Cu catalyst, prepared using the electroless plating (ELP) method, demonstrated potential for catalytic methane decomposition (CMD) to produce turquoise hydrogen and carbon-capture materials. A structured catalyst was synthesised with a focus on optimising its design for enhanced activity, high-quality carbon capture, and improved resistance to early deactivation. Catalysts were characterised using FE-SEM, SEM-EDX, XRD, XRF, and Raman techniques. The 70–30 Ni–Cu catalyst was identified to be the best-performing catalyst; it exhibited a fine alloy structure, good performance, thermal stability, and high-temperature activity, and outperformed the corresponding impregnation-method-based catalyst. The Cu in the catalyst enhances the growth of filamentous carbon and improves the structural order of the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) owing to its carbon-dispersing effect and optimised active-site availability. However, excess Cu reduces the number of available active sites and decreases performance. The captured multiwalled CNTs in the best catalyst showed a higher <em>I</em><small>_G</small>/<em>I</em><small>_D</small> ratio (0.83) compared to commercial CNTs, which highlights their potential use in functional-material applications. The combination of a structured substrate and the ELP method has the potential to provide long-term turquoise H<small>₂</small> production and carbon capture.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 7","pages":" 3049-3059"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d5su00216h?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144536728","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}