RSC sustainability最新文献

{"title":"A scientometrics study of advancing sustainable metal recovery from e-waste: processes, challenges, and future directions","authors":"Peeyush Phogat, Sushil Kumar and Meher Wan","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00049A","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00049A","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The growing generation of electronic waste (e-waste) presents significant environmental and economic challenges while offering opportunities for resource recovery through the extraction of valuable metals. This study employs bibliometric analysis to examine global research trends in metal recovery from e-waste, identifying China, the United States, and India as the most productive countries, with <em>Journal of Hazardous Materials</em> and <em>Waste Management</em> being the leading publication venues. The analysis also reveals a strong collaboration network among key research institutions, contributing to advancements in recovery techniques. The study further explores various extraction methods, including pyrometallurgical, hydrometallurgical, and biometallurgical processes, assessing their efficiency and sustainability. Hydrometallurgical methods, particularly acid leaching and solvent extraction, show up to 95% metal recovery efficiency, while biometallurgical approaches demonstrate a potential 30–50% reduction in environmental impact compared to conventional chemical methods. The findings highlight the growing emphasis on sustainable recovery strategies, policy interventions, and circular economy principles. The study concludes that continuous technological innovation, strengthened regulatory frameworks, and increased public engagement are essential to advancing metal recovery technologies. By integrating efficient extraction methods with sustainable waste management policies, the global e-waste crisis can be mitigated while ensuring long-term resource conservation.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 6","pages":" 2434-2454"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d5su00049a?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144213706","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":"Ruthenium-catalyzed dimerization of vanillin for the formation of a biobased epoxy thermoset resin†","authors":"Flavia Ferrara, Iuliana Ribca, Namratha Prabhu, Josselin Mante, Maureen Gumbo, Andreas Ekebergh, Mats Johansson and Nina Kann","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00165J","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00165J","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Vanillin is one of few lignin platform chemicals that are currently available on industrial scale. Seeking to find biobased alternatives to the reprotoxic compound bisphenol A (BPA), we have successfully dimerized three different monomeric vanillin derivatives in a ruthenium-catalyzed Tischenko reaction. The resulting esters were characterized by NMR, FTIR, HRMS, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The thermal behaviour of one of these derivatives, the epoxy divanillin ester <strong>EDVE</strong>, was studied further by DSC and TGA. <strong>EDVE</strong> was subsequently applied towards the preparation of an epoxy thermoset resin <em>via</em> curing with Jeffamine D-400. The thermoset formulation was thermally cured, monitoring the curing with DSC and FTIR. The final thermoset was then characterized with respect to physical and mechanical properties with DSC, TGA, and DMA. This catalytic approach provides a new strategy to access vanillin-based epoxides that could potentially replace bisphenol A.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 5","pages":" 2366-2376"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d5su00165j?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143918852","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":"Man-made textile fibres from pectin†","authors":"Aleksandra M. Kozlowski, Kristina E. Lindgren, Gino Mangiante and Tobias Köhnke","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00048C","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00048C","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Low-methyl esterified pectin with a degree of methylation of 33% was shaped into continuous textile fibres <em>via</em> wet spinning with a calcium chloride coagulation bath. The resulting fibres exhibit mechanical properties approaching those of viscose and show promise as biobased, scalable, and green-produced alternatives to conventional man-made fibres.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 5","pages":" 2205-2209"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d5su00048c?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143918901","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":"Exploring mineral–organic interactions for eco-friendly concrete alternatives: a radical concept","authors":"Peter Spencer, Hejie Li, Scott Hocknull, Gareth Chalmers and Tianfang Wang","doi":"10.1039/D4SU00696H","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SU00696H","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Concrete is central to the civil construction industry worldwide, which is facing increasing governmental, social, and economic pressure to alleviate its considerable environmental impact. This impact centres around Portland cement, the main binder of concrete. The production of a single tonne of Portland cement generates 0.9 tonne of CO<small>₂</small> gas along with other negative environmental impacts. In the quest for alternate construction materials, there is much focus on artificial geopolymers which use aluminosilicate-based binders, the production of which does not liberate large amounts of CO<small>₂</small>. However, due to the use of dangerous alkaline chemicals and high curing temperatures, industry is reluctant to implement artificial geopolymers despite their superior material properties. The research into replicating natural geopolymers appears to be in its infancy, possibly due to the underappreciated interaction between organic and mineral fractions. However, mineral–organic interactions are well researched, and the materials produced have considerably favourable properties. This work proposes the application of free radical chemistry to enhance and accelerate mineral–organic interactions to produce analogues of natural rock. The use of free radicals greatly reduces the energy requirements for reactions. They also efficiently degrade organic intermediates and promote mineral polymerisation. The benefits of these rock analogues lie not only in their material properties but also the potential re-use of waste building materials such as iron, aluminium, and glass. Therefore, the environmental impact of these materials will be substantially lower than that of concrete, with superior material properties. The implications of this study is a shift in conventional thinking away from current Portland cement-based construction materials to considering analogues of natural geopolymers.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 5","pages":" 2064-2078"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d4su00696h?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143918907","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":"Loofah sponge: a sustainable material for wastewater desalination","authors":"Susmi Anna Thomas, Jayesh Cherusseri and Deepthi N. Rajendran","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00043B","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00043B","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Treatment of wastewater has become a necessity to address the shortage of drinking water in this era due to population explosion as well as shortage of water resources. It is necessary to develop wastewater treatment approaches that are facile, eco-friendly, scalable, and low cost. Among the various choices available to date, desalination is a versatile and suitable method which involves an interfacial evaporation of salt ions from seawater to produce freshwater. The desalination method involves a membrane-based process in which the development of suitable and cost-effective ways is a prerequisite. There have been many membranes developed in the recent past including carbon-based membranes (such as graphene membranes, graphene oxide membranes, <em>etc.</em>), MXene-based membranes, <em>etc.</em> Among the various available choices, biomass-based materials have become attractive to develop membranes which are economically feasible and environmentally friendly materials that can be produced on a large scale. By considering the advantageous features of biomass-based materials, water desalination becomes a cost-effective approach for the present and future. Herein, we review the recent developments of a biomass material, loofah sponge, for water desalination applications by serving it as a sustainable membrane. Loofah sponge-based materials are highly promising candidates for saltwater desalination. Initially we discuss the salient features of loofah sponge that make it suitable for water desalination applications including chemical properties and further we discuss the synthesis of various natural carbon derivatives from it including mesoporous carbons and biochar. Furthermore, the preparations of composites with other materials systems such as transition metal oxides and MXenes are outlined by emphasizing the microstructural and morphological influence on the performance of membranes for water desalination applications. The present review provides an in-depth understanding of natural loofah sponge-based membranes for desalination application.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 7","pages":" 2806-2832"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d5su00043b?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144536821","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":"Medium-dependent regioselectivity of electrochemical bromination of methyl levulinate†","authors":"Dmitry A. Pirgach, Raghavendra Meena, Guanna Li, Fedor M. Miloserdov, Daan S. van Es, Pieter C. A. Bruijnincx and Johannes H. Bitter","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00037H","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00037H","url":null,"abstract":"<p >An electrochemical method for the bromination of renewable methyl levulinate using ammonium bromide is reported. Regioselectivity depended on the solvent used: the formation of 5-bromolevulinate was favored in methanol and 3-bromolevulinate in a MeCN : H<small>₂</small>O mixture. To explain the observed change, different bromination mechanisms were proposed.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 5","pages":" 2198-2204"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d5su00037h?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143918900","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":"Correction: Continuous flow production of γ-valerolactone from methyl-levulinate promoted by MOF-derived Al2O3–ZrO2/C catalysts","authors":"Marina Ronda-Leal, Alina M. Balu, Rafael Luque, Francesco Mauriello, Alberto Ricchebuono, Christophe Len, Antonio A. Romero and Emilia Paone","doi":"10.1039/D5SU90024G","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU90024G","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Correction for ‘Continuous flow production of γ-valerolactone from methyl-levulinate promoted by MOF-derived Al<small>₂</small>O<small>₃</small>–ZrO<small>₂</small>/C catalysts’ by Marina Ronda-Leal <em>et al.</em>, <em>RSC Sustainability</em>, 2025, https://doi.org/10.1039/d4su00797b.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 5","pages":" 2422-2422"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d5su90024g?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143918856","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":"Advancing laccase-catalysed depolymerisation of lignocellulosic biomass with the help of ionic liquids or deep eutectic solvents","authors":"Yumiko Takagi and Toshiyuki Itoh","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00134J","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00134J","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Selective oxidative depolymerization of a lignocellulosic biomass is the first step in the valorisation process. Chemical oxidations generally require hazardous reagents and harsh reaction conditions; thus, the resulting produced compounds are low-value molecules or complicated mixtures. Laccases are copper ion-containing oxidases and catalyze the oxidation of polyphenol or amine derivatives using molecular oxygen; laccase-mediated reaction systems thus allow the depolymerization of lignocellulosic compounds and the decomposition of aromatic pollutants in wastewater. However, due to the short distance between the active site and the surface of the laccase, the reactivity of laccase is influenced by the reaction conditions, in particular, the solvent system. Ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have now been acknowledged as not only new reaction media but also as activating agents of biocatalysts. In order to improve the activity or increasing the tolerance of laccases against ILs or DESs, three methods have been developed: the first is the direct evolution of the enzyme that is a very powerful tool for tailoring the enzyme, the second is the design of supporting materials including ILs for the immobilization of a laccase, and the third is modification of the surface of a laccase protein by chemical methods or protein engineering. This review examines laccase-mediated reactions in ILs and DESs focusing on how laccase contributes to sustainable chemistry; using laccase-mediated reactions, the depolymerization of lignocellulosic compounds, phenolic compounds, and synthetic dyes has now been accomplished. Since the reactions were accomplished under hazardous chemical reagent-free conditions, it is expected that investigation in this field of laccase-mediated oxidation might become even more important in sustainable chemistry.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 7","pages":" 2750-2778"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d5su00134j?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144536811","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":"Integrating traditional ecological knowledge into a circular economy framework using the example of consumer durable goods for northern rural communities","authors":"Yasamin Atabaki Fard Tehrani, Atanu Sarkar and Shegufta Shetranjiwalla","doi":"10.1039/D4SU00623B","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SU00623B","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Consumer Durable Goods (CDG)s have a large energy and water footprint during their lifecycle and are one of the largest contributors to municipal waste upon disposal. While CDG waste becomes invisible to consumers in urban communities, due to relatively well-established waste management infrastructure, it is inequitable in rural communities where deteriorating/decomposing goods remain on native lands/landfills and pose a risk to people and ecosystems. Therefore, a sustainable approach that emphasizes resource efficiency, waste reduction and an inclusive framework for the design, use and circularity of CDGs is imperative. This study examines the circular economy (CE) as a promising approach for CDGs in the Canadian context, where there are unique geographical challenges, particularly in remote, rural, and indigenous communities with limited recycling and repair infrastructure. It carefully considers the integration of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) in developing sustainable strategies for the circular materials management of CDGs to mitigate these challenges. This critical analysis explores global and national consumption trends and translates them into local knowledge gaps to reveal the barriers to the effective adoption of CE practices and identifies the opportunities and challenges in integrating TEK into CE for CDGs in remote and rural communities. It also provides recommendations and insights into how CE principles infused with TEK and indigenous wisdom can address UN SDGs 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 3 globally and help build capacity to support local solutions for waste reduction, resource efficiency, improved community economy and environmental health of remote and rural communities.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 5","pages":" 2048-2063"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d4su00623b?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143918906","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":"MXene-based nanocomposites: a new horizon for electrochemical monitoring of environmental pollutants","authors":"Ali Hyder, Meher-Un-Nisa Khilji, Jamil A. Buledi, Ayaz Ali Memon, Azharuddin Ghanghro, Misbah ur Rehman and Khalid Hussain Thebo","doi":"10.1039/D4SU00828F","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SU00828F","url":null,"abstract":"<p >MXenes, two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides and nitrides, have garnered attention due to their outstanding electrical conductivity, expansive surface area, and customizable surface chemistry and have been widely investigated for use in environmental sensors in recent years. This review presents a variety of methodologies for synthesizing MXene-based nanocomposites and their utilization as electrochemical sensors for the detection of environmental pollutants, including organic pesticides, antibiotic drugs, heavy metals, and synthetic phenolic compounds in real matrices. The review includes various synthesis approaches, which include a spectrum of techniques, such as chemical etching, intercalation, and surface modification, all directed at tailoring the properties of MXenes to optimize sensor functionality. Subsequently, the role of these MXene-based nanocomposites in electrochemical sensing will be discussed in detail. These sensors demonstrate exceptional sensitivity, selectivity, and swift responsiveness, positioning them as promising contenders for on-the-spot monitoring of pollutants. The specific emphasis on heavy metals tackles the pervasive concern of water contamination, while the identification of organic pesticides and antibiotic drugs addresses issues in agricultural and pharmaceutical wastewater. The electrochemical sensing capacities of MXene-based nanocomposites offer promising prospects for effective and portable devices for environmental monitoring. We believe this review will provide new ideas and research directions for readers working with sensor-based technologies.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 5","pages":" 2160-2184"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d4su00828f?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143918912","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}