RSC sustainability最新文献

{"title":"Advanced catalytic strategies for CO2 to methanol conversion: noble metal-based heterogeneous and electrochemical approaches","authors":"Soumalya Roy, Ezhava Manu Manohar, Sujoy Bandyopadhyay, Manik Chandra Singh, Yeji Cha, Soumen Giri, Sharad Lande, Kyungsu Na, Junseong Lee and Sourav Das","doi":"10.1039/D4SU00749B","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SU00749B","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The next generation is threatened by climate change, the significant impacts of global warming, and an energy crisis. Atmospheric CO<small>₂</small> levels have surpassed the critical 400 ppm threshold due to significant reliance on fossil fuels to satisfy the increasing energy demands of our fast-progressing society. An overabundance of manufactured carbon dioxide (CO<small>₂</small>) emissions severely disrupts the ecology. The synthesis of methanol by the selective hydrogenation of CO<small>₂</small> is a viable approach for generating clean energy and sustainably safeguarding our biosphere. Methanol is a versatile molecule with several uses in the chemical industry as an alternative to fossil fuels. The methanol economy is recognized as a pivotal development in the pursuit of a net zero-emission fuel, representing a crucial stride toward a more sustainable planet. The developing green methanol industry, or renewable methanol initiative, primarily relies on CO<small>₂</small> adsorption and usage. This novel technique is essential for mitigating global warming. This review focuses on the synthesis of methanol utilizing noble metal-based catalysts and electrochemical reduction methods, examining the associated thermodynamic challenges and outlining future directions for research. It emphasizes the role of noble metals, including palladium, gold, silver, and rhodium, in enhancing catalytic activity and selectivity during the CO<small>₂</small> to methanol conversion process. The incorporation of these sophisticated catalytic processes improves methanol production efficiency and facilitates novel methods for carbon capture and usage, therefore advancing a more sustainable energy framework.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 3","pages":" 1303-1332"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d4su00749b?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143553546","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":"Techno-economic assessment of two-stage hydropyrolysis of lignin for BTX production using iron-based catalysts†","authors":"Giuseppe Bagnato, Jamie Horgan and Aimaro Sanna","doi":"10.1039/D4SU00652F","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SU00652F","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The thermal degradation of the lignin contained in biomass, followed by catalytic upgrading of the resultant bio-oil, offers a promising renewable generation pathway for aromatic commodity chemicals, in particular benzene, toluene and xylene (collectively ‘BTX’). The primary barrier to widespread adoption of this technology is its economic unfavourability relative to petroleum-derived BTX production. Previous work has determined that iron-based zirconium oxide catalysts for the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) upgrading step are able to selectively generate aromatic hydrocarbons (up to 12 wt%) and minimise catalyst coking. The techno-economic assessment (TEA) of a hypothetical industrial-scale biomass hydropyrolysis plant, converting 2000 tonnes per day of lignin waste into commodity chemicals using FeReO<small>_<em>x</em></small>/ZrO<small>₂</small> and Fe/ZrO<small>₂</small> catalysed HDO respectively in scenario 1 (S1) and scenario 2 (S2), was investigated. The TEA was carried out by constructing a robust model that integrates both technical and economic aspects of the process. A Monte Carlo-type sensitivity analysis was then used to examine the sensitivity of the predicted earnings. With the yearly Cost of Manufacturing (COM) estimated to be 88/158 M£ per year and revenues predicted to be 116/171 M£ per year, the base-case processes were predicted to make a yearly gain of approximately 27.6 and 12.7 M£ per year respectively in scenarios 1 and 2, with the sensitivity analysis yielding gross earnings of approximately 65% (S1) and 95% (S2) of simulations. The variable to which the profitability was most sensitive was found to be the bio-oil yield, and maximisation of this yield is recommended as a focus of further research.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 3","pages":" 1448-1460"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d4su00652f?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143553585","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":"Lignocellulose saccharification: historical insights and recent industrial advancements towards 2nd generation sugars†","authors":"Jorge Bueno Moron, Gerard P. M. van Klink and Gert-Jan M. Gruter","doi":"10.1039/D4SU00600C","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SU00600C","url":null,"abstract":"<p >This study explores the initial industrial development of saccharification technologies, with a primary focus on hydrochloric acid (HCl) saccharification of biomass, particularly wood chips. It traces the historical progress from early 20th-century research to modern advancements, emphasizing the challenges, failures and successes in scaling up these processes. The work details the structural composition of wood, <em>i.e.</em> cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, and explains the mechanisms of their hydrolysis. Additionally, it reviews various methods for hydrolyzing wood chips into saccharides, including besides HCl-based methods also sulfuric acid hydrolysis, as well as other methods such as enzymatic hydrolysis and more recent technologies. This review highlights the industrial attempts to bring these technologies to scale, providing insights into the technological advancements and hurdles faced. As developers of Avantium's DAWN Technology, we introduce our optimized hydrochloric acid saccharification process, which enhances efficiency and addresses historical challenges. This comprehensive overview not only documents the historical and technical aspects of biomass saccharification but also underscores the importance of continued innovation in this field.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 3","pages":" 1170-1211"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d4su00600c?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143553552","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":"Thermo-rheological and tribological properties of low- and high-oleic vegetable oils as sustainable bio-based lubricants†","authors":"Abiodun Saka, Tobechukwu K. Abor, Anthony C. Okafor and Monday U. Okoronkwo","doi":"10.1039/D4SU00605D","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SU00605D","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Vegetable oil-based lubricants have attracted increased research attention in recent decades as sustainable alternatives to conventional petroleum-based lubricants in metal machining. However, more studies are required to fully elucidate the thermo-rheological and tribological properties. This study presents an investigation of the thermo-rheological and tribological properties of different vegetable oils, including low- and high-oleic soybean oil, high-oleic sunflower, safflower, and canola oils. The lubricity, and evolution of viscosity and thermodynamic properties as a function of temperature were investigated to obtain important parameters including the viscosity index, flow behavior index, flow activation energy, specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity, coefficient of friction, contact angle, and thermal-oxidative decomposition profile. The properties were compared with those obtained with mineral oil, conventional emulsion coolant (CEC), and a commercial bio-based lubricant, Acculube LB-2000, commonly used for metal cutting applications. The vegetable oils displayed comparable properties to the commercial LB-2000 lubricant and pure mineral oil, featuring Newtonian fluid characteristics, high viscosity indices, high flow activation energy, low specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity, and high thermal-oxidative stability. Generally, vegetable oils with high oleic acid content featured higher rheo-thermal stability, higher contact angle, and better performance in reducing the coefficient of friction. On the other hand, CEC displayed non-Newtonian fluid behavior with lower initial viscosity and flow activation energy, and lower thermal-oxidative stability, but comparatively higher specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity compared to the vegetable oils. Compared to pure mineral oil, the vegetable oils show higher oxidative-thermal stability, thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity, and better lubrication performance in the mixed and hydrodynamic lubrication regimes of the Stribeck curve. The results provide important datasets that will contribute to improving the database on the properties of vegetable oils to guide their utilization in designing sustainable vegetable-oil-based biodegradable lubricants.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 3","pages":" 1461-1476"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d4su00605d?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143553586","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":"Showcasing the technological advancements of carbon dioxide conversion: a pathway to a sustainable future","authors":"Xiao Jiang","doi":"10.1039/D5SU90006A","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU90006A","url":null,"abstract":"<p >A graphical abstract is available for this content</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 2","pages":" 626-628"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d5su90006a?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143184537","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":"Reduction behaviors of tin oxides and oxyhydroxides during electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide in an aqueous solution under neutral conditions†","authors":"Etsushi Tsuji, Kaede Ohwan, Tomoki Ishikawa, Yuki Hirata, Hiroyuki Okada, Satoshi Suganuma and Naonobu Katada","doi":"10.1039/D4SU00476K","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SU00476K","url":null,"abstract":"<p >It is well known that tin oxides and oxyhydroxides show high selectivity for the electrochemical CO<small>₂</small> reduction reaction (CO<small>₂</small>RR) to form HCOOH in aqueous solutions. Tin oxides and oxyhydroxides are reduced to form metallic Sn during the CO<small>₂</small>RR, and the formed interface between the oxide and metallic Sn plays important roles in the CO<small>₂</small>RR. In this study, reduction behaviors of tin oxides and oxyhydroxide during the CO<small>₂</small>RR were investigated. SnO, SnO<small>₂</small> and tin oxyhydroxide containing both amorphous and crystalline phases were formed using solvothermal, sol–gel and precipitation methods, respectively. Reduction current densities of SnO<small>₂</small> and the oxyhydroxide for the CO<small>₂</small>RR and hydrogen evolution reaction at −0.8 V <em>vs.</em> RHE were higher than that of SnO, and the faradaic efficiency of the oxyhydroxides for formation of HCOOH and CO was &gt;90%. Based on high-resolution TEM observation and EDS mappings, it was revealed that metallic Sn nanoparticles with a ∼40 nm diameter were formed from SnO<small>₂</small> and tin oxyhydroxides during the CO<small>₂</small>RR <em>via</em> a dissolution and reductive deposition process. Aggregates of SnO<small>₂</small> and the oxyhydroxide were dissolved in a neutral electrolyte solution during the CO<small>₂</small>RR, and subsequently, metallic Sn nanoparticles with highly effective surface areas were formed on carbon electrodes <em>via</em> reductive deposition from dissolved Sn cations, leading to a higher reduction current. The thickness of native oxide layers formed on the surface of the metallic Sn particles in air after the CO<small>₂</small>RR from the oxyhydroxide was greater than those of SnO and SnO<small>₂</small>. Therefore, it is speculated that metallic surfaces of the former ones were more easily formed at the interface between SnO<small>_<em>x</em></small> and metallic Sn than those of the latter ones, leading to high selectivity for the CO<small>₂</small>RR.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 3","pages":" 1388-1396"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d4su00476k?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143553578","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":"Soybean oil-derived, non-isocyanate polyurethane–TiO2 nanocomposites with enhanced thermal, mechanical, hydrophobic and antimicrobial properties†","authors":"Jaydip D. Bhaliya, S. N. Raju Kutcherlapati, Nikhil Dhore, Neelambaram Punugupati, Kavya Lekha Sunkara, Sunil Misra and Shivam Shailesh Kumar Joshi","doi":"10.1039/D4SU00587B","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SU00587B","url":null,"abstract":"<p >This study explores the development of non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) composites incorporating bio-based soybean oil and TiO<small>₂</small> nanoparticles (TNPs) with enhanced functional properties. Epoxidized soybean oil (ESBO) was converted to 5-membered cyclic carbonated soybean oil (CSBO) through CO<small>₂</small> insertion under high temperature and pressure. TNPs (0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1%) were incorporated into CSBO and cured with ethylenediamine (EDA). ATR-FTIR analysis confirmed the formation of urethane linkages in the NIPU films. The impact of TNPs on the physiochemical properties of the NIPU films was evaluated, including mechanical, thermal, surface wetting, and antimicrobial performance. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated that TNPs did not significantly alter the degradation temperature of the NIPU films, whereas Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) revealed that the glass transition temperature (<em>T</em><small>_g</small>) of the NIPU films increased from 24 °C to 27 °C with TNP loading. Mechanical properties showed increased tensile strength with higher TNP content, while elongation at break decreased. Surface wettability measurements demonstrated that all composite films exhibited hydrophobic behavior, with contact angles ranging from 97° to 105°, higher than those of the bare NIPU films. Antimicrobial testing against <em>Escherichia coli</em> and <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> demonstrated that TNP-loaded NIPU films exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against <em>E. coli</em> and antifouling properties against <em>S. aureus</em>. These bio-based NIPU composites offer a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based polyurethanes, with potential applications in eco-friendly adhesives, antimicrobial coatings, and protective surfaces, thereby contributing to greener solutions in materials science.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 3","pages":" 1434-1447"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d4su00587b?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143553584","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 lead–acid batteries to perovskite solar cells – efficient recycling of Pb-containing materials†","authors":"Jiajia Suo, Bowen Yang, Sonja Prideaux, Henrik Pettersson and Lars Kloo","doi":"10.1039/D4SU00470A","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SU00470A","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The most efficient and stable perovskite solar cells typically contain lead compounds as a key component in the light-absorbing layer. To advance the commercialization of perovskite photovoltaics, it is crucial to address sustainability concerns regarding the use of toxic lead. In this work, we have developed a straightforward lead recycling pathway that converts lead compounds from lead–acid batteries into lead iodide. Purity analyses of the resulting lead iodide and the direct fabrication of perovskite solar cells demonstrate that the recycled lead iodide matches the quality of commercially available products. Most importantly, establishing this efficient lead recycling process not only supports sustainable recycling and resource utilization in a circular materials flow but also promotes the future development of perovskite photovoltaics.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 2","pages":" 1003-1008"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d4su00470a?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143184541","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 on bio-inspired nanoparticles and their impact on membrane applications","authors":"Sinki Puri, Swathi Divakar, K. Pramoda, B. M. Praveen and Mahesh Padaki","doi":"10.1039/D4SU00460D","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SU00460D","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Incorporation of nanoparticles into the membrane matrix plays a pivotal role in water purification and treatment. In this review, the recent advances in coupling green nanoparticles, encompassing diverse materials, such as metallic-, metal oxide-, and carbon-based nanoparticles, for tailoring NPs for specific membrane applications are elucidated. The green approach involves the synthesis of nanoparticles using plant extracts, enabling precise control over the size, shape, and surface properties of NPs. The incorporation of NPs improves the underlying hydrophilicity, antifouling properties, mechanical strength, and selectivity of the membrane matrix for various separations, including water purification, desalination, and wastewater treatment. This review also addresses the potential challenges in utilizing green-synthesized nanoparticles in membrane technology for targeted applications. Factors such as scalability, stability, and long-term environmental impact are assessed to ensure the practical viability and sustainability of this approach. In conclusion, the integration of green-synthesized nanoparticles in membrane applications represents a sustainable and innovative paradigm in the field of membrane technology. This approach not only augments the performance of membranes but also aligns with global efforts towards eco-friendly and sustainable practices in synthesis of materials and environmental remediation. This review encourages further research and development in this area, paving the way for greener and more efficient membrane-based separation processes.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 3","pages":" 1212-1233"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d4su00460d?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143553553","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":"Hydrogen production via water splitting using noble gas plasma-collisional splitting (NgPCS)†","authors":"Souma Yoshida, Yoshiyuki Takatsuji and Tetsuya Haruyama","doi":"10.1039/D4SU00697F","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SU00697F","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Noble gas plasma-collisional splitting (NgPCS) is an emerging hydrogen production technology. Conventional methods, such as fossil fuel-based decomposition and water electrolysis (the latter requiring large amounts of electrolytes), have been widely used, but NgPCS eliminates the need for electrolytes, offering an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative for producing hydrogen.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 3","pages":" 1333-1338"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d4su00697f?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143553547","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}