RSC sustainability最新文献

{"title":"Increased hydrophilicity of lignin-derivable vs. bisphenol-based polysulfones for potential water filtration applications†","authors":"Jignesh S. Mahajan, Hoda Shokrollahzadeh Behbahani, Matthew D. Green, LaShanda T. J. Korley and Thomas H. Epps","doi":"10.1039/D4SU00314D","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D4SU00314D","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The functionality inherent in lignin-derivable aromatics (<em>e.g.</em>, polar methoxy groups) can provide a potential opportunity to improve the hydrophilicity of polysulfones (PSfs) without the need for the additional processing steps and harsh reagents/conditions that are typically used in conventional PSf modifications. As determined herein, lignin-derivable PSfs without any post-polymerization modification exhibited higher hydrophilicity than comparable petroleum-based PSfs (commercial/laboratory-synthesized) and also demonstrated similar hydrophilicity to functionalized BPA-PSfs reported in the literature. Importantly, the lignin-derivable PSfs displayed improved thermal properties relative to functionalized BPA-PSfs in the literature, and the thermal properties of these bio-derivable PSfs were close to those of common non-functionalized PSfs. In particular, the glass transition temperature (<em>T</em><small>_g</small>) and degradation temperature of 5% weight loss (<em>T</em><small>_d5%</small>) of lignin-derivable PSfs (<em>T</em><small>_g</small> ∼165–170 °C, <em>T</em><small>_d5%</small> ∼400–425 °C) were significantly higher than those of typical functionalized BPA-PSfs in the literature (<em>T</em><small>_g</small> ∼110–160 °C, <em>T</em><small>_d5%</small> ∼240–260 °C) and close to those of unmodified, commercial/laboratory-synthesized BPA-/bisphenol F-PSfs (<em>T</em><small>_g</small> ∼180–185 °C, <em>T</em><small>_d5%</small> ∼420–510 °C).</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 10","pages":" 2844-2850"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2024/su/d4su00314d?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142262096","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":"Using soapnut extract as a natural surfactant in green chemistry education: a laboratory experiment aligning with UN SDG 12 for general chemistry courses†","authors":"Zi Wang, Carter McLenahan and Liza Abraham","doi":"10.1039/D4SU00397G","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D4SU00397G","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Green chemistry education has gained significant momentum, with its emphasis on sustainable practices and the 12 principles of green chemistry. These principles aim to reduce waste, use safer solvents, and promote renewable resources in chemical processes. Integrating these principles into laboratory curricula fosters critical thinking about chemical impacts on the environment and society. The experiment involved extracting saponin from soapnut, testing its surfactant properties, and applying it in DNA extraction, and micellar extractions of pollutants like hexavalent chromium and methylene blue dye. Utilization of soapnut as a sustainable alternative to synthetic surfactants aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 12-Responsible Consumption and Production. Overall, this laboratory activity integrates green chemistry principles, sustainable development goals, and environmental stewardship, offering students practical experience in environmentally friendly practices and supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education) by enhancing learning through hands-on experimentation.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 12","pages":" 3788-3797"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2024/su/d4su00397g?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142262102","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":"Insertion of CO2 to 2-methyl furoate promoted by a cobalt hypercrosslinked polymer catalyst to obtain a monomer of CO2-based biopolyesters†","authors":"Elizabeth Rangel-Rangel, Beatriz Fuerte-Díez, Marta Iglesias and Eva M. Maya","doi":"10.1039/D4SU00426D","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D4SU00426D","url":null,"abstract":"<p >2,5-Furan Dicarboxylic methyl Ester (FDME), a highly valued monomer for the synthesis of biobased polyesters, has been prepared through a new synthetic strategy that consists of the direct carboxylation of methyl furoate in two steps: the first one involves a solvent-free reaction using a moderate CO<small>₂</small> pressure (10 bar), a base (Cs<small>₂</small>CO<small>₃</small>) and a cobalt-based heterogeneous catalyst (HCP-Salphen-Co) for 6 h, which was prepared using mechanochemical polymerization. The second step consists of an acid esterification using standard conditions. The CO<small>₂</small>-based FDME synthesized with this strategy was successfully reacted with a diol derived from vanillin, thus obtaining a CO<small>₂</small> and a completely bio-based polyester which exhibited high thermal stability with a starting degradation temperature of 250 °C and a glass transition temperature of 104 °C.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 10","pages":" 2896-2902"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2024/su/d4su00426d?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142262039","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":"Validating the “greenness” of chemicals via life cycle assessment: the case of anisole as an anti-solvent in perovskite solar cells†","authors":"A. Kamal Kamali, Nilanka M. Keppetipola, Yuka Yoshihara, Ajay Kumar Jena, Satoshi Uchida, Hiroshi Segawa, Guido Sonnemann, Thierry Toupance and Ludmila Cojocaru","doi":"10.1039/D4SU00361F","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D4SU00361F","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Technological development is increasingly driven by environmental sustainability, with labels like ‘green’ gaining traction. However, the complex interactions in a product's life cycle make the environmental impact of materials and chemicals highly context-dependent, highlighting the need for context-specific environmental assessments. Anisole has been popularly used as a “green” alternative to chlorobenzene for perovskite solar cell (PSC) fabrication. This work validates the technical and environmental performance of anisole in the fabrication of PSCs. PSCs exhibiting conversion efficiencies exceeding 22% can be attained by using anisole as an antisolvent. Moreover, around 50% reduction in the potential toxicity is obtained when substituting chlorobenzene for anisole embodied in the carcinogenic human and ecosystem toxicity impact categories. Nonetheless, anisole embodies higher impact in all 14 remaining impact categories. This is due to anisole's multistep synthesis procedure that contributes to more than double the climate change impact of chlorobenzene, synthesized by a single-step method. To reduce the emissions several recommendations and strategies are proposed. Ultimately, it has been proved that context-specific and transparent environmental assessments are needed to make informed decisions in research and development leading to environmentally sustainable solutions.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 10","pages":" 3036-3046"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2024/su/d4su00361f?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142262089","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":"Biologically active dual functional zinc-doped biomass-derived carbon dots†","authors":"Mohammad Tariq, Mo Ahamad Khan, Hammad Hasan, Sangeeta Yadav, Amaresh Kumar Sahoo and Md Palashuddin Sk","doi":"10.1039/D4SU00439F","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D4SU00439F","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The resistance of bacteria to antibiotics poses a significant challenge in the current global landscape. Despite this urgency, the pace of drug development has not matched the pressing need. Addressing this gap, we have developed zinc-doped carbon dots (Zn-Cdots) using biomass as a carbon source by a simple, and eco-friendly hydrothermal method to treat bacterial infection. Plant-derived biomass serves as an excellent source of various bioactive molecules, making it a viable carbon source for synthesizing Zn-Cdots. The characterization of Zn-Cdots was performed using multiple techniques, including UV-Visible spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, TEM analysis, XRD, FTIR and XPS. The Zn-Cdots exhibit superior antibacterial properties in combating Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains, specifically <em>Serratia marcescens</em> and <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> compared to the precursor biomass extract. Additionally, ROS measurements revealed the antioxidant property of Zn-Cdots, while agarose gel electrophoresis studies confirmed that the interaction between pDNA and Zn-Cdots heightened the antibacterial activity of Zn-Cdots. Moreover, the ABTS assay and the TMB assay both validated the antioxidant activity of Zn-Cdots, revealing high efficacy in scavenging free radicals and further highlighting its potential in mitigating oxidative stress alongside potent antibacterial efficacy.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 10","pages":" 3114-3122"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2024/su/d4su00439f?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142262088","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":"Lanthanide promoted nickel catalysts for the integrated capture and conversion of carbon dioxide to methane via metal carbonates†","authors":"Christopher J. Koch, Zohaib Suhail, Prince, Anushan Alagaratnam, Matthew Coe, Alain Goeppert and G. K. Surya Prakash","doi":"10.1039/D4SU00306C","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D4SU00306C","url":null,"abstract":"<p >An integrated CO<small>₂</small> capture and conversion system utilizing metal hydroxide salts has been developed to capture CO<small>₂</small> from various sources including air in the form of carbonate salts and convert them directly into a synthetic fuel; methane. Nickel catalysts have previously been shown to convert carbonate salts, such as K<small>₂</small>CO<small>₃</small> and Na<small>₂</small>CO<small>₃</small>, to methane. However, the productivity of these systems was rather modest in comparison to other catalysts based on ruthenium metal. With the help of lanthanide promoters, the methane productivity of nickel catalysts has been greatly improved. For the most part, the catalytic performance of the lanthanide promoted nickel catalysts followed the lanthanide contraction trend, <em>i.e.</em> the smaller the atomic size of the lanthanide, the higher the methane yield. Furthermore, the lanthanide promoted nickel catalysts are also stable under the alkaline conditions employed, maintaining their activity over five cycles of integrated CO<small>₂</small> capture and conversion. Lastly, the lanthanide promoted nickel catalysts were demonstrated to be more economical compared to ruthenium- and unpromoted nicked-based catalysts.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 10","pages":" 2885-2895"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2024/su/d4su00306c?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142193006","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":"Enzymatic polymerization of furan-based polymers in biobased solvents†","authors":"Fitrilia Silvianti, Dina Maniar, Tijn C. de Leeuw, Jur van Dijken and Katja Loos","doi":"10.1039/D4SU00358F","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D4SU00358F","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The demand for biobased polymers is on the rise, driven by increasing environmental awareness and the imperative for sustainability. Biobased materials, which offer renewability, have emerged as a solution to the depletion of petroleum-based resources. Among biobased raw materials, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (2,5-FDCA) has gained prominence as an extensively studied monomer in the last decade. Polyesters based on 2,5-FDCA have shown compatibility and potential as biobased alternatives to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for packaging applications. Besides FDCA, 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (2,5-BHMF), a furan hetero-aromatic diol derivable from carbohydrates, has been identified as a versatile building block, presenting interesting properties for polymeric materials. In adherence to sustainability principles, the choice of catalyst for biobased polymer production is crucial. Biocatalysts, such as enzymes, not only provide renewability but also offer advantages such as mild reaction conditions, aligning with sustainable practices. However, many enzymatic polymerizations are reported in organic solvents, that are not environmentally friendly and/or non-renewable. To address this issue, this study explored the use of biobased solvents—namely, <em>p</em>-cymene, pinacolone, and <small>D</small>-limonene—for the enzymatic polymerization of dimethyl 2,5-furan dicarboxylate (2,5-FDCA-based) polyesters and copolyesters with 2,5-BHMF. By employing <em>Candida antarctica</em> lipase B (CALB), the enzymatic polymerization of this enzyme, particularly with <em>p</em>-cymene, has demonstrated high performance, resulting in high-molecular-weight polyester and copolyester products up to 7000 and 12 800 g mol<small>⁻¹</small>, respectively. This study examined the thermal properties and crystallinity of the obtained products by analyzing their structure–property relationships. This research contributes to the advancement of sustainable polymer synthesis by considering biobased raw materials, environmentally friendly catalysts, and biobased solvents.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 11","pages":" 3436-3450"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2024/su/d4su00358f?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142193007","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":"Finding least-cost net-zero CO2e strategies for the European cement industry using geospatial techno-economic modelling†","authors":"Till Strunge, Lukas Küng, Nixon Sunny, Nilay Shah, Phil Renforth and Mijndert Van der Spek","doi":"10.1039/D4SU00373J","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D4SU00373J","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Cement production is responsible for approximately 7% of anthropogenic CO<small>₂</small>-equivalent (CO<small>_2e</small>) emissions, while characterised by low margins and the highest carbon intensity of any industry per unit of revenue. Hence, economically viable decarbonisation strategies must be found. The costs of many emission reduction strategies depend on geographical factors, such as plant location and proximity to feedstock or on synergies with other cement producers. The current literature lacks quantification of least-cost decarbonisation strategies of a country or region's total cement sector, while taking stock of these geospatial differences. Here, we quantify which intervention ensembles could lead to least-cost, full decarbonisation of the European cement industry, for multiple European regions. We show that least-cost strategies include the use of calcined clay cements coupled with carbon capture and storage (CCS) from existing cement plants and direct air capture with carbon storage (DACCS) in locations close to CO<small>₂</small> storage sites. We find that these strategies could cost €72–€75 per tonne of cement (t<small>_cement</small><small>⁻¹</small>, up from €46–€51.5 t<small>_cement</small><small>⁻¹</small>), which could be offset by future costs of cement production otherwise amounting to €105–€130 t<small>_cement</small><small>⁻¹</small> taking the cost of CO<small>_2e</small> emission certificates into account. The analysis shows that for economically viable decarbonisation, collaborative and region-catered approaches become imperative, while supplementary cementitious materials including calcined clays have a key role.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 10","pages":" 3054-3076"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2024/su/d4su00373j?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142193004","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":"Task-specific boronium ionic liquids as ashless lubricant additives†","authors":"Novina Malviya, Farah Fazlina M. Yasin, Maria Teresa Sateriale, Fergal Coleman, H. Q. Nimal Gunaratne, Andrea Dolfi, Geetha Srinivasan and Małgorzata Swadźba-Kwaśny","doi":"10.1039/D4SU00451E","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D4SU00451E","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Modern engines are designed for very close contact between shearing planes, which requires high-performance boundary lubrication, delivered by lubricant base oils formulated with an array of additives. Commercial additive packages typically contain metals, sulfur, and phosphorus, which act as poisons to catalytic converters (thereby increasing emissions), increase wear and contribute to corrosion (which lowers the lifespan of engines). Ionic liquids (ILs), which are low-melting organic salts, have been extensively studied as lubricant additives; although some commercially available ionic liquids perform well as friction modifiers, they suffer from low solubility in the oil matrix and may cause corrosion due to residual chloride content. Here, we report nine new, task-specific ionic liquids, designed to act as ashless lubricant additives, comprising boron-containing cations for enhanced wear reduction, carboxylic acid anions to reduce friction, and modified alkyl chains to enhance solubility in the base oil. All ILs were inherently free from metals, sulfur, and phosphorus, and synthesised through a halide-free route. Their speciation was studied through multinuclear NMR and Raman spectroscopies, followed by studies of solubility in Group III+ base oil. Their performance as lubricant additives was assessed in terms of friction reduction and wear scar reduction, benchmarked against glycerol mono-oleate (GMO), a commercially availabe lubricant additive.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 10","pages":" 3100-3113"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2024/su/d4su00451e?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142192800","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":"Molecular and material property variations during the ideal degradation and mechanical recycling of PET","authors":"Chiara Fiorillo, Lynn Trossaert, Erion Bezeraj, Simon Debrie, Hannelore Ohnmacht, Paul H. M. Van Steenberge, Dagmar R. D'hooge and Mariya Edeleva","doi":"10.1039/D4SU00485J","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D4SU00485J","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is an important polyester utilized for a wide variety of applications such as in the manufacturing of bottles, fibers and engineering compositions. Its chemical composition depends on the use of main monomers (<em>e.g.</em> terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol) and comonomers (<em>e.g.</em> diethylene glycol and isophthalic acid) at low concentrations, defining several reaction pathways upon its degradation or (mechanical) recycling. The present work provides a detailed overview of these molecular pathways, differentiating among thermal, thermo-mechanical, thermo-oxidative, photo-oxidative, hydrolytic and enzymatic degradation reactions. Considering the lowest contaminant amount, under ideal (mechanical) recycling (lab) conditions, a wide range of functional group variations has already been revealed, specifically during consecutive polyester processing cycles. Moreover, as a key novelty, how molecular variations influence material behavior is explained, considering rheological, thermal and mechanical properties. Supported by basic life cycle analysis, it is highlighted that our future improved assessment of the mechanical recycling potential of PET must better link the molecular and material scales. Only this linkage will open the door to a well-balanced polyester waste strategy, including (i) the evaluation of the most suitable recycling technology at the industrial scale, dealing with the mitigation of contaminants, and (ii) its further adoption and design in the context of overall virgin and recycling market variation.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 12","pages":" 3596-3637"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2024/su/d4su00485j?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142192805","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}