Article
Engineering, Environmental
Elshan Bonyadi, Farzin Zokaee Ashtiani, Shima Ghorabi, Ali Sallakh Niknejad
Summary: This study successfully enhanced the hydrophilicity and anti-fouling properties of PES membrane using modification technology, demonstrating high filtration performance and efficiency in oily wastewater treatment.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dong Zou, Suzana P. Nunes, Ivo F. J. Vankelecom, Alberto Figoli, Young Moo Lee
Summary: This review focuses on the use of green solvents and materials in the preparation of polymer-based membranes for a variety of applications. It comprehensively examines membrane fabrication techniques, choice of emerging green solvents, economic evaluation, and application areas. Additionally, it provides important selection guidelines for greener solvents and includes a cost analysis to discuss its impact on membrane fabrication costs.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qammer Zaib, Matthew J. Eckelman, Yi Yang, Daeseung Kyung
Summary: This study evaluates the potential environmental impacts of a representative choline chloride (ChCl)/urea deep eutectic solvent (DES) called reline, using life-cycle assessment (LCA). The results show that reline has lower environmental impacts compared to certain organic solvents, but higher impacts compared to methanol and ethanol. The chemical constituent materials used in the synthesis of reline DES contribute significantly to its life-cycle environmental impacts. Additionally, LCA is performed on four other ChCl-based DESs, with ChCl/citric acid DES showing the highest environmental impacts.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kristina Ehn, Agneta Wikman, Michael Uhlin, Per Sandgren
Summary: This study shows that platelets can be cryopreserved in saline without toxic DMSO, with high recovery and maintained hemostatic function. However, controlled freezing is necessary to optimize platelet quality.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Eman S. Mansor, Eman A. Ali, A. M. Shaban
Summary: A facile method was employed to fabricate tight ultrafiltration membrane for the removal of naturally existed hazard organic substances from surface water and wastewater. By using metal organic framework MOF of cerium (Ce), a new composite membrane was developed to enhance the performance of polyethersulfone (PES) membrane. The study showed that increasing the content of Ce-AnthMOF could significantly enhance the hydrophilicity and permeability performance of the membrane. Testing the membrane for the treatment of whey wastewater showed high removal rates of various pollutants, indicating a promising approach for efficient wastewater treatment.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yun Wang, Hong Cheng, Xiang Li, Li-Ling Li, Zhi-Hui Liang, Xin-Yi Liang, Xin-Yi Chen
Summary: MML shows catalytic promiscuity in direct aldol reactions between aromatic aldehydes and cyclic ketones in various solvents, with water enhancing its catalytic activity. The reactions yield aldol products with high yields (up to 87.2%) and moderate to good diastereoselectivity (up to 3:97 dr).
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Issa Sulaiman Al-Husaini, Woei-Jye Lau, Abdull Rahim Mohd Yusoff, Mohammed Zaher Al-Abri, Basim Abdullah Al Farsi
Summary: The study focused on improving the physicochemical properties of ultrafiltration electrospun nanofibrous membranes (ENMs) through three approaches, including enhancing water production by adding PVP, strengthening the structure through hot pressing, and utilizing mixed solvents to enhance fiber connection. The results showed that the treated ENMs had improved tensile strength, elongation-at-break, and hydrophilicity, making them suitable for water treatment applications.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Norafiqah Ismail, Qiuyueming Zhou, Qian Wang, Zhaoliang Cui, Nils Skoglund, Naser Tavajohi
Summary: This study introduces three dibasic esters (DBEs) as alternative solvent for membrane fabrication. By using DBEs, the monotectic point in the phase diagram of PVDF/solvent systems is shifted towards higher polymer concentrations, enabling the formation of a bicontinuous structure in the membranes. Membranes fabricated in DBEs exhibited superior mechanical performance and had exceptional flux and high rejection rate in decontamination process.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sebastian Ponce, Herman A. Murillo, Frank Alexis, Jose Alvarez-Barreto, Jose R. Mora
Summary: The use of environmentally friendly deep eutectic solvents (DES) for green synthesis of nanoparticles has gained attention. These materials are being used for water treatment as a sustainable alternative, and their application and future prospects are summarized in this review. DES are a great alternative to traditional solvents due to their low toxicity, low cost, and environmental friendliness. The synthesis and modification of various nanoparticles for adsorption and degradation of water contaminants are discussed, and the control of nanoparticle size and shape is highlighted for designing new materials.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shimaa M. Abdel-Moniem, Mohamed A. El-Liethy, Hanan S. Ibrahim, Mohamed E. M. Ali
Summary: In this study, green and non-toxic bismuth sulphide@graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets were synthesized and showed high efficiency in antimicrobial and photocatalytic applications. The Bi2S3@g-C3N4 nanosheets have potential applications in disinfection and pollutant removal due to their high efficiency in killing bacteria and degrading harmful substances through photocatalysis.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Chukwunonso O. Aniagor, Chinenye Adaobi Igwegbe, Kingsley O. Iwuozor, Felicitas U. Iwuchukwu, Steve Eshiemogie, Matthew C. Menkiti, Joshua O. Ighalo
Summary: Copper (II) oxide (CuO) nanoparticles can modify water treatment membranes to enhance their adsorption properties and efficiency in handling difficult pollutants. CuO modified membranes show high rejection efficiency and can be used for solute rejection, catalytic degradation, and pollutant adsorption. However, challenges such as membrane cake formation, market penetration, and environmental concerns limit the industrial-scale application of CuO modified membranes.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Prantik Samanta, Laura von Ungern-Sternberg Schwark, Harald Horn, Florencia Saravia
Summary: Intensive livestock farming has had negative impacts on the environment, but nutrient-rich manure has always been a focus for resource recovery. Microfiltration has proven to be an efficient process for recovering nutrients, though low nutrient concentration has hindered product marketing. This study demonstrates the efficiency of manure microfiltration followed by vacuum evaporation to produce purified and concentrated ammonia water.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Patrycja Makos-Chelstowska, Edyta Slupek, Aleksandra Malachowska
Summary: The paper presents a new method for crude oil-water separation using superhydrophobic melamine sponges impregnated with deep eutectic solvents (MS-DES). Through computational modeling, 156 non-ionic deep eutectic solvents were screened to find high hydrocarbons solubility and low water solubility, and the new sponges showed high crude oil absorption capacity and excellent reusability.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Organic
Debora Procopio, Carlo Siciliano, Sonia Trombino, Denisa Elena Dumitrescu, Felicia Suciu, Maria Luisa Di Gioia
Summary: This review discusses literature from the past decade on strategies for reducing and replacing hazardous solvents, focusing on the use of biobased and neoteric solvents, such as ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents, as greener alternatives for amide bond formation.
ORGANIC & BIOMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jianning Ding, Hui Gong, Shunyu Wang, You Xu, Enhui Xu, Dianhai Yang, Guowei Gu, Xiaohu Dai
Summary: The proposed PN-MF-A process showed higher TNRR and more stable operation compared to the C-PN-A process. It effectively prevented microbial transfer from the nitritation stage to the anammox stage, reducing inhibitory effects on anammox activity in treating reject water.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Beatrice Russo, Emma Piacentini, Fabio Bazzarelli, Gabriele Calderoni, Paolo Vacca, Alberto Figoli, Lidietta Giorno
Summary: Ionotropic gelation (IG) is an attractive method for synthesizing water-soluble polymeric nanoparticles and sub-micron particles. The technique relies on the electrostatic interaction between ionic species of opposite charge. However, achieving size control in conventional bench-top processes is challenging. This study explores the combination of membrane dispersion technology with IG as a scalable method for producing chitosan sub-micron particles.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Roberto Castro-Munoz, Lukasz Cichocki, Maksymilian Plata-Gryl, Grzegorz Boczkaj, Francesco Galiano
Summary: In this study, a new protonated 2-Pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid: sulfolane deep eutectic solvent (DES) was used as an additive in chitosan membranes for pervaporation separation. The experiments showed that the total permeation increased with temperature while the separation factor decreased. The DES improved the permeation rates compared to bare chitosan membranes, making it highly applicable for hydrophilic pervaporation applications in biorefineries.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Vu T. Luong, Edgardo E. Canas Kurz, Ulrich Hellriegel, Duc N. Dinh, Hang T. Tran, Alberto Figoli, Bartolo Gabriele, Tran L. Luu, Jan Hoinkis
Summary: This study developed and tested a modular desalination system combining membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI) with low-pressure reverse osmosis (LPRO). The system was evaluated and compared with conventional seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) at different salinities. The pilot tests conducted in the Can Gio region of South Vietnam showed that the system achieved drinking water quality with low energy consumption. The study also investigated fouling mitigation methods for the ultrafiltration pre-treatment.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Wenzhong Ma, Zhuang Zhou, Norafiqah Ismail, Elena Tocci, Alberto Figoli, Mohamed Khayet, Takeshi Matsuura, Zhaoliang Cui, Naser Tavajohi
Summary: Thermally-induced phase separation (TIPS) is a popular method for membrane preparation. This review critically evaluates the literature on TIPS and provides an overview of the current state-of-the-art. It discusses the basic principles of TIPS, materials used, parameters affecting the outcome, mass transfer, modeling techniques, current and potential applications, and future developments and prospects for the TIPS process.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Amjad Albiladi, Lassaad Gzara, Hussam Organji, Nazeeha S. Alkayal, Alberto Figoli
Summary: The major challenge in membrane distillation (MD) is membrane wetting caused by pollutants. This study focused on fabricating hydrophobic membranes for brine treatment using electrospun PVDF-HFP nanofiber membranes. The effects of solvent composition and polymer concentration on the electrospinning process were investigated, and post-treatment was carried out to optimize membrane performance.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rania E. Morsi, Franco Corticelli, Vittorio Morandi, Denis Gentili, Massimiliano Cavallini, Alberto Figoli, Francesca Russo, Francesco Galiano, Annalisa Aluigi, Barbara Ventura
Summary: In membrane-based water purification technology, the preparation conditions greatly affect the pore size distribution and dye removal efficiency of cellulose acetate membranes. Different fabrication methods and conditions, such as film casting speed, casted solution thickness, coagulation bath usage, and surfactant addition, significantly influence the membranes' pore size, porosity, and water permeability. The study also found that Azure A had better chemical affinity for cellulose acetate and was removed more efficiently, and both Azure A and Methyl Orange dye uptake followed a pseudo-second order model indicating chemisorption through valency forces.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Giacomo Trapasso, Francesca Russo, Francesco Galiano, Con Rob McElroy, James Sherwood, Alberto Figoli, Fabio Arico
Summary: Membrane processes are widely used in various industrial applications such as separation of mixtures, hydrogen isolation, CO2 removal, and wastewater treatment. In this study, organic carbonates were used as green media for membrane preparation. Theoretical thermodynamic studies were conducted to predict the solubilities of different polymers commonly used for membrane preparation in dialkyl carbonates (DACs). Results showed that membranes prepared with custom-made DACs exhibited better structural resistances and smaller pore sizes compared to those using commercially available cyclic organic carbonates. These findings highlight the versatility of DACs as green solvents.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zineb Khebli, Ferhat Bouzerara, Nourddine Brihi, Alberto Figoli, Francesca Russo, Francesco Galiano, Sadek Chahredine
Summary: Multilayer ceramic membranes prepared from ceramic materials were used for bacteria removal by filtration. The membranes consisted of a macro-porous carrier, an intermediate layer, and a thin separation layer. Different methods and materials were used in the preparation of tubular and disc supports. The membranes showed good permeability and efficiency in removing bacteria.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lakshika Weerasundara, Bartolo Gabriele, Alberto Figoli, Jochen Bundschuh
Summary: Most arsenic (As) removal methods remove other ions in water, especially important anions for water quality. The efficiency of selective removal depends on competitive ions, their concentrations, removal capacity, and water quality parameters. To reduce waste and energy use in water treatment, it is necessary to selectively remove As and easily separate adsorbent materials and produced water. Regeneration and re-use capability are key characteristics for sustainable selective As removal. Increasing the re-use capacity can significantly reduce waste generation and energy use.
CURRENT OPINION IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
F. Russo, S. Santoro, F. Galiano, C. Ursino, E. Avruscio, E. Di Nicolo, G. Desiderio, G. Lombardo, A. Criscuoli, A. Figoli
Summary: A new non-invasive method utilizing a temperature-sensitive phosphorescent molecular probe and an infrared camera was proposed to evaluate the thermal polarization in hollow fiber membranes during the DCMD process. The temperature profile on the membrane surface was monitored in real time, providing insights into the thermal polarization phenomenon and strategies for its mitigation and counteraction.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Md Eman Talukder, Fariya Alam, Md. Romon Talukder, Mst. Monira Rahman Mishu, Md. Nahid Pervez, Hongchen Song, Francesca Russo, Francesco Galiaono, Lan Jiabao, George K. Stylios, Alberto Figoli, Vincenzo Naddeo
Summary: This paper aims to develop a sustainable membrane with antifouling properties by creating a honeycomb-like surface using a blending method and a thermally induced phase inversion method. The membrane's properties were dependent on the blending ratio of PES, PEI, and PVP, and were characterized through various tests. The optimized membrane demonstrated superior filtration performance and separation capability compared to a commercial membrane, making it suitable for potential applications involving macromolecules.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Giovanna Vasco, Valentina Arima, Soufiane Boudjelida, Mauro Carraro, Monica Bianco, Alessandra Zizzari, Elisabetta Perrone, Francesco Galiano, Alberto Figoli, Maura Cesaria
Summary: This study investigates the performance of polyaniline-capped aluminosilicate nanotubes doped polyether sulfone membranes, which show higher water permeance. Non-destructive imaging techniques are used to successfully detect and count the distribution of nanotubes embedded in the polymer matrix.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Roberto Castro-Munoz, Francesco Galiano, Alberto Figoli, Grzegorz Boczkaj
Summary: Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are a new class of solvents that can overcome the drawbacks of traditional solvents and ionic liquids. Their usage has exponentially increased in various applications, including the design, manufacture, and purification of new materials and feedstocks, as well as in membrane science and technology. This review compares and discusses the current discoveries and breakthroughs in using DESs in membranes, highlighting the challenges posed by compatibility issues between DESs and membrane phases.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
