Article
Environmental Sciences
Sivalingam Gopi, Adam Gopal Ramu, Sivalingam Sakthivel, Gilberto Maia, Chang-Hyun Jang, Dongjin Choi, Kyusik Yun
Summary: The urea oxidation reaction is essential for sustainable energy conversion and storage, and cobalt nanoparticle-based materials have shown promising catalytic activity for nitrophenol reduction. The synthesis of cobalt metal-doped porous organic polymers exhibited efficient catalytic activity for the removal of urea and nitrophenol from wastewater, demonstrating potential for environmental applications. The study provides new insights into the development of efficient catalysts for environmental remediation and energy conversion processes.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Abhishek Dutta, Xuesong Li, Jongho Lee
Summary: The study showed that factors such as temperature and feed-to-draw volume ratio can impact methane recovery efficacy, with lower temperatures and larger ratios leading to higher methane recovery. The experimental results and mass transfer model demonstrated the potential of the solvent-based membrane contactor process for methane harvesting from anaerobic effluents, even in cold climates.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Polymer Science
Badr M. Thamer, Ali Aldalbahi, Meera A. Moydeen, Mostafizur Rahaman, Mohamed H. El-Newehy
Summary: Electrospun polymer nanofibers are effective adsorbents for the removal of water pollutants, especially for dye removal, due to their high efficiency, stability, and reusability. Surface modification can further enhance their adsorption efficiency and stability in aqueous media.
Article
Environmental Sciences
S. P. Keerthana, R. Yuvakkumar, P. Senthil Kumar, G. Ravi, Dhayalan Velauthapillai
Summary: In this study, the performance of pure copper hydroxide and copper hydroxide prepared with different proportions of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) was investigated, with the 2% SDS-assisted sample showing superior photocatalytic activity. Formation of nanoclusters and nanosheets was confirmed through SEM analysis.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lin Shi, Zhenhu Hu, Yu Wang, Er Bei, Piet N. L. Lens, Olivier Thomas, Yuansheng Hu, Chao Chen, Xinmin Zhan
Summary: The study introduced a novel electrodialysis system, anode-ED, which effectively removes antibiotics from animal manure while recovering nutrients. Compared to conventional ED, anode-ED can more efficiently remove targeted antibiotics, reduce membrane fouling, and efficiently deactivate pathogenic microorganisms.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Khadiza Tul Kubra, Md Shad Salman, Md Nazmul Hasan
Summary: The study investigated the encapsulation of toxic cationic dye methylene blue (MB) by polymeric natural carbohydrate turmeric powder (TP) adsorbent. The research optimized the MB dye adsorption system and quantified the contributions of adsorption and complexation on MB dye removal by TP adsorbent. The study found that TP adsorbent showed favorable dye capturing ability in neutral pH conditions and could be used for efficient removal of organic dyes from water samples to maintain water quality.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gulenay Uzum, Busra Akin Ozmen, Ebru Tekneci Akgul, Erdem Yavuz
Summary: Adsorbents with interconnected porous structure were produced using a high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) method. The adsorption performances were enhanced by hyper-cross-linking and surface tailoring, and the adsorbents showed potential for reusability through treatment with an acidic solution.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Samunya Sanguanpak, Anucha Wannagon, Chitsuphang Saengam, Wilai Chiemchaisri, Chart Chiemchaisri
Summary: This research investigates the applicability of porous metakaolin-based geopolymer granules as an adsorbent to removal ammonium in aqueous solution and anaerobically pretreated piggery wastewater. The 15 wt% foamed geopolymer provided highest ammonium removal efficiencies and was adopted as the granular adsorbent. The results demonstrated high selectivity toward ammonium ion of the porous geopolymer granules even with the presence of organic compounds and competing ions.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Arun Kumar Prabhakar, Babu Cadiam Mohan, Ming Hang Tai, Zhiyi Yao, Weiling Su, Serena Lay -Ming Teo, Chi-Hwa Wang
Summary: Compared to alkali-activated geopolymers, acid-based geopolymers offer superior properties and can avoid disposal concerns caused by high concentrations of phosphoric acid. In this study, a novel green method using methanesulfonic acid was developed to convert waste ash into a geopolymer for water treatment applications. The geopolymer showed excellent adsorption properties for heavy metals such as iron and lead. When combined with activated carbon, the geopolymer formed a composite that significantly adsorbed precious metal silver and hazardous metal manganese. The toxicity studies indicated that the geopolymer and carbon-geopolymer composite had lower toxicity concerns compared to activated carbon.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qiong Tian, Zhengtao Zuo, Fengxian Qiu, Zhangdi Li, Dongya Yang, Tao Zhang
Summary: This study presents a waste-control-waste strategy to address the phosphorus crisis and toxic sludge management. By utilizing toxic sludge, NiAl layered double oxides/nickel-containing sludge (LDOs/NCS) adsorbent with excellent adsorption properties was fabricated. The adsorbent exhibited stable adsorption capacity in various conditions and a possible adsorption mechanism involving surface complexation and electro-static interactions was proposed. This strategy has the potential to be extended to the rational design of other metals-containing sludge derived functional materials.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Xiefei Zhu, Mingjing He, Zibo Xu, Zejun Luo, Bin Gao, Roger Ruan, Chi-Hwa Wang, Ka-Hing Wong, Daniel C. W. Tsang
Summary: A novel strategy of combining acid pretreatment and co-hydrothermal carbonization was developed to prepare value-added hydrochar from food waste digestate. The combination strategy enhanced the fuel properties of hydrochar, including increasing the heating value and reducing the ash content. Blending with wood waste could obtain a comparable combustion performance of hydrochar with multiple cycles of acid pretreatment.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wanjun Cui, Jizhong Meng, Shun Wang, Zhenhu Hu, Guangli Liu, Xinmin Zhan
Summary: This study investigated the removal of 17 beta-estradiol (E2), a natural estrogen found in manure digestate, during nutrient recovery through electrodialysis technology (ED). The results showed that E2 was primarily removed through membrane adsorption in conventional ED, while anode-ED effectively removed E2 through electrochemical oxidation.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Daniela Candido, Alice Chiapetti Bolsan, Camila Ester Hollas, Bruno Venturin, Deisi Cristina Tapparo, Gabriela Bonassa, Fabiane Goldschmidt Antes, Ricardo Lufs Radis Steinmetz, Marcelo Bortoli, Airton Kunz
Summary: By integrating the circular economy concept into a wastewater treatment system, a low-cost swine wastewater treatment system has been successfully developed, which can convert waste into resources, generate energy, and recover and reuse nutrients, contributing significantly to environmental protection.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wasim Akram Shaikh, Abhishek Kumar, Sukalyan Chakraborty, Mu. Naushad, Rafique Ul Islam, Tanushree Bhattacharya, Saugata Datta
Summary: A (hemi)cellulosic biochar-based nanocomposite was fabricated for efficient depollution of toxic dye-laden wastewater. The hybrid nanocomposite exhibited outstanding physicochemical properties and high adsorption efficiency for Rhodamine B. The material showed great potential for practical environmental applications and promoting sustainable development.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Brahim Abbou, Imane Lebkiri, Hanae Ouaddari, Abdelhay El Amri, Fatima Ezzahra Achibat, Lamya Kadiri, Abdelkarim Ouass, Ahmed Lebkiri, El Housseine Rifi
Summary: This study investigates the effectiveness of organoclay, derived from the modification of raw clay with Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide (CTAB) surfactant, as an adsorbent to remove anionic dye methyl orange (MO) from synthetic aqueous solutions. Physicochemical properties of raw clay and modified clay are characterized using FTIR, XRD, and SEM-EDX. Response surface methodology (RSM) based on Box Benhken design is employed to evaluate the interaction between three independent variables (pollutant concentration, adsorbent mass, and dye solution pH). Results show that the removal efficiency of MO is dependent on pH and dose of the composite, with maximum adsorption (99%) achieved under optimal conditions of 0.5 g adsorbent dose, 60 min reaction time, and pH 6. The Langmuir isotherm model accurately describes the adsorption process, with a maximum uptake of 15.58 mg/g. The adsorption kinetics follow the pseudo-second order model. The composite can be reused for 5 cycles without significant loss of adsorbent activity.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Asma Amjlef, Salaheddine Farsad, Abdellah Ait El Fakir, Abdallah El Asri, Souad El Issami, Said Et-Talev, Noureddine El Alem
Summary: This study presents a long-term strategy for utilizing quartz sand as an efficient and low-cost adsorbent by coating it with polyaniline. The resulting hybrid material (QS@PANI) showed excellent performance in removing Orange G dye from aqueous solutions due to the synergistic effect of the quartz sand and polyaniline. The adsorption process was explained through kinetics and equilibrium models, and the material exhibited high removal efficiency even after multiple cycles, making it a promising material for decolorization applications.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hassan Ait Ahsaine, Amal BaQais
Summary: This article summarizes the timeline of using metal and metal oxide catalysts and the latest developments in CO2RR electrocatalysts, with a focus on systems producing C1 chemicals such as CO, HCOOH, CH4, and CH3OH. It first gives a general introduction covering the evolution of scientific production, the significance of this process, reaction mechanisms, catalyst evaluation criteria, and the broad spectrum of electrocatalysts. Then, it reviews the important contributions made to this field over the past two decades, yielding the aforementioned C1 chemicals. Finally, future directions and recommendations are discussed to promote this technology to the industrial scale.
GREEN CHEMISTRY LETTERS AND REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Abdelaziz El Mouden, Noureddine El Messaoudi, Abdelqader El Guerraf, Amal Bouich, Valbone Mehmeti, Abdellah Lacherai, Amane Jada, Farooq Sher
Summary: In this study, super NC@Co3O4 nanocomposites with excellent salinity resistance, environmental stability, and reusability were synthesized through co-precipitation synthesis of natural clay (NC) with Co3O4 nanoparticles (NPs). The NC@Co3O4 adsorbent exhibited easy synthesis and biocompatibility. The adsorption efficiency of NC@Co3O4 nanocomposites for Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions reached up to 86.89% and 82.06% respectively. The study also demonstrated that NC@Co3O4 nanoadsorbents have versatile applications in pollutant removal from wastewater.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Abdelaziz El Mouden, Noureddine El Messaoudi, Abdelqader El Guerraf, Amal Bouich, Valbone Mehmeti, Abdellah Lacherai, Amane Jada, Juliana Heloisa Pine Americo-Pinheiro
Summary: The composite Fe3O4 nanoparticles (DQ@Fe3O4) based on natural clay (dolomite and quartz) have been extensively studied for the removal of heavy metal ion contaminants from residual waters. Optimized experimental parameters showed that DQ@Fe3O4 achieved maximum removals of 95.02% for Pb2+ and 86.89% for Cd2+ at specific conditions. Characterization techniques confirmed the co-precipitation of dolomite-quartz by Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Kinetic and equilibrium studies further supported the suitability of pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models for metal binding onto the DQ@Fe3O4 surface. Thermodynamic and Monte Carlo simulation data demonstrated the spontaneity and effectiveness of the adsorption process. In summary, DQ@Fe3O4 can be considered as a cost-effective adsorbent with great potential for wastewater treatment.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Abdelmoujoud Faris, Hanine Hadni, Basil A. Saleh, Hadjer Khelfaoui, Dalal Harkati, Hassan Ait Ahsaine, Menana Elhallaoui, Gamal A. El-Hiti
Summary: In this study, twenty-seven 1,6-disubstituted 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines were tested as potential selective inhibitors of JAK3. Molecular modeling methods and statistical analysis were used to evaluate the activity and predictive ability of the tested compounds. The results showed that compounds containing the acrylic aldehyde moiety had irreversible interaction with the active sites of JAK3, indicating their potential as anti-JAK3 inhibitors for rheumatoid arthritis treatment.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fadwa Largo, Redouane Haounati, Hassan Ouachtak, Naima Hafid, Amane Jada, Abdelaziz Ait Addi
Summary: A novel adsorbent design method of sepiolite was developed by organic surface modification and carbonization, and the obtained carbon@sepiolite composites exhibited excellent adsorption properties for the removal of malachite green dye from water. Various characterization techniques confirmed the successful synthesis and good adsorption capacity of the composites. The adsorption behavior of malachite green molecules on the modified sepiolite surface was well described by kinetic and equilibrium models, suggesting a homogeneous monolayer adsorption. The thermodynamic analysis indicated the spontaneous and endothermic nature of the adsorption process. Overall, this work provides a facile approach for the design of organically modified sepiolite as efficient adsorbents for waste recycling.
WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ahmed Chennah, Moonis Ali Khan, Mohamed Zbair, Hassan Ait Ahsaine
Summary: The aim of this work was to enhance the performance of activated carbon by incorporating NiO particles, increasing its electrochemical capacity and RhB dye adsorption ability. The prepared NiO/AC material was characterized and studied for its electrochemical adsorption capacity. Experimental results showed that the removal efficiency of RhB dye increased with higher cell voltage, reaching 100% at 1.4 V. The electroadsorption process was well described by the Freundlich isotherm model, and the maximum adsorption capacities for RhB dye were determined. Overall, the NiO/AC composite showed great potential for wastewater treatment applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ayoub Kaaouass, Abdelkader Ben Ali, Hassan Ait Ahsaine, Ghizlaine Kaichouh, Abdelkader Zarrouk, Mohamed Saadi
Summary: The aim of this study is to investigate the photocatalytic properties and chemical durability of the CaO-B2O3-V2O5 glasses system. The prepared borovanadate glasses were confirmed to be amorphous. Replacing V2O5 with B2O3 improved the chemical durability, which could be explained by the increase in glass transition temperature. The photodegradation of methylene blue by the prepared photocatalysts followed pseudo-first-order rate kinetics, and 40 CaO-30 B2O3-30 V2O5 showed the highest removal efficiency of about 99% in 180 min.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Redouane Haounati, Hamza Ighnih, Rahime Eshaghi Malekshah, Said Alahiane, Fadi Alakhras, Eman Alabbad, Huda Alghamdi, Hassan Ouachtak, Abdelaziz Ait Addi, Amane Jada
Summary: Photocatalytic degradation of pollutants by nanocomposites is a fascinating method used worldwide. A ZnO/Mont-morillonite (ZnO/Mt) nanocomposite synthesized through co-precipitation approach shows better photocatalytic performance compared to pure ZnO, due to the favorable interaction between montmorillonite and ZnO nanoparticles. Theoretical analysis and molecular dynamics simulation reveal that Rhodamine B (RhB) dye adsorption on ZnO/Mt is a result of negative interaction energy, and the energy required for RhB adsorption on ZnO/Mt is higher than that on Mt alone.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Morad El Hanafi, Amal BaQais, Mohamed Saadi, Hassan Ait Ahsaine
Summary: The increasing demand for renewable energy technologies has led to the emergence of electrocatalysis as a promising method for hydrogen generation to protect the natural world. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have recently attracted interest as electrocatalysts due to their unique characteristics. This review comprehensively summarizes the recent improvements of MOFs in heterogeneous catalysis and their composites/derivatives for promoting the high efficiency of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Furthermore, it provides a profound assessment of the challenges and expectations for the development of MOF-based electrocatalysts.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Abdelhadi El Jaouhari, Amine Slassi, Xihuan Zhang, Anton Pershin, Hassan Ait Ahsaine, Chunyue Li, Yuanhua Lin
Summary: In this study, ultra-small cobalt oxide nanoparticles are anchored on the surface of nitrogen-doped porous 3D graphitic carbon nano-spheres to increase the amount of exposed active sites and avoid self-agglomeration. The obtained electrocatalyst exhibits superior OER activity and exceptional stability in alkaline electrolyte. DFT calculations demonstrate that the strong adsorption of Co3O4 on N-doped graphene improves the stability of Co3O4 nanoparticles during OER process.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Minh Hoang Nguyen, Mohamed Zbair, Patrick Dutournie, Lionel Limousy, Simona Bennici
Summary: This study explores the development of new efficient heat storage materials by impregnating hygroscopic salts into biochar-based composite sorbents. The results show that the new materials have high water sorption capacity and energy storage density, making them suitable for sustainable thermal energy storage applications.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Aicha Elaouni, M. El Ouardi, A. BaQais, M. Arab, M. Saadi, H. Ait Ahsaine
Summary: This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of recent research trends in bismuth tungstate (Bi2WO6), including its structural, electrical, photoluminescent, and photocatalytic properties. The paper explores the structural characteristics of bismuth tungstate in detail and discusses its electrical and photoluminescent properties. The focus is on the photocatalytic activity of bismuth tungstate, with recent advances in doping strategies summarized. The paper also examines the limitations and challenges of using bismuth tungstate as a photocatalyst and provides recommendations for future research directions.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Badr-Eddine Channab, Mohamed El Ouardi, Omar Ait Layachi, Salah Eddine Marrane, Ayoub El Idrissi, Amal BaQais, Hassan Ait Ahsaine
Summary: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have gained significant interest for their potential applications in adsorption, photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, chemical sensing, catalysis, and gas separation. Fe-based MOFs, particularly MIL (53, 68, 88A, 88B, 100, and 101) Fe MOFs, are considered the most suitable materials for addressing the limitations of conventional water purification methods. However, the structural decomposition of Fe-MOFs under external conditions hinders their activity improvement and commercialization. In addition, the tendency of MIL-Fe particles to agglomerate when used alone in reaction environments inhibits their selectivity and capture efficiency. To overcome these challenges, various well-designed MIL-Fe structures have been developed through the synthesis of composites, heterostructures, and doping. This article provides a summary of the synthesis, structure, and recent advances in MIL-Fe structures (composites and doping) for the removal and photodecomposition of persistent organic contaminants. The main challenges, perspectives, and future directions are also discussed.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-NANO
(2023)