Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yuliu Li, Riccardo Narducci, Alessandra Varone, Saulius Kaciulis, Eleonora Bolli, Roberto Pizzoferrato
Summary: By directly growing Zn-Al LDH films on aluminum foams, the method successfully removed fluoride ions from water, achieving a maximum absorption efficiency of approximately 70% and reducing the fluoride concentration from 3 mg/L to below 1.1 mg/L. This simple and efficient method effectively addressed the issue of difficult separation of LDH powders.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ke Yan, Fei Zhao, Lijia Pan, Yongchang Jiang, Yi Shi, Guihua Yu
Summary: Crude oil spills pose a serious threat to the environment, especially when dealing with highly viscous oil. Researchers have developed a gel-coated superhydrophobic and oleophilic mesh filter, coupled with an induction-heating strategy, for efficient clean-up of highly viscous oil spills.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Retraction
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Laura Fisher
Summary: This retraction is regarding a research paper on cleaning wastewater using photocatalytic membranes. The study involved embedding porous Zr-doped SiO2 shell/TiO2 core particles into polyvinylidene fluoride. However, inaccuracies and issues with the experimental results were discovered.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Linan Yang, Yun Zhao, Lijuan Cao, Huili Chen, Gaoyi Han
Summary: The development of a bifunctional carbon coating significantly enhances the cycling stability and rate performance of graphite anode materials in potassium ion batteries.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mingming Zheng, Jue Wang, Dong Fu, Binqiao Ren, Xiaoxiao Song, Kan Kan, Xiaochen Zhang
Summary: In this study, a new composite material was prepared by growing layered double hydroxides (LDHs) on expanded graphite (EG) interlayers using vacuum-assisted intercalation and hydrothermal method. The EG/LDHs composites showed excellent fluoride adsorption performance due to the highly dispersed LDHs nanosheets completely covering both sides of EG.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jingwei Chen, Qiteng Wang, Hongda Wei, Tian Meng, E. Jiaqiang, Erwei Leng, Feng Zhang, Gaoliang Liao
Summary: Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), as a thermoplastic fluoropolymer, is widely used as a binder in lithium batteries. However, PVDF has difficulty in natural degradation. Supercritical water (SCW) conversion, a clean and efficient conversion technology, is considered for the degradation of PVDF. Molecular dynamics method was used to analyze the effects of different reaction parameters on the decomposition of PVDF in SCW.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Wenjing Lu, Chunhui Zhang, Yanbin Du, Bingxu Quan, Zhaowei Qin, Kaipeng Cheng, Aili Niyazi, Peidong Su
Summary: This review summarizes the research progress of nanoadsorbents for fluoride removal, develops a fundamental understanding of the structure and adsorption properties of nanoadsorbents, studies the synergistic effects of different nano-components in adsorption capabilities, and presents challenges and suggestions for the engineering applications of nanoadsorbents, promoting their practical application prospects.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Qingyan Peng, Xiaodong Tan, Mohanapriya Venkataraman, Jiri Militky
Summary: In this study, a simple method was used to design a porous composite of expanded graphite (EG)/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), which exhibits good flexibility, mechanical strength, and electrostatic dissipation properties. The electrical conductivity of the composite significantly improves, while the electrical resistivity and volume resistivity decrease by increasing the concentration of EG. The mechanical testing shows that the Young's modulus of the composite increases with the addition of EG. Thermogravimetric analysis reveals an enhanced maximum degradation rate for the EG composite compared to pure PVDF.
DIAMOND AND RELATED MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Textiles
Xiaotian Yu, Xian Zhang, Hongjing Zhang, Ke Zhou, Xu Chen, Haitao Hao, Yongqiang Li, Yi Huang
Summary: To address the high energy consumption and complicated operation of traditional oil-water separation membranes, an asymmetric wetting polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) fiber membrane with a hydrophobic side and a hydrophilic side was prepared. The membrane demonstrated excellent unidirectional water transfer capability and repeated separability when separating various mixtures. The unique Janus structure of the membrane provides a new direction for the field of oil-water separation.
TEXTILE RESEARCH JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Kai Ning, Shaocheng Zheng, Yuting He, Yun Hu, Shiyou Hao, Qingliang Cui, Hansong Chen
Summary: In this study, a method of Fe-modified water treatment residues (Fe-WTR) was proposed to enhance the removal efficiency of fluoride (F-) from water. The maximum adsorption capacities of WTR and Fe-WTR for F- were determined, and the kinetics and mechanism of F- adsorption by Fe-WTR were investigated. Fe-WTR exhibited excellent resistance to interference from coexisting anions and pH changes, making it suitable for various environmental applications. This study provides deeper insights into the F-removal mechanism by WTR and offers potential for future modifications of WTR for effective water treatment.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lei Wu, Ying Liu, Jian Hu, Xueting Feng, Cong Ma, Chen Wen
Summary: The study investigated the effects of blending modification of graphene oxide and deposition of silver carbonate on PVDF membranes, finding that the PGA membranes exhibited improved pollution resistance and permeability, with the PGA-3 membrane showing the best performance in multi-cycle filtration experiments.
Article
Polymer Science
Daniel J. Da Silva, Derval S. Rosa
Summary: In this study, cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) and citric acid were used to prepare a new type of porous foam material, and the effects of citric acid content and heat treatment on the foam properties were investigated. The results showed that increasing the citric acid content slightly enlarged the pore size and reduced the activation energy for cellulose thermal decomposition in the foam. Heat treatment only significantly affected the release rate of cellulose. The mechanical behavior of the foam changed after wetting. The foam exhibited a two-step mechanism for chromium adsorption and had suitable water resistance for applications as an adsorbent in aqueous media.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Md. Nizam Uddin, Fenil J. Desai, Balakrishnan Subeshan, Muhammad M. Rahman, Eylem Asmatulu
Summary: A study on producing superhydrophobic nanocomposite fibers from recycled materials offers a cost-effective solution for atmospheric clean water production, particularly suitable for arid areas. These fibers exhibit excellent water-repellent properties and have the potential to be mass-produced for clean water at a relatively low cost.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Juyan Zhang, Lan Zhang, Yunlong Zhao, Jiashen Meng, Bohua Wen, Kashem M. Muttaqi, Md. Rabiul Islam, Qiong Cai, Suojiang Zhang
Summary: In this study, a conversion-type FeF3-expanded graphite composite is synthesized as a novel cathode material for aluminum ion batteries (AIBs). The shuttle effect of the intermediate product is significantly restrained by the introduction of a single-wall carbon nanotube modified separator. The cathode material exhibits good conductivity, cycle stability, and high reversible capacity, making it a promising candidate for AIBs.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xuan Zhang, Chao Wei, Ying-Jie Hao, Xi Yan, Yan Chen, Xiao-Jing Guo, Wan-Zhong Lang
Summary: The superhydrophobic PVDF membrane with tunable surface topographies was constructed by spraying hydrophobic SiO2 particles onto the cast film before thermal phase separation. The resulting membrane exhibited micro-nano coarse structure, superhydrophobicity, and improved permeation fluxes and separation efficiencies. The favorable reusability and stability demonstrated by destructive experiments and cyclic performance tests make it suitable for industrial water-in-oil emulsion purification.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Anitha Senthamizhan, Brabu Balusamy, Doriana Debellis, Jose Alejandro Heredia-Guerrero, Giorgio Mancini, Riccardo Carzino, Luca Ceseracciu, Athanassia Athanassiou, Despina Fragouli
Summary: Conversion of waste biomass into functional materials contributes to circular economy and reduces feedstock requirements. This study presents a template-free method to directly convert waste into 3D porous carbon traps, which exhibit efficient adsorption and excellent selectivity.
CLEAN-SOIL AIR WATER
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Danila Merino, Athanassia Athanassiou
Summary: Recently, mild acid hydrolysis has been proposed as a novel method to transform biomass into bioplastics. However, the alkaline hydrolysis of plant residues has not been studied for this purpose. In this study, a comprehensive comparative analysis was conducted on the physicochemical, thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties of bioplastics produced by acid and alkaline hydrolysis from two different plant residues. The results showed that the alkaline hydrolysis produced bioplastics with superior mechanical and barrier properties compared to the acid hydrolyzed biomass.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Martina Lenzuni, Silvio Bonfadini, Luigino Criante, Filippo Zorzi, Maria Summa, Rosalia Bertorelli, Giulia Suarato, Athanassia Athanassiou
Summary: Biodegradable stent coatings have demonstrated potential in delivering drugs and their release profiles play a crucial role in the performance of drug-eluting stents. This study utilized microfluidic systems to simulate the microenvironment of stented vessels and comprehensively investigated the release and degradation kinetics of rutin-loaded zein coatings under flow conditions. The results revealed the influence of channel shape and blood flow viscosity on the release and matrix degradation of zein, and confirmed the hemocompatibility of the coating.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pietro Cataldi, Pietro Steiner, Mufeng Liu, Gergo Pinter, Athanassia Athanassiou, Coskun Kocabas, Ian A. Kinloch, Mark A. Bissett
Summary: A green textile-based conductor with controllable electrical resistance change with deformation and transiency has been developed using graphene or carbon nanofiber conductive inks, biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol binder, and environmentally friendly solvents. The coating can function as a deformable compliant electrode or a tunable piezoresistor, and withstands bending cycles and washing cycles without losing its electrical conductivity. By altering the material composition and deformation direction, this versatile conductor can serve divergent needs.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ivan K. Ilic, Valerio Galli, Leonardo Lamanna, Pietro Cataldi, Lea Pasquale, Valerio F. Annese, Athanassia Athanassiou, Mario Caironi
Summary: Edible electronics is a growing field that aims to produce digestible devices using only food ingredients and additives. The development of fully edible electronic devices could revolutionize gastrointestinal tract monitoring, therapeutics, and food quality monitoring. A rechargeable edible battery, made from common food ingredients and dietary supplements, has been created, providing a power source for small electronic devices. This proof-of-concept battery opens up new opportunities for safer medical diagnostics, treatments, and innovative food quality monitoring.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mohammad Reza Shirzad Kebria, Luca Bono, Saeed Khoshhal Salestan, Andrea Armirotti, Riccardo Carzino, Athanassia Athanassiou, Despina Fragouli
Summary: Due to legislation, long-chain PFASs must be reduced and replaced with short-chain PFASs, which results in the abrupt introduction of short-chain PFASs in the environment. This study explores the use of a chitosan/polyethyleneimine based composite xerogel for the removal of PFBS from water. The study finds that the maximum PFBS adsorption capacity of the xerogel is 305 mg/g within 24 hours, and the adsorption process involves electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bond formations.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Danila Merino, Paolo Bellassi, Uttam C. Paul, Lorenzo Morelli, Athanassia Athanassiou
Summary: Fully bio-based and biodegradable biocomposites were developed for packaging dry foods, using plasticized chitosan blended with hydrolyzed orange peel waste. The films exhibited improved mechanical, barrier, and thermal properties, as well as water resistance. However, the antimicrobial activity of the individual components was lost due to electrostatic interactions. The films also showed high transparency, antioxidant capacity, and fast biodegradability in soil.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Muhammad S. Zafar, Francesca Gatto, Giorgio Mancini, Simone Lauciello, Pier P. Pompa, Athanassia Athanassiou, Despina Fragouli
Summary: An effective and sustainable approach to deal with the scarcity of freshwater is interfacial solar-driven evaporation. A multifunctional silver-coated vegetable waste biocomposite cryogel has been developed, which shows high porosity, enhanced wettability and stability, high light absorption, low thermal conductivity, and antifouling properties. It has achieved a solar evaporation rate of 1.17 kg m(-2) h(-1) with a solar-to-vapor conversion efficiency of 81.11% and can effectively desalinate artificial seawater and decontaminate synthetic wastewater with an efficiency of >99%.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Danila Merino, Andrea Yamila Mansilla, Mariia Florencia Salcedo, Athanassia Athanassiou
Summary: In this study, agar-based hydrogels incorporating different concentrations of orange peel particles and 1.5 wt% limonene were developed as active soil conditioners for agriculture. The results showed that acid hydrolysis or ultrasonication pretreatments of orange peel were counterproductive, and the simplest method of pretreatment resulted in the most efficient hydrogels in terms of swelling. The incorporation of limonene increased the swelling capacity of the hydrogels in tap water, while the incorporation of orange peel particles did not significantly influence their swelling capacity.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Jose A. Heredia-Guerrero, Jose J. Benitez, Jose M. Porras-Vazquez, Giacomo Tedeschi, Yandira Morales, Dolores Fernandez-Ortuno, Athanassia Athanassiou, Susana Guzman-Puyol
Summary: In this study, a mixture of trifluoroacetic acid and trifluoroacetic anhydride was used to dissolve chitin from shrimp shells, and free-standing films were prepared by blending the chitin solution with glycerol. The films exhibited amorphous molecular structure and improved mechanical response, transparency, and greaseproof behavior. They also showed typical values of other polysaccharides in terms of hydrodynamic and barrier properties. The films complied with European regulations regarding overall migration and demonstrated high antifungal activity and biodegradability.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Valentina Tolardo, Alessio Romaldini, Francesco Fumagalli, Andrea Armirotti, Marina Veronesi, Davide Magri, Stefania Sabella, Athanassia Athanassiou, Despina Fragouli
Summary: In this study, polycarbonate (PC) nanoplastics (NPs) were formed by laser ablation of solid PC films in water, with the size of the particles depending on the laser energy fluence. The NPs were found to be composed of PC with highly oxidized surface, similar to PC fragments from natural photo-degradation. Additionally, the study revealed cytotoxic effects of the NPs on human hepatocytes, as well as reduction in albumin production, which were attributed to both the NPs and the photo-degradation by-products.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-NANO
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Despoina Kossyvaki, Matteo Bustreo, Marco Contardi, Athanassia Athanassiou, Despina Fragouli
Summary: This study presents the ability of highly porous colorimetric indicators to sense volatile and biogenic amine vapors in real time. The results show that the porous fiber mats loaded with curcumin can detect amine vapors at low concentrations, showing distinct color changes that are reversible. Additionally, the curcumin-loaded fibers demonstrate strong antioxidant activity.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xinping Zhang, Yuxin Guo, Xiaoyang Liu, Shun-Yu Wu, Ya-Xuan Zhu, Shao-Zhe Wang, Qiu-Yi Duan, Ke-Fei Xu, Zi-Heng Li, Xiao-Yu Zhu, Guang-Yu Pan, Fu-Gen Wu
Summary: This study develops a nanotrigger HCFT for simultaneous photodynamic therapy and light-triggered ferroptosis therapy. The nanotrigger can relieve tumor hypoxia, induce enhanced photodynamic reaction, and facilitate the continuation of Fenton reaction, ultimately leading to lethal ferroptosis in tumor cells.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Olumide Bolarinwa Ayodele, Toyin Daniel Shittu, Olayinka S. Togunwa, Dan Yu, Zhen-Yu Tian
Summary: This study focused on the semihydrogenation of acetylene in an ethylene-rich stream using two alloyed Pt catalysts PtCu and PtCo. The PtCu catalyst showed higher activity and ethylene yield compared to PtCo due to its higher unoccupied Pt d-orbital density. This indicates that alloying Pt with Cu is more promising for industrial relevant SHA catalyst.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Guowei Chen, Wen-Cheng Chen, Yaozu Su, Ruicheng Wang, Jia-Ming Jin, Hui Liang, Bingxue Tan, Dehua Hu, Shaomin Ji, Hao-Li Zhang, Yanping Huo, Yuguang Ma
Summary: This study proposes an intramolecular dual-locking design for organic luminescent materials, achieving high luminescence efficiency and performance for deep-blue organic light-emitting diodes. The material also exhibits unique mechanochromic luminescence behavior and strong fatigue resistance.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Joren van Stee, Gregory Hermans, Jinu Joseph John, Koen Binnemans, Tom Van Gerven
Summary: This work presents a continuous solvent extraction method for the separation of cobalt and nickel in a millifluidic system using Cyphos IL 101 (C101) as the extractant. The optimal conditions for extraction performance and solvent properties were determined by investigating the effects of channel length, flow rate, and temperature. The performance of a developed manifold structure was compared to a single-channel system, and excellent separation results were achieved. The continuous separation process using the manifold structure resulted in high purity cobalt and nickel products.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yan Xu, Jingai Jiang, Xinyi Lv, Hui Li, Dongliang Yang, Wenjun Wang, Yanling Hu, Longcai Liu, Xiaochen Dong, Yu Cai
Summary: A programmed gas release nanoparticle was developed to address the challenges in treating diabetic infected wounds. It effectively removes drug-resistant pathogens and remodels the wound microenvironment using NO and H2S. The nanoparticle can eliminate bacteria and promote wound healing through antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tong Xia, Zhilin Xi, Lianquan Suo, Chen Wang
Summary: This study investigated a highly efficient coal dust suppressant with low initial viscosity and high adhesion-solidification properties. The results demonstrated that the dust suppressant formed a network of multiple hydrogen bonding cross-linking and achieved effective adhesion and solidification of coal dust through various chemical reactions.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jinzhi Cai, Zhenshan Li
Summary: A density functional theory-based rate equation was developed to predict the gas-solid reaction kinetics of CaO carbonation with CO2 in calcium looping. The negative activation energy of CaO carbonation close to equilibrium was accurately predicted through experimental validation.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jianxiong Chen, Fuhao Ren, Ningning Yin, Jie Mao
Summary: This study presents an economically efficient and easily implementable surface modification approach to enhance the high-temperature electrical insulation and energy storage performance of polymer dielectrics. The self-assembly of high-insulation-performance boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS) on the film surface through electrostatic interactions effectively impedes charge injection from electrodes while promoting charge dissipation and heat transfer.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zijian Li, Zhaohui Yang, Shao Wang, Hongxia Luo, Zhimin Xue, Zhenghui Liu, Tiancheng Mu
Summary: This study reports a strategy for upgrading polyester plastics into value-added chemicals using electrocatalytic methods. By inducing the targeted transfer of *OH species, polyethylene terephthalate was successfully upgraded into potassium diformate with high purity. This work not only develops an excellent electrocatalyst, but also provides guidance for the design of medium entropy metal oxides.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Navneet Singh Shekhawat, Surendra Kumar Patra, Ashok Kumar Patra, Bamaprasad Bag
Summary: This study primarily focuses on developing a sulphur dyeing process at room temperature using bacterial Lysate, which is environmentally friendly, energy and cost effective, and sustainable. The process shows promising improvements in dye uptake and fastness properties.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Dengjia Shen, Hongyang Ma, Madani Khan, Benjamin S. Hsiao
Summary: This study developed cationic PVC nanofibrous membranes with high filtration and adsorption capability for the removal of bacteria and hexavalent chromium ions from wastewater. The membranes demonstrated remarkable performance in terms of filtration efficiency and maximum adsorption capacity. Additionally, modified nanofibrous membranes were produced using recycled materials and showed excellent retention rates in dynamic adsorption processes.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaoyan Wang, Zhikun Wang, Ben Jia, Chunling Li, Shuangqing Sun, Songqing Hu
Summary: Inspired by photosystem II, self-supported Fe-doped NiCoP nanowire arrays modified with carboxylate were constructed to boost industrial-level overall water splitting by employing the concerted proton-coupled electron transfer mechanism. The introduction of Fe and carboxyl ligand led to improved catalytic activity for HER and OER, and NCFCP@NF exhibited long-term durability for overall water splitting.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Pengyao Yu, Ge Yang, Yongming Chai, Lubomira Tosheva, Chunzheng Wang, Heqing Jiang, Chenguang Liu, Hailing Guo
Summary: Thin LTA zeolite membranes were prepared through secondary growth of nano LTA seeds in a highly reactive gel, resulting in membranes with superior permeability and selectivity in gas separation applications.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Baiqin Zhou, Huiping Li, Ziyu Wang, Hui Huang, Yujun Wang, Ruichun Yang, Ranran Huo, Xiaoyan Xu, Ting Zhou, Xiaochen Dong
Summary: The use of machine learning to predict the performance of specific adsorbents in phosphate adsorption shows great promise in saving time and revealing underlying mechanisms. However, the small size of the dataset and insufficient detailed information limits the model training process and the accuracy of results. To address this, the study employs a fuzzing strategy that replaces detailed numeric information with descriptive text messages on the physiochemical properties of adsorbents. This strategy allows the recovery of discarded samples with limited information, leading to accurate prediction of adsorption amount, capacity, and kinetics. The study also finds that phosphate uptake by adsorbents is generally through physisorption, with some involvement of chemisorption. The framework established in this study provides a practical approach for quickly predicting phosphate adsorption performance in urgent scenarios, using easily accessible information.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Paula Alejandra Lamprea Pineda, Joren Bruneel, Kristof Demeestere, Lisa Deraedt, Tex Goetschalckx, Herman Van Langenhove, Christophe Walgraeve
Summary: This study evaluates the use of four esterified fatty acids and three vegetable oils as absorption liquids for hydrophobic VOCs. The experimental results show that isopropyl myristate is the most efficient liquid for absorbing the target VOCs.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
