Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yicheng Tan, Hang Yang, Chenglin Miao, Yiming Zhang, Duo Chen, Guangshe Li, Wei Han
Summary: A hydroxylation strategy is proposed to activate the inactive redox pair of Mn(II)/Mn(III) in manganese hexacyanoferrate (MnHCF), which significantly improves the discharge capacity and energy density of the cathode, offering new opportunities for cathodes with high working voltage and discharge capacity for rechargeable aqueous zinc ion batteries (RAZIBs).
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chen Chen, Lu Xin, Zhao Yudi, Wang Litong, Xin Zhong
Summary: The study showed that the benzoxazine M-f containing phenolic hydroxyl groups has lower curing activation energy and lower ring-opening temperature, leading to better adhesion performance to metal substrates.
CHEMICAL JOURNAL OF CHINESE UNIVERSITIES-CHINESE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yuanyuan Feng, Haiyan Du, Triana Wulandari, Gerrard Eddy Jai Poinern, Zhong-Tao Jiang, Derek Fawcett, Naveed Hassan, Lihong Xue, Linzhang Yang
Summary: This study investigates the effects and mechanisms of waste biomass-derived hydrochar on soil N2O effluxes. The results show that the enrichment of exogenous organics and nutrients at the hydrochar-soil interface enhances N2O fluxes.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jinfen Ou, Suxiang Li, Weiying Li, Chengguo Liu, Junli Ren, Fengxia Yue
Summary: Phenolation is an efficient method to improve the reactivity of lignin. In this study, cellulolytic enzyme lignin (CEL) and kraft lignin (KL) of Simao pine were phenolated and characterized. The phenolated lignins were used to prepare size-controlled lignin nanoparticles (LNPs), with different sizes and surface charges depending on the degree of phenolation. The study provides new insights into the design, preparation, and application of LNPs.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jinfen Ou, Songnan Hu, Lu Yao, Yian Chen, Haisong Qi, Fengxia Yue
Summary: This study developed a strategy to produce cellulose nanofibril (CNF) composite films using lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) as a reinforcing agent. The results showed that LNPs with higher phenolic hydroxyl (Ph-OH) content greatly improved the mechanical properties and UV-blocking ability of the composite films. Similar enhanced properties were also observed when LNPs were added into polyvinyl alcohol.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mingshuai Wang, Fan Mo, Haibo Li, Yinghua Li, Siyu Zhang, Lin Zhu, Zhe Li, Jianing Xu, Ningcan Deng, Kaixuan Wang, Yue Yang, Yu Kong
Summary: This study demonstrated different adsorption capacities of various benzene series with AgNPs and identified weak interaction as the main adsorption mechanism. Additionally, first-principles calculations using DFT revealed that Ar-OH and -COOH groups on the benzene ring had the most significant influence on AgNPs adsorption site and energy when in adjacent positions.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wenli Fan, Guangxi Sun, Qi Wang, Fan Yang, Yingxin Gao, Min Yang
Summary: This study investigated the role of activated carbon properties in the adsorption of effluent organic matter (EfOM) from bio-treated coking wastewater. Commercial powdered activated carbons (PACs) with different pore structures, surface functional groups, and surface charges were used. The results showed that the adsorption of EfOM depended on its molecular size, with biopolymers being adsorbed by macropores and humics being adsorbed by mesopores. PACs with higher mesopore volume, fewer acidic groups, and higher isoelectric point were found to be more effective in removing EfOM.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Hongrui Xiang, Feiping Zhao, Tao Wu, Xiaowei Zhang, Fei Chai, Qingwei Wang, Eveliina Repo, Xiaobo Min, Zhang Lin
Summary: Understanding the structure-activity relationship between adsorption performance and accessible adsorption sites is crucial for efficient adsorbent development in Ge(IV) recovery. In this study, three chitosan-based adsorbents were designed and investigated for their phenolic hydroxyl-induced steric effect on Ge(IV) recovery. The results showed successful grafting of phenolic acids onto the chitosan surface, and the adsorption behavior followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir isotherm models. The Ge(IV) recovery performance correlated with the arrangement of active adsorption sites, with TBA-CS exhibiting the highest affinity. TBA-CS also demonstrated superior selectivity and maintained high adsorption efficiency after regeneration cycles, making it a promising adsorbent for Ge(IV) recovery.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhirong Li, Jiandong Jia, Wenjie Zhao, Leilei Jiang, Wenfei Tian
Summary: This study investigates the impact of seawater and deionized water conditions on the physicochemical properties of hydrochar obtained from Co-hydrothermal carbonization of chicken manure and cornstalk. The results show that seawater conditions promote the hydrolysis reaction of organic solid waste and affect the fuel quality and structure of the hydrochar. This research provides a theoretical foundation for preparing solid fuels and materials using hydrothermal carbonization with saltwater as supplemental moisture.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qi Li, Jie Ren, Ying-juan Hao, Yi-lei Li, Xiao-jing Wang, Ying Liu, Ran Su, Fa-tang Li
Summary: The study found that hydroxyl radicals in H-BiOCl have a reverse inhibitory effect on the ring-opening reaction in the photocatalytic mineralization process of toluene, while C-BiOCl shows superior ability and stability in mineralizing toluene. This is because C-BiOCl lacking hydroxyl groups can selectively generate benzoic acid by holes and superoxide anion radicals; whereas H-BiOCl with a large number of hydroxyl groups will lead to the production of hydroxyl radicals and phenolic intermediates, reducing the performance and stability of the catalyst.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lan Chen, Xiaoxiao Wei, Huan Wang, Min Yao, Liming Zhang, Goran Gellerstedt, Mikeal E. Lindstrom, Monica Ek, Shuangfei Wang, Douyong Min
Summary: A modified Delta epsilon-spectrum method was developed for the quantitation of phenolic hydroxyl groups in lignin. By using multi-point wavelengths measurement and considering negative absorbance, the modified method provided more accurate and reliable results compared to the conventional method.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Christian Dewey, Farid Juillot, Scott Fendorf, John R. Bargar
Summary: Soil zinc contamination poses a significant threat to water quality and sensitive ecosystems. Changes in soil redox conditions can lead to mobilization of zinc from common hosts, resulting in increased dissolved zinc concentrations in surface and groundwater. The oxygenation of contaminated riparian soil during low water conditions caused a spike in porewater zinc concentrations. As aridification intensifies, oxygenation of floodplain soils in mountain watersheds may lead to increased mobilization of dissolved zinc, amplifying the threat to water quality and ecosystem health.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Fatma Dhaouadi, Lotfi Sellaoui, Luis Enrique Hernandez-Hernandez, Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet, Didilia Ileana Mendoza-Castillo, Hilda Elizabeth Reynel-Avila, Herson Antonio Gonzalez-Ponce, Sonia Taamalli, Florent Louis, Abdelmottaleb Ben Lamine
Summary: This study reports the adsorption properties and mechanisms of heavy metals Ni2+, Pb2+, and Cu2+ on avocado seed hydrochar. Statistical physics calculations revealed the key roles of phenolic and carboxylic functional groups on the surface of hydrochar in the adsorption process. The multi-ionic adsorption of heavy metals on hydrochar surface showed an endothermic adsorption behavior, where carboxylic functional groups outperformed phenolic groups in terms of adsorption capacities.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Hao Xu, Yide Shan, Ning Ling, Lixuan Ren, Hongye Qu, Zhipeng Liu, Guohua Xu
Summary: The application of hydrochar derived from food waste as a soil amendment can effectively improve soil structure and hydraulic properties, as well as increase soil water holding capacity. However, attention should be paid to the hydrophobicity of the hydrochar and its negative effects on plant growth.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hongbo Peng, Huiyuan Guo, Peng Gao, Yuwei Zhou, Bo Pan, Baoshan Xing
Summary: This study investigated the formation mechanisms of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) when Ag+ coexists with biomasses (BMs) and biochars (BCs). Different types of BMs and BCs were found to play different roles in transforming Ag+ to AgNPs, with temperature and pH having significant impact on the process. The results illustrate the importance of hydroxyl (-OH) groups in BMs and BCs for the reduction of Ag+ and the subsequent formation of AgNPs in the environment.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Hang P. Vu, Luong N. Nguyen, Qilin Wang, Hao H. Ngo, Qiang Liu, Xiaolei Zhang, Long D. Nghiem
Summary: This review discusses technologies to remove hydrogen sulphide (H2S) during anaerobic digestion (AD). Post-treatment technologies have high removal efficiency but do not mitigate H2S toxicity. Input control reduces sulphur input but has lower removal efficiency. Microaeration for regulating the redox potential is a promising alternative with high removal efficiency and low operational cost.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yu Zhang, Yaowen Cui, Jia Zhang, Yunfeng Xu, Qiang Liu, Guangren Qian
Summary: An electrocatalyst was synthesized from electroplating sludge (ES) for the first time, and applied in catalytic Nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) to produce ammonia under ambient conditions. The ES-derived catalyst showed significantly higher ammonia yield and good stability compared to a pure-reagent-synthesized control. This study demonstrates the potential of producing high-value-added products by recycling industrial wastes.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yuanyao Ye, Huu Hao Ngo, Wenshan Guo, Soon Woong Chang, Dinh Duc Nguyen, Sunita Varjani, Qiang Liu, Xuan Thanh Bui, Ngoc Bich Hoang
Summary: The recovery of nitrogen from wastewater for producing bio-products can minimize pollution and generate revenue. The integration of biological processes and membrane technology in systems like BMIS shows promise for nitrogen recovery. Future research should focus on product quality, long-term performance, and economic feasibility.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yongyi Huang, Xiling Du, Te Liu, Qiang Liu
Summary: DEHP, a widely used plasticizer, has been found to cause cytotoxicity and various health issues. The exposure to DEHP affects the physiological functions and gene expression levels in Caenorhabditis elegans, while siRNA@SPION complexes are able to attenuate the toxic effects.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Yimin Yang, Jin Zhang, Jia Zhang, Qiang Liu, Guangren Qian
Summary: This work reviews the influence of metal oxides and zeolites on the yields and qualities of bio-oil derived from different types of biomass. Generally, both catalysts decreased the yield and increased the quality, but more acidic catalysts further decreased the yield. Wood biomass had better yield and quality compared to other types of biomass.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiachun Zhao, Yixin Wang, Jia Zhang, Yang Yue, Qiang Liu, Guangren Qian
Summary: This study regulated the pore size and unsaturated-site amount of Cu-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to increase their adsorptive-site accessibility for methyl mercaptan (MM) removal. The results showed that water-occupied Cu2+ sites exhibited the highest efficiency in MM removal. The study provides insights into the structure-efficiency relationship in MOFs and contributes to the development of effective adsorbents for low-concentration pollutants.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Minh Hang Do, Huu Hao Ngo, Wenshan Guo, Soon Woong Chang, Dinh Duc Nguyen, Qiang Liu, Duc Long Nghiem, Bui Xuan Thanh, Xinbo Zhang, Ngoc Bich Hoang
Summary: This research investigates the potential of a dual-chamber microbial fuel cell as a biosensor for detecting Bisphenol A in wastewater. The study finds that optimizing operational conditions can enhance the accuracy of the sensor signal and that adding BPA improves voltage generation. Scanning electron microscope images confirm the presence of electroactive biofilm.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Qiang Liu, Yuyu Jiang, Yangyang Liu, Xiaolei Zhang, Yunfeng Xu, Huihui Chen, Weimin Cao
Summary: Coconut shell biochars prepared from oxygen-free pyrolysis were used in a permeable reactive barrier (PRB) for electrokinetic remediation (EK) to remove 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) from soil. The addition of biochar to the PRB significantly increased the removal of 2,4,6-TCP compared to PRB without biochar. The voltage input was found to be the major factor influencing the TCP removal during the EK-PRB process. The optimal conditions for TCP removal were found to be 2 V cm-1 voltage, 700 degrees C pyrolysis temperature, and 40 mg L-1 initial TCP concentration. The biochar played multiple roles in EK remediation, including enhancing electroosmotic flow, adsorbing TCP, and promoting electrochemical degradation. Biochar from high pyrolysis temperature was particularly effective in enhancing electroosmotic flow and pollutant adsorption.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiaoqiao Zhang, Jiaxing Hong, Chenxin Zhang, Qiang Liu, Jia Zhang, Guangren Qian
Summary: This study focuses on the influence of TiO2 surface chemistries on properties of formed vanadium species during a thermal activation. The results show that TiO2 with more Ti4+ tends to be reductive, while TiO2 with more Ti3+ tends to be oxidative. In the catalytic oxidization of chlorobenzene, the Ti4+-induced catalyst shows a much higher conversion rate compared to the Ti3+-induced catalyst.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xiaolei Zhang, Zhiquan Wang, Jialin Huang, Huihui Chen, Qiang Liu, Ping Yao, Hao H. Ngo, Long D. Nghiem
Summary: This study proposed and evaluated a novel membrane-photo-electrochemical oxidation (MPEO) process for the advanced treatment of coal processing wastewater. The MPEO process achieved sustainable and continuous operation with excellent color and turbidity removal. By effectively degrading macro-organic molecules into small molecules, the MPEO system proved to be efficient in treating chemical industrial wastewater containing refractory organics.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yangyang Liu, Xiaolei Zhang, Yunfeng Xu, Qiang Liu, Huu Hao Ngo, Weimin Cao
Summary: The mobility of biochar in saturated quartz sand under a direct current (DC) electric field was investigated. It was found that the DC electric field significantly promoted the migration of biochar, with the recovery rate of particles being improved by 0.5-6.1 folds under 0.5 V cm(-1). Higher voltage potential, solution pH, and ionic strength were more favorable for biochar migration. The transport of biochar could be well explained by a deterministic nonequilibrium convection-dispersion equation model.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Min Yang, Zhongcheng Du, Hongjia Bao, Xiaolei Zhang, Qiang Liu, Wenshan Guo, Huu-Hao Ngo, Long D. Nghiem
Summary: This study demonstrates the synergistic effect between alkaline-thermal treatment and zero-valent iron immobilized in biochar (BC-ZVI) for the enhanced degradation of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). The use of 19F-NMR and density functional theory (DFT) analysis provided insights into the defluorination efficiency and degradation mechanisms. The results showed that alkaline strength played a primary role in the defluorination process, and BC-ZVI improved the reaction kinetics by 2.4 times. The combination of alkaline-thermal treatment and BC-ZVI resulted in near-complete removal of fluorinated compounds within a short reaction time.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Meijia Jiang, Xinyu Liu, Chenchen Zhang, Xueqing Zhou, Jia Zhang, Qiang Liu, Yunfeng Xu, Guangren Qian
Summary: In this study, the catalytic turnover frequencies (TOF) of Cu loaded ZSM-5, Beta, MOR, and SSZ-13 were determined, and the topology-localized Cu species in these zeolites were analyzed. Multiple Linear Regression was used to distinguish the TOF contributions of the Cu species, and density functional theory calculated NH3 dehydrogenation energy. The results showed that topologies with more node atoms exhibited higher TOF and lower dehydrogenation energy, and the best topology varied for each zeolite.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaolei Zhang, Shanna Shu, Dongling Hou, Huihui Chen, Weimin Cao, Naresh Mameda, Long D. Nghiem, Qiang Liu
Summary: This study synthesized a series of biochar-like hyper-crosslinked polymers (HCPs) with different amounts of phenolic hydroxyl groups to investigate the roles of key surface properties of biochar in transforming pollutants. The results showed that increasing amounts of hydroxyl groups on HCPs led to higher production of hydroxyl radicals. Batch degradation experiments indicated that HCPs with the lowest amounts of hydroxyl groups showed the highest degree of trichlorophenols (TCPs) degradation, while HCPs with the highest hydroxyl group abundance exhibited the lowest degree of TCP degradation.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Yongyi Huang, Xin Liu, Ya Feng, Xiaoli Nie, Qiang Liu, Xiling Du, Yuncheng Wu, Te Liu, Xiaoying Zhu
Summary: This study found that rotenone significantly affects the physiological activity and epigenetic modification of mouse brain organs, leading to mitochondrial damage and abnormal methylation. These findings are important for understanding the toxicity and neuro effects of rotenone.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
