Article
Chemistry, Physical
Alex Spiess, Philipp Brandt, Alexa Schmitz, Christoph Janiak
Summary: Water sorption characteristics of six pure hydrophilic ionic liquids were investigated, revealing a steady and high water uptake with a small hysteresis between absorption and desorption. These findings provide valuable insights into the water sorption behavior of ionic liquids.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Marta Wojcieszak, Barbara Krupa, Anna Syguda, Filip Walkiewicz, Michalina Wilkowska, Maciej Kozak, Katarzyna Materna
Summary: This study successfully synthesized 18 novel herbicidal ionic liquids using efficient synthesis methods, investigated various physicochemical and biological properties, and found that morpholinium ionic liquids were effective in wetting weed surfaces.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Paraskevi Maria Kourgia, Ariadne Argyraki, Vasiliki Paraskevopoulou, Fotini Botsou, Efstratios Kelepertzis, Manos Dassenakis
Summary: This study investigates the concentrations of trace elements in sediments after a catastrophic flash flood event in Mandra, Greece. The results show the presence of both geogenic and anthropogenic trace elements in flood-deposited sediment, with significant correlations with total organic carbon and magnetic susceptibility.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Marcia M. S. Alves, Manuel N. Melo, Haydyn D. T. Mertens, Ana B. Pereiro, Margarida Archer
Summary: Proteins can be stabilized and have improved properties in the presence of ionic liquids (ILs) as cosolvents or surfactants. By using techniques such as small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), fluorescence microscopy, and coarse-grained molecular dynamics (CG-MD) simulations, the interaction between ILs and proteins like lysozyme and bovine serum albumin has been studied. The results show that ILs help maintain the globular structures of proteins and can be used for formulating protein-based pharmaceuticals.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yunxiao Zhang, Mark W. Rutland, Jiangshui Luo, Rob Atkin, Hua Li
Summary: The lubricities of four quaternary phosphonium ionic liquids on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite surface were studied, showing that the composition of the boundary layers affects friction changes, and superlubricity is related to potential and ion properties.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Viresh Thamke, Prashant Singh, Shweta Pal, Mansi Chaudhary, Kamlesh Kumari, Indra Bahadur, Rajender S. Varma
Summary: Ionic liquids (ILs) are widely used solvents in various fields, but their potential environmental contamination and toxicological impact have become increasingly important. This review article summarizes the recent toxicological effects of newly synthesized ILs on different organisms, including microbes, vertebrates, and plants, and discusses the development of computational modeling for toxicity testing.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Carlton J. Reeves, Ashish K. Kasar, Pradeep L. Menezes
Summary: Environmentally friendly lubricants, including room-temperature ionic liquids (RTIL), are becoming popular due to their potential to replace toxic petroleum-based oils, although their thermal stability remains a concern. RTILs show promising tribological properties and enhanced thermal stability compared to bio-based and petroleum-based oils, attributed to their lamellar-like liquid crystal structure, electrostatic potential dipolar, and molecular adsorption layer.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Malgorzata Pajak, Katarzyna Hubkowska, Andrzej Czerwinski
Summary: The mixtures of selected protic and aprotic ionic liquids with their parent superacids were used as electrolytes for hydrogen electrosorption in thin Pd films. The properties of these mixtures were characterized using electrochemical and physicochemical methods, demonstrating their potential use as electrolytes in hydride/protonic systems.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Liqi Qiu, Honggen Peng, Zhenzhen Yang, Juntian Fan, Meijia Li, Shize Yang, Darren M. M. Driscoll, Lei Ren, Shannon M. M. Mahurin, Liang-Nian He, Sheng Dai
Summary: A facile surface deposition strategy is used to construct stable and structurally diverse porous liquids (PLs) with high-performance capabilities. By leveraging the precipitation of selected metal salts, type III-PLs with ultra-stable dispersion and enhanced gas storage and transformation are formed. These PLs show promising performance in CO2 capture/conversion and ethylene/ethane separation, and their properties can be adjusted by the cation structure of the ILs and through ionic exchange.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Leyre Sillero, Raquel Prado, Tom Welton, Jalel Labidi
Summary: Research on selective extraction of flavonoids from Larix decidua bark using environmentally friendly processes found that ionic liquid solvents have proven selectivity for flavonoids, with [C4C1im]Br (25 wt%) identified as the most effective solvent. The antioxidant capacities of the extracts were high, indicating potential for various applications, with simultaneous microwave-ultrasound assisted extraction being the most energy-saving process.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marcia M. S. Alves, Paula Leandro, Haydyn D. T. Mertens, Ana B. Pereiro, Margarida Archer
Summary: This study reveals that a biocompatible fluorinated ionic liquid can serve as a delivery system for human phenylalanine hydroxylase, increasing its enzymatic activity but impacting its thermostability.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
M. Rothe, G. Quintard, M. Kronseder, P. Bauduin, T. Zemb, W. Kunz
Summary: This study investigates the microstructure of H[C8E5c] and its metal salts using X-ray scattering methods, which shows the existence of spherical micelles in diluted aqueous solutions and the interdigitation of head groups at high concentrations. The study also reveals the arrangement of metal cations between the micelles, which could be responsible for the unique properties of these systems.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Ann Jastram, Tobias Lindner, Christian Luebbert, Gabriele Sadowski, Udo Kragl
Summary: This study focused on hydrogels synthesized by radical polymerization of imidazolium-based ionic liquids. The swelling and diffusion behavior of these hydrogels were investigated, showing strong swelling in water and ethanol with transport mechanisms deviating from Fickian-type behavior.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
K. L. Andrew Chan, Anton S. Shalygin, Oleg N. Martyanov, Tom Welton, Sergei G. Kazarian
Summary: High throughput macro ATR-FTIR spectroscopic imaging was used for in situ characterization of 14 ionic liquids under controlled environments. The study found that the structure of the cation and anion in the ionic liquids significantly influenced the absorption of toluene and water, providing valuable insights for the application of ionic liquids.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fatima A. R. Mota, Sarah A. P. Pereira, Andre R. T. S. Araujo, M. Lucia M. F. S. Saraiva
Summary: This study demonstrated the varying inhibitory effects of ionic liquids and ionic liquids active pharmaceutical ingredients on elastase enzyme activity, with tetrabutylammonium acetate being the most toxic and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate being the least toxic.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jidapa Plaimart, Kishor Acharya, Wojciech Mrozik, Russell J. Davenport, Soydoa Vinitnantharat, David Werner
Summary: The study found that coconut husk biochar can slow down nitrate leaching in soil, reduce the abundance of nitrifying archaea and bacteria, and help improve soil nutrient conditions. This is relevant for the development of a more circular rural economy with waste minimization, renewable energy production, nutrient recycling, and reduced water pollution from agricultural land.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Oladapo Komolafe, Wojciech Mrozik, Jan Dolfing, Kishor Acharya, Lucas Vassalle, Cesar R. Mota, Russell Davenport
Summary: This study evaluated micropollutant occurrence and removal in three technologically diverse wastewater treatment plants in Brazil. The results showed that waste stabilization ponds (WSPs) were the most effective system for micropollutant removal, especially in warm climates. However, effluent from all three plants could pose a risk to aquatic organisms, indicating the need for further treatment.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Paul A. Christensen, Paul A. Anderson, Gavin D. J. Harper, Simon M. Lambert, Wojciech Mrozik, Mohammad Ali Rajaeifar, Malcolm S. Wise, Oliver Heidrich
Summary: This paper discusses the importance of lithium-ion batteries in modern life and safety issues, points out that the understanding of related risks and challenges still needs to be strengthened, explores the potential safety issues that may arise in the lifecycle of batteries and the corresponding solutions that can be taken.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Sarah L. Harthern-Flint, Jan Dolfing, Wojciech Mrozik, Paola Meynet, Lucy E. Eland, Martin Sim, Russell J. Davenport
Summary: Rhodococcus equi ATCC13557 was found to have the potential to degrade E2 through two possible metabolic pathways, with homologous gene sequences for enzymes involved in estrogen degradation identified in its genome. Additionally, it also has the ability to potentially metabolize other steroid hormones such as cholesterol.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sasiwimol Khawkomol, Rattikan Neamchan, Thunchanok Thongsamer, Soydoa Vinitnantharat, Boonma Panpradit, Prapa Sohsalam, David Werner, Wojciech Mrozik
Summary: This study produced biochar from agricultural residues (such as corncob, coconut husk, coconut shell, and rice straw) using a horizontal drum kiln. The biochars had low O/C and H/C ratios, negative charge from functional groups, and desirable properties such as high heating value and surface functional groups suitable for various applications including biofuels, adsorbents, and soil amendments. Coconut husk and shell biochars, in particular, were identified as having ideal properties for these purposes.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Oladapo Komolafe, Wojciech Mrozik, Jan Dolfing, Kishor Acharya, Lucas Vassalle, Cesar R. Mota, Russell Davenport
Summary: The study investigated the removal mechanisms and degradation rates of 28 chemicals in different biological treatment systems, finding that biodegradation was the main removal mechanism in activated sludge and WSP WWTPs. Photodegradation of the chemicals was also observed, with estrogens degrading faster under light conditions while triclosan degraded faster in the dark. All chemicals were resistant to anaerobic degradation with UASB sludge. Importantly, the predicted effluent concentrations based on the degradation rates showed good agreement with measured effluent concentrations from a previous study.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wojciech Mrozik, Babak Minofar, Thunchanok Thongsamer, Nathacha Wiriyaphong, Sasiwimol Khawkomol, Jidapa Plaimart, John Vakros, Hrissi Karapanagioti, Soydoa Vinitnantharat, David Werner
Summary: This study evaluated the valorisation of agricultural waste materials by transforming them into biochar for water treatment in aquaculture. Coconut husk biochar prepared at 750 degrees C was found to be the most effective sorbent material for removing organic micropollutants from surface water. Ionic strength had a significant impact on sorption, with high salinity decreasing sorption for certain antibiotics but increasing sorption for other pollutants, which should be considered in coastal aquaculture applications.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bartosz Nowosielski, Marzena Jamrogiewicz, Justyna Luczak, Dorota Warminska
Summary: This paper investigates the physicochemical and thermodynamic properties of aqueous solutions of novel deep eutectic solvents (DES). It proposes a mathematical equation for predicting the properties of DES in water and analyzes the important physicochemical properties of the mixtures using correlation methods. The non-ideal behavior of the mixtures is also evaluated.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Natsumi Maeda, Dorota Dulko, Adam Macierzanka, Christian Jungnickel
Summary: In this meta-analysis, we found that emulsion was the protein form that digested the fastest, and the digestion rate was largely independent of protein type. The digestion process was strongly dependent on the structural components of the proteins, specifically beta-sheet-inhibited and amino acid, leucine, methionine, and proline-promoted digestion. Additionally, the impact of additives on protein hydrolysis was negligible compared to the importance of protein form and additional treatment. These findings enable the targeted creation of foods for different nutritional needs.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lukasz Cichocki, Dorota Warminska, Justyna Luczak, Andrzej Przyjazny, Grzegorz Boczkaj
Summary: The paper presents a new method for evaluating the polarity and hydrophobicity of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) based on the measurement of the DES contact angle on glass. The research demonstrates the high accuracy and precision of the developed procedure, and the simplicity of the examination allows for its implementation in routine investigations of DESs.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sylwia Charazinska, Pawel Lochynski, Marta Markiewicz, Stefan Stolte, Ewa Burszta-Adamiak
Summary: The amount of industrial pollution in the environment and its impact on living organisms is a concern. This study investigated the influence of metal ions in industrial wastewater on Daphnia magna. It was found that the organic content in the wastewater had a positive impact on the survival of D. magna and the range of heavy metal concentrations tolerated by them. The two-stage process of Ca(OH)2 neutralisation followed by sorption with peat effectively removed almost 100% of metal ions from the wastewater.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Goksu Celik, Stephan Beil, Stefan Stolte, Marta Markiewicz
Summary: Heterocyclic polyaromatic hydrocarbons (heterocyclic PAHs) are a common presence in the environment, but they have received less attention and comprehensive assessment than homocyclic PAHs in terms of their environmental behavior. Moreover, the available physicochemical data for heterocyclic PAHs are limited. To address this, the physicochemical properties of heterocyclic PAHs were experimentally determined, and structure-property relationships were established. The data obtained allowed for the evaluation of predictive models and a screening-level comparative hazard assessment of both heterocyclic and homocyclic PAHs.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joanna Klein, Justyna Luczak, Anna Brillowska-Dabrowska
Summary: Ionic liquids (ILs) can be persistently present in water and fungi have the potential to biodegrade ILs. However, previous studies have mainly focused on bacterial species rather than fungi. This research aimed to determine the significance of fungi in ILs' biodegradation and found that a consortium of microorganisms enriched with a selected fungal strain was able to decompose the IL, resulting in a 64.93% biodegradation rate for 2 mM [OMIM][Cl] within 28 days, while an individual fungal strain (Candida tropicalis) only reached a maximum biodegradation rate of 4.89% in 10 days.
Article
Management
Karolina Wysocka, Christian Jungnickel, Katarzyna Szelagowska-Rudzka
Summary: Internationalization is inevitable in contemporary higher education institutions in a globalizing world, but it comes with risks and challenges that require quality assurance to safeguard the quality of education and research.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wojciech Mrozik, Mohammad Ali Rajaeifar, Oliver Heidrich, Paul Christensen
Summary: The increasing demand for LIBs leads to a surge in spent batteries, requiring proper management. With no universal standards for disposal, countries use different practices, resulting in environmental impacts and threats.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2021)