Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Viktor Sebestyen
Summary: The research summarizes the sizing variables and environmental impacts of various renewable energy sources. Through the use of network science tools, it is possible to manage the environmental impacts and sizing variables of renewable energy power plants efficiently, enabling impact mitigation in the design phase.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Sami Fadlallah, Amandine L. Flourat, Louis M. M. Mouterde, Mattia Annatelli, Aurelien A. M. Peru, Antoine Gallos, Fabio Arico, Florent Allais
Summary: The homopolymerization of bis(gamma-lactone) 2H-HBO-HBO in basic conditions was reported for the first time, resulting in renewable poly(vinyl-ether lactone) copolymers with a highly hyperbranched structure. Polymerization of (S)-gamma-hydroxymethyl-alpha,beta-butenolide (HBO) was also conducted on a large scale, producing a new hyperbranched polymer. Both types of polymers have potential for industrial-scale production due to their interesting properties and easy preparation.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Natalie S. Schunck, Stefan Mecking
Summary: Sustainable sources are crucial for chemicals production, and microalgae have the potential to catalytically convert renewable substrates inside living cells, generating valuable building blocks for chemical production.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sebastian Thor Wismann, Kasper-Emil Larsen, Peter Molgaard Mortensen
Summary: Utilization of CO2 for sustainable production of carbon-based chemicals can be achieved through the reverse water-gas-shift reaction. The fully electrified reverse water-gas-shift (eRWGS) process, using ohmic heating and a nickel-based catalyst, allows for the production of synthesis gas with high hydrogen and carbon efficiency. This emissions-free route provides a sustainable solution for the production of carbon-based chemicals from CO2 and renewable electricity.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Syed Abdul Rehman Khan, Hafiz Muhammad Zia-Ul-Haq, Pablo Ponce, Laeeq Janjua
Summary: Over the last decade, Sub-Saharan Africa has experienced significant economic development as one of the key areas for energy resources and minerals in the global market. The countries in this region are actively working to meet emission objectives and reduce climate change through policy initiatives. This research examines the role of renewable and non-renewable energy sources, as well as economic factors, in determining environmental quality in 41 Sub-Saharan countries from 2004 to 2021. The findings suggest that renewable energy improves environmental quality, while fossil fuel consumption degrades it. Additionally, human capital, technologies, and digitalization contribute to carbon emissions. Policymakers should focus on minimizing future carbon emissions, promoting renewable sources, and raising public awareness for sustainable development.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tamoor Azam, Isbat Alam, Muddassar Sarfraz, Muhammad Mohsin
Summary: This study examines the impact of CO2 emissions, globalization, economic growth, and consumption of renewable and non-renewable energies on the environment in South Asian countries between 1985 and 2019. The results show that globalization positively affects CO2 emissions and that consumption of non-renewable energy contributes to environmental pollution. Additionally, the study supports the existence of the Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis in these countries, indicating that environmental degradation initially increases with economic growth but decreases after a certain threshold. The study recommends promoting and subsidizing green energy sources as a solution to environmental degradation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Md Mustafa Kamal, Imtiaz Ashraf, Eugene Fernandez
Summary: The global population growth poses challenges in providing sustainable energy. Renewable energy combined with battery storage is explored in this study to bridge the gap between energy demand and supply. The optimization of a rural standalone microgrid using the gray wolf optimization algorithm demonstrates a cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy solution.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yuping Zhao, Sarmad Ahmad Qamar, Mahpara Qamar, Muhammad Bilal, Hafiz M. N. Iqbal
Summary: Biochar is a carbon material with diverse functionalities and excellent physicochemical characteristics, showing high potential in removing harmful organic compounds. It is produced through pyrolysis of renewable feedstocks and applied across different industries. The characteristics and construction of biochar-based materials vary, with the addition of nanoscale reinforcements enhancing their pollutant removal capabilities.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Dimitra Papadaki, Dimitrios A. Nikolaou, Margarita N. Assimakopoulos
Summary: This study assesses the circularity processes in the construction industry and renewable energy production systems, finding that the use of recycled materials and recycling methods can significantly reduce environmental impacts. It highlights the importance of circularity in both construction and energy generation sectors.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yasin Orooji, Ning Han, Zahra Nezafat, Nasrin Shafiei, Zhangfeng Shen, Mahmoud Nasrollahzadeh, Hassan Karimi-Maleh, Rafael Luque, Awais Bokhari, Jiri Jaromir Klemes
Summary: Nutrients resources from all around the world make up a significant portion of wastes. Nuts and their residues are valuable natural resources that can be used for nutrition and other applications. This review summarizes the preparation of (nano)materials from nuts as environmentally friendly resources and their catalytic applications, highlighting the industrial benefits and potential applications of these economically sustainable green resources. The recent developments in the synthesis and applications of bio(nano)catalysts in catalytic and environmental areas have been discussed.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Arne Peys, Visa Isteri, Juho Yliniemi, Antonia S. Yorkshire, Patrick N. Lemougna, Claire Utton, John L. Provis, Ruben Snellings, Theodore Hanein
Summary: The bulk of the cement industry's environmental burden is from the calcareous source. This review paper discusses the importance and application of iron-rich materials in alternative cements, as well as the chemistry of ferrites.
CEMENT AND CONCRETE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Qingchun Yang, Yingjie Fan, Jianlong Zhou, Lei Zhao
Summary: This study proposes four biomass-to-ethylene glycol processes that utilize renewable energy for hydrogen production and CO2 utilization to achieve carbon neutrality and cost-effectiveness in ethylene glycol production. The performance of these processes is modeled, simulated, and compared with the conventional process. The results show significant improvements in carbon utilization efficiency, exergy efficiency, and internal rate of return, making the proposed processes a sustainable and cost-efficient improvement direction for the carbon-intensive ethylene glycol industry.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Moslem Sharifishourabi, Ibrahim Dincer, Atef Mohany
Summary: This article proposes a new renewable-based multigeneration system that efficiently generates electricity, heating, cooling, and hydrogen in a sustainable manner, while also being environmentally friendly.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Marc A. Dube, Vida A. Gabriel, Amir S. Pakdel, Yujie Zhang
Summary: Polymers provide unparalleled benefits to humanity, but also pose significant challenges to the environment due to current production methods. The latest trends in sustainable polymer processes focus on renewable starting materials, process intensification, water-based polymerization, and approaches to dealing with the end of polymer application life. Researchers aim to determine the progress towards completely sustainable polymer processes.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lucas H. R. Passos, Victor Martinez-Agramunt, Dmitry G. Gusev, Eduardo Peris, Eduardo N. dos Santos
Summary: The reduction of esters and aldehydes to alcohols is an important reaction in the chemical industry. The behavior of three commercially available Ru-catalysts for the hydrogenation of these feedstocks is reported. Selective hydrogenation of the ester or aldehyde functionality while keeping the C=C double bond intact is possible, and mild reaction conditions and a sustainable solvent are suitable for these catalytic hydrogenations.
Article
Polymer Science
Alessandra Travanut, Patricia F. Monteiro, Stefan Oelmann, Steven M. Howdle, Anna M. Grabowska, Philip A. Clarke, Alison A. Ritchie, Michael A. R. Meier, Cameron Alexander
Summary: The Passerini three component reaction (Passerini-3CR) is utilized to synthesize an amphiphilic diblock copolymer for drug delivery applications. The versatility of Passerini-3CR allows for customization through post-functionalization, demonstrating potential clinical utility.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Luca Filippi, Michael A. R. Meier
Summary: This work presents a straightforward and efficient synthesis approach for renewable non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs) by synthesizing suitable carbamate monomers and sustainable dithiols, followed by polymerization using the thiol-ene reaction. The obtained polymers were characterized by various analytical techniques to confirm their properties and structure.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Kevin A. Waibel, Dafni Moatsou, Michael A. R. Meier
Summary: Linear uniform oligomers are modified with octaethylene glycol monomethyl ether and coupled via azide-alkyne cycloaddition to form uniform star-shaped block macromolecules with a mass ranging from 10 to 14 kDa. Characterized by NMR, ESI-MS, and SEC, these macromolecules are then tested for their ability to encapsulate dye molecules in qualitative solid-liquid phase transfer experiments.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Julian T. Windbiel, Michael A. R. Meier
Summary: The Biginelli reaction was utilized to synthesize a set of 15 new fully renewable poly(3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one)s through a simple one-pot multicomponent approach, showing high glass transition temperatures and good thermal stability.
POLYMER INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Mina Heidari, Kelechukwu N. Onwukamike, Etienne Grau, Stephane Grelier, Henri Cramail, Michael A. R. Meier, Andreas Greiner
Summary: The study utilized the DBU-CO2 switchable solvent system for the direct electrospinning of cellulose, showing promising results. Different cellulose types and combinations with PVA were investigated to achieve unique fiber structures. Challenges in solvent removal and exploration of coagulation collection process for fiber recovery were highlighted.
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Kevin A. Waibel, Dennis Barther, Triantafillia Malliaridou, Dafni Moatsou, Michael A. R. Meier
Summary: An efficient isocyanide-based synthesis of S-thiocarbamates was developed, allowing direct conversion of N-formamides into thiocarbamates without the need for isolation and purification of the isocyanide component, thus reducing environmental impact and increasing synthesis efficiency. The method was applied to synthesize a library of sixteen thiocarbamates and investigate reaction mechanism, as well as preparing four norbornene-based thiocarbamate monomers for controlled ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) reactions. The resulting polymers were characterized using size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) and their properties were analyzed with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yasmin S. Raupp, Pia S. Loeser, Silke Behrens, Michael A. R. Meier
Summary: The study found that palladium nanoparticles, stabilized by poly(vinylpyrrolidone), catalyze the ring-opening of limonene dioxide with water, showing selectivity. Different concentrations of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) alone resulted in different selectivities towards exo-cyclic or endo-cyclic epoxide ring-opening.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jonas Wolfs, Roman Nickisch, Lisa Wanner, Michael A. R. Meier
Summary: The study introduces a novel concept combining tandem catalysis and cellulose derivatization, utilizing a single catalyst for three transformations in a DMSO/DBU/CO2 switchable solvent system. Results show that the tandem reaction approach is more beneficial in terms of efficiency and sustainability compared to stepwise synthesis. By analyzing the obtained products, researchers controlled the degree of substitution of O-cellulose thiocarbamates.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Julian T. Windbiel, Michael A. R. Meier
Summary: The research focuses on the synthesis of a renewable methacrylate monomer based on ricinoleic acid, which can be used in radical polymerization techniques like RAFT. Post-polymerization modification using the B-3CR allows for the synthesis of polymers with increased glass transition temperature.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Belen Martin-Matute, Michael A. R. Meier, Thomas-Xavier Metro, Stefan G. Koenig, Helen F. Sneddon, Putla Sudarsanam, Paul Watts
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2021)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
David T. Allen, D. Julie Carrier, Jingwen Chen, Nicholas Gathergood, Jeannette M. Garcia, Jinlong Gong, Hongxian Han, King Kuok (Mimi) Hii, Bing-Joe Hwang, Asha Liza James, Mihir Jha, Peter Licence, Andrew C. Marr, Michael Meier, Audrey Moores, Ryuhei Nakamura, Thalappil Pradeep, Liane Rossi, Bert Sels, Bala Subramaniam, Michael K. C. Tam, Lin Zhuang, Julio F. Serrano
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Anja Kirchberg, Masood Khabazian Esfahani, Marie-Christin Roepert, Manfred Wilhelm, Michael A. R. Meier
Summary: This work demonstrates the synthesis of non-isocyanate poly(ester urethane)s in a sustainable manner by obtaining cyclic carbonates from renewable diols and reacting them with renewable 11-amino undecanoic acid methyl ester. Various purification strategies are compared and alternative starting materials are explored. The synthesized materials are fully characterized and their rheological properties are investigated.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Roman Nickisch, Peter Conen, Michael A. R. Meier
Summary: This study presents an easy access to thermoplastic polythiosemicarbazones (polyTSCs) through condensation reaction, resulting in a variety of polymers and copolymers that were thoroughly characterized. The polymerization proceeds at room temperature with broad moiety tolerance, and the synthesized polymers exhibit good thermal stability.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Alessandra Travanut, Patricia F. Monteiro, Sean Smith, Steven M. Howdle, Anna M. Grabowska, Barrie Kellam, Michael A. R. Meier, Cameron Alexander
Summary: Passerini reactions are suitable for the preparation of drug delivery materials, enabling efficient drug conjugation and encapsulation, as well as enhanced efficacy against TNBC cells.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jonas Wolfs, Michael A. R. Meier
Summary: The homogeneous cellulose acetylation process using the DBU/CO2 switchable solvent system is demonstrated to be efficient and sustainable, utilizing vinyl acetate as a benign acetylation agent under mild conditions. It allows for straightforward recyclability of all components with high recycling ratios (87.0-98.9%). Compared to traditional methods, this process shows less cellulose backbone degradation and improved mechanical properties of solvent casted foils, resulting in an E-factor of 1.92 for the overall process, emphasizing sustainability and efficiency.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xuemei Liu, Chaonan Cui, Shuoshuo Wei, Jinyu Han, Xinli Zhu, Qingfeng Ge, Hua Wang
Summary: This study presents a new strategy for designing efficient photocatalysts that can convert CO2 into hydrocarbons by utilizing synergistic catalytic sites. The findings provide a solution for the selective photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CH4.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chengxian Hu, Dan Wang, Lu Wang, Ying Fu, Zhengyin Du
Summary: A novel one-pot, three-component reaction conducted under electrochemical conditions was studied. The reaction involved 2-aminothiophenols, aldehydes, and malononitrile, using TBABF4 as an electrolyte and CuI as a catalyst. The proposed reaction mechanism suggested that CuI served as an electron relay. This method offers simplified operation, high atom economy, and mild reaction conditions.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhi Yang, Yu Chen, Linxi Wan, Yuxiao Li, Dan Chen, Jianlin Tao, Pei Tang, Fen-Er Chen
Summary: A highly enantioselective method for the complete hydrogenation of pyrimidinium salts using Ir/(S,S)-f-Binaphane complex as the catalyst was developed. This method provides easy access to fully saturated chiral hexahydropyrimidines, which are prevalent in many bioactive molecules. The reactions exhibit high yields and enantioselectivities under mild reaction conditions without additives. Successful application of this methodology in a continuous flow fashion further extends its practical utility.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tina Jeoh, Jennifer Danger Nill, Wujun Zhao, Sankar Raju Narayanasamy, Liang Chen, Hoi-Ying N. Holman
Summary: In this study, the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose was investigated using real-time infrared spectromicroscopy. The spatial heterogeneity of cellulose was found to impact the hydrolysis kinetics. Hydration affected cellulose ordering, and Cel7A preferentially removed less extensively hydrogen bonded cellulose.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tiphaine Richard, Walid Abdallah, Xavier Trivelli, Mathieu Sauthier, Clement Dumont
Summary: An effective method of grafting functionalities onto lignin based on glycerol carbonate has been developed using an efficient nickel-catalysed telomerisation reaction. This method allows lignin to have new reactive functions and reduces the glass transition temperatures of modified lignins, thereby expanding the application range of lignin-based resins.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jing Qi, Xiyan Wang, Gan Wang, Srinivas Reddy Dubbaka, Patrick ONeill, Hwee Ting Ang, Jie Wu
Summary: This study presents a green and environmentally friendly approach for the synthesis of imides using electrocatalytic oxidation with H2O as the oxygen source. The method eliminates the need for toxic or expensive oxidants and achieves high yields under mild reaction conditions. It shows broad substrate compatibility and potential for industrial applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Babasaheb Sopan Gore, Lin-Wei Pan, Jun-Hao Lin, Yi-Chi Luo, Jeh-Jeng Wang
Summary: Here, we report a visible light-promoted intramolecular radical cascade reaction for the construction of fluorenol and naphthalene-fused cyclopropyl carbaldehyde derivatives. This method offers mild reaction conditions, a broad substrate scope, excellent step efficiency, and scalability, without the need for external chemical oxidants. The novelty of this protocol was demonstrated by synthesizing chrysene analogs and performing late-stage functionalizations.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Juho Antti Sirvio, Idamaria Romakkaniemi, Juha Ahola, Svitlana Filonenko, Juha P. Heiskanen, Ari Ammala
Summary: This article discusses the method of using supramolecular interaction between an aromatic hydrogen bond donor and lignin to achieve rapid delignification of softwood at low temperatures.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yunyan Meng, Chunxiang Pan, Na Liu, Hongjiang Li, Zixiu Liu, Yao Deng, Zixiang Wei, Jianbin Xu, Baomin Fan
Summary: A novel visible light-driven synthesis method for 2,3-diamines has been developed, which has mild conditions, avoids the use of metal reagents, and can synthesize diamines and diols in one pot.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mingqing Huang, Haiyang Huang, Mengyao You, Xinxin Zhang, Longgen Sun, Chao Chen, Zhichao Mei, Ruchun Yang, Qiang Xiao
Summary: A direct air-oxidized strategy for the synthesis of benzo[b]phosphole oxides was developed in this study. Arylphosphine oxides were transformed into phosphinoyl radicals, which were further combined with various alkynes to achieve the desired products. DFT calculations revealed the mechanism of phosphinoyl radical formation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anwei Wang, Jiayin Huang, Chunsheng Zhao, Yu Fan, Junfeng Qian, Qun Chen, Mingyang He, Weiyou Zhou
Summary: This study demonstrates an innovative strategy for the aerobic oxidation of C(sp(3))-H bonds using gamma-valerolactone. By optimizing the reaction conditions and utilizing specific catalysts, efficient oxidation of C(sp(3))-H bonds is achieved with good chemoselectivity in certain cases.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shun Li, Likai Tong, Zhijian Peng, Bo Zhang, Xiuli Fu
Summary: Sulfide compounds show promise as electrocatalysts for water splitting, but their performance is limited by factors such as limited active sites and hindered substance transport. This study successfully prepared a high-entropy sulfide (ZnCoMnFeAlMg)(9)S-8, which reduced grain size and increased specific surface area, enabling the realization of a dual-functional catalyst with multiple catalytic sites. High entropy also modulated the electronic properties of sulfides, reducing the potential energy barrier for hydrolysis. This research introduces a new approach for functionalizing high entropy nanomaterials and improves the performance of water splitting catalysts.
