Article
Chemistry, Analytical
S. Elcoroaristizabal, J. M. Amigo
Summary: This study established a methodology for quantitative assessment of carbonaceous particulate matter in the air using HSI-NIR and multivariate data analysis, which was validated with TOT analysis. The results showed a high correlation between HSI-NIR spectra and TOT measurements for OC, EC, and TC contents. The study demonstrated the feasibility of using HSI-NIR for the quantitative assessment of carbonaceous particulate matter in air pollution monitoring.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Siddheshwar D. Raut, Nanasaheb M. Shinde, Yogesh T. Nakate, Balaji G. Ghule, Shyam K. Gore, Shoyebmohamad F. Shaikh, James J. Pak, Abdullah M. Al-Enizi, Rajaram S. Mane
Summary: The study utilized coconut water to prepare a carbonaceous electrode material, which exhibited excellent performance in both the oxygen evolution and hydrogen evolution reactions, showing bifunctional potential. The material demonstrated sustainable chemical stability and moderate mechanical robustness in long-term operation, making it suitable for water splitting applications.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Song Liu, Tianzhi Luo, Li Zhou, Tianli Song, Ning Wang, Qiong Luo, Gang Huang, Xia Jiang, Shuhua Zhou, Yang Qiu, Fumo Yang
Summary: This study analyzed PM2.5 samples collected from three urban sites in Yibin, China and found that carbonaceous aerosols were the most abundant species and vehicular emissions were the main source of PM2.5 and brown carbon (BrC) during winter. The findings highlight the importance of reducing vehicular emissions for improving atmospheric visibility in rapidly developing cities.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ying Chen, Xuegang Zheng, Meijuan Liu, Haobo Lin, Shusheng Pan, Weiwei Xing, Zhiyu Liu, Dekang Xu, Hao Lin
Summary: In this study, LiErF4:Ce,Yb,Y@LiYbF4:Tm@LiYF4 core/shell/shell upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) were successfully prepared, and their luminescence properties were investigated. The cross relaxation between Ce3+ and Er3+ and the energy migration among Yb3+ ions were found to enhance the intensity and ratio of near-infrared emission, making the UCNPs suitable for biological imaging.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hong Ren, Wei Hu, Siyao Yue, Libin Wu, Lujie Ren, Xiaole Pan, Zifa Wang, Yele Sun, Kimitaka Kawamura, Pingqing Fu
Summary: This study investigates the sources and formation processes of atmospheric organic aerosols during the APEC period in Beijing. Results show that the concentration of biogenic organic aerosols decreased by about 50% during this period due to emission controls. However, the photooxidation processes of isoprene and sesquiterpenes contributed to the poor air quality in the pollution episodes. Biomass-burning was found to be the largest contributor to carbonaceous aerosols over the North China Plain.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Imran Aslam, Maria Bravo, Indra Van Zundert, Susana Rocha, Maarten B. J. Roeffaers
Summary: This study developed a nonlinear optical approach for the identification and quantification of carbonaceous particles, such as carbon black (CB) and brown carbon (BrC), in biological samples. By illuminating CB and BrC nanoparticles (NPs) with a femtosecond pulsed laser at 1300 nm, their unique visible light fingerprint was observed, allowing for their identification in a biological context. Time-domain fluorescence lifetime imaging was also used to support the identification of these particles.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ling Mu, Xuemei Li, Xiaofeng Liu, Huiling Bai, Lin Peng, Yangyong Li, Mei Tian, Lirong Zheng
Summary: The study measured the emission factors of OC and EC from typical coking plants in Shanxi, China, and found that the emissions from fugitive emissions were significantly higher than those from flue gas. The technological conditions of coke production impact the emissions of OC and EC, while different charging methods and carbon isotope characteristics also play a role in investigating the sources of carbonaceous aerosols.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ian Houlihan, Benjamin Kang, Smita De, Vijay Krishna
Summary: Near-infrared activated nanomaterials have been utilized for various biomedical applications, but their use in hard tissues is not well understood. This study presents photonic lithotripsy using carbon and gold nanomaterials for fragmenting human kidney stones. The findings suggest that the size and photonic properties of the nanomaterials contribute to the efficacy of stone comminution through surface restructuring and decomposition. Photonic lithotripsy offers advantages over current laser lithotripsy and could inspire the development of minimally invasive techniques for treating kidney stones and other hard tissues.
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Lin Huang, Wendy Zhang, Guaciara M. Santos, Blanca T. Rodriguez, Sandra R. Holden, Vincent Vetro, Claudia Czimczik
Summary: Carbonaceous aerosol consists mainly of organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) from various emission sources. Radiocarbon (C-14) analysis is used to apportion OC and EC into their sources, requiring physical separation. The ECT9 protocol effectively isolates OC and EC for C-14 analysis, with high reproducibility and low uncertainty in measurements.
ATMOSPHERIC MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ali Raza, Shahnila Altaf, Sarfraz Ali, Muhammad Ikram, Gao Li
Summary: The challenge of safe drinking and cleaning water is a question mark globally, and the development of environment-friendly nanomaterials, especially carbonaceous nanomaterials, has become a top priority. This review highlights the applications of carbonaceous nanomaterials in wastewater treatment and purification, including adsorption, membrane technologies, and advanced oxidation processes. The review also addresses the challenges and trends in sustainable carbon and its derivatives for handling and purifying wastewater.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Matic Ivancic, Asta Gregoric, Gasper Lavric, Balint Alfoldy, Irena Jezek, Sina Hasheminassab, Payam Pakbin, Faraz Ahangar, Mohammad Sowlat, Steven Boddeker, Martin Rigler
Summary: In this study, a method for apportioning carbonaceous aerosols (CA) based on high-time-resolution measurements is presented. Two years of CA measurements in California's Los Angeles Basin are analyzed. The study finds that secondary organic aerosols (SOA) contribute more than 50% of CA, with remarkable peaks observed in summer afternoons. Primary emitted CA, consisting of black carbon (BC) and primary organic aerosol (POA), dominate during morning rush hours on winter working days. The study also highlights the different contributions of brown carbon (BrC) to optical absorption at different wavelengths, with the highest contribution observed during wildfire periods.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Huibin Shi, Zhe Chen, Zhehan Yang, Jinjin Wang, Jinyan Yang, Yi Huang
Summary: Carbonaceous components are major components of PM1, with significant impacts on climate change, air quality, and human health. This study investigated the secondary formation and sources of carbonaceous components in PM1 by collecting samples in Chengdu, China. The concentrations of organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), and carbon isotopes (813C) in PM1 were determined. The results showed that winter had the highest concentrations of OC and EC in PM1, mainly due to special meteorological conditions and higher pollutant emissions. The sources of carbonaceous components varied throughout the seasons, with vehicle exhaust, C3 plants combustion, coal burning, and C4 plants combustion being the main contributors.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Claire E. Moffett, Manisha Mehra, Tate E. Barrett, Matthew J. Gunsch, Kerri A. Pratt, Rebecca J. Sheesley
Summary: As the Arctic continues to change and warm rapidly, it is increasingly important to understand the contribution of organic carbon to Arctic aerosol. This study focuses on identifying potential sources and regional influences on organic aerosol concentrations through chemical and isotopic analysis. The results suggest that both terrestrial and marine sources contribute to contemporary organic aerosol in the Arctic, and that temperature plays a role in aerosol processes.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bin Wu, Haibing Meng, Dulce M. Morales, Feng Zeng, Junjiang Zhu, Bao Wang, Marcel Risch, Zhichuan J. Xu, Tristan Petit
Summary: Nitrogen-doped carbons are a rapidly growing class of materials for oxygen electrocatalysis, offering low cost, environmental friendliness, excellent conductivity, and scalable synthesis. They have the potential to replace precious metal-based electrocatalysts and reduce costs in energy conversion and storage systems.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Agne Minderyte, Julija Pauraite, Vadimas Dudoitis, Kristina Plauskaite, Arturas Kilikevicius, Jonas Matijosius, Alfredas Rimkus, Kristina Kilikeviciene, Darius Vainorius, Steigvile Bycenkiene
Summary: The emission of black carbon from diesel vehicles in Europe has a negative impact on air quality and global warming. Assessing pollution sources and implementing air quality improvement policies are crucial, as there are no regulatory terms on black carbon mass concentration levels.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Orthodoxia Zervaki, Braden Stump, Patricia Keady, Dionysios D. Dionysiou, Pramod Kulkarni
Summary: This article describes the design and characterization of an aerosol NanoSpot(TM) collector for direct electron and optical microscopy, and laser spectroscopy analysis. The collector uses a water-based, laminar-flow, condensation growth technique and can collect particles as small as 7 nm. Experiments were conducted to study the collection efficiency and concentrate the NanoSpot(TM) collector. The collected particles were analyzed using electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy.
AEROSOL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qian Fu, Yi Mu, Lixia Yang, Yi Mei, Meifeng Wu, Jian-Ping Zou, Dionysios D. Dionysiou, Shenglian Luo
Summary: In this study, beta-FeC2O4.2H2O was used to activate molecular oxygen and generate abundant hydroxyl radicals for efficient degradation of toxic Microcystin-LR. The electron utilization efficiency of beta-FeC2O4.2H2O towards hydroxyl radicals is high, ensuring a sustainable hydroxyl radical stream. The method is cost-effective, highly effectual, and environmentally benign, making it promising for large-scale application in water treatment.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Su-Mei Zheng, Zhi-Hua Yuan, Dionysios D. Dionysiou, Lu-Bin Zhong, Fei Zhao, Jia-Cheng E. Yang, Yu -Ming Zheng
Summary: We report the synthesis of a nitrogen-doped hierarchical porous carbon (NPC) derived from waste silkworm cocoons, which shows promising potential as a CDI electrode for desalination applications.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Liguo Song, Jingang Yang, Hao Sui, Yuhang Wei, Chengqi Deng, Lingrun Meng, Feng Guo, Zhitao Han, Xinxiang Pan, Dionysios D. Dionysiou
Summary: This study investigates the control of NO in marine ship exhaust and proposes a new method for NO2 removal based on hydrodynamic cavitation. The results show that hydrodynamic cavitation can delay but not prevent the production of NO, and the accumulation and decomposition of HNO2 are the primary causes of NO formation. Further experiments reveal that ClO2, H2O2, and Na2S2O8 can slightly increase the NO2 removal efficiency, while NaClO2 is less effective than water.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Dan Yu, Jiahong He, Taiping Xie, Jun Yang, Jiankang Wang, Jinchen Xie, Huiting Shi, Zongyu Gao, Bin Xiang, Dionysios D. Dionysiou
Summary: This study investigates the enhancement of antibiotic degradation in water through material-enhanced peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation. By partially substituting the B-sites of perovskite oxides, oxygen vacancies are introduced and catalytic activity is enhanced. Experimental results show that the adsorption capacity of perovskite oxides to PMS and the presence of oxygen vacancies have a synergistic effect on the degradation reaction.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Han Zheng, Jiangkun Du, Hua Zhong, Qian Yuan, Jiaquan Zhang, Wei Kang, Qingbin Sun, Min Tao, Wensheng Xiao, Dionysios D. Dionysiou, Ying Huang
Summary: A sulfur-modified Fe3O4 composite (SF10) with excellent magnetic properties was prepared and showed superior performance in the activation of peroxydisulfate for atrazine degradation. The main active species were hydroxyl radical and sulfate radical. Sulfur modification introduced pyrite and pyrrhotite phases into Fe3O4 structure, enhancing its catalytic activity and electron transfer capacity. The study provides insights into the synergism between sulfur and iron and expands the application of Fe3O4 in PDS-based advanced oxidation processes.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jingang Yang, Liguo Song, Chengqi Deng, Hao Sui, Dionysios D. Dionysiou, Zhitao Han, Minyi Xu, Xinxiang Pan
Summary: This study proposes a novel non-circulation cleaning method using combined hydrodynamic cavitation and chlorine dioxide for simultaneous desulfurization and denitration of ship exhaust. The results show that hydrodynamic cavitation effectively removes sulfur dioxide, and the combined method performs better than hydrodynamic cavitation alone. Further experiments reveal that the denitration efficiency can reach around 95.0% with the optimized parameters.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Huijiao Wang, Yujue Wang, Dionysios D. Dionysiou
Summary: This Special Issue includes papers on the mechanistic understanding, development, and implementation of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for removing emerging contaminants in water and wastewater treatment. The issue received attention from researchers worldwide and covers various AOPs such as electrochemical, photocatalytic, plasma, and Fenton-related processes. The guest editors are pleased with the innovative and meaningful contributions and hope that this Special Issue will promote the understanding and application of AOPs for emerging contaminant removal.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Junjing Li, Shumin Ma, Ziyan Qi, Jing Ding, Menghua Yin, Bin Zhao, Zhaohui Zhang, Yu Wang, Hongwei Zhang, Liang Wang, Dionysios D. Dionysiou
Summary: A new efficient Pd/NiFe-MOF/foam-Ni composite electrode was developed to improve the particle dispersion and catalytic activity of the palladium electrode. The composite electrode showed good resistance to sulfites and had a high electrocatalytic activity in the presence of various ions in wastewater. The introduction of nickel-iron bimetallic organic framework (NiFe-MOF) improved the dispersion and electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) of Pd.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2023)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Yini Wang, Lina Zheng, Sichun Wang
Summary: This paper studies a-rough fuzzy sets in information systems and proposes a novel decision-making method based on them. Firstly, the a-rough fuzzy sets in an expert information system are examined, and a preference index for decision problems based on a-rough fuzzy sets is proposed. Next, a decision-making method based on the preference degree function and the preference index is presented. Additionally, a decision-making algorithm based on information systems is introduced to determine the optimal choice. Finally, a numerical example is provided to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method, and a validity test is conducted.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FUZZY SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Junjing Li, Xiuwen Cheng, Huixuan Zhang, Jianfeng Gou, Xinyi Zhang, Di Wu, Dionysios D. Dionysiou
Summary: In this study, a plain strategy for fabrication of a novel composite ZnO/CuCo2O4 was designed, and it was applied as a catalyst for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation to decompose enrofloxacin (ENR) under simulated sunlight. The results showed that the ZnO/CuCo2O4 composite could significantly activate PMS under simulated sunlight, leading to the generation of more active radicals for ENR degradation. The study also evaluated the influences of various experimental factors on ENR degradation and proposed several reasonable ENR degradation pathways. The novel strategy provided by this study integrates state-of-the-art material science and advanced oxidation technology for wastewater treatment and environmental remediation.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Cen Zhao, Luis E. Arroyo-Mora, Anthony P. DeCaprio, Dionysios D. Dionysiou, Kevin E. O. 'Shea, Virender K. Sharma
Summary: The study demonstrates the effective degradation of the cyanotoxin CYN and its model compound 6-HOMU using ferrate(VI) oxidation. The uracil ring of CYN is oxidized and cleaved, leading to the generation of nontoxic cylindrospermopsic acid. This method shows promise for the treatment of CYN and uracil-based toxins in drinking water.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chao Zhang, Huike Zhang, Xin Wan, Yue Xie, Michael J. Bentel, Zhanjiang Yu, Zhenguo Chen, Jiaan He, Junlang Li, Xuezhu Xiang, Xinzhi Wang, Zhaoli Wang, Guang-Guo Ying, Dionysios D. Dionysiou, Mingzhi Huang
Summary: This study explores the use of N-doped graphdiyne nanotubes (NGNTs) as a catalyst for metal-free PMS activation in water remediation. The NGNT-PMS system decomposes heterocyclic contaminants via electron-transfer-mediated nonradical oxidation, where metastable NGNT-PMS* complexes act as the primary oxidants. The NGNT-PMS system exhibits higher reaction rates compared to N-doped carbon nanotubes (NCNTs) and graphene oxide (NGO) systems, and also plays a crucial role in the cleavage of pyridine heterocycles and C-Cl bonds.
ACS ES&T ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zhanzhan Zheng, Pu Miao, Lina Zheng
Summary: This study proposes a Bayesian-based durability life prediction method for nano-modified concrete to address the low prediction accuracy of traditional methods. The diffusion function of CO2 in concrete is established using Fick's first law, and carbonation depth is determined through regression analysis. Additionally, a freeze-thaw cycle damage function for nano-modified concrete is established based on damage mechanics theory. Experimental results demonstrate high prediction accuracy for concrete durability life.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MATERIALS & PRODUCT TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhenjun Yu, Yuhan Li, Shuai Shao, Beichen Guo, Mengxia Zhang, Lina Zheng, Kun Zhang, Feng Zhou, Li Zhang, Chiyi Chen, Wentao Jiang, Wei Hong, Tao Han
Summary: Chinese researchers have discovered that a long non-coding RNA called Mir122hg plays a protective role in promoting the growth of new healthy cells after liver injury. By activating signaling pathways and promoting gene transcription, Mir122hg encourages hepatocyte proliferation, suggesting its potential use in new therapies.
EXPERIMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
