Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Guanglu Han, Jie Lv, Mohan Chen
Summary: Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) with nano-fillers dispersed in polymer matrix have been proposed as alternative pervaporation membrane materials. In this study, ZIF-67 was successfully synthesized and incorporated into the SPES matrix to prepare SPES/ZIF-67 mixed matrix membranes. The membranes showed good thermal stability, mechanical properties, and enhanced hydrophilicity. The mixed matrix membrane with 20% ZIF-67 mass fraction exhibited the best comprehensive pervaporation performance, with a total flux of 0.297 kg/(m²·h) and a separation factor of 2123.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qiqi Zhu, Shanshan Zhu, Qiyao Li, Yun Wang, Dongxu Zheng, Chunjiang Chen, Naqi Ruan, Haiqiong Chen, Haoni Yan, Han Lin, Ren-Shan Ge
Summary: Exposure to MTBE during late puberty compromises the development of Leydig cells in male rats by inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing mitochondrial autophagy and apoptosis, and indirectly stimulating Sertoli cells to secrete anti-Mullerian hormones, resulting in a reduced number of Leydig cells.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Farzaneh Alibakhshian, Mahdi Pourafshari Chenar, Morteza Asghari, Mohammad Reza Moradi
Summary: Layer by layer thin film nanocomposite membranes were prepared using carbon nanotubes and interfacial polymerization, showing improved separation factor and permeation flux by adding CNT into the PA layer. The study suggests that LbL TFN membranes could be the next generation of high-performance PV membranes.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ligang Xu, Yali Wang, Qunyan Li, Suping Cui, Mingxue Tang, Zuoren Nie, Qi Wei
Summary: In this study, a methyl-modified silica layer (MSL) was supported on porous alpha-Al2O3 ceramic membranes for MTBE/water separation. The MSL, formed by the sol-gel reaction and dip-coating method, combined methyl-modified silica species and pre-synthesized mesoporous silica microspheres to create a hydrophobic mesoporous layer. The MSL-supported alpha-Al2O3 ceramic membranes exhibited high separation factor and total flux.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jordi H. Badia, Carles Fite, Roger Bringue, Fidel Cunill, Javier Tejero
Summary: The kinetics of the simultaneous synthesis of ETBE and BTBE over A35 catalyst in the liquid phase was investigated. Various kinetic modeling approaches were compared, and it was found that empirical power-law modeling provided the best fit, while mechanistic modeling explained the reaction mechanisms.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Emine Kaya Ekinci
Summary: This study investigated the adsorption performance of mesoporous magnesia and commercial adsorbent on MTBE, showing high adsorption capacity. The Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-second-order kinetics fitted well to predict the adsorption behavior, and the re-use of mesoporous magnesia demonstrated good performance.
SEPARATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Changchang Ma, Haiou Liu, Jieshan Qiu, Xiongfu Zhang
Summary: Fabricating a high-quality bimetallic Zn/Co-ZIF tubular membrane on a porous ceramic tube allows for efficient separation of methanol/methyltert-butylether mixture, demonstrating excellent separation performance and long-term stability.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Louise Merquiol, Giovanna Romano, Adele Cutignano, Isabella 'Ambra
Summary: Fatty acids are used as biomarkers to assess prey contribution to consumer diet and define food web structure. Traditional lipid extraction methods involve the use of environmental pollutants. This study found that methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) is a reliable alternative for lipid extraction in marine ecological studies.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuecheng Wang, Yujie Ban, Ziyi Hu, Yang Zhao, Mingyuan Zheng, Weishen Yang, Tao Zhang
Summary: A new metal-organic framework membrane with hetero-lattice intergrowth has been developed, showing high efficiency in water/polyol separation and demonstrating a close-knit structure and excellent stability.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Min Chen, Chengna Dai, Gangqiang Yu, Ning Liu, Ruinian Xu, Ning Wang, Biaohua Chen
Summary: This study proposes and systematically investigates the technology for absorbing MTBE with ionic liquids, from the molecular level to system scale. The research demonstrates that ILs are potential absorbents, and IL-based mixed absorbents may be a better strategy for achieving highly efficient absorption of MTBE, reducing product gas loss and energy consumption.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jun-Yu Lai, Ting-Yuan Wang, Changlong Zou, Jiun-Jen Chen, Li-Chiang Lin, Dun-Yen Kang
Summary: This study reports on the application of a highly hydrophilic MOF, MOF-303, for dehydration of ethanol and IPA via pervaporation. The MOF-303 membrane prepared with urea shows higher separation performance for water-ethanol and water-IPA mixtures compared to the membrane synthesized with sodium hydroxide.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yanqiang Li, Jun Wang, Zhongkang Yang, Guangde Li, Zhongwen Zhang, Dexin Zhang, Hui Sun
Summary: This study investigated the effects of MTBE on oxidative stress and DNA damage in earthworms. The results showed that MTBE treatment increased the production of ROS, activated defense enzymes, and caused DNA damage in earthworms. This study contributes to a better understanding of the impact of MTBE on soil invertebrate animals.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xiao Xu, Daria Nikolaeva, Yusak Hartanto, Patricia Luis
Summary: Pervaporation competes with conventional separation techniques in various organic liquid separation applications. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have shown potential to be valuable materials for the fabrication of high-performance pervaporation membranes, providing unique properties that enhance the performance of pervaporation processes. This paper examines the current design strategies and developments of MOF-based membranes in pervaporation, as well as provides perspectives for future development in this area.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Haipeng Zhu, Renhao Li, Guozhen Liu, Yang Pan, Jiahui Li, Zhenggang Wang, Yanan Guo, Gongping Liu, Wanqin Jin
Summary: Pervaporation of organic-organic mixtures is a promising technique, and incorporating UiO-66 (ZrCl4) metal-organic frameworks into chitosan membranes can enhance their separation performance for methanol-dimethyl carbonate mixtures. The presence of UiO-66 (ZrCl4) nanofillers improves the permeation flux and separation factor, surpassing polymer-based membranes.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ting Wang, Xiao-Xing Huang, Lu-Lu Huang, Li-Guang Wu, Dong-Feng Zhu, Guo-Qin Wang, Xiao-Jia Jiang
Summary: In order to reduce emissions in industries such as automotive coatings, the separation and recovery of ethylene glycol butyl ether (EB) from wastewater is crucial. This study focused on using nanomaterials as additives to construct mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) for pervaporation separation of EB. The addition of nanomaterials improved the affinity and diffusion process of EB in MMMs, enhancing the separation performance. Surface modification of nanomaterials with polyethylene glycol (PEG) further enhanced the affinity and swelling performance, resulting in improved membrane flux and selectivity. The MMMs with PEG2000-grafted nanomaterials showed the best performance and stability for separating EB compared to commercial membranes.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Roberto Castro-Munoz, M. Zamidi Ahmad, Alfredo Cassano
Summary: Pervaporation is a selective membrane process for extracting aromas, fragrances, and essentials. Researchers are exploring various techniques to efficiently separate and recover these organic compounds from agricultural products and waste. This review provides an overview of the ongoing development approaches and establishes key criteria and guidelines for the implementation of pervaporation.
FOOD REVIEWS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Giada Mannias, Alessandra Scano, Martina Pilloni, Edmond Magner, Guido Ennas
Summary: This study reveals the exceptional tailorability of iron(III) trimesate metal organic framework under bio-friendly conditions for the one-pot immobilization of biomolecules for biomedical applications. The framework is synthesized via a solvent-free mechanochemical approach in just 1 hour at room temperature. In contrast to solution-based methods, solvents are unnecessary for framework construction. The microstructure and thermal stability of the material are unaffected by pH, while the texture can be tuned by adjusting the base amount.
COMMENTS ON INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Enrico Podda, Massimiliano Arca, Anna Pintus, Vito Lippolis, Claudia Caltagirone, Simon J. Coles, James B. Orton, Guido Ennas, Giacomo Picci, Robert P. Davies, M. Carla Aragoni
Summary: A novel butterfly-shaped tetracarboxylic acid, H4L, with a co-facial bifluorene core was synthesized and reacted with Cd-II to produce luminescent supramolecular frameworks 2 and 3 with different dimensionalities and wingspans. The solid-state emission properties were explained by the torsional dynamics of the facing bifluorene units through X-ray diffraction analysis and TD-DFT calculations.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Beatrice Russo, Emma Piacentini, Fabio Bazzarelli, Gabriele Calderoni, Paolo Vacca, Alberto Figoli, Lidietta Giorno
Summary: Ionotropic gelation (IG) is an attractive method for synthesizing water-soluble polymeric nanoparticles and sub-micron particles. The technique relies on the electrostatic interaction between ionic species of opposite charge. However, achieving size control in conventional bench-top processes is challenging. This study explores the combination of membrane dispersion technology with IG as a scalable method for producing chitosan sub-micron particles.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Roberto Castro-Munoz, Lukasz Cichocki, Maksymilian Plata-Gryl, Grzegorz Boczkaj, Francesco Galiano
Summary: In this study, a new protonated 2-Pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid: sulfolane deep eutectic solvent (DES) was used as an additive in chitosan membranes for pervaporation separation. The experiments showed that the total permeation increased with temperature while the separation factor decreased. The DES improved the permeation rates compared to bare chitosan membranes, making it highly applicable for hydrophilic pervaporation applications in biorefineries.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Vu T. Luong, Edgardo E. Canas Kurz, Ulrich Hellriegel, Duc N. Dinh, Hang T. Tran, Alberto Figoli, Bartolo Gabriele, Tran L. Luu, Jan Hoinkis
Summary: This study developed and tested a modular desalination system combining membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI) with low-pressure reverse osmosis (LPRO). The system was evaluated and compared with conventional seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) at different salinities. The pilot tests conducted in the Can Gio region of South Vietnam showed that the system achieved drinking water quality with low energy consumption. The study also investigated fouling mitigation methods for the ultrafiltration pre-treatment.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rania E. Morsi, Franco Corticelli, Vittorio Morandi, Denis Gentili, Massimiliano Cavallini, Alberto Figoli, Francesca Russo, Francesco Galiano, Annalisa Aluigi, Barbara Ventura
Summary: In membrane-based water purification technology, the preparation conditions greatly affect the pore size distribution and dye removal efficiency of cellulose acetate membranes. Different fabrication methods and conditions, such as film casting speed, casted solution thickness, coagulation bath usage, and surfactant addition, significantly influence the membranes' pore size, porosity, and water permeability. The study also found that Azure A had better chemical affinity for cellulose acetate and was removed more efficiently, and both Azure A and Methyl Orange dye uptake followed a pseudo-second order model indicating chemisorption through valency forces.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Giacomo Trapasso, Francesca Russo, Francesco Galiano, Con Rob McElroy, James Sherwood, Alberto Figoli, Fabio Arico
Summary: Membrane processes are widely used in various industrial applications such as separation of mixtures, hydrogen isolation, CO2 removal, and wastewater treatment. In this study, organic carbonates were used as green media for membrane preparation. Theoretical thermodynamic studies were conducted to predict the solubilities of different polymers commonly used for membrane preparation in dialkyl carbonates (DACs). Results showed that membranes prepared with custom-made DACs exhibited better structural resistances and smaller pore sizes compared to those using commercially available cyclic organic carbonates. These findings highlight the versatility of DACs as green solvents.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lakshika Weerasundara, Bartolo Gabriele, Alberto Figoli, Jochen Bundschuh
Summary: Most arsenic (As) removal methods remove other ions in water, especially important anions for water quality. The efficiency of selective removal depends on competitive ions, their concentrations, removal capacity, and water quality parameters. To reduce waste and energy use in water treatment, it is necessary to selectively remove As and easily separate adsorbent materials and produced water. Regeneration and re-use capability are key characteristics for sustainable selective As removal. Increasing the re-use capacity can significantly reduce waste generation and energy use.
CURRENT OPINION IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Shahida Anusha Siddiqui, Shubhra Singh, Nur Alim Bahmid, Taha Mehany, Douglas J. H. Shyu, Elham Assadpour, Narjes Malekjani, Roberto Castro-Munoz, Seid Mahdi Jafari
Summary: This paper systematically analyzes the identification of original articles using Scopus and Google Scholar on active packaging as a novel technology for controlling the release of antimicrobial agents in food packaging systems. The encapsulation of bioactives enhances their bioavailability and stability, and mathematical models play an important role in understanding and predicting their release behavior during transportation and storage. However, few studies have formulated parameters for mathematical models to achieve specific release mechanisms for the quality and safety of foods.
COLLOIDS AND INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
F. Russo, S. Santoro, F. Galiano, C. Ursino, E. Avruscio, E. Di Nicolo, G. Desiderio, G. Lombardo, A. Criscuoli, A. Figoli
Summary: A new non-invasive method utilizing a temperature-sensitive phosphorescent molecular probe and an infrared camera was proposed to evaluate the thermal polarization in hollow fiber membranes during the DCMD process. The temperature profile on the membrane surface was monitored in real time, providing insights into the thermal polarization phenomenon and strategies for its mitigation and counteraction.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jose J. Arriaga-Morales, Cynthia Ordaz-Pichardo, Roberto Castro-Munoz, Enrique Duran-Paramo
Summary: Cell immobilization could be a significant vector for delivering a high quantity of viable probiotics to the gut, helping attenuate hyperglycemia in diabetic rats and reducing organ damage caused by diabetes.
PROBIOTICS AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROTEINS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Md Eman Talukder, Fariya Alam, Md. Romon Talukder, Mst. Monira Rahman Mishu, Md. Nahid Pervez, Hongchen Song, Francesca Russo, Francesco Galiaono, Lan Jiabao, George K. Stylios, Alberto Figoli, Vincenzo Naddeo
Summary: This paper aims to develop a sustainable membrane with antifouling properties by creating a honeycomb-like surface using a blending method and a thermally induced phase inversion method. The membrane's properties were dependent on the blending ratio of PES, PEI, and PVP, and were characterized through various tests. The optimized membrane demonstrated superior filtration performance and separation capability compared to a commercial membrane, making it suitable for potential applications involving macromolecules.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dinesh Bejjanki, Praveen Banothu, Vijay Bhooshan Kumar, Puttapati Sampath Kumar
Summary: Biomass-derived activated carbon was synthesized using bio-waste as a carbon precursor and ZnCl2 as a chemical activating agent. Activation was carried out at different temperatures and nitrogen doping was performed at 700 degrees C to enhance the performance. The resulting activated carbon showed a surface area of 1027 m(2) g(-1) and a specific capacitance of 196 F g(-1), while the nitrogen-doped activated carbon exhibited a specific capacitance of 258 F g(-1) and a surface area of 1042 m(2) g(-1). Surface area and nitrogen functionalization had a positive impact on the performance of the electrode material for supercapacitor applications.
C-JOURNAL OF CARBON RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Giovanna Vasco, Valentina Arima, Soufiane Boudjelida, Mauro Carraro, Monica Bianco, Alessandra Zizzari, Elisabetta Perrone, Francesco Galiano, Alberto Figoli, Maura Cesaria
Summary: This study investigates the performance of polyaniline-capped aluminosilicate nanotubes doped polyether sulfone membranes, which show higher water permeance. Non-destructive imaging techniques are used to successfully detect and count the distribution of nanotubes embedded in the polymer matrix.
