Review
Polymer Science
Mand Kamal Askar, Yaman S. S. Al-Kamaki, Ali Hassan
Summary: Plastic waste is increasing, leading to concerns over the environment and waste disposal. Recycling plastic waste as green concrete can help reduce carbon dioxide emissions and address plastic waste disposal problems. Using PET as a replacement material in concrete construction has been studied to determine its effects on mixing design and concrete behavior.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kaixin Yi, Jinhui Huang, Xue Li, Suzhou Li, Haoliang Pang, Zhexi Liu, Wei Zhang, Si Liu, Chunhua Liu, Wenli Shu
Summary: The mass production and daily use of plastic products have raised concerns about the potential toxicity of microplastics in the water environment. This study evaluated the effects of typical microplastics (PET) on the performance of activated sludge in membrane bioreactors (MBR). The accumulation of PET particles had adverse impacts on settleability and dewaterability of the sludge and also caused cell membrane damage. Furthermore, the abundance and diversity of microbial community in the activated sludge were reduced in the presence of PET. However, the physical scouring of particles mitigated membrane contamination in MBR.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Xiaolu You, Hongbo Wang, Jianxin He, Kun Qi
Summary: In this study, excellent waterproof polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibrous membranes were constructed using simple strategies. Fluorine-free hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was embedded into PET membranes via one-step electrospinning and heat treatment techniques. The resulting PET/PDMS membranes exhibited vigorous hydrophobic channels, small apertures, high porosity, and excellent water resistance (86.9 kPa), moisture permeability (5100 g m(-2) d(-1)), air permeability (6.97 mm s(-1)), and mechanical strength (6.27 MPa). These nanofiber membranes can serve as exceptional additional products for various applications.
COMPOSITES COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nurul Fatin Syamimi Khairul Anuar, Fahrul Huyop, Ghani Ur-Rehman, Faizuan Abdullah, Yahaya M. Normi, Mohd Khalizan Sabullah, Roswanira Abdul Wahab
Summary: Plastic and microplastic pollution is a global threat to ecosystems, with an annual production reaching up to 400 tons. Soil ecosystems, including agricultural lands, act as sinks for microplastics, but the impacts may be more far-reaching. Current methods to reduce PET waste are costly and potentially produce toxic secondary pollutants, highlighting the need for better remediation methods. Enzymatic treatments offer a promising approach, as enzymes can function under near-ambient conditions without the use of chemicals. This review focuses on PET-degrading microbial hydrolases and their contribution towards alleviating environmental microplastics, highlighting information on PET's molecular and degradation mechanisms.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Georgy Lazorenko, Anton Kasprzhitskii, Elham H. Fini
Summary: This work explores the recycling potential of PET bottle wastes as a substitute for natural sand in GP mixtures, aiming to reduce plastic pollution and promote a circular economy. The study finds that increasing the content of plastic aggregates in GP mortars leads to a decrease in compressive and flexural strength, but replacing a certain volume of sand with plastic aggregates can improve the splitting tensile strength and workability of fresh geopolymer mixes. Additionally, the inclusion of recycled PET bottle wastes in GP mortars offers advantages in lightweight, water absorption, and thermal insulation properties, contributing to the production of sustainable construction materials with environmental and economic benefits.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ana-Maria Urian, Nicoleta-Maria Ilies, Ovidiu Nemes, Andor-Csongor Nagy
Summary: With the increase in population and development of technology, construction activities have expanded, posing challenges to the bearing capacity of foundation grounds. This study focuses on using plastic waste materials made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to improve the mechanical characteristics of soil. The results show that even at low PET addition, the mechanical properties of clay can be enhanced, which helps reduce pollution and improve soil quality.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuxia Wang, Zechuan Yu, Alain Dufresne, Zelin Ye, Ning Lin, Ji Zhou
Summary: Nanocellulose, including CNCs and CNFs, is widely utilized as a nano-reinforcing filler for polymeric-based composites due to its high specific modulus. This study introduces a set of theories and methods to evaluate the compatibility and dispersibility of nanocellulose in polymeric matrices, aiming to improve mechanical reinforcement. A promising approach of triple-bond modification on the nanocellulose surface is discussed for accurate recognition in composites.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiujian Cui, Yizhen Yan, Xiangyang Zhang
Summary: This study measured the solubility of Favipiravir in twelve pure solvents and found that the solubility is influenced by multiple factors. The Hansen solubility parameter and four models were used to analyze the solubility data. The dissolution behavior of Favipiravir in different solvents was explained by analyzing the intermolecular interactions. Thermodynamic parameters derived from the van't Hoff equation indicated that the dissolution of Favipiravir is endothermic, entropy-driven or has no driving force, and non-spontaneous.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Min Gyu Shin, Wansuk Choi, June Huh, William D. Mulhearn, Jung Sun Hwang, Christopher M. Stafford, Jeong F. Kim, Jung-Hyun Lee
Summary: In this study, the Hansen solubility parameters (HSPs) of crosslinked PA membranes were determined by quantifying the swelling degrees of a molecular layer-by-layer-assembled, model PA nanofilm in various solvents via in-situ atomic force microscopy. The newly determined HSPs of the PA layer, combined with free volume and Flory-Huggins solution theories, were incorporated into the solution-diffusion model, accurately predicting the permeance of 16 different solvents and providing practical and fundamental insights into solvent transport in PA membranes along with robust tools for characterizing nanofilm properties.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ming Yan Tan, Leonard Goh, Dorsasadat Safanama, Wei Wei Loh, Ning Ding, Sheau Wei Chien, Shermin S. Goh, Warintorn Thitsartarn, Jason Y. C. Lim, Derrick W. H. Fam
Summary: Lithium-ion batteries are crucial for energy storage in our modern electrified world, and polymer electrolyte materials have the potential to revolutionize battery design by addressing safety concerns with current liquid electrolytes. This study demonstrates the use of waste PET bottles to create polymer electrolytes, which show promising performance in lithium-ion batteries. This opens up possibilities for sustainable electrolyte materials from waste plastics and contributes to a circular materials economy.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sand Aldagari, Sk Faisal Kabir, Elham H. Fini
Summary: This study explores the use of functionalized PET in bitumen to reduce the aging effects of bituminous composites in roadway constructions, ultimately extending their service life.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yunus Tasci, Ikbal Gozde Kaptanoglu, Senol Sert
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential use of PET waste as an adsorbent for removing radiotoxic elements Ce(III) and Sr(II) from aqueous solutions. Adsorption experiments were conducted using simple PET and modified PET (Phenol-PET) as the adsorbent. Characterization was done using Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy methods. The results showed that the maximum adsorption capacity for Ce(III) and Sr(II) was 1.27 mg/L and 1.92 mg/L using Phenol-PET, respectively. The adsorption processes followed the Langmuir isotherm and were defined as ion exchange according to the D-R isotherm.
JOURNAL OF RADIOANALYTICAL AND NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Oliver F. Brandenberg, Olga T. Schubert, Leonid Kruglyak
Summary: The research focuses on engineering Pseudomonas putida to metabolize plastic monomers and developing an efficient extracellular PET hydrolase expression system. While the expression system shows some degree of plastic degradation, sustaining bacterial growth remains a challenge.
MICROBIAL CELL FACTORIES
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fusako Kawai
Summary: Research on PET hydrolyzing enzymes aims to increase thermostability for higher activity, as well as to pretreat waste PET for biodegradability. Improving enzyme thermostabilities through gene mutation, host expression, and modifications, as well as processing waste PET into more readily biodegradable forms, are crucial for achieving PET biorecycling.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rui Xue, Canhao Qiu, Xiaoli Zhou, Yun Cheng, Zhen Zhang, Yi Zhang, Uwe Schroeder, Uwe T. Bornscheuer, Weiliang Dong, Ren Wei, Min Jiang
Summary: This study demonstrates the one-pot biocatalysis-based production of calcium terephthalate from waste PET. By incorporating calcium ions, the efficiency of enzymatic plastic depolymerization was enhanced, while the base consumption was reduced. The converted product, calcium terephthalate, was successfully used as a raw material for battery electrode production, proving that this method is a cost-effective and eco-friendly PET upcycling strategy.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Faiza Khalid, Mohsin Saleem, Hamid Jabbar, Muhammad Gulraiz Tanvir, Muhammad Shoaib Butt, Abrar H. Baluch, Abdul Ghaffar, Muhammad Ahsan, Rizwan Ahmed Malik, Umit Alver, Hussein Alrobei, Zab Dur Rehman, Meshal Alzaid, Muhammad Zubair Khan
Summary: Nickel oxide-manganese oxide nanowires were successfully synthesized through the hydrothermal technique and compared with other composite materials. NMO nanowires exhibited excellent specific capacitance and cycling stability, showing potential as electrode material for supercapacitors.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY OF SOLIDS
(2022)
Article
Mathematics
Muhammad Arslan Zahid, Muhammad Ahsan, Iftikhar Ahmad, Muhammad Nouman Aslam Khan
Summary: The Claus process is an promising technology for acid gas processing and sulfur recovery. This research optimized the process through modeling and simulation, achieving an increase in sulfur recovery rate to 18%, as well as a reduction in equipment size and operational costs.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bisha Chaudhry, Muhammad Saeed Akhtar, Mushtaq Ahmad, Mamoona Munir, Muhammad Zafar, Nawaf S. Alhajeri, Ala'a H. Al-Muhtaseb, Zubair Ahmad, Mudassir Hasan, Awais Bokhari
Summary: This study focuses on the synthesis and application of iodine doped potassium oxide catalyst for sustainable biodiesel production. The results show that using non-edible seed oils and environmentally friendly iodine doped potassium oxide catalyst can achieve high efficiency and stability in biodiesel production. Furthermore, the potential of coupling transesterification and a membrane contactor is discovered by altering the reaction equilibrium and lowering the purification phases.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Syed Shujaat Karim, Zahid Murtaza, Sarah Farrukh, Malik Adeel Umer, Syed Sarim Ali, Mohammad Younas, Muhammad Mubashir, Sidra Saqib, Muhammad Ayoub, Awais Bokhari, Angela Paul Peter, Kuan Shiong Khoo, Sami Ullah, Pau Loke Show
Summary: This article reviews the application of polymer-based composites in EMI shielding. The article explores the EMI shielding mechanism, challenges in the fabrication of polymer composites, and the impact of new nano-fillers on EMI shielding effectiveness. Future research directions and optimization methods for polymer composites are proposed.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
M. Adeel Munir, M. Salman Habib, Amjad Hussain, Muhammad Ali Shahbaz, Adnan Qamar, Tariq Masood, M. Sultan, M. A. Mujtaba, Shahid Imran, Mudassir Hasan, Muhammad Saeed Akhtar, Hafiz Muhammad Uzair Ayub, Chaudhary Awais Salman
Summary: Researchers conducted a systematic literature review and evaluated 136 articles to explore the potential and challenges of blockchain in sustainable supply chain management. They discussed the economic, environmental, and social impacts of blockchain, identified emerging trends in circular supply chains, and suggested future research directions. The study highlights the critical success factors for improving supply chain sustainability through effective traceability, transparency, and resource efficiency.
FRONTIERS IN ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Zabdur Rehman, Faraz Ahmad, Hafiz Ali Muhammad, Fahid Riaz, Hafiz Muhammad Uzair Ayub, Mudassir Hasan, Moonyong Lee
Summary: The sustainability and economic development are closely related to energy consumption and conversion processes. With the increasing demand for energy consumption and environmental concerns, the need for miniaturized light-weight heat exchangers with high efficiency and adequate heat transfer characteristics has become crucial. Traditional heat exchangers are not suitable anymore and there have been various researches to improve the performance of miniaturized heat exchangers.
FRONTIERS IN ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ashfaq Ahmad, Kinza Qadeer, Ahmad Naquash, Fahid Riaz, Mudassir Hasan, Muhammad Abdul Qyyum, Moonyong Lee
Summary: This study investigates the feasibility of liquefied natural gas (LNG) process under variable natural gas (NG) conditions using an artificial intelligence approach. A particle swarm optimization-artificial neural network (PSO-ANN) model is developed to predict the decision variables of the LNG process. The model shows a success rate of 80% and can handle a diverse range of temperature and pressure values.
FRONTIERS IN ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Muhammad Waqas Saif-Ul-Allah, Javed Khan, Faisal Ahmed, Chaudhary Awais Salman, Zeeshan Gillani, Arif Hussain, Muhammad Yasin, Noaman Ul-Haq, Asad Ullah Khan, Aqeel Ahmed Bazmi, Zubair Ahmad, Mudassir Hasan
Summary: This study investigated the prediction performance and computational time of a 1D-CNN model on NOx emissions data from a coal-fired power plant. The results showed that the 1D-CNN model outperformed the LSTM and GRU models in terms of accuracy, stability, and computational cost.
FRONTIERS IN ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sasan Zahmatkesh, Yousof Rezakhani, Abdoulmohammad Gholamzadeh Chofreh, Melika Karimian, Chongqing Wang, Iman Ghodrati, Mudassir Hasan, Mika Sillanpaa, Hitesh Panchal, Ramsha Khan
Summary: The COVID-19 outbreak led to the discovery of SARS-CoV-2 in sewage, raising concerns about its presence in wastewater treatment plants. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a mixed matrixed membrane (MMM) in removing SARS-CoV-2 and compare different secondary treatment processes. The study also explored the use of artificial neural networks (ANNs) as performance indicators for reducing SARS-CoV-2 in sewage treatment. The results showed that the MMM exhibited the most robust absorption performance, with the lowest log reduction values (LRVs) recorded in PC-Ag-NP and PC-HMO.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Syed Shujaat Karim, Abubakar Sudais, Muhammad Salman Shah, Sarah Farrukh, Subhan Ali, Mubashir Ahmed, Zarrar Salahuddin, Xianfeng Fan
Summary: The rapid development of science and technology has led to challenges, which has prompted researchers to focus on the development of two-dimensional nanomaterials. These materials offer exceptional features that can be used to resolve industrial problems such as energy storage and conversion, electronic and optoelectronic device improvement, and pollution monitoring. This review discusses the synthesis methods, applications, and characteristics of MoS2 nanosheets, as well as the current challenges and future research directions.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Naveed Raza, Rifat Mehdi, Muhammad Ahsan, Muhammad Taqi Mehran, Salman Raza Naqvi, Emad Uddin
Summary: An experimental investigation is conducted to study the hydrodynamics of gas-solid flow using different designs of air distributor plates. The analysis reveals the differences in pressure drop and minimum fluidization velocities (Umf) for three different plates. CFD analysis is also carried out, showing promising results that agree with the experimental findings. The study concludes that the novel hybrid plate is the optimum distributor plate due to its low pressure drop, adequate Umf, intermediary bed height rise ratio, and moderate bubble rise velocity ratio across the bed.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Syed Shujaat Karim, Sarah Farrukh, Arshad Hussain, Mohammad Younas, Tayyaba Noor
Summary: The effects of polymer concentration on the morphology, gas separation performance, and mechanical properties of PVA asymmetric membranes were investigated. It was found that the intermediate concentration of 12 wt.% PVA membrane exhibited the most optimum performance for O-2/N-2 separation.
POLYMERS & POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Syed Shujaat Karim, Zahid Murtaza, Sarah Farrukh, Malik Adeel Umer, Syed Sarim Ali, Mohammad Younas, Muhammad Mubashir, Sidra Saqib, Muhammad Ayoub, Awais Bokhari, Angela Paul Peter, Kuan Shiong Khoo, Sami Ullah, Pau Loke Show
Summary: This review article discusses the importance of polymer-based composites in EMI shielding, covering their advantages, shielding mechanism, and challenges; enhancing EMI shielding effectiveness by using different fillers in polymer and nanocomposites; proposing future research directions to further advance EMI shielding materials for industrial applications.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
