Review
Environmental Sciences
Preeti Pal, Anjali Pal, Kazunori Nakashima, Brijesh Kumar Yadav
Summary: Chitosan is a globally available biomaterial with advantages of availability, low cost, high biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Modifications have been made to expand its applications. It is widely used in environmental remediation and the demand for it is growing in the global industrial market.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mingming Lian, Longfei Wang, Qiaoqiao Feng, Liyong Niu, Zongsheng Zhao, Pengtao Wang, Chunpeng Song, Xiaohong Li, Zhijun Zhang
Summary: The thiol-functionalized nano-silica (SiO2-SH) showed significant remediation effects on soil contaminated with heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and copper, reducing the uptake of heavy metals by vegetables. Moreover, SiO2-SH not only improved the soil environment but also increased the microbial biomass carbon and organic matter content in the soil.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaolu Fan, Tianyun Wu, Xue Wu, Bo Jiang, Jing Xiong, Fei Li, Shupeng Li, Lei Zheng, Yunpeng Liu, Dayi Zhang
Summary: This study presents an innovative and cost-effective soil heavy metal stabilization technique, steam flash heating (SFH), and investigates its performance and mechanisms for stabilizing hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). SFH promotes the reduction of Cr(VI) by both soil organic matter and chemical stabilizers, enhancing molecular contact and accelerating mass transfer in porous soils. By replacing some chemical stabilizers with soil organic matter, SFH decreases costs and CO2 emissions, and reduces the risk of Cr(III) re-oxidation, demonstrating great potential for the remediation of Cr-contaminated soils.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Krishnendu Pramanik, Pavel Sengupta, Shalini Dasgupta, Pallab Datta, Priyabrata Sarkar
Summary: A solar-driven electrochemical column was developed for simultaneous removal of heavy metals and inactivation of pathogenic bacteria in wastewater, producing revitalized drinking water with boosted mineral nutrients and dissolved oxygen. The use of graphene oxide as cathode and anode resulted in efficient bacterial inactivation and heavy metal removal, with minimal energy consumption.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Minsung Kim, Heejin Noh, Jung-Hyun Lee, Taekyung Yu, Jongsik Kim
Summary: Lewis acidic metals (M6+) cleave H2O2 to produce center dot OH for decomposing aqueous wastes. M6+ species near SiO2 generate interfacial M6+-SiO2 domains, which prevent aggregation, retain center dot OH productivity via chelation to SiO2's -OH, increase collisions between M6+/center dot OH and H2O2/aqueous pollutants, and destabilize contaminants through electron transfer.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ting Wei, Han Gao, Fengqiu An, Xiulian Ma, Li Hua, Junkang Guo
Summary: Heavy metal pollution of soil is a global public concern due to its threat to food safety and human health. In this study, we investigated the properties and heavy metal removal ability of Enterobacter asburiae G3 (G3) and Enterobacter tabaci I12 (I12), and explored the feasibility of remediating Cd, Pb co-contaminated soil using the combination of G3/I12 and biochar. Our results showed that both strains have high resistance to Cd, Pb and possess plant growth-promoting properties. The combination of G3/I12 and biochar effectively reduced the concentrations of Cd and Pb in soil, decreased their bioavailability, and enhanced soil enzyme activity and plant growth. These findings provide an eco-friendly and promising in situ technology for heavy metal remediation.
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qi Li, Yingna Xing, Bin Huang, Xin Chen, Lei Ji, Xiaowen Fu, Tianyuan Li, Jianing Wang, Guanhong Chen, Qiang Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the effects of inoculation with different concentrations of rhizobacteria Bacillus subtilis on cadmium bioavailability and distribution in heavy metal contaminated soil planted with ryegrass. The results showed that high dosage of Bacillus subtilis reduced cadmium bioavailability and accumulation in ryegrass, while increasing plant biomass and enzyme activities. Additionally, the study revealed alterations in microbial community structure and identified genes and pathways associated with stress mitigation and cadmium immobilization.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiuzhen Yang, Bin Zhou, Changye Wang, Ronghao Tan, Shuangchan Cheng, Atif Saleem, Yuezhou Zhang
Summary: We prepared a mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN)-derived adsorbent using reverse microemulsion polymerization, which exhibited high adsorption capacity for Sb(III) ions. The presence of iron promoted the adsorption process, while manganese slightly inhibited it. The MSN adsorbent showed recyclability and could be reused with more than 50% removal efficiency.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Ali Fakhar, Bushra Gul, Ali Raza Gurmani, Shah Masaud Khan, Shafaqat Ali, Tariq Sultan, Hassan Javed Chaudhary, Mazhar Rafique, Muhammad Rizwan
Summary: This review paper examined recent literature on the uptake and tolerance mechanisms of heavy metals by microbial genera such as Aeromonas, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas. It also highlighted the survival and adaptations of these microbial genera in heavy metal polluted soil habitats, which are crucial for maintaining healthy agricultural soils. Overall, the review provided comprehensive knowledge on the effects of heavy metals on living organisms and the metal uptake and resistance mechanisms of selected bacterial genera.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Truong Xuan Vuong, Joseph Stephen, Thi Thu Thuy Nguyen, Viet Cao, Dung Thuy Nguyen Pham
Summary: Soil heavy metal contamination is a severe issue, and the impact depends on the chemical form of heavy metals. The use of biochar derived from corn cob and apatite as amendments in contaminated soil can effectively reduce the exchangeable fraction of lead and zinc and increase the stable fractions, thus reducing the threat to the surrounding environment.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Waqas Ahmed, Sajid Mehmood, Avelino Nunez-Delgado, Sehrish Ali, Muhammad Qaswar, Awais Shakoor, Mohsin Mahmood, Di-Yun Chen
Summary: Biochar obtained from watermelon seeds was successfully modified by H2O2 treatment and showed enhanced Pb(II) adsorption compared to unmodified biochar. The modified biochar exhibited promising potential for cost-effective Pb(II) removal from water/wastewater, in line with circular economy principles, and without adverse environmental impacts. Overall, the study highlights the importance of effective waste/by-product recycling for human and environmental health protection.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yan Ma, Lina Wang, Yunzhe Cao, Tian Liang, Panpan Wang, Huilong Luo, JingJing Yu, Dading Zhang, Baoshan Xing, Bin Yang
Summary: In recent years, China has relocated enterprises and industries associated with intense pollution, which has resulted in abandoned polluted sites. The study reveals that among the surveyed soil stabilization projects, 29% are chemical industry sites and 96.7% of these sites are heavily polluted with heavy metals and metalloids. Landfilling is the primary strategy for soil disposal following stabilization, and the reuse of treated soils is preferred to landfill waste treatment.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Vinay Kumar, S. K. Dwivedi, Seungdae Oh
Summary: This article critically discusses the microbial-integrated techniques for the removal of Cr, Pb, and Cd from industrial wastewater, emphasizing their cost-effectiveness and efficiency. The review highlights the advantages and disadvantages of integrated systems such as bioelectrochemical, photo-bioelectrochemical, nano-microbial, and constructed wetland, which have shown excellent performance and great potential for large-scale exploitation.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Dazhong Yang, Ranhao Wang, Xuezhen Feng, Zheting Chu, Jing Li, Wenfei Wei, Renji Zheng, Juan Zhang, Hong Chen
Summary: A novel waste reclamation strategy has been developed for soil remediation, converting alkaline waste red mud into ferric oxide decorated zeolite for heavy metal polluted soil. The addition of Fe2O3-ANA effectively suppresses heavy metal mobility in soil and reduces bioaccumulation concentrations in harvested crops. The mechanism study identifies the adsorption and trapping of heavy metals in the zeolite structure via cation exchange process, providing a valuable approach for waste resource recycling and environmental conservation.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Matilde Ciani, Alessandra Adessi
Summary: This article presents the potential use of cyanobacteria as a biotechnological tool for sustainable and circular solutions. It focuses on the bioremediation of heavy metals and metal recovery and reuse using cyanobacteria. The combination of biosorption and valorization of metal-organic materials can yield valuable compounds, such as metal nanoparticles, expanding the field of phyconanotechnology. These combined approaches could enhance the environmental and economic feasibility of cyanobacteria-based processes, facilitating the transition towards a circular economy.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Yu-Xin Guo, Mian Yang, Zhan Liu, Xiao-Yu Yang, Yu Xiao, Xiao-Yun Li, Cui-Fang Ye, Yu Li, Jin-Ping Liu, Bao-Lian Su, Li -Hua Chen, Yi -Long Wang
Summary: This study presents a new strategy to enhance the intrinsic activity of MoSx-based materials for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) by electrochemically oxidizing carbon cloth (CC) followed by mild acidification. By balancing the loading amounts and intrinsic activity of MoSx, highly active defect MoV sites (DMSs) are achieved, leading to efficient HER. The optimal MoSx/CC exhibits excellent HER activity accompanied by reliable stability.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Thomas L. Madanu, Sebastien R. Mouchet, Olivier Deparis, Jing Liu, Yu Li, Bao-Lian Su
Summary: This study demonstrates the ability to transfer slow photons generated from an inverse opal photonic structure to photocatalytically active BiVO4 nanoparticles in order to enhance visible light photoconversion. By tuning the slow photon frequencies through varying the structural periodicity of the inverse opal and the light incidence angle, the photocatalytic activity of BiVO4 was significantly improved. The results suggest new possibilities for utilizing the slow photon effect in photocatalytic energy-related applications and photovoltaics.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Myriam Neumann, Thierry Arnould, Bao-Lian Su
Summary: Type 1 diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune disease characterized by the destruction of insulin-producing β-cells, leading to chronic hyperglycemia. Current treatments have limitations, and this review discusses the potential solution of using stem cell-derived β-cells encapsulated within a protective matrix. The article provides an extensive overview of different stem cell sources and encapsulation methods, aiming to overcome the limitations and improve glycemic control in diabetes.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fang -Yuan Bai, Jing-Ru Han, Jun Chen, Yue Yuan, Ke Wei, Yuan-Sheng Shen, Yi-Fu Huang, Heng Zhao, Jing Liu, Zhi-Yi Hu, Yu Li, Bao-Lian Su
Summary: Glucose conversion assisted photocatalytic water splitting technology, using a 3DOM CTO-ZCS composite, shows great potential for simultaneously producing H2 and high value-added chemicals. The substitution of Zn for Cd in the ZCS QDs improves the separation and transmission of photogenerated carriers, resulting in significantly enhanced H2 production performance. The photocatalytic mechanism reveals the selective conversion of glucose to gluconic acid, with a high selectivity of 85.65% on the 3DOM CTO-ZCS composite.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ya-Wen Tian, Yong Yu, Liang Wu, Min Yan, Wen-Da Dong, Chen-Yang Wang, Hemdan S. H. Mohamed, Zhao Deng, Li-Hua Chen, Tawfique Hasan, Yu Li, Bao-Lian Su
Summary: In this study, a bioinspired 3D urchin-like N-doped Murray's carbon nanos-tructure (N-MCN) with a protective shell has been designed as an effective sulfur host for high-performance Li-S batteries. The hierarchical structure of the material improves electrolyte diffusion, facilitates electron/ion transfer, and provides strong chemisorption for active species, resulting in the confinement of polysulfides. The obtained electrode demonstrates high capacity at high current densities after long cycles.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bao-Lian Su
NATIONAL SCIENCE REVIEW
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Thomas Lourdu Madanu, Laroussi Chaabane, Sebastien R. Mouchet, Olivier Deparis, Bao-Lian Su
Summary: Inverse opal (IO) photonic structures have been used to manipulate light for enhanced light harvesting in photocatalysis. However, the limited wavelength range of slow photons hinders efficient energy capture. To overcome this, we synthesized bilayer IO TiO2@BiVO4 structures with different pore sizes in each layer, allowing for precise control of multi-spectral slow photons and optimal light utilization in visible light photocatalysis. This concept achieved significantly higher photocatalytic efficiencies compared to non-structured and monolayer IO photocatalysts, demonstrating its potential for improving light harvesting in other applications.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chenyu Wang, Manman Yuan, Wenhua Shi, Xiaofang Liu, Liang Wu, Zhi-Yi Hu, Lihua Chen, Yu Li, Bao-Lian Su
Summary: The carbon nanotubes (CNTs) interconnected yolk-shell silicon/carbon anodes (YS-Si@CoNC) were prepared via the chelation competition induced polymerization (CCIP) approach. The YS-Si@CoNC anode exhibited improved performance with enhanced capacity and reversible specific capacity. The internal voids adequately alleviated the volumetric expansion and the CNTs and carbon shells provided an efficient conducting matrix to enhance the diffusion of electrons and lithium-ions. This research presents a convenient way of designing Si/C anode materials with a yolk-shell structure for high-performance LIBs.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Yang Ding, Chunhua Wang, Lang Pei, Qinan Mao, Sateesh Bandaru, Runtian Zheng, Soumyajit Maitra, Meijiao Liu, Li-Hua Chen, Bao-Lian Su, Jiasong Zhong
Summary: This review comprehensively summarizes the recent advances in Mn4+ doped phosphors, discusses several strategies for improving emission, and deeply explores the relationship between structure tailoring, enhanced luminescence performance, and targeted device efficiency.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zaiku Xie, Buxing Han, Yuhan Sun, Bao-Lian Su, Junlin Yang, Xinhe Bao, Mingyuan He
NATIONAL SCIENCE REVIEW
(2023)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xikun Zhang, Pengcheng Xing, Thomas Madanu, Jing Li, Jie Shu, Bao-Lian Su
Summary: This perspective discusses the fundamental benefits and drawbacks of aqueous batteries and the challenges involved in developing this battery technology from laboratory scale to industrial applications.
NATIONAL SCIENCE REVIEW
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lang Pei, Zhenggang Luo, Xusheng Wang, Zhanfeng Ma, Yuhang Nie, Jiasong Zhong, Ding Yang, Sateesh Bandaru, Bao-Lian Su
Summary: In this study, a novel S-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst was synthesized for efficient CO2-to-syngas conversion. The photocatalyst showed remarkable activity and selectivity in the conversion of CO2 to syngas, even without the use of sacrifice reagents or additional cocatalysts.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Shen Yu, Zhan Liu, Jia-Min Lyu, Chun-Mu Guo, Yi-Long Wang, Zhi-Yi Hu, Yu Li, Ming-Hui Sun, Li-Hua Chen, Bao-Lian Su
Summary: The catalytic oxidative desulfurization (ODS) technique is effective for removing sulfur compounds from fuels. A new material called Meso-Ti-MIL-125, synthesized using a facile intraparticle ripening method, shows excellent ODS catalytic performance with higher surface area and mesoporous volume compared to conventional Ti-MIL-125. This synthetic strategy could be applied to other crystalline materials for industrial production.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Yang Ding, Chunhua Wang, Lang Pei, Soumyajit Maitra, Qinan Mao, Runtian Zheng, Meijiao Liu, Yun Hau Ng, Jiasong Zhong, Li-Hua Chen, Bao-Lian Su
Summary: Photocatalysis is a highly promising technology for solving environmental problems. The g-C3N4 photocatalyst has drawn significant attention due to its stability, light response, low cost, and environmental-friendly properties. However, the pristine g-C3N4 suffers from recombination of charge carriers, lack of active sites, and limited visible light harvesting, resulting in unsatisfactory photocatalytic performance. Heterostructured C3N4 photocatalysts have emerged as a research focus in environmental fields, offering enhanced dissociation of electron-hole pairs, broader visible light response, and improved photoredox capability. The developments and strategies for constructing efficient C3N4-based heterostructures are critically reviewed, providing valuable insights for readers and inspiring new concepts in heterostructure engineering. Furthermore, the challenges and opportunities in fabricating large-scale and commercial heterostructured C3N4 photocatalysts are discussed for future directions in this field.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shihao Feng, Kun Li, Ping Hu, Congcong Cai, Jinfeng Liu, Xinyuan Li, Liang Zhou, Liqiang Mai, Bao-Lian Su, Yong Liu
Summary: Hollow carbon nanostructures (HCNs) have intriguing physicochemical properties and various applications, especially in electrochemical energy storage. However, the current solvent-based methods for preparing HCNs are not convenient, environmentally friendly, or scalable. In this study, a solvent-free block copolymer self-assembly approach was used to prepare various hollow hard carbon nanostructures with high electrochemical energy storage performance.