Article
Engineering, Environmental
Giada Lo Re, Emile R. Engel, Linnea Bjorn, Manuel Guizar Sicairos, Marianne Liebi, Jan Wahlberg, Katarina Jonasson, Per A. Larsson
Summary: To replace materials from non-renewable sources, cellulosic materials need to overcome limitations such as fragility, gas permeability, susceptibility to water vapor, and poor shaping. Innovative properties or improved existing properties are essential to expand their applications and create new market opportunities. The study successfully overcomes restrictions in melt-processing of high cellulose content composites and demonstrates the use of chemically modified cellulose fibers for manufacturing highly sustainable materials with tailored properties for specific applications.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Safiya Khalil, Matthew D. Meyer, Abdullah Alazmi, Mohammad H. K. Samani, Po-Chun Huang, Morgan Barnes, Amanda B. Marciel, Rafael Verduzco
Summary: The study presents a method for synthesizing covalent organic frameworks (COFs) that allows for the production of stable COF nanoparticles suspension, enabling the preparation of COF monoliths, membranes, and films using conventional solution-processing techniques. The method involves the use of a polar solvent, diacid catalyst, and slow reagent mixing procedure at elevated temperatures to obtain a crystalline COF nanoparticle suspension that does not aggregate or precipitate. The resulting materials exhibit excellent crystallinity and porosity and can be tuned to have varying levels of porosity.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xi Liao, Feng-Chao Cui, Jiang-Hua He, Wei-Min Ren, Xiao-Bing Lu, Yue-Tao Zhang
Summary: In this study, a cyclic CO2-based polycarbonate with an innovative structure was synthesized, and complete chemical recycling of PCHC was achieved, representing closed-loop recycling of CO2-based polycarbonates.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Huanhuan Shi, Mengmeng Li, Shuai Fu, Christof Neumann, Xiaodong Li, Wenhui Niu, Yunji Lee, Mischa Bonn, Hai I. I. Wang, Andrey Turchanin, Ali Shaygan Nia, Sheng Yang, Xinliang Feng
Summary: Two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures (2D vdWHs) have attracted widespread attention for their abundant and exotic properties, offering new possibilities for next-generation nanoelectronics. However, the lack of high-throughput fabrication techniques poses challenges for practical applications. In this study, a general electrochemical strategy is demonstrated to prepare high-quality vdWHs with electrostatic forces driving the stacking of individual assemblies, resulting in strong interlayer interactions. Thin-film photodetectors based on graphene/In2Se3 vdWHs show great promise for near-infrared photodetection, with high responsivity, fast rise and decay times. This approach enables the exploration of emerging electronic, photonic, and quantum phenomena.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yunlong Xu, Yuanyuan Fang, Jingjing Cao, Ping Sun, Cheng Min, Yunbiao Qi, Wei Jiang, Quanxing Zhang
Summary: In this study, stereo-pure L-lactide was successfully synthesized with high yield via a one-step route catalyzed by Sn-beta zeolites. The Sn-O-Si bonds on the tin-silica catalysts play a crucial role in achieving high L-lactide yield. Furthermore, Sn4+ ions with four isolated coordinates in tetrahedral configuration are more active for L-lactide synthesis compared to other polymeric species.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Yuyang Zhou, Benjamin Tawiah, Nuruzzaman Noor, Zheng Zhang, Jun Sun, Richard K. K. Yuen, Bin Fei
Summary: This study successfully fabricated flame retardant, UV protective, and reinforced poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composite via a solvent-free method, using bio-based complexing couples. The comprehensive evaluations on thermal properties, burning properties, UV protection, and tensile properties demonstrated that the composite materials showed significant improvements in various aspects.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2021)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
G. Rajeshkumar, S. Arvindh Seshadri, G. L. Devnani, M. R. Sanjay, Suchart Siengchin, J. Prakash Maran, Naif Abdullah Al-Dhabi, Ponmurugan Karuppiah, Valan Arasu Mariadhas, N. Sivarajasekar, A. Ronaldo Anuf
Summary: The development of sustainable bio composites is driven by environmental concerns globally, with biodegradable polymers and natural fibers playing a vital role in this field. While PLA has distinct advantages, blending it with natural fibers is necessary to overcome its limitations and improve performance.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Priya Sutaoney, Srishti Pandya, Devashri Gajarlwar, Veenu Joshi, Prabir Ghosh
Summary: The increase in metropolitan cities and industrialization has led to the assimilation of hazardous pollutants into ecosystems. Various techniques, including bioprocesses, are used to remove these toxins from water bodies. Laccases, as biocatalysts, are specifically employed to degrade organic pollutants; however, their stability and activity are limited. Immobilization techniques are used to improve enzyme kinetics and recyclability. Membrane separation technologies have emerged to overcome the limitations of traditional wastewater treatment methods. Enzymes immobilized on these membranes provide new avenues for wastewater purification technology.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
T. Angelin Swetha, Abhispa Bora, K. Mohanrasu, P. Balaji, Rathinam Raja, Kumar Ponnuchamy, Govarthanan Muthusamy, A. Arun
Summary: Plastics are crucial for food packaging, as they preserve food, ensure shelf life, and guarantee food safety. However, their extensive use has led to long-term environmental pollution. To address this, researchers and manufacturers are developing eco-friendly biodegradable polymers like polylactic acid (PLA). PLA, a compostable thermoplastic biopolymer, is renewable and can be used to produce various materials. This chapter focuses on food packaging techniques, waste in the food industry, classification of biopolymers, PLA synthesis, the importance of PLA properties in food packaging, and technologies for processing PLA in food packaging.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sen Du, Shengen Zhang, Jianwen Wang, Zhengfeng Lv, Zhiyuan Xu, Chen Liu, Jun Liu, Bo Liu
Summary: The conventional refining of aluminum scraps using nitrogen-fluxes often leads to the generation of aluminum nitride and residual fluxes, resulting in low purity of the recycled aluminum melt and difficulties in disposing of secondary aluminum dross. Our innovative research has achieved the recycling of aerospace-grade clean aluminum alloy melts, utilizing the argon bubble floating process to remove impurities and hydrogen, and achieving an ultra-clean melt. The argon refining dross can be recycled as a raw material for aluminum electrolysis, and the hydrogen content and the number of inclusions in the recycled aluminum melt can be reduced to the level of aerospace aluminum alloy melt, except for the inclusions with particle size >= 20 mm, which still remain a challenge.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Meththa Ranasinghe, Hussein Mostafa, Nilushni Sivapragasam, Constantinos Stathopoulos, Ioannis Manikas, Sajid Maqsood
Summary: The present study focused on using ultrasound-assisted green extraction to extract bioactive compounds from defatted date seed powder and investigating the effects of ultrasonication on the remaining extraction residue. The results showed that under optimized conditions, the maximum content of total phenolic compounds and total flavonoids reached 17.44 mg GAE/g and 9.086 mg QE/g, respectively. The antioxidant activities were also found to be significant. Furthermore, the physicochemical properties of the remaining residue were improved by the ultrasonication process.
SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY AND PHARMACY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hongsheng Wang, Xiaoyu Shi, Yitong Xie, Shishuai Gao, Yan Dai, Chenhuan Lai, Daihui Zhang, Chunpeng Wang, Zhanhu Guo, Fuxiang Chu
Summary: The development of sustainable adhesives with high strength and excellent ductility is challenging. This study successfully prepared furan-ring-containing biomimetic multiphase polymers to achieve fully sustainable, strong, and supertough adhesives. The key factors of these adhesives are the asymmetric structure and oxygenated nature of the aromatic furan ring. The adhesives demonstrate beneficial features such as easy phase separation, dynamic hard phases, strain-induced orientation and recrystallization, and multiple oxygen binding to substrates, resulting in high adhesion strength, exceptional toughness, temperature adaptability, and solvent resistance.
CELL REPORTS PHYSICAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ashish Kumar, Anamika Sharma, Beatriz G. de la Torre, Fernando Albericio
Summary: Solid-phase peptide synthesis is an important strategy for synthesizing peptides for research and production purposes, but is hindered by high solvent consumption. This study introduces a new strategy to combine deprotection and coupling steps into one, saving 75% of solvent by modifying the coupling cocktail and washing solvent.
Article
Thermodynamics
Amin Ebrahimi, Chris R. Kleijn, Ian M. Richardson
Summary: Numerical simulations offer a cost-effective and insightful alternative to experimental trial and error in development of welding and additive manufacturing procedures. This study presents a high-fidelity three-dimensional model to predict complex molten metal flow and surface oscillations in the melt pool during arc welding. Results show that melt-pool oscillations depend on pool shape, convection, process parameters, and material properties.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Dina Al-Khairy, Weiqi Fu, Amnah Salem Alzahmi, Jean-Claude Twizere, Shady A. Amin, Kourosh Salehi-Ashtiani, Alexandra Mystikou
Summary: Bioplastics, made from renewable feedstocks, are being investigated as an attractive alternative to conventional plastics. Recent advancements in strain development, genome sequencing, and editing technologies have accelerated research efforts in bioplastic production. This review highlights bioengineering approaches, new advancements, and challenges in the production and degradation of bioplastics.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhibin Wen, Leila Bonnaud, Rosica Mincheva, Philippe Dubois, Jean-Marie Raquez
Summary: This study details the scalable and solventless synthesis of a potential fully biobased resin derived from tyrosol and furfurylamine, showing promising thermal and mechanical properties, making it a candidate material for coating applications.
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Henri Vahabi, Fouad Laoutid, Mehrshad Mehrpouya, Mohammad Reza Saeb, Philippe Dubois
Summary: This review paper focuses on recent developments in flame retardant polymer materials, with a particular emphasis on qualitative and quantitative analyses of their flame retardant properties. It also highlights advancements in designing precise structures through innovative technologies and the flame retardancy performances of 3D printing. The strategies driving innovative flame retardant polymer materials and 3D printing technology are approaching a practical juncture in the near future.
MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING R-REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marius Murariu, Samira Benali, Yoann Paint, Anne-Laure Dechief, Oltea Murariu, Jean-Marie Raquez, Philippe Dubois
Summary: The study investigated the potential applications of PLA-ZnO nanocomposites in various forms and highlighted the promising alternative manufacturing technique of using ZnO as a masterbatch. By reducing the residence time at high processing temperatures, this approach resulted in improved properties and processing of the nanocomposites.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Marius Murariu, Armando Galluzzi, Yoann Paint, Oltea Murariu, Jean-Marie Raquez, Massimiliano Polichetti, Philippe Dubois
Summary: The addition of nanofillers to polylactic acid can improve its properties and achieve specific end-use characteristics. These polymer nanocomposites exhibit strong magnetization properties and are suitable for various applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Antoniya Toncheva, Loic Brison, Philippe Dubois, Fouad Laoutid
Summary: This study incorporated recycled tire rubber into polymer matrices using selective laser sintering as 3D printing technology. The morphological characteristics, mechanical properties, and thermal stability of the polymer composites were evaluated to reveal the potential of using recycled tire rubber in additive manufacturing.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Hongzhou Xie, Hongxu Meng, Linbo Wu, Bo-Geng Li, Philippe Dubois
Summary: Poly(ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PEF) was modified with aliphatic polycarbonate (APC) diols by chain extension/coupling to obtain PEF materials with improved ductility, impact toughness, high strength, modulus, and excellent gas barrier performance.
Article
Polymer Science
Alma Lucia Villela Zumaya, Rosica Mincheva, Jean-Marie Raquez, Fatima Hassouna
Summary: This review provides an overview of the recent advances in developing nanoclusters based on polymeric nanoparticles and/or inorganic NPs, and summarizes the design, fabrication, and properties of noble-metal nanoclusters and hybrid nanoclusters in cancer therapy.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Marie Bayart, Marie Dubus, Sebastien Charlon, Halima Kerdjoudj, Nicolas Baleine, Samira Benali, Jean-Marie Raquez, Jeremie Soulestin
Summary: Scaffolds with specific features help cells to attach, proliferate, and differentiate. In this study, PLA and PLA/HA scaffolds were produced and the effect of HA particles on the scaffolds was investigated. The presence of HA induced faster and more complete polymer biodegradation, while PLA scaffolds did not degrade during conditioning.
Article
Polymer Science
Marius Murariu, Yoann Paint, Oltea Murariu, Fouad Laoutid, Philippe Dubois
Summary: This study demonstrates that specifically thermally treated AII made from natural gypsum is highly stable and can be used as a filler in PLA composites, resulting in composites with excellent filler dispersion and stability, improved thermal and mechanical properties, especially stiffness and impact resistance.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Aicha Amior, Hamid Satha, Fouad Laoutid, Antoniya Toncheva, Philippe Dubois
Summary: Due to their natural availability, renewability, biodegradability, nontoxicity, light weight, and relatively low cost, natural fibers, especially lignocellulosic fibers, are attractive potential substitutes for non-eco-friendly synthetic fibers. In this study, Ziziphus jujuba fibers with low lignin content were used as an alternative renewable resource for the production of cellulosic fibers with suitable characteristics and minimal energy consumption. The efficient removal of noncellulosic compounds resulted in an increase in crystallinity index and higher surface area of the fibers, making Ziziphus jujuba fibers a suitable sustainable source for the production of cellulosic fibers.
Article
Polymer Science
Marius Murariu, Yoann Paint, Oltea Murariu, Fouad Laoutid, Philippe Dubois
Summary: Polypropylene (PP) filled with CaSO4 beta-anhydrite II (AII) from natural gypsum was studied for high-performance composites. The addition of zinc diacrylate (ZnDA) improved the thermal and mechanical properties of PP-AII composites. The composites also showed improved elastic behavior and heat deflection temperature. Reactive extrusion (REx) on twin-screw extruders was used for large-scale production and performance evaluation.
Article
Polymer Science
Marius Murariu, Yoann Paint, Oltea Murariu, Fouad Laoutid, Philippe Dubois
Summary: This study investigates the toughening effect of tributyl citrate (TBC) on polylactide (PLA) composites. The addition of TBC results in decreased glass transition temperature (T-g) and rigidity, increased ductility and impact resistance. Furthermore, reactive modification with epoxy functional styrene-acrylic oligomers enhances the rheological properties of the composites.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Fouad Laoutid, Maryam Jouyandeh, Oltea Murariu, Henri Vahabi, Mohammad Reza Saeb, Loic Brison, Marius Murariu, Philippe Dubois
Summary: This study investigated the flame-retardant effect of transparent epoxy coating with aluminum hypophosphite nanoparticles on polylactic acid sheets. The addition of these nanoparticles into the epoxy resin accelerated the degradation of the coating, resulting in increased char residue. The presence of the nanoparticles reduced the peak heat release rate significantly, leading to the formation of a homogeneous char layer with a 15 wt.% nanoparticle content. However, further increase in content did not enhance the flame-retardant properties due to the formation of structural cracks in the coating.
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Stijn Everaert, Greet Schoeters, Karel Claes, Jean-Marie Raquez, Bart Buffel, Tamara Vanhaecke, Jonas Moens, Juha Laitinen, Nicolas Van Larebeke, Lode Godderis
Summary: Firefighters are exposed to various chemicals that may lead to health issues. Wearing nitrile butadiene rubber undergloves is a preventive measure against toxic accumulation, although its safety is questioned.
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.
