Abstract:

This study investigates the development of Ni-based catalysts for low-temperature dry methane reforming (DMR) at 550 °C. The catalysts were prepared by dispersing Ni on γ-Al₂O₃ modified with 9 wt% MgO and 1 wt% ZrO₂, while 10 wt% Ni–x wt% ZrO₂ promoters (0, 1, and 3 wt%) were introduced using the incipient wetness impregnation method. A Ni–NiO–ZrO₂ surface network was generated on the 10 wt% Ni–3 wt% ZrO₂ catalyst via an ammonia vapor–assisted impregnation route. The ZrO₂ promoter strengthened the metal–support interaction, which increased the total amount of reducible Ni while shifting the reduction to higher temperatures. This modification also promoted CO₂ activation relative to CH₄, thereby enhancing the RWGS pathway and lowering the H₂/CO ratio. In contrast, the Ni–NiO–ZrO₂ network formed through the ammonia-assisted method increased the concentration of surface-accessible Ni, reduced excessive coverage by ZrO₂, and significantly improved oxygen mobility. These features facilitated continuous oxygen transfer, enhanced coke oxidation, and ensured a more balanced activation of both reactants. Overall, the combined structural and functional synergies achieved through promoter optimization and the ammonia vapor–assisted preparation method resulted in superior catalytic activity and selectivity for DMR at 550 °C.

Abstract: Surfactants are commonly employed in cleaning, cosmetic and pharmaceutical formula-tions due to their ability to lower surface tension and facilitate the formation of emulsions, foams, and dispersions. Recent research highlights the advantages of synergistic interac-tions between anionic and nonionic surfactants to improve overall performance. In this study the physicochemical properties and performance of binary mixtures of the anionic surfactant sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and the amphoteric surfactant lauryl dimethyl amine oxide (LDAO) at varying ratios (100% SLS, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, and 50:50) were investigated. Key parameters analysed included critical micelle concentration (CMC), surface tension (), foam volume and potential irritability, assessed via the Zein test. The results revealed a clear synergistic effect between SLS and LDAO: all mixtures showed reduced CMC and minimum surface tension compared to the individual surfac-tants, while exhibiting enhanced foam volume and stability. Regarding irritability, in-creasing LDAO content consistently led to decreased protein denaturation, indicating lower irritancy levels. Furthermore, the results obtained in the Zein test confirmed that mixtures induced less protein denaturation than the sum of their individual surfactant components, with formulations ranging from moderately to non-irritating. The results obtained indicate that the more stable mixed micelle systems (SLS+LDAO) might improve the performance of cleaning formulations (, CMC, foam) while reducing the irritability.

Abstract: Silica–chitosan hybrid composites containing up to 3.5 % chitosan were prepared via a reproducible and simple sol–gel route through the hydrolysis and condensation of tet-raethoxysilane (TEOS). The obtained gels were systematically characterized in terms of their textural, optical and thermal properties using UV–Vis spectroscopy, TG/DTA analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-Ray diffraction and thermal conduc-tivity measurements. The bulk gel density was found to increase with chitosan content, indicating gradual compaction of the silica network and high sample homogeneity. These structural changes were accompanied by alterations in thermal stability, optical transparency, and heat transfer properties. DTA analysis revealed a broad exothermic feature, which may indicate a thermally induced process, such as partial carbonization. The resulting composites are suitable for various applications, including thermal insu-lation with controlled thermal conductivity, optical devices, biocompatible coatings, adsorbents for pollutant removal, controlled drug delivery, catalytic supports, and sensors. UV/Vis measurements display an intense absorption feature of the composites at 280 – 305 nm, which is promising for optical filter applications in combination with the increased mechanical stability due to chitosan addition.

Abstract: The petroleum industry faces intensifying challenges related to the depletion of easily accessible reservoirs and the growing energy demand, necessitating the adoption of ad-vanced chemical agents that can operate under extreme conditions. Cationic gemini sur-factants, characterized by their unique dimeric architecture consisting of two hydrophilic head groups and two hydrophobic tails, have emerged as superior alternatives to con-ventional monomeric surfactants due to their enhanced interfacial activity and physico-chemical resilience. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the literature concerning the molecular structure, synthesis, and functional applications of cationic gemini surfactants across the entire oil value chain, from extraction to refining. The analysis reveals that gemini surfactants exhibit critical micelle concentrations signifi-cantly lower than their monomeric analogues and maintain stability in high-temperature and high-salinity environments. They demonstrate exceptional efficacy in enhanced oil recovery through ultra-low interfacial tension reduction and wettability alteration, while simultaneously serving as effective drag reducers, wax inhibitors, and dual-action bio-cidal corrosion inhibitors in transportation pipelines. Cationic gemini surfactants repre-sent a transformative class of multifunctional materials for the oil industry.

Abstract: Synthetic Amorphous Silica (SAS) is produced and marketed since the early 1940’s and can be regarded as a nanostructured material since the first production even though the term ‘nano’ was not defined back then, and early publications describe the structure often as ‘milli-micron’. The present paper of Evonik Industries AG reviews the history of innovation and production of this “seasoned”, but evergreen product.

Abstract: Fulgides are a group of organic compounds that exhibit photochromic properties both in solid state and in solutions. The compounds attracted research attention due to their wide potential applications including photochromic eyewear, smart windows, optical switch, data storage, chemical and biological sensors. We are reporting here the synthesis and crystal structures of fulgides of four different substituents at the para position of a phenyl moiety in the molecules. It was found among the 4 structures that 1) all the 4 compounds packed in space groups of an inversion center; 2) the distance between the two carbon atoms C8 and C11, which form a single C-C bond in the cyclized products, falls in the range of 3.5-3.7 Å; 3) the torsion angle, defined by C6-C3-C4-C11, falls in the range of 23.4o to 32.5o. The fulgides exhibited photochromism. The fulgides should have no ferroelectric property due to their crystallization into centrosymmetric spaces groups.

Abstract: The valorization of agricultural residues helps improve crop economic efficiency and alleviate environmental pressures. Owing to the merits of simplicity, high efficiency, low costs, and scalability, adsorption removal of contaminants using biochar has been widely investigated. The adsorption removal of organic and inorganic contaminants from wastewater using biochar derived from agricultural residue follows the principles of the circular economy and green chemistry, facilitating both environmental remediation and agricultural development. This review outlined the mechanism of biochar adsorption, the preparation of biochar from agricultural residues, and their applications for wastewater remediation. Furthermore, the economic evaluation and environmental impacts, as well as the future directions and challenges, in this field, have also been presented.

Abstract: In the study, lignin was extracted from coconut pith (CP) using soda pulping method, utilizing Response Surface Methodology to optimize key process parameters. The dependent variables were the extraction temperature and time, and NaOH concentration, with the yield (g lignin/10 g material) as the response. The statistical results identified ex-traction temperature (ρ = 0.0044) and time (ρ = 0.0035) as significant factors. NaOH con-centration, though not significant individually (ρ = 0.757), exhibited interaction effect with time (ρ = 0.006). The theoretical optimal extraction conditions were 159.0 °C, 169.0 min, and 2.1% NaOH, under which an actual coconut pith lignin (CPL) yield of 1.806 g/10 g CP was achieved. Characterization of CPL showed a composition of 92.96 ± 0.32% ac-id-insoluble lignin. To demonstrate its applicability, CPL was incorporated into a phenol-formaldehyde (PF) adhesive formulation, substituting the phenol component. The Adhesive Shear Strength Test demonstrated that the lignin-formaldehyde (LF) adhesive had a mean failing load of 0.819 kg/cm², nearly half that of the prepared PF adhesive at 1.78 kg/cm². The FT-IR spectra of the CPL and LF adhesives revealed notable differences in the 1750 – 1000 cm⁻¹ region, suggesting distinct structure and bond formations. These findings illustrate the potential of CPL as a sustainable phenol substitute in industrial adhesive formulations and in other applications.

Abstract: This paper demonstrates the successful synthesis of novel hybrid heterogeneous catalysts for the sustainable conversion of CO2 into cyclic organic carbonates (COCs). The nanocat-alysts have been fabricated by encapsulating pre-formed ultra-small gold nanostructures into a nascent zinc-coordination polymer (ZnCP) framework formed from two organic building blocks: 2,4-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid (1,4-NDC) and 5-amino-1H-tetrazole (5-Atz), which serves as a nitrogen-rich ligand. Applying the fabri-cated catalysts in the synthesis of COCs yields high yields (up to 97%) and high selectivity (up to 100%), with exceptionally high turnover frequencies (TOFs) (up to 408 h-1). The cat-alytic process can be carried out under mild conditions (80°C, 1.5 MPa CO2) and without the use of solvents. Nitrogen-rich ligand molecules in the structure of ZnCPs enhance catalytic performance thanks to additional nucleophilic centres, which are effective in the epoxides' ring-opening process. The hybrid catalysts with encapsulated gold nanostructures, which modify the liquid-gas interface between epoxide and CO2, give significantly higher yields and TOFs for less active epoxides. The designed hybrid nanocatalysts exhib-it superior stability under the studied reaction conditions and can be reused without loss of activity. The developed coordination polymers are built of green components, and green chemistry principles are employed to prepare these catalytic materials.

Abstract: This research investigates the potential of secondary lavender biomass (Lavandula officinalis) as a raw material for paper production within the context of the circular economy and its practical applications. Lavender stems, a by-product of essential oil extraction, were processed using the nitrate-alkali pulping method. The chemical composition of the raw material was analysed according to TAPPI standards, and the resulting pulp was characterised in terms of its mechanical and physical properties, including tensile strength and air permeability. Lavender stems contained 29.43% cellulose and 24.10% lignin, indicating moderate delignification efficiency. The pulp yield was 24.2% with a Kappa number of 15.9. Of the prepared sheets, the paper with a weight of 80 g·m⁻² showed the best mechanical properties, with a breaking length of 1.71 km and a tensile strength index of 16.76 N·m·g⁻¹.In addition, lavender-based paper demonstrated a repellent effect against textile moths (Tineola bisselliella), reducing insect activity by approximately 70% compared to control samples. This bioactivity is attributed to residual volatile compounds such as linalool and linalyl-acetate. Overall, lavender secondary biomass represents a promising non-wood fibre for the production of bio-degradable, functional paper materials that combine structural integrity with natural repellent properties.

Abstract: Aiming to obtain chemicals from renewable sources to mitigate global warming, the catalytic pyrolysis of tamarind pulp, obtained from juice industries, was studied. Catalysts based on HZSM-5 zeolite prepared from rice husk ash using ultrasound, microwaves, and a combination of both were employed. The catalysts were characterized by elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction, specific surface area and porosity measurements, scanning electron microscopy, and acidity measurements. The specific surface areas and the micropore volumes were slightly affected by the treatments, microwave alone or combined with ultrasound, having the strongest effect. The number of acid sites increased, and the relative number of strong sites decreased with the treatments. The relative amount of Bronsted to Lewis sites was increased by ultrasound and decreased by microwave, alone or combined. These catalysts decreased oxygenated products and increased BTEX production during tamarind pulp pyrolysis. The product distribution was similar for all cases, meaning that HZSM-5 with the following characteristics are selective catalysts to BTEX in tamarind pulp pyrolysis: specific surface area= 310-347 m2/g; micropore volume= 0.099-0.105 cm3/g; acidity= 327 to 571 µmol NH3/gcat and Bronsted to Lewis acid sites ratio= 0.034 to 0.044.

Abstract: In this communication we provide the Group Contribution parameters for acetylenes and aromatic nitro compounds fitting with a recently developed Group Contribution method with chemical accuracy (1 kcal/mol) for the heat of formation of organics. These additional parameters widen the applicability of the Group Contribution method. We also provide further G4 quantum calculated values as reference when no experimental data are available and compare to previously reported G4 data.

Abstract: This overview is intended to shed light on the current state of knowledge on highly efficient cavitation reactors, which are used in industry yet often remain undisclosed. The development of ultrasound (US) and hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) reactors requires a thorough understanding and precise engineering to ensure the efficacy of cavitation processes in larger industrial settings. Successful scaling-up must maintain a high energy density and ensure a homogeneous distribution of cavitation. Industrial reactor designs for both US and HC are typically optimized for continuous flow operations, though some configurations operate in a loop system. This review provides a concise examination of various reactor setups, with examples of relevant chemical and environmental applications, focusing on energy consumption and scalability challenges. Despite the similarities in the effects of acoustic and hydrodynamic cavitation, US and HC are best regarded as complementary technologies in industrial applications. This work presents our direct experience in designing novel cavitation reactors for specific applications, incorporating recent advances from the literature and insights from industry. Notably, the synergistic effects of hybrid technologies are gaining attention, particularly the integration of HC with cold plasma, which is emerging as one of the most effective techniques for treating polluted water. These technologies play a crucial role in modern process engineering, and continued advancements in their design and understanding will further expand their industrial applications in chemical processing.

Abstract: Valorisation of agricultural wastes can improve the economic efficiency of crop production while reducing environmental pressures. Owing to its simplicity, high efficiency, low cost, and scalability, the use of biochar as an adsorbent for contaminant removal has been widely studied. Producing biochar from agricultural wastes and applying it to remove contaminants from aqueous and solid matrices, including wastewater and soils, follows the principles of the circular economy and supports environmental remediation and agricultural development. This review summarises adsorption mechanisms, biochar production routes from agricultural wastes, and applications in wastewater treatment. It also evaluates economic performance and environmental impacts, and identifies current challenges and future research directions.

Abstract: Developing highly efficient and stable electrocatalysts from inexpensive and earth-abundant elements represents a significant advancement in the overall water splitting (OWS) process. This study focuses on the synthesis and evaluation of palladium-modified cobalt-phosphorus (PdCoP) and cobalt-iron-phosphorus (PdCoFeP) coatings for use as electrocatalysts in the HER, OER and OWS in alkaline media. For this purpose, a facile electroless plating method is adopted to deposit the CoP and CoFeP coatings onto a copper surface (Cu sheet), with sodium hypophosphite (NaH2PO2) acting as the reducing agent. Incorporating Pd crystallites on the CoP and CoFeP coatings using the galvanic displacement method has been shown to significantly improve catalytic performance. Accordingly, Pd modified CoFeP and CoP catalysts exhibited the lower overpotentials of 207 and 227 mV, respectively, for HER and 396 mV for OER at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 compared to the unmodified CoFeP and CoP catalysts. Simultaneously, the assembled electrolyzer comprising PdCoFeP as the cathode and the anode demonstrated a cell voltage of 1.69 V to achieve 10 mA cm−2. This study demonstrates that all the synthesized catalysts (CoP, CoFeP, PdCoP, and PdCoFeP) are effective and stable electrocatalysts for overall alkaline water splitting.

Abstract: As global efforts to decarbonize intensify, hydrogen produced via renewable electricity has emerged as a pivotal energy vector for a sustainable industrial future. This commentary offers a critical analysis of the current state of the hydrogen economy within Europe, detailing the core principles, operational mechanisms, and industrial progress of four primary water electrolysis technologies: alkaline (ALK), proton exchange membrane (PEM), solid oxide (SOEC), and anion exchange membrane (AEM). Furthermore, it explores the significant socio-political challenges inherent in producing green hydrogen in non-EU nations for subsequent import into the European market.

Abstract: Gemini surfactants, a unique class of amphiphilic molecules composed of two hydrophilic ammonium groups and two hydrocarbon tails connected by a spacer, have emerged as highly versatile functional agents with superior interfacial activity and self-assembly behavior compared to conventional monomeric analogs. Their structural tunability enables precise control over physicochemical properties, making them attractive for applications across diverse scientific and industrial domains. In biomedical sciences, gemini surfactants act as potent antimicrobial and antibiofilm agents, as well as efficient carriers for drug and gene delivery. In nanotechnology and optoelectronics, they facilitate the synthesis and stabilization of nanoparticles, quantum dots, and perovskite nanocrystals, leading to improved colloidal stability, enhanced photophysical performance, and extended material lifetimes. Within the petroleum industry, gemini surfactants have proven effective in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) by reducing interfacial tension, and in crude oil transportation as drag-reducing agents (DRAs), significantly lowering viscosity, turbulence, and pipeline energy losses. This review summarizes recent advances in the chemistry, mechanisms of action, and applications of gemini surfactants, highlighting their multifunctionality and emphasizing their potential in the development of next-generation sustainable technologies.

Abstract: In this study, series of Ag/Co-HAP catalysts were synthesized via a plasma-assisted method. Plasma, a partially ionized gas consisting of electrons, ions, neutral molecules, free radicals, photons, and excited species, serves as a highly reactive medium for catalyst modification. Its unique discharge properties enable effective modulation of active site dispersion, electronic structure, and metal-support interaction. The performance of catalysts prepared by conventional high-temperature calcination was compared with those treated by rapid plasma processing in the oxidative removal of toluene. The dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma-treated catalyst exhibited superior low-temperature catalytic activity, achieving 100% toluene conversion at 275 °C with CO₂ selectivity of approximately 75%, outperforming its calcined counterpart. This work presents a facile approach for the preparation of Ag/5Co-HA-P catalysts. Owing to its precise control over catalyst architecture, combined with advantages such as low energy consumption, short processing time, and environmental friendliness, plasma treatment holds significant promise for applications in the field of catalysis.

Abstract: Biofuels and value-added chemicals can be produced using biomass. These prod-ucts can substitute the corresponding petroleum-based ones, reducing the carbon foot-print, ensuring domestic production and minimization/exploitation of organic wastes in a circular economy philosophy. Natural mineral-based catalysts seem to be a prom-ising, eco-friendly and low-cost approach for biomass valorization. This article at-tempts to highlight the potential of natural mineral-based catalysts for various pro-cesses targeting to the above valorization. Natural zeolites and clays can be used as catalysts/CO2 adsorbents and catalytic supports in various biorefinery processes (py-rolysis, gasification, hydrothermal liquefaction, esterification/transesterification, hy-drotreatment, cracking, isomerization, oxidation, condensation etc.). Acid/base and textural properties of these materials are key factors for their catalytic performance and can be easily regulated by suitable treatments discussed in this article. The appli-cation of natural minerals in biorefinery processes makes them greener, cost-affordable and easily scalable.

Abstract:

The reliance on synthetic repellents such as N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) has raised health and environmental concerns, prompting the search for safer, plant-derived alternatives. Catnip (Nepeta cataria L.) is a rich source of iridoid monoterpenes, particularly nepetalactones, which are well known for their strong insect-repellent properties. However, the efficient extraction of nepetalactones remains challenging, and their precise mechanisms of action in insect inhibition are not yet fully understood. Thus, this study investigated the chemical composition from various methods, protein–ligand interactions, and pharmacokinetic safety profiles of catnip-derived compounds compared to DEET, with a focus on their interactions with odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) from Anopheles gambiae (AgamOBP), Culex quinquefasciatus (CquiOBP), and Aedes aegypti (AaegOBP). Gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS) confirmed the presence of nepetalactone isomers as the major constituents in catnip extracts obtained through stream distillation and dried leaves extracted in olive oil fractions. Molecular docking revealed that cis,cis- and cis,trans-nepetalactones and nepetalactone exhibited high binding affinities, surpassing those of DEET. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated that all OBP–ligand complexes achieved stable conformations. Notably, cis,trans-nepetalactone formed a more stable complex with AgamOBP than DEET. These findings suggest that nepetalactones stabilize OBP–ligand interactions while inducing subtle conformational flexibility, potentially disrupting mosquito odorant recognition in a manner distinct from DEET. ADMET predictions indicated that nepetalactones exhibit favorable absorption, distribution, and safety profiles with reduced predicted toxicity compared to DEET. Collectively, these results establish nepetalactones as promising candidates for the development of effective, safe, and sustainable plant-based repellents.