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Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Yue Gao

,

Dan Xue

,

Hao Yan

,

Xuan Qi

,

Jinfeng Du

,

Suixin He

,

Wei Xia

,

Junfeng Zhang

Abstract:

This article presents the design, synthesis and application of novel C8/PW₁₂O₄₀³⁻–IL Janus nanopaticles for highly efficient, recyclable catalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) in wastewater. The catalyst's innovative asymmetric architecture comprises a hydrophobic C8 hemisphere that selectively adsorbs and pre-concentrates MO molecules, and a catalytic phosphotungstate-ionic liquid hemisphere that activates oxidants to generate hydroxyl radicals for rapid dye degradation. A magnetic Fe₃O₄ core facilitates instantaneous catalyst recovery. This "collect, degrade, and separate" mechanism synergistically results in exceptional performance, surpassing that of many conventional homogeneous and heterogeneous systems, as validated through comparative analysis. This work establishes a strategic paradigm for designing smart, multifunctional materials that combine targeted interfacial engineering with practical recyclability for advanced environmental remediation.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Darzhan Aitbekova

,

Murzabek Baikenov

,

Assanali Ainabayev

,

Nazerke Balpanova

,

Sairagul Tyanakh

,

Zaure Absat

,

Nazym Rakhimzhanova

,

Elena Kochegina

Abstract: The study investigates the kinetics of redistribution of oils, resins, and asphaltenes in high-viscosity oil from the Karazhanbas field during ultrasonic treatment (22 kHz, 50 W) in the presence of a zeolite catalyst (1.0% by mass). The parameters of the technological process - temperature range from 30 to 70°C, exposure time from 3 to 11 min - were established, which lead to an increase in oil content (by 14.8%), and a decrease in the concentration of resins (by 12.2%) and asphaltenes (by 2.6%). An increase in the conversion rate between oil components is observed until the 7th minute of treatment. Group analysis of light and medium oil fractions showed an increase in the content of paraffinic, naphthenic, benzene and olefinic hydrocarbons while reducing the proportion of naphthalenes and heteroatom compounds. The results obtained confirm the effectiveness of ultrasonic-catalytic treatment for the structural destruction of high-viscosity oil and the formation of lighter hydrocarbon fractions.
Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Yan-Fei Bian

,

Peng-Fei Fan

Abstract: Electrochemical mechanical polishing (ECMP) has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional chemical mechanical polishing (CMP), particularly for addressing challenges in planarizing ruthenium (Ru)—a critical barrier-layer material in advanced copper interconnects. This study systematically investigates the triboelectrochemical behavior and underlying mechanisms of ruthenium during ECMP, with a focus on the effects of mechanical power (induced by load and rotational speed) and applied potential. Through open-circuit potential measurements, potentiodynamic polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), we demonstrate that mechanical energy input significantly enhances electrochemical reactions, with rotational speed exerting a more pronounced influence than applied load. Notably, the corrosion potential increases with load at constant speed, while the friction coefficient rises as rotational speed decreases. EIS analyses further reveal that higher rotational speeds promote the formation and growth of a thicker passive oxide film on ruthenium surfaces. These insights provide a theoretical foundation for optimizing ECMP processes toward high-efficiency, high-selectivity, and low-damage planarization of Ru-based interconnect structures.
Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Joaquín Fernández-Cabal

,

Kevin Alejandro Avilés-Betanzos

,

Manuel Octavio Ramírez-Sucre

,

Juan Valerio Cauich-Rodríguez

,

Ingrid Mayanin Rodríguez-Buenfil

Abstract: In the Yucatán Peninsula, Citrus aurantium L. has a strong cultural and culinary relevance where local industries already process its juice and essential oils, producing large amounts of by-products. In this context, green chemistry strategies have accelerated the valorization of agro-industrial residues, where natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) stand out due to their low cost, ease of preparation, and high extraction efficiency. This study focuses on evaluating different NADES combinations for the extraction of bioactive compounds from C. aurantium by-products, followed by essential oil (cold pressing) and juice (mechanical pressing) extraction. A 3×2×2 factorial design was implemented to evaluate the effect of hydrogen bond donor (HBD: fructose, glucose and glycerol), molar ratio (MR: 1:1 and 1:2 mol/mol choline chloride (ChCl) :HBD and added water (AW: 50 and 70%) on the polyphenolic profile, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, ascorbic acid content and antioxidant capacity. HBD was the most critical factor in the extraction of bioactive compounds, the extract obtained with glycerol and 70% AW exhibited the highest hesperidin content (2186.08 mg/100 g dry mass), while the same HBD with 50% added water exhibited the highest quercetin + luteolin extraction (721.32 mg/100 g dry mass), both at same MR (1:1 mol/mol). Glycerol also achieved the highest recovery of total flavonoids (1829.7 ± 17.85 mg quercetin equivalent/100g dry mass) with a MR of 1:2 mol/mol and 70% AW. Finally, all other maximum values were obtained with fructose-based NADES: the highest total phenolic content (3603. 7 ± 52.9 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g dry mass) was achieved at MR of 1:1 mol/mol and 50% AW, while for both, vitamin C (1964.8 ± 33.7 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/100g dry mass) and antioxidant capacity (84.31% inhibition) the maximum was reached at MR of 1:2 mol/mol and 50% AW.
Review
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

S. Harshini

,

Kavitha S. H.

Abstract:

Tropical fruit waste composed of peels, pulp, and discards, presents a growing disposal challenge in high and rising fruit production regions. This review explores transforming this waste into bioethanol which can also be defined as a clean-burning biofuel. It examines pre-treatment techniques like enzymatic and acidic hydrolysis that explains how complex carbohydrates is broken down into fermentable sugar efficiently. These techniques are very much required for a complete and efficient production of bioethanol. Additionally, the study focuses on optimizing fermentation conditions, including temperature, yeast strain selection, and nutrient supplementation, to maximize bioethanol yield. The impact of fruit ripeness on bioethanol yield is discussed, noting how sugar content changes during ripening affecting the ethanol output. Saccharomyces cerevisiae , a robust fermenting agent, is highlighted for its potential in bioethanol production. The feasibility of bioethanol production from various fruit substrates using a simulation model is highlighted. The model incorporates key factors such as substrate concentration of glucose, yeast cell density where various parameters of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is considered, and ethanol production. While the simulation results exhibit similar trends for different fruits, factors like model simplifications and parameter sensitivity can influence the outcomes. By integrating findings from various studies and other sources, this review aims to develop a cost-effective and sustainable bioethanol production process using tropical fruit waste.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Pedro H. M. de Araujo

,

Connor Thompson

,

Taylor C. Schulz

,

H. Henry Lamb

Abstract: Biofuels offer potential to mitigate climate change, increase energy security, and economically support farmers around world. Licuri (Syagrus coronata) could be an important biofuel feedstock because its kernel (edible seed) has high energy content. This research investigates optimal reaction conditions to convert fatty acids (FA) and fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) (including licuri biodiesel) to hydrocarbons via deoxygenation in a trickle-bed reactor over granular Pd/C catalysts. Our results indicate that a 20 wt.% palmitic acid (PA) feed is optimum for continuous deoxygenation at 300 °C and 15 bar in 5% H2/He because of decarboxylation inhibition at higher concentrations. Deoxygenation rates are higher for PA than for methyl palmitate (MP) because of the slow initial hydrogenolysis of the methoxy bond over Pd/C. The hydrocarbon product distributions from deoxygenation of licuri biodiesel were fully consistent with FA decarboxylation and decarbonylation. A lab-prepared 5 wt.% Pd/C catalyst with higher metal dispersion provided modestly higher hydrocarbon yields from licuri biodiesel than a commercial 1 wt.% Pd/C catalyst.
Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Randall C Boehm

,

Robert Parker

,

Zhibin Yang

,

Stephen Dooley

,

Joshua S Heyne

Abstract: The ability to predict the vapor pressure and vapor-phase composition of hydrocarbon mixtures (such as jet fuel or its un-refined precursors) and partially vaporized hydrocarbon mixtures is important to simulations of processes that involve vaporization. For example, models or simulations of distillations, flash point, chemical/combustion properties of the vapor phase of partially vaporized systems, and jet-engine ignition all benefit from a rudimentary model of vapor pressure given inputs of liquid-phase composition and temperature. One approach toward the rudimentary model is Raoult’s Law which is elegantly simple (\( p_i=x_i*P_(vap,i) \)) but inaccurate at low mole fraction (\( x_i \)). Another approach is to use a so-called activity coefficient (\( a_i \)) to more accurately represent the partial pressure of the ith component (\( p_i=a_i* x_i*P_(vap,i) \)) where the activity coefficient is estimated from an algebraically complex formula (e.g. the UNIFAC model) involving a plurality of combinations of mole fractions, molecular group fractions, Van der Waals volume and area as well all possible interaction terms between the groups. Invariably, the corrections based on activity coefficients involve an empirical fit to vapor pressure data that is sparsely (if at all) populated by mixtures that resemble fuel either in regard to the number of components or even the mole fraction of a given component. For example, the reference, “average” conventional jet fuel designated as “A-2” by the National Jet Fuel Combustion Program which has been leveraged by numerous research studies contains just 4.3%m n-nonane, its most populous component, while the simple mixtures used to anchor vapor pressure models such as UNIFAC are unlikely to have any component present at less than 10%mol. In addition to a lack of validation to naturally representative mole fractions, models such as UNIFAC can be computationally burdensome for simulations that require a very large number of vapor pressure and composition determinations. Here we present an alternative correction to Raoult’s law where the vapor pressure of the ith component is represented by a modified form of the Clausius-Clapeyron equation where the reference temperature (\( T_(ref) \)) is replaced by a simple algebraic function that converges to \( T_(ref) \) as \( x_i \) approaches 1 while smoothly increasing from this value as \( x_i \) decreases. Simultaneously, the heat of vaporization (\( ΔH_(vap,i) \)\( T \)) term is replaced by another simple algebraic expression that converges to \( ΔH_(vap,i) \) \( T \) as \( x_i \) approaches 1 while smoothly decreasing as \( x_i \) decreases. In this model, the temperature dependent heat of vaporization is tuned at each temperature such that the Clausius-Clapeyron equation reproduces the correct vapor pressure of the neat material while the parameterized algebraic corrections are tuned to vapor pressure data of mixtures involving n-pentane, toluene, and dodecane where the mole fraction of n-pentane and toluene are maintained below 10%mol. Validation of the resulting model is accomplished by comparing modeled vapor-liquid equilibrium systems with experimental measurements.
Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Maria Olea

,

Takehiko Sasaki

Abstract: In recent years CO2 reforming of methane has attracted great interest as it produces high CO/H2 ratio syngas suitable for the synthesis of higher hydrocarbons and oxygenated derivatives, since it is a way for disposing and recycling two greenhouse gases with high environmental impact, CH4 and CO2, and because it is regarded as a potential route to store and transmit energy due to its strong endothermic effect. Along with noble metals, all the group VIII metals, except for osmium, have been studied for catalytic CO2 reforming of methane. It was found that the catalytic activity of Ni, though lower than those of Ru and Rh, was higher than the catalytic activity of Pt and Pd. Although noble metals have been proved to be insensitive to coke, the high cost and restricted availability limit their use in this process. It is therefore valuable to develop stable Ni-based catalysts. In this contribution, we show how their activity and coking resistivity is greatly related to the size and dispersion of Ni particles. Well-dispersed Ni nanoparticles were achieved by multistep impregnation on a mesoporous silica support, namely SBA-15, obtained through a sol-gel method, using acetate as nickel precursor and keeping the Ni loading between 5 wt% and 11 wt%. Significant catalytic activity was obtained at temperatures as low as 450 °C, temperature well below their deactivation temperature, i.e., 700 °C. For the pre-reduced samples complete CO2 conversion was obtained around 680 ºC. As such, their deactivation by sintering and coke formation was prevented. To the best of our knowledge, no Ni-based catalysts with complete CO2 conversion at temperatures lower than 800 ºC were reported so far.
Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Ionela Luminita Canuta (Bucuroiu)

,

Adrian Ioana

,

Ileana Mariana Mates

,

Augustin Semenescu

,

Massimo Pollifroni

Abstract: This study evaluates the efficiency of biodegradable polyurethane foams as thermal insulation materials compared to conventional materials like expanded polystyrene (EPS). Key parameters analyzed include thermal conductivity, energy savings, CO2 emission reductions, and investment payback periods. Biodegradable polyurethane foams demonstrated a thermal conductivity of 0.022 W/(m·K), significantly lower than EPS's 0.035 W/(m·K), leading to higher energy savings. Calculations reveal an annual energy saving of 443,820 kWh for polyurethane foams, compared to 441,330 kWh for EPS. Financially, polyurethane foams save approximately €53,258.4 annually, while EPS saves €52,959.6. In terms of environmental impact, polyurethane foams reduce CO2 emissions by 88,764 kg annually, versus 88,266 kg for EPS. Despite the higher initial cost of polyurethane foams (€50/m² compared to €30/m² for EPS), the payback period is remarkably short at 0.094 years (1.13 months) compared to EPS's 0.057 years (0.68 months). These findings high-light biodegradable polyurethane foams as a superior option for thermal insulation, offering significant energy, financial, and environmental benefits.
Review
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Stanislas Ndayishimiye

,

Samuel Bunani

,

Emery Nkurunziza

,

Nalan Kabay

Abstract: The increasing generation of liquid waste from agricultural, industrial, and municipal sources poses significant environmental challenges due to its high content of organic carbon (OC) and nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen. This review examined the effectiveness of membrane-based technologies, particularly microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF), in separating and recovering these valuable compounds. Drawing on key literature indexed in Scopus, the review analyzed how membrane properties, operating conditions, and feed characteristics influence removal efficiency. The find-ings indicate that MF membranes primarily retain particulate organic matter and sus-pended solids (SS), with limited retention of phosphorus and nitrogen species. In con-trast, UF membranes exhibited superior performance in removing both OC and phos-phorus, and partially retain some nitrogen compounds depending on molecular size and charge. When combined with pre-treatment processes such as coagulation or ad-sorption, both MF and UF achieve higher nutrient removal rates. These membrane technologies showed promise not only in reducing pollutant loads but also in enabling nutrient recovery for potential reuse in agriculture. The optimization of membrane configuration and integration with other processes is essential for enhancing treatment performance and contributing to circular wastewater management strategies.
Review
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Faiçal El Ouadrhiri

,

Ebraheem Abdu Musad Saleh

,

Amal Lahkimi

Abstract: Coagulation–flocculation, historically reliant on simple inorganic salts, has evolved into a technically sophisticated process that is central to the removal of turbidity, suspended solids, organic matter, and an expanding array of micropollutants from complex wastewaters. This review synthesizes six decades of research, charting the transition from classical aluminum and iron salts to high-performance polymeric, biosourced, and hybrid coagulants, and examines their comparative efficiency across multiple performance indicators—turbidity removal (>95%), COD/BOD reduction (up to 90%), and heavy metal abatement (>90%). Emphasis is placed on recent innovations, including magnetic composites, bio–mineral hybrids, and functionalized nanostructures, which integrate multiple mechanisms—charge neutralization, sweep flocculation, polymer bridging, and targeted adsorption—within a single formulation. Beyond performance, the review highlights persistent scientific gaps: incomplete understanding of molecular-scale interactions between coagulants and emerging contaminants such as microplastics, PFAS, and engineered nanoparticles; limited real-time analysis of flocculation kinetics and floc structural evolution; and the absence of predictive, mechanistically grounded models linking influent chemistry, coagulant properties, and operational parameters. Addressing these knowledge gaps is essential for transitioning from empirical dosing strategies to fully optimized, data-driven control. The integration of advanced coagulation into modular treatment trains, coupled with IoT-enabled sensors, zeta potential monitoring, and AI-based control algorithms, offers the potential to create “Coagulation 4.0” systems—adaptive, efficient, and embedded within circular economy frameworks. In this paradigm, treatment objectives extend beyond regulatory compliance to include resource recovery from coagulation sludge (nutrients, rare metals, construction materials) and substantial reductions in chemical and energy footprints. By uniting advances in material science, process engineering, and real-time control, coagulation–flocculation can retain its central role in water treatment while redefining its contribution to sustainability. In the systems envisioned here, every floc becomes both a vehicle for contaminant removal and a functional carrier in the broader water–energy–resource nexus.
Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Wiam El fadel

,

Soukaina El Hantati

,

Zineb Nour

,

Abderrahim Dinane

,

Brahim Messnaoui

,

Abdelfatah Mounir

,

Abderrahim Samaouali

,

Asmae Arbaoui

Abstract:

The NH4NO3 (ammonium nitrate) and sucrose (sugar) solution hold significant importance in various domains. Ammonium nitrate is commonly used as a fertilizer in agriculture, providing essential nutrients for plant growth. It can also be used as an explosive under controlled conditions. As a chemical reagent, it is involved in the production of other chemical compounds. On the other hand, sucrose is widely used as a sweetener in food, providing energy and enhancing the flavor of food and beverages. It is also employed in food preservation methods to inhibit bacterial growth. Overall, the NH4NO3 and sucrose solution play a crucial role in agriculture, the chemical industry, and the food sector. We are interested in studying the influence of an electrolyte and a non-electrolyte, such as NH4NO3-Sucrose-H2O, on the properties of a solution. The hygrometric technique was employed to acquire new thermodynamic data related to water activity in saturated aqueous mixtures of the water/D-sucrose/ammonium nitrate (AN) system. This study spans a wide range of NH₄NO₃ molalities, from 0.1 to 6 mol·kg⁻¹, and includes various D-sucrose concentrations between 0.1 and 4 mol·kg⁻¹. The experimental results were then compared with predictions from three modeling approaches: the Dinane model (ECA), the Lin et al. equation, and the Leitzke–Stoughton (LS II) model. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy were employed to investigate the solid-phase characteristics of the system. The experimental osmotic coefficient data, derived from water activity measurements, were interpreted using the Pitzer–Simonson–Clegg (PSC) model, which provided a satisfactory correlation across the studied concentration range. At AN concentrations below 1 mol·kg⁻¹, the system exhibited increasing negative deviations from ideality. The calculated activity coefficients of D-sucrose and AN, as well as the Gibbs free energy associated with the transfer of AN from pure water to the binary D-sucrose/water medium, suggest that both solutes significantly contribute to salting-out effects in the aqueous phase.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Carlos Eduardo Riveros Berger

Abstract: This work proposes a quaternionic–fractional kinetic operator to generalize classical chemical kinetics by embedding entropy-driven corrections. In this framework, reaction pathways are represented as quaternionic weights, where the scalar component encodes global reactivity and the vector component introduces anisotropic interactions. An angular error operator is incorporated as an entropy-like metric of uncertainty, quantifying deviations between theoretical and experimental orientations. Additionally, fractional chemical potentials are introduced to account for memory effects, extending kinetics beyond the Markovian regime. Synthetic simulations demonstrate that the operator recovers classical laws as limiting cases, while predicting non-exponential and anisotropic trends when uncertainty, interference, and entropic memory dominate. Figures 1–12 illustrate the roles of quaternionic corrections, angular misalignment, and fractional persistence in shaping the kinetic response. The approach provides a unified interpretation of uncertainty, anisotropy, and memory within chemical kinetics, offering potential applications in heterogeneous catalysis, biochemical networks, and energy materials where classical exponential kinetics fail. While this study is based on numerical modeling, the results lay the groundwork for future experimental validation and integration with data-driven approaches.
Review
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

José Agustín Martínez-Olivares

,

Victor Coca-Ruiz

Abstract: Heterologous protein expression underpins the production of therapeutics, industrial enzymes, and diagnostic reagents, yet persistent challenges remain in enhancing yields, achieving correct folding, and reducing the costs and environmental burdens of down-stream processing. Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES)—a class of biocompatible, sustainable, and highly tunable solvents—have recently emerged as promising tools to overcome these limitations. This review systematically examines the intersection of recombinant protein production and NADES technology, assessing their applications across the full workflow, from host strain expression to purification and final formula-tion. Literature analysis highlights the potential of NADES as media additives that mitigate cellular stress and improve soluble protein yields, as gentle solubilizing and refolding agents for inclusion bodies, as phase-forming components in aqueous two-phase systems for green purification, and as stabilizing excipients for long-term storage. Key constituents such as betaine, proline, urea, and arginine are identified as functional agents whose eutectic mixtures often deliver synergistic benefits. The inte-gration of NADES into recombinant protein production offers a path toward more sustainable and economically viable biomanufacturing. Critical gaps remain, including in vivo validation and techno-economic assessment. Future opportunities include high-throughput NADES screening and computational design of application-specific solvents.
Review
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Zinetula Insepov

,

Bakhytzhan Lesbayev

,

Sandugash Tanirbergenova

,

Zhanna Alsar

,

Aisultan Kalybay

,

Zulkhair Mansurov

Abstract: Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are becoming one of the key trends in the development of nuclear technology, offering a flexible, safe and cost-effective alternative to large nuclear power plants. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the main classes of SMRs, categorised by fuel type and application, ranging from low enriched uranium (LEU) and HALEU reactors to thorium, metallic fuel and reprocessed nuclear materials. The key technical advantages of SMRs are discussed: passive safety systems, extended fuel cycles, modular production and compactness, which make such reactors particularly suitable for use in hard-to-reach regions, military facilities, in space and as part of hybrid power systems. Special attention is paid to the prospects of advanced fuel cycles, including the conversion of thorium to uranium-233 and the reuse of actinides, which contributes to waste reduction and brings closer the realisation of a closed nuclear cycle. The current status of SMR projects around the world is also analysed, highlighting the most promising solutions and discussing regulatory, infrastructure readiness and geopolitical factors. It concludes that SMRs are well positioned to play an important role in the future of low-carbon and decentralised energy due to their diversity and adaptability.
Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Rajinder Pal

,

Chung-Chi Sun

Abstract: Steady-shear rheology and surface-activity of surfactant-polymer solutions were investigated experimentally. Four different polymers were studied: cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose, non-ionic hydroxyethyl cellulose, non-ionic guar gum, and anionic xanthan gum. The influence of the following four surfactants on each of the polymers was determined: non-ionic alcohol ethoxylate, anionic sodium lauryl sulfate, cationic hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, and zwitterionic cetyl betaine. The interaction between cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose and anionic sodium lauryl sulfate was extraordinarily strong resulting in dramatic changes in rheological and surface-active properties. The consistency increased initially, reached a maximum value, and then fell off with further addition of surfactant. The surface tension of surfactant-polymer solution dropped substantially and exhibited a minimum value. Thus, the surfactant-polymer solutions were much more surface-active compared with pure surfactant solutions. The interaction between anionic xanthan gum and cationic hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide was also strong resulting in substantial decrease in consistency. The surfactant-polymer solution became less surface-active compared with pure surfactant solution due to migration of surfactant from solution to polymer. The interactions between other polymers and surfactants were weak to moderate resulting in small to modest changes in rheological and surface-active properties. Surface-activity of surfactant-polymer solutions often increased due to formation of complexes more surface-active than pure surfactant molecules.
Review
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Yuhua Wang

,

Hongguang Li

,

Ying Xu

,

Yongli Kou

,

Mingxing Zhao

,

Wenbo Qi

,

Ning Zhao

Abstract: Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have emerged as the predominant power source for portable and mobile energy storage applications, owing to their well-balanced energy density, superior rate capability and excellent cycling stability. However, the relatively low specific capacity of anode materials remains a critical factor limiting further improvement in the energy density of LIBs. Compared with carbon-based anode materials, silicon-based anode materials exhibit significant advantages, including abundant natural reserves and ultrahigh theoretical specific capacity, making them the most promising alternative to graphite anodes. Nevertheless, silicon-based anodes suffer from severe volume expansion during lithiation/de-lithiation processes, as well as structural degradation caused by dynamic cracking of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer. These issues lead to rapid capacity decay and reduced coulombic efficiency, significantly hindering their industrial application. This review systematically summarizes the failure mechanisms induced by volume expansion in silicon-based anode materials and recent research advancements in multidimensional nanostructure optimization and synergistic composite design strategies. Based on these research advances, a comprehensive comparison is performed among different design and optimization strategies for silicon-based anodes, along with prospective for future performance enhancement. The article provides valuable insights that will facilitate the industrialization of silicon-based anode materials.
Review
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Akanksha Prasad

Abstract: Background: Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) offer promising potential for efficient CO₂ separation owing to their ability to integrate the advantages of polymers and inorganic fillers. However, the polymer–zeolite interface often presents challenges such as filler agglomeration and non-ideal morphologies that limit membrane performance. Methods: This review explores strategies for tuning the polymer–zeolite interface through surface functionalization of zeolites, compatibility modification in the polymer matrix, and fabrication techniques. Emphasis is placed on membrane morphology, interface bonding, and their correlation with gas separation efficiency. Results: Functionalized zeolites were found to enhance dispersion within the polymer matrix and form stronger interfacial adhesion, leading to improved CO₂ permeability and selectivity. Several studies reported surpassing Robeson’s upper bound, indicating performance gains through tailored interfaces. Conclusions: Tailoring the polymer–zeolite interface is critical to achieving scalable, high-performance MMMs for CO₂ capture. This review identifies current progress, limitations, and future directions to facilitate industrial deployment of MMM technologies.
Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Anuva Pal

,

Rajinder Pal

Abstract: The influence of surfactants on the steady shear rheology of cellulose nanocrystal (referred to as NCC) suspension was investigated. Two surfactants, anionic sodium lauryl sulfate (referred to as Stepanol) and cationic hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (referred to as HTAB), were studied. The NCC concentration was fixed at 1 wt%. The surfactant concentration varied from 0 to 500 ppm. The influence of Stepanol was found to be weak whereas HTAB had a strong influence on the rheology of NCC suspension. The NCC suspension and surfactant-NCC suspensions were highly non-Newtonian shear-thinning. The power-law model described the rheological behavior of NCC suspension and surfactant-NCC suspensions adequately. The consistency and flow behavior indices varied only marginally with the addition of anionic surfactant Stepanol to NCC suspension. With the addition of cationic surfactant HTAB to NCC suspension, however, a large increase in consistency index was observed. The flow behavior index decreased simultaneously with the addition of HTAB to NCC suspension.
Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Ahmed Malek Djaballah

,

Radia Bagtache

,

Mohamed Trari

Abstract: Bi₁₂NiO₁₉ was synthesized through a sol–gel technique employing citrate as a complexing agent. Structural confirmation via X-ray diffraction revealed a pure phase with an average crystallite size of approximately 32 nm. Optical analysis indicated a direct band gap of 2.38 eV, linked to Ni²⁺ (3d⁶) transitions, suggesting strong absorption in the visible spectrum. The material exhibited p-type conductivity and favorable charge transport characteristics, as evidenced by photoelectrochemical measurements. Mott–Schottky plots in 0.1 M Na₂SO₄ electrolyte identified a flat band potential of 0.67 V vs. SCE, with valence and conduction bands located at 0.87 V and –1.51 V vs. SCE, respectively, corresponding to O²⁻:2p and Bi³⁺:6p contributions. The photocatalytic activity of Bi₁₂NiO₁₉ was assessed for the degradation of Methyl Violet (MV) under visible-light exposure. A removal efficiency of 60% was achieved after 4 hours, primarily due to the formation of superoxide radicals (O₂•⁻). Kinetic studies followed a second-order reaction model with a photocatalytic half-life of 30 minutes. These results demonstrate the promise of Bi₁₂NiO₁₉ as a novel p-type photocatalyst for environmental remediation under visible light.

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