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Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Maira Kazankapova

,

Bolat Yermagambet

,

Ainagul Malgazhdarova

,

Baglan Bakbolat

,

Zhanar Kassenova

,

Ultugan Kozhamuratova

,

Bauyrzhan Kapsalyamov

,

Zhanna Dauletzhanova

,

Assel Akshekina

Abstract: This study focuses on the synthesis of microporous carbon adsorbents derived from Shoptykol coal (Maikuben basin) via potassium hydroxide (KOH) chemical activation at two ratios (1:0.5 and 1:1), and on the evaluation of their hydrogen adsorption–desorption performance. The samples were prepared under an inert nitrogen atmosphere and characterized using particle size analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, BET surface area measurements, SEM/TEM microscopy, and gas sorption techniques. Hydrogen storage behavior was investigated using a high-pressure volumetric adsorption system over a wide range of pressures and temperatures, including cryogenic conditions (77 K and 80 bar). The experimental data were analyzed using Langmuir isotherm modeling, kinetic models (pseudo-first and pseudo-second order, Weber–Morris diffusion), and thermodynamic approaches based on van’t Hoff and Arrhenius equations. The Shoptykol:KOH (1:1) sample demonstrated higher adsorption capacity, achieving up to 6.6 wt% hydrogen storage at 77 K and 80 bar, as well as faster adsorption–desorption kinetics and lower activation energy compared to the 1:0.5 sample. Overall, optimized alkaline activation of coal-derived carbon materials is an effective strategy for producing high-performance adsorbents, and the 1:1 sample shows superior hydrogen storage properties for energy storage applications.

Review
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Dilshod D. Nematov

Abstract: Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as highly promising candidates for next-generation photovoltaic technologies due to their remarkable power conversion efficiencies, low-cost fabrication routes, and tunable optoelectronic properties. However, their practical commercialization remains constrained by several critical challenges, including charge-carrier recombination, interface-related energy losses, environmental instability, and lead-associated concerns. This review presents a focused and updated analysis of advanced charge-carrier management strategies designed to address these limitations. Unlike broader PSC reviews, particular emphasis is placed on the coupled roles of carrier lifetime, mobility, and interface quality as fundamental determinants of device efficiency and long-term operational stability. Special attention is devoted to inverted p-i-n architectures, where buried hole-selective contacts, self-assembled monolayers, NiOx-based interlayers, and fullerene-derived electron-selective contacts increasingly govern voltage losses, extraction balance, operational durability, and scalability. Recent developments are discussed through the interconnected effects of buried-interface passivation, transport-layer energetics, crystallization control, and transient/steady-state characterization methods used to quantify non-radiative recombination and transport limitations. The scalability and reproducibility of these approaches are further evaluated under realistic operating conditions. Analysis of recent representative studies indicates that further improvements in PSC performance are increasingly limited not by intrinsic absorber properties alone, but by interfacial recombination, contact non-uniformity, and the long-term stability of carrier-selective interfaces under thermal, electrical, and operational stress. Recent evidence suggests that further progress in PSC technology will increasingly depend on integrated control of charge-carrier dynamics across buried interfaces, transport layers, and scalable device architectures, particularly in formamidinium-rich and inverted p-i-n systems that currently represent the most promising platforms for durable high-efficiency photovoltaics.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Mateusz Przywara

,

Patryk Leszczak

Abstract: Direct compression is a widely used manufacturing method for solid oral dosage forms; however, its performance strongly depends on powder flowability, cohesiveness, and compactability, particularly in systems containing fine cohesive particles. This study investigated the influence of mixing time, fill level, and rotational speed on the properties of sodium naproxen–calcium carbonate blends and the resulting tablets prepared by direct compression. Powder blends were produced in a V-type mixer according to a central composite design, and the effects of process variables were evaluated using response surface methodology and analysis of variance. Blend properties were characterized by the angle of repose, angle of fall, and angle of difference, whereas tablet quality was assessed in terms of thickness, mass, active pharmaceutical ingredient content, and abrasiveness. Mixing time significantly affected the angle of difference, indicating changes in blend cohesiveness and flow uniformity, while fill level was identified as the main factor influencing active pharmaceutical ingredient content uniformity. Response surface analysis enabled identification of operating regions satisfying predefined criteria for blend homogeneity, active pharmaceutical ingredient content, and abrasiveness. The results provide guidance for optimization of direct compression processes involving cohesive pharmaceutical powders and support the application of Quality by Design principles in tablet manufacturing.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Xiaoliang Zhang

,

Haidan Cao

,

Jiawei Fang

,

Jun Zhang

,

Lingyun Wang

Abstract: Aluminium powder, an energetic material, is prone to thermal runaway upon water exposure under local heat sources, yet the nonadiabatic mechanisms of micron sized accumulated aluminium powder under localized heating remain unclear. This study employs a proprietary characterization platform to investigate the effects of particle size, water content, and local heat source power on heat transfer in the dry state and on parameters including induction time, onset temperature, peak heat release rate, and reaction heat during the induction and main reaction phases. In the dry state, decreasing particle size enhances effective thermal conductivity and accelerates temperature rise, whereas elevated local heat source power exacerbates thermal inertia. Under local heating upon water exposure, reduced particle size significantly enhances reactivity; the reaction heat of 2 μm powder reaches 983 J/g, approximately fourfoldAs shown in Figure9 that of 106 μm powder. Water content exhibits nonmonotonic regulation, with onset temperature minimizing at 25% water content and 66.4 °C and reaction heat peaking at 33%. Paradoxically, elevated local heat source power suppresses reaction intensity, and reaction heat at 10 W is one sixth of that at 2.5 W, attributed to rapid product layer densification and the steam film barrier effect shifting the controlling mechanism from chemical to diffusion control. A coupled multifactorial predictive model incorporating the three factors was established with R2 of 0.92, providing data and guidance for aluminium powder storage hazard prevention.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Kevin Alejandro Avilés-Betanzos

,

Dayra Priscila Turrén-Gutiérrez

,

Manuel Octavio Ramírez-Sucre

,

Juan Valerio Cauich-Rodríguez

,

Ingrid Mayanin Rodríguez-Buenfil

Abstract: Habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq. var. Jaguar) leaves are an underutilized by-product and a source of phenolic compounds. This study evaluates how natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) formulation and processing conditions with ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) modulate selective phenolic recovery. A 2×3×2 factorial design evaluated the hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) in NADES (choline chloride, ChCl; malic acid, MAc), UAE time (10 min, 20 min, 30 min), and leaf drying (freeze-drying, FzD; oven-drying, OvD). Total phenolic content (TPC, Folin–Ciocalteu), antioxidant capacity (Ax, DPPH methodology), and individual polyphenols (liquid chromatography) were determined. The highest TPC was obtained with ChCl from FzD leaves at 10 min UAE (36.18 ± 0.70 mg GAE/g dry leaf). Maximum Ax occurred for OvD leaves at 30 min and did not differ between HBAs (ChCl 86.43 ± 0.65%; MAc 86.95 ± 0.18%). UPLC-DAD confirmed selectivity, highlighting catechin (51.14 ± 1.07 mg/g; MA, FzD, 20 min), chlorogenic acid (16.05 ± 0.09 mg/g; MA, OvD, 10 min), and quercetin + luteolin (5.37 ± 0.05 mg/g; MA, FzD, 10 min). Modulation could be explained by HBA-dependent polarity and hydrogen-bonding that alters solvation of phenolic compounds, while UAE enhances mass transfer and cell disruption, and drying-dependent matrix structure affect phenolic stability and release. These results show the behavior between total and individual phenolic compounds and the Ax, which guides the evaluation of UAE/NADES conditions for the targeted extraction of phenolic compounds of interest in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries from the leaf of Capsicum chinense.

Review
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Kevaun Wilson

,

Mengke Zhang

,

Yiming Shen

,

Kumar Mukesh

,

Sandreika Laird

,

Eman Salwa

,

Jun Xu

,

Haibing Li

,

Mengzhi Wang

,

Xiaodong Guo

Abstract: Sulforaphane (SFN), a bioactive compound sourced from cruciferous vegetables, offers significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits yet, its stability in animal feed is a challenge. Nanotechnology-based encapsulation, specifically ionic gelation, has demonstrated efficacy in improving the stability and bioavailability of SFN. This review examines the application of natural polymers such as chitosan and alginate in ionic gelation for the encapsulation of SFN. It also discusses how these polymers can prevent SFN from degrading while traversing the digestive tract. Encapsulated SFN has shown enhanced nutritional absorption, elevated immune responses, and reduced oxidative stress in animals. However, challenges persist in identifying optimal methods for encapsulating various species, including enhancing encapsulation effectiveness, particle size, and controlled release mechanisms. Additionally, regulatory concerns regarding the safety and environmental impacts of nanoparticles in feed must be addressed. Future research should focus on improving encapsulation techniques and ensuring the safe application of SFN-loaded nanocarriers in livestock feed.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Afaque Alam

,

Samarpan Farmer

,

Mohammad Behzadnia

,

Xuefeng Jiao

,

Brad VanDerWege

,

Andrew Getsoian

,

Iyer Claudia

,

Benjamin Petersen

,

James Yi

,

Likun Zhu

+1 authors

Abstract: Li-ion batteries (LIBs) are seeing increasingly widespread adoption across consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and grid-scale energy storage systems, yet their susceptibility to thermal runaway remains a concern. This study evaluates ethoxy(pentafluoro)cyclotriphosphazene (PFPN) as an electrolyte additive to improve electrolyte flammability and thermal stability without compromising electrochemical performance. Electrolyte flammability was quantified using Self-Extinguishing Time (SET) measurements, which revealed that PFPN significantly suppresses combustion. At 4 wt% PFPN, 67% of electrolyte samples failed to ignite despite extended ignition exposure, and the average SET decreased by 43% (from 51 s g⁻¹ to 29 s g⁻¹). Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) further demonstrated improved thermal stability, with the onset of solvent decomposition delayed by ~30 °C at 4 wt% PFPN. Ionic conductivity modestly decreases (11%, from 10.26 to 9.12 mS cm⁻¹ at 4 wt% PFPN). Electrochemical testing showed negligible impact on battery performance. Graphite||Li and NMC811||Li half-cells containing PFPN exhibited comparable capacity retention to baseline cells. NMC811||Graphite pouch cells were used to further evaluate extended cycling and rate capability, PFPN containing cells demonstrated similar capacities even after prolonged cycling and high-rate operation. Overall, PFPN provides effective flame retardance at concentrations as low as 4 wt% while maintaining electrochemical compatibility, making it a promising additive for enhancing thermal stability of LIB electrolytes.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Justin Khong

,

Bo Xiao

,

Chirangano Mangwandi

Abstract: The persistence of pharmaceutical contaminants such as carbamazepine (CBZ) in aquatic environments presents a growing challenge for conventional wastewater treatment processes. In this study, potato peel waste was valorised into carbonaceous adsorbents via hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and conventional pyrolysis, and their performance for CBZ removal from water was systematically compared. Hydrochars were prepared at 200 °C under varying residence times and biomass-to-water ratios, while biochars were produced at 400 °C using KOH activation under different reaction times and impregnation ratios. The materials were characterised using BET surface area analysis, CHNS elemental analysis, and FTIR spectroscopy. Adsorption experiments revealed that HTC-derived hydrochars achieved outstanding CBZ removal efficiencies (up to ~100%) and high uptake capacities (~50 mg g⁻¹) within one minute of contact, despite relatively low surface areas (< 2 m² g⁻¹). In contrast, pyrolysis biochars exhibited significantly lower removal efficiencies (7–55%) and slower, less stable adsorption behaviour. Correlation analysis demonstrated that CBZ removal was strongly associated with surface chemistry—particularly carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen content and N/C ratio—rather than BET surface area or pore diameter. FTIR analysis indicated that π–π interactions, hydrogen bonding, and pore filling collectively govern CBZ adsorption, with oxygen- and nitrogen-containing functional groups playing a dominant role in rapid uptake. These findings highlight hydrothermal carbonization as an effective, low-severity route for producing high-performance adsorbents from food waste and demonstrate the potential of potato peel–derived hydrochars for rapid pharmaceutical remediation in water treatment applications.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Y. Li

,

S. B. Nourani Najafi

,

P.V. Aravind

,

A. V. Mokhov

Abstract: Dry reforming of methane (DRM) is an attractive route for H2 production and simultaneous CO₂ utilization, but its practical implementation is limited by catalyst deactivation. This study experimentally investigates the catalytic performance of Ni/Al₂O₃ and Gd-doped ceria–promoted Ni/GDC–Al₂O₃ catalysts for DRM in a fixed-bed quartz reactor over 400–800 °C at gas residence times of 0.1 s and 0.4 s. Increasing temperature and residence time enhanced CH₄ and CO₂ conversion as well as H₂ and CO yields for both catalysts. The GDC-promoted catalyst exhibited markedly improved activity, achieving conversions and product yields at 0.1 s comparable to those of Ni/Al₂O₃ at 0.4 s and reaching complete CH₄ conversion at about 650 °C, approximately 100 °C lower than the Ni/Al₂O₃. Long-term testing demonstrated high durability of Ni/GDC–Al₂O₃ at 650 °C with no detectable carbon deposition, consistent with thermodynamic equilibrium analysis.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Dilshod Nematov

,

Amondulloi Burkhonzodaa

,

Iskandar Raufov

,

Sherali Murodzoda

,

Saidjafar Murodzoda

,

Sakhidod Sattorzoda

,

Anushervon Ashurov

,

Makhsud Barot Islomzoda

,

Kholmirzo Kholmurodov

Abstract: This study presents a comprehensive first-principles investigation of the optoelectronic and thermoelectric properties of aluminum antimonide (AlSb) in its cubic (F-43m) and hexagonal (P63mc) phases. Structural optimization was performed using the SCAN functional, and all electronic and optical properties were evaluated using the modified Becke-Johnson potential combined with the Hubbard correction (mBJ+U), which best describes the band-edge electronic structure, explicitly accounting for the contribution of the d-states of the Sb half-core, which cannot be adequately accounted for by conventional functionals and may be overestimated by hybrid approaches. Both AlSb phases are found to be quasi-direct bandgap semiconductors, with calculated band gaps of 1.71 eV for the cubic phase and 1.50 eV for the hexagonal phase, in good agreement with available experimental data. The optical response reveals strong absorption in the visible and ultraviolet regions, moderate reflectivity, and high refractive indices, indicating pronounced light-matter interaction characteristic of III-V semiconductors. The hexagonal phase exhibits enhanced low-energy optical absorption due to its reduced symmetry and narrower band gap. Thermoelectric analysis demonstrates large negative Seebeck coefficients, thermally activated carrier generation, and a monotonic increase of the power factor with carrier concentration for both phases. The cubic phase shows higher power factor values due to enhanced carrier mobility, whereas the hexagonal phase benefits from reduced thermal conductivity, which is favorable for thermoelectric performance at elevated temperatures. These results establish AlSb as a multifunctional semiconductor with tunable optoelectronic and thermoelectric properties and highlight the importance of an accurate treatment of Sb d-electron effects for reliable property prediction.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Dorothea Voß

,

Max P. Papajewski

,

Jan-Christian Raabe

,

Jakob Albert

Abstract: The transition from fossil-based resources to renewable feedstocks is a cornerstone of industrial decarbonization. A critical component of this shift lies in deriving intermediates and value-added products from biomass. Among renewable resources, lignin stands out as a promising candidate due to its wide availability, abundance, and non-competitiveness with food production, making it an ideal starting material. The removal and depolymerization of lignin to produce aromatic chemicals can significantly enhance the material usability of all lignocellulose constituents. The removal and depolymerization of lignin to produce aromatic chemicals can significantly enhance the material usability of all lignocellulose constituents. Herein, a process for the polyoxometalate-catalyzed oxidative depolymerization of technical lignins to produce the monoaromatic compounds vanillin (Va), methyl vanillate (MeVa), syringaldehyde (Sy), and methyl syringate (MeSy) is demonstrated, offering the possibility to achive high monoaromatic yields of up to 12wt%.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Sebastian Pater

,

Krzysztof Kupiec

Abstract: Heating water in outdoor pools is common, particularly in regions with cool or temperate climates. Several factors, including solar radiation, ambient air temperature, wind speed, and humidity, influence the pool water temperature. A key design challenge is to determine the collector surface area required to achieve the desired pool water temperature. In this study, a mathematical model was developed that accounts for the aforementioned factors. Under various operating conditions, thermal performance calculations were carried out. Climatic conditions at three locations across Europe, representing different climate regimes, were analyzed. The model was validated through comparison with results obtained in the POLYSUN simulation software. The calculations demonstrated that wind speed above the water surface has a significant impact on heat losses and, consequently, on water temperature. It causes both convective and evaporative heat losses. Locating the pool in a sheltered area results in a consistent reduction in heat losses. It was determined that, under the climatic conditions of Krakow, the installation of solar collectors with a surface area equal to 50 % of the pool surface enables the maintenance of daytime water temperatures above 21 °C for approximately 100 days. In the absence of solar collectors, achieving such temperatures is not feasible.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Sergejs Osipovs

,

Aleksandrs Pučkins

Abstract: Pyrolysis of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) is a promising waste-to-energy route, but its use in higher-value applications remains limited by tar carryover, BTEX, heteroatom-containing compounds, and pollutant accumulation in recirculated scrubber water. This study evaluated operating windows for RDF pyrolysis coupled with direct wet scrubbing and closed-loop water reuse, with the aim of identifying regimes suitable for different end-use tiers. An L27 design of experiments was applied to 27 pyrolysis runs by varying pyrolysis temperature, residence time, scrubber liquid-to-gas ratio, scrubber-water temperature, and sequential reuse of the same scrubber-water inventory over 5, 10, and 15 cycles. Cleaned-gas pollutants were quantified by compound-resolved GC–MS after solid-phase adsorption sampling, while phenolics and PAHs in scrubber water were determined by extraction followed by GC–MS. The results showed that stronger scrubbing reduced gas-phase tar and BTEX burdens, whereas extended water reuse caused systematic accumulation of phenolics and PAHs and increased the composite water-loop hazard index. Boiler-grade operation remained feasible across a broad operating range, whereas ICE-CHP feasibility was restricted to a narrow robust regime and no robust microturbine-grade condition was identified. These findings show that operating windows for RDF pyrolysis must be defined jointly by gas-cleanliness and water-loop management constraints.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Lamia Boulafrouh

,

Stéphanie Boudesocque

,

Aminou Mohamadou

,

Laurent Dupont

Abstract: This study presents an innovative approach for the selective extraction of Co(II) and its separation from Ni(II) using ethyl ester glycine-betaine derivatives, specifically tri(n-pentyl)[2-ethoxy-2-oxoethyl]ammonium dicyanamide, as extractants in combi-nation with continuous-mode liquid–liquid contact. Semi-pilot-scale implementation requires non-equilibrium conditions, characterized by short contact times between ef-fluent and extractant phases. To address this, we propose dissolving analog of gly-cine-betaine ionic liquid (AGB-IL) in low-viscosity MIBK solvents to enhance mass transfer while reducing dependence on fossil-based solvents. Liquid–liquid extraction and continuous-flow stripping experiments were designed based on prior batch results and conducted in a saline environment, employing a chaotropic electrolyte for extrac-tion and a kosmotropic electrolyte for stripping. Both open and closed systems were tested to compare extractive performance with batch conditions and with scenarios representative of industrial operations. Results indicate that continuous-flow systems achieve performance comparable to batch systems in terms of extraction efficiency, Co/Ni separation coefficients, and recyclability. These findings provide proof of con-cept for the development of semi-pilot and pilot-scale processes for efficient cobalt re-covery.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Tianyi Guo

,

David Thielen

,

Malik Aydin

,

Nils Tippkötter

Abstract: Wheat straw is an abundant agricultural residue with high potential for carbohydrate-based bioconversion, yet its efficient utilization is limited by lignocellulosic recalcitrance. This study systematically investigated Organosolv extraction of German wheat straw with the goal of achieving near-complete enzymatic hydrolysis at minimized process severity and energy demand. Process severity was evaluated using the P-Factor concept. In preliminary screening, acid catalysts and liquor ratios were assessed. Strong acids clearly outperformed weak acids: at comparable severity, 5% (w/w, DM) H2SO4 or p-toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA) yielded glucose yields of 83 ± 2.4% and 81 ± 6.2%, respectively, whereas weak acids (phosphoric, lactic, acetic) and a catalyst-free control resulted in only ~20–41% glucose yield. Liquor ratio strongly affected extraction performance; a ratio of 1:19 provided the highest glucose yield (85 ± 1.4%) and robust mixing compared to 1:12–1:15 (67–68%). Two novel pretreatment strategies applied prior to Organosolv extraction, namely hot-water pretreatment (HWP) and water pretreatment (WP), significantly increased hydrolysability compared to untreated straw (58 ± 3%), reaching 79 ± 2% for HWP and 86 ± 5% for WP. DOE-based experiments (135–170 °C; P-Factor 3.0–4.0) showed that increasing temperature from 135 to 150 °C markedly improved hydrolysability (e.g., WP: 74 ± 3% to 96 ± 3%), while further increase to 170 °C provided no additional benefit. Response-surface modeling predicted a maximum hydrolysability of approximately 88% for HWP but complete hydrolysis for WP within 152–170 °C, indicating a broad operational window. Overall, combining simple pretreatment with severity-optimized Organosolv extraction enables energy-efficient, near-complete enzymatic hydrolysis of wheat straw.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Joachim Pasel

,

Justus Hüging

,

Quoc Khanh Tran

,

Ralf Peters

Abstract: The catalytically supported upgrading of green ethanol and green methanol mixtures can produce higher alcohols, such as iso-butanol, in a sustainable manner. Iso-butanol can be used as a feedstock to defossilize the chemical and transportation sectors. MgO-Al₂O₃ hydrotalcite-based catalysts are a promising option for this purpose. In this study, samples were synthesized using co-precipitation and urea methods with different Mg/Al molar ratios, with Ni acting as the active catalytic component. ICP-OES analysis revealed that Ni impregnation onto the hydrotalcite structure had been successful. However, in the case of the urea method, the pH value for the precipitation of Mg(OH)₂ was too low, resulting in insufficient Mg being incorporated into the hydrotalcite structure. XRD analysis revealed the presence of NiO, MgO and the spinels Al₂NiO₄ and Al₂MgO₄ in both synthesis variants, as well as elemental Ni in one sample from the urea synthesis. CO₂-TPD and NH₃-TPD experiments showed the dominance of strong basic and strong acidic catalyst centers in both synthesis pathways. The catalysts synthesized using the urea method exhibited the greatest activity, producing iso-butanol concentrations of up to 170 mmol l-1 at 185 °C, with a maximum space-time yield of 8.2 mmol g-1 h-1.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Luis Signorelli

,

Pedro Martín‑Zarza

,

María Emma Borges Chinea

,

Pedro Esparza

Abstract: Direct air capture (DAC) of CO2 via temperature-swing adsorption (TSA) can support sustainable carbon dioxide removal, but only if sorbents regenerate with low energy demand and maintain performance under humid ambient air. Here, we evaluate three commercial molecular sieves (JLPM3, 13X and 4A) in packed-bed tests using humid ambient air. We compared 40 g samples as received with 200 g samples conditioned for 12 days at 100 °C to emulate prolonged exposure to regeneration temperature (the cumulative effect of many heating/desorption cycles); all cycle-stabilized uptake values are reported from the conditioned materials. JLPM3 delivered the highest stabilized CO2 uptake (0.24 ± 0.01 mmol·g-1), consistent with a combined physisorption/chemisorption mechanism. Its higher total porosity and smaller mesopores promoted rapid mass transfer and site accessibility, while slightly greater micropore area and volume than 13X supported its marginally higher capacity. Evidence of partial structural degradation under mechanical and thermal stress indicates that minimizing strain during cycling will be important for scale-up and for reducing sorbent replacement. Conditioning at 100 °C activated additional chemisorption sites across all sieves but reduced physisorption capacity. Importantly, a ~100 °C desorption step fully regenerated physisorbed CO2 while purging moisture from zeolite pores, indicating that low-temperature TSA (compatible with low-grade or waste heat) can replace harsher 300 °C regeneration and lower energy demand. CO2–H2O competition experiments confirmed substantial site occupancy by water vapor, which limits capture under humid conditions and motivates water-management strategies. Overall, maximizing DAC performance requires tailoring pore structure and operating conditions while preserving sorbent integrity; JLPM3 emerges as a promising candidate for more energy- and resource-efficient DAC.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Quanmin Liu

,

Yueguang Yu

Abstract:

The critical role of lithium in powering the new energy economy necessitates prioritizing efficient extraction methods. This study investigates a novel zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8)-coated manganese-based lithium ion sieve (LIS) for enhanced lithium recovery. The precursor of LIS, Li1.6Mn1.6O4, was synthesized via the hydrothermal method, followed by acid pickling to obtain the spinel lithium ion sieve H1.6Mn1.6O4. The material was then immersed in a 2-methylimidazole/Zn(NO3)2 solution, undergoing ultrasonic-assisted hydrothermal growth to form ZIF@H1.6Mn1.6O4 composites. Under optimized conditions (30 °C, pH=11, 24 h), the composite demonstrated superior lithium extraction performance compared to single-phase adsorbents, reaching 26.44 mg/g at the solution with 250 mg/L Li+. The adsorption capacity of the composite increased with Li+ concentration and reaction time. The adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model and is dominated by chemisorption.

Review
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Bijan Pouryousefi Markhali

,

Adam Farahani

,

Matheus Campos Duarte

,

Pooja Kaur Chaggar

,

Kazem Javan

,

Mariam Darestani

Abstract: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent and mobile contaminants of global concern, and while granular activated carbon (GAC) is widely used for their removal, it is limited by high regeneration and disposal costs. This study investigates surface-modified clinoptilolite zeolites as low-cost and thermally regenerable alternatives to GAC for PFAS removal from water. Natural clinoptilolite was modified through acid washing, ion exchange with Fe³⁺ or La³⁺, grafting with aminosilane (APTES) or hydrophobic silane (DTMS), dual APTES–DTMS grafting, and graphene oxide coating. Adsorption performance was evaluated for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA, C8) and perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA, C4) at 100 µg L⁻¹ in single and mixed-solute systems, with an additional high-concentration PFOA test (1 mg L⁻¹). Raw zeolite showed limited PFOA removal (4%), whereas dual-functionalised APTES+DTMS zeolites achieved up to 93% removal, comparable to GAC (97%) and superior to single-silane or metal-exchanged variants. At lower concentrations, modified zeolites effectively removed PFOA but showed limited PFBA removal (< 25%), highlighting ongoing challenges for short-chain PFAS. Overall, the results demonstrate that dual-functionalised clinoptilolite zeolites represent a promising and scalable platform for PFAS remediation, particularly for mid- to long-chain compounds, provided that strategies for enhancing short-chain PFAS binding are further developed.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Ashish V. Mohod

,

Matteo Aniello

,

Marina Zoccola

,

Giulia Dalla Fontana

,

Parag Bhavsar

,

Sara Dalle Vacche

Abstract: The textile industries mostly rely on synthetic dyes, which contains nonbiodegradable components and high toxicity make its use environmentally hazardous. The present research delves into the unique application of proteins extracted Black Soldier Fly (BSF), as a natural dyes for wool fabrics. The hydrolyzed proteins extracted from each insect material (larvae, cocoons and flies) using superheated water at 170 °C for 1 h were used as natural dyes for dyeing wool fabrics with and without mordant (ferrous sulfate, 5% o.w.f.). Fabrics treated with mordant-free protein hydrolysate derived from cocoons showed best results with an increase in color strength (K/S value) from 0.43 to 2.78 with an increasing dye concentration from 2% to 50% o.w.f. . Color fastness to washing shows that dyed fabrics undergo variable color changes (from grade 4 to grade 1) but release little dye onto other fabrics, especially wool and synthetic fibers. Dry and wet rubbing color fastness tests showed overall variable color fastness, with little color loss on the abraded reference fabric. Overall, this work highlights the potential of protein hydrolysate from BSF as a natural and environmentally friendly dye, which may represent a promising alternative to synthetic dyes in the textile industry.

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