Next Sustainability最新文献

Lithium-ion batteries have become the most widely used electrochemical energy storage device due to their excellent cycling performance, safety and stability. The service life of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is generally 3∼5 years. Therefore, a large number of spent lithium-ion batteries will be generated in the future. Spent lithium-ion batteries will cause serious environmental pollution if not processed properly, especially the electrolyte. Nowadays, the recycling of lithium-ion batteries is mainly on the high-value electrode materials containing non-ferrous metals such as cobalt, lithium, and nickel. However, due to its volatility, toxicity and flammability, the recycling of electrolyte is less studied. The spent electrolyte reacts with water to form fluoride, which may spread into the air and soil. This will cause serious environmental pollution and endanger human health. And the electrolyte contains a certain concentration of lithium salts and organic solvents, which are worth recovering. They have economic value and can be reused. From the perspective of environmental protection and resource recycling, it is urgent to recycle and utilize electrolyte in a high value way. This paper reviews the current situation of recycling of spent lithium-ion battery electrolyte and its development prospects are prospected.

The use of fishing industry waste residues for biotechnological developments is blossoming in the last decade to improve the management of marine resources while reducing the environmental impact of the fisheries sector. Chitosan (CS), is a natural and nontoxic biopolymer that exerts great antimicrobial properties and is being considered as GRAS by the United States Food and Drug Administration. In this study, we aimed to produce at a gram scale high molecular weight CS microparticles (CS-MP) from a low quality commercial raw material intended to develop an environmental friendly antimicrobial. Thus, we aimed to test the effect of sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) used as a crosslinker on the antimicrobial performance of the CS-MP. Hence, we synthesized CS using shrimp fishing industry waste from Argentinean Patagonia at a pilot scale in order to be able to provide a cost-effective second life to the industry waste. By varying the ratio polymer/crosslinker, we studied its influence on the final physicochemical properties as well as their performance against representative crop pathogens: Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC 3000 and Fusarium solani f. sp. eumartii. Our results showed a correlation between the surface charge exhibited by CS-MPs and their antimicrobial properties, through an imbalance on fungal membrane permeability. Thus, given the difference in the CS-MPs performance, it is clear that the electrostatic interaction of the particles with the negatively charged surface of the microorganism plays a key role in determining their ultimate activity. The CS-MPs exhibited great potential against crop pathogens providing a second life to fishing industry waste by developing an eco-friendly plant protectant from a valuable synergy of the national industry and academics.

In this study, the corrosion inhibition of AISI 4140 steel tubing in 15% HCl acidic oilfield environment at the temperature of 313 to 353 K was investigated using JS.22 leaf extract (JS.22LE). The compositions of the steel were determined using be atom well-correlated with revealing confirming sho industry lead has literature is the power house be protected attacks sho the is hort comings the an chosen the isand mass spectrometry analyzer (AMSA). Weight loss was adopted to evaluate the corrosion rate (CR), while potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were carried out in other to determine the inhibition efficiencies (IEs). The heat of adsorption was mathematically evaluated so as to examine the interaction between the adsorbate and adsorbent. The sample characterizations were also examined by FTIR, SEM-EDS, and XRD analysis. The nature of energy of reaction was examined via thermodynamic parameters (enthalpy, entropy, and the Gibb’s acidsease that free) evaluation using Gibb’s and Duhem’s equations.

Results

of the steel compositions via the AMSA indicated the presence of Fe with 97.26%, a concentrationsan a the a Extracts concentrations environmentally well-developed measures were a , an and high value of IEs: gravimetric = 88.10%, potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) = 87.00%, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) = 89.00%, respectively. The inhibition efficiency (IE) of JS.22LE increases with increase in inhibition concentration from 0.5 to 1.5 g/L and temperature from 313 to 353 K. Higher activation energy of 47.52 KJ/mol was recorded at 1.50 g/L, 353 K, and immersion time of 6 h. Thermodynamic parameters, ΔH of 47.26 KJ/mol, ΔS of − 33.58 J/mol were obtained. The charge transfer resistance Ɵ_ct of 39.99 Ωcm² was obtained at 1.50 g/L, 353 K, and 6 h. Langmuir adsorption isotherm (regression coefficient (R²) = 99.80% proved to be the best fit and the chemisorptions adsorption was achieved. Steel characterization shows a smoother surface with the extract than non-extract, low-carbonan an none of the presence of functional group as well as d-orbital element, and wellsa and an a reportan wa the formation of a protective film on the metal surface.

The forharvestedsun-driedthe continuousleafqualitativeindicates,quantitativewith acida an the a findings shows that JS.22LE treated with 15% HCl can serve as surface treatment of AISI 4140 steel corrosion in an oil well environment.

This comprehensive review explores the nexus between AI and the pursuit of net-zero emissions, highlighting the potential of AI in driving sustainable development and combating climate change. The paper examines various threads within this field, including AI applications for net zero, AI-driven solutions and innovations, challenges and ethical considerations, opportunities for collaboration and partnerships, capacity building and education, policy and regulatory support, investment and funding, as well as scalability and replicability of AI solutions. Key findings emphasize the enabling role of AI in optimizing energy systems, enhancing climate modelling and prediction, improving sustainability in various sectors such as transportation, agriculture, and waste management, and enabling effective emissions monitoring and tracking. The review also highlights challenges related to data availability, quality, privacy, energy consumption, bias, fairness, human-AI collaboration, and governance. Opportunities for collaboration, capacity building, policy support, investment, and scalability are identified as key drivers for future research and implementation. Ultimately, this review underscores the transformative potential of AI in achieving a sustainable, net-zero future and provides insights for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners engaged in climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The reliability and efficiency of the energy storage system used in electric vehicles (EVs) is very important for consumers. The use of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with high energy density is preferred in EVs. However, the long range user needs and security issues such as fire and explosion in LIB limit the widespread use of these batteries. This review discusses the working principle, performance and failures of LIB. It provides an overview of LIB with particular emphasis on the factors that affect their performance and the factors that cause failures. Finally, potential batteries to replace lithium batteries in EVs are evaluated. In addition, the challenges of these future batteries are discussed. In this paper, we review studies in the field of batteries used in EVs, general problems and future battery technologies. Methods related to such topics are compared in terms of their advantages, disadvantages and qualitative factors. The authors believe that EVs will be the transportation vehicle of the future such that battery systems should be developed and academic studies should be carried out. The authors think this study will contribute to the EV and will provide a perspective to designers, researchers, manufacturers and companies working in the field of batteries.

This study examines the use of layer by layer (LbL) coated coir (CC) systems to eliminate bacterial pathogens and emerging contaminants from water. Bacterial and chemical contaminants found in river water pose risks to human health and aquatic ecosystems. The study initially compared the effectiveness of CC to uncoated coir (UC) treatment in removing bacterial pathogens. CC treatment demonstrated superior removal efficacy compared to UC treatment. For samples with a bacterial concentration of 3.6×103 CFU/mL, CC treatment achieved a removal rate exceeding 90% and viability losses of over 60% for E. coli and over 90% for S. aureus. As the number of bilayers increased, the regrowth potential of bacteria decreased, leading to mortality rates of ∼ 97% for S. aureus and 65% for E. coli respectively. Furthermore, the superiority of CC over UC in removing emerging contaminants were demonstrated. CC attained removal efficiencies of over 99% for isoniazid, 95.08% for lidocaine, 95.21% for mefenamic acid, and 87.73% for caffeine. The reproducibility of the CC system was tested and showed stable removal efficiency over multiple cycles. These findings highlight the potential of CC systems as effective eco-friendly alternatives for water purification to remove bacterial pathogens and emerging contaminants.

This study delves into the catalytic reduction of nitrate in water using a Pd 1(wt%) In 0.25(wt%) catalyst supported on alumina. Investigating the influence of formic acid concentration, pH control, and catalyst characteristics on performance and selectivity, we find that higher formic acid concentrations boost initial reaction rates until saturation, impacting activity. Stoichiometric formic acid concentration strikes the best balance between activity and N₂ selectivity. Comparative studies with hydrogen highlight formic acid's unique role in nitrate reduction. pH control using formic acid ensures full nitrate conversion, highlighting its dual role as a pH regulator and reducing agent. Additionally, the study uncovers a volcano-type behavior and surface properties affecting catalytic activity. Characterization through XPS, XRD, and SEM techniques provides valuable insights into the catalyst's composition and distribution. This comprehensive investigation sheds light on key parameters influencing catalytic nitrate reduction, guiding optimal water treatment processes. The economically advantageous and efficient (Pd, In)-based catalyst emerges as a promising solution for nitrate removal applications, addressing global water contamination challenges.

A wide range of Lithium-Ion Battery cell types is utilized in the automotive industry. These different cell types contain distinct anode and cathode active materials that are bound to the current collector foils by different binders. It is obligatory to recover the cathode metals Co, Li, and Ni as well as the Cu from the anode during recycling in accordance with European regulations. The yield and the characteristics of the generated black masses (fraction < 1 mm) vary significantly among the different cell types. Some cell types demonstrate an effective decoating, resulting in a high cathode metal recovery already after the first crushing. In contrast, other cell types exhibit low decoating and low metal recovery. The Al and Cu impurity content in the resulting black masses differs by a factor of 6 across different cell types reflecting their unique characteristics.

Scale-up hydrogen production from natural seawater presents a promising avenue to address the escalating depletion of fossil fuel resources. However, direct seawater splitting (DSS) remains a formidable challenge, primarily due to the deficiency of efficient, stable, and cost-effective catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In this paper, we demonstrate the fabrication of a self-supported heterostructured nanoarray electrocatalyst, namely, NiTe/Ni₂P, which exhibits exceptional performance and durability in the OER in alkaline seawater conditions. Remarkably, this innovative catalyst displays an overpotential of merely 312 mV to achieve a current density of 100 mA cm⁻². Moreover, the overall seawater splitting (OSS) process can be achieved at a cell voltage of 1.68 V while maintaining a high faradic efficiency (FE) of nearly 100 % for the OER, alongside exceptional stability exceeding 100 h of continuous testing. We have validated the presence of heterostructures and strong interactions between NiTe and Ni₂P, as well as the Cl^- repelling capability resulting from the incorporation of P, which induces a more negatively charged surface. These aforementioned factors are posited as the fundamental drivers behind the catalyst's extraordinary performance and steadfastness in the OER during DSS. Moreover, this strategic approach harbors tremendous potential for the systematic development of catalysts exhibiting exceptional OER performance within the realm of DSS.

Hydrothermal liquefaction aqueous phase (HTL-AP) greatly hindered the sustainable development of HTL technology due to its high output and diverse compound distribution. Herein, the antimicrobial behavior, application scenario and acton mechanism of HTL-AP were clarified since an emerging pathogen reduction approach by HTL-AP attracts increasing attention. We studied the molecular cognition and underlying mechanism for phytopathogen control provoked by HTL-AP via multiscale analysis including mycelial morphology, intracellular metabolites and transcriptome. HTL-AP in a very low concentration (only 1.5%) completely inhibited the growth of Botrytis cinerea (B. cinerea) and showed promising potential for seed-borne fungi control. Biochemical analysis revealed that the morphology was significantly changed, the contents of four intracellular compounds were all largely disordered, and activities of six enzymes simultaneously decreased in mycelium after uptake of HTL-AP. Further, the transcriptome analysis revealed the disturbance of the gene expression of B. cinerea in response to HTL-AP stress. Ultra-high differentially expressed genes were enriched, which was significantly distinguished from the reported fungicide agent. HTL-AP mainly acted on metabolic processes of B. cinerea while disruption of genetic information processes and cellular processes were also performed. All four main antimicrobial modes were observed in HTL-AP action, and multiple action pathways of HTL-AP exhibited a synergistic interaction in growth inhibition. The multiscale analysis in this study refreshed the knowledge and cognition of HTL-AP functioned for pathogen control, which was speculated due to the multiple active compounds. HTL-AP showed a high potential for seed-borne fungi control, contributing to the novel renewable and suatainable fungicide agent development and new antimicroial target discovery.