Pub Date : 2026-01-30DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2026.121549
Xiangchun Jiang , Siyu Liu , Zhuo Liang , Xiao Wang , Ping Wang , Guiyang Ma
Natural Gas Hydrates (NGH) are key carriers that combine clean energy potential with CO₂ geological sequestration value, widely occurring in clay-rich marine sediments. Their efficient development and sequestration are crucial for achieving carbon neutrality. As the core component of sediments, clay minerals exhibit physicochemical properties (e.g., structure, specific surface area, surface charge) that directly regulate NGH nucleation, growth, and stability, serving as a key factor determining the engineering feasibility of related technologies. This paper systematically reviews the thermodynamic and kinetic regulatory mechanisms of clay systems on NGH formation, focusing on elucidating the synergistic effects of clay type, concentration, particle size, and additives. It summarizes the evolution characteristics of occurrence morphology dominated by clay-hydrate interactions and discusses the core controversies of existing formation mechanisms. Finally, in response to the practical needs of NGH exploitation and CO₂ sequestration, this paper identifies the technical bottlenecks faced by clay systems and future research directions, providing theoretical support and technical reference for energy transition and carbon emission reduction.
{"title":"Interfacial behaviors and multi-dimensional regulation of clay minerals: Mechanisms of gas hydrate formation and frontiers in energy-environment applications","authors":"Xiangchun Jiang , Siyu Liu , Zhuo Liang , Xiao Wang , Ping Wang , Guiyang Ma","doi":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121549","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121549","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Natural Gas Hydrates (NGH) are key carriers that combine clean energy potential with CO₂ geological sequestration value, widely occurring in clay-rich marine sediments. Their efficient development and sequestration are crucial for achieving carbon neutrality. As the core component of sediments, clay minerals exhibit physicochemical properties (e.g., structure, specific surface area, surface charge) that directly regulate NGH nucleation, growth, and stability, serving as a key factor determining the engineering feasibility of related technologies. This paper systematically reviews the thermodynamic and kinetic regulatory mechanisms of clay systems on NGH formation, focusing on elucidating the synergistic effects of clay type, concentration, particle size, and additives. It summarizes the evolution characteristics of occurrence morphology dominated by clay-hydrate interactions and discusses the core controversies of existing formation mechanisms. Finally, in response to the practical needs of NGH exploitation and CO₂ sequestration, this paper identifies the technical bottlenecks faced by clay systems and future research directions, providing theoretical support and technical reference for energy transition and carbon emission reduction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15759,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering","volume":"14 2","pages":"Article 121549"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146074803","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-30DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2026.121518
Fei Liu , Nan Li , Xiaohuan Liu , Na Xu , Tao Wang
The pervasive accumulation of recalcitrant poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) plastic waste presents a critical environmental challenge, driving the urgent need for sustainable biological recycling solutions. While extensive research has focused on the initial depolymerase (PETase), this review comprehensively examines the pivotal yet underexplored role of mono(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate hydrolase (MHETase), which is essential for completing PET depolymerization. It highlights the recent advances across discovery, mechanism, and engineering to reframe MHETase not merely as a downstream companion but as a central bottleneck and a multifaceted engineering target. In this review, it mainly encompasses: (1) examining the critical role of MHETase in overcoming product inhibition and ensuring complete PET depolymerization; (2) surveying the structural and ecological diversity of MHETase homologs from various environments; (3) reviewing protein engineering advances that enhance its key properties, yielding bifunctional variants; and (4) discussing innovative application strategies like immobilization and metabolic engineering for process stability and integration. By deliberately connecting fundamental enzymology with applied bioengineering, this review provides an integrated perspective that underscores the necessity of optimizing MHETase. Finally, it is concluded that advancing MHETase research is paramount for developing efficient, scalable, and economically viable biocatalytic systems to achieve a sustainable circular plastic economy.
{"title":"Advancing PET biodegradation through MHETase: Mechanisms, engineering, and biotechnological applications","authors":"Fei Liu , Nan Li , Xiaohuan Liu , Na Xu , Tao Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121518","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121518","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The pervasive accumulation of recalcitrant poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) plastic waste presents a critical environmental challenge, driving the urgent need for sustainable biological recycling solutions. While extensive research has focused on the initial depolymerase (PETase), this review comprehensively examines the pivotal yet underexplored role of mono(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate hydrolase (MHETase), which is essential for completing PET depolymerization. It highlights the recent advances across discovery, mechanism, and engineering to reframe MHETase not merely as a downstream companion but as a central bottleneck and a multifaceted engineering target. In this review, it mainly encompasses: (1) examining the critical role of MHETase in overcoming product inhibition and ensuring complete PET depolymerization; (2) surveying the structural and ecological diversity of MHETase homologs from various environments; (3) reviewing protein engineering advances that enhance its key properties, yielding bifunctional variants; and (4) discussing innovative application strategies like immobilization and metabolic engineering for process stability and integration. By deliberately connecting fundamental enzymology with applied bioengineering, this review provides an integrated perspective that underscores the necessity of optimizing MHETase. Finally, it is concluded that advancing MHETase research is paramount for developing efficient, scalable, and economically viable biocatalytic systems to achieve a sustainable circular plastic economy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15759,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering","volume":"14 2","pages":"Article 121518"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146074801","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-29DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2026.121480
Jiawei Liu , Xiangkun Li , Pengwei Xu , Ningxin Hu , Hao Ren , Gaige Liu
Efficient resource recovery of waste activated sludge (WAS) is essential for advancing circular economy and reducing environmental burdens. Traditional anaerobic fermentation suffers from low-value products and high separation costs, while medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) have attracted considerable attention as high-value chemicals. However, the dense extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in sludge and the electron transfer bottleneck in anaerobic metabolism limit the synthesis efficiency of MCFAs. This study proposes a novel strategy for synergistically enhancing MCFAs production from sludge using piezoelectric materials: initially, at the physicochemical level, piezoelectric materials generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) through mechanical stress to break down the EPS barrier; subsequently, at the biological level, modified piezoelectric materials function as both “electronic bridges” and “field-effect generators” to enhance extracellular electron transfer (EET), promoting carbon flow towards the reverse β-oxidation (RBO) and fatty acid biosynthesis (FAB) pathways. Future research should focus on improving material stability and conducting technical-economic analysis to ensure the feasibility of this technology in practical sludge treatment.
{"title":"Potential and challenges of medium-chain fatty acids production from waste activated sludge using piezoelectric materials","authors":"Jiawei Liu , Xiangkun Li , Pengwei Xu , Ningxin Hu , Hao Ren , Gaige Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121480","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121480","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Efficient resource recovery of waste activated sludge (WAS) is essential for advancing circular economy and reducing environmental burdens. Traditional anaerobic fermentation suffers from low-value products and high separation costs, while medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) have attracted considerable attention as high-value chemicals. However, the dense extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in sludge and the electron transfer bottleneck in anaerobic metabolism limit the synthesis efficiency of MCFAs. This study proposes a novel strategy for synergistically enhancing MCFAs production from sludge using piezoelectric materials: initially, at the physicochemical level, piezoelectric materials generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) through mechanical stress to break down the EPS barrier; subsequently, at the biological level, modified piezoelectric materials function as both “electronic bridges” and “field-effect generators” to enhance extracellular electron transfer (EET), promoting carbon flow towards the reverse β-oxidation (RBO) and fatty acid biosynthesis (FAB) pathways. Future research should focus on improving material stability and conducting technical-economic analysis to ensure the feasibility of this technology in practical sludge treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15759,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering","volume":"14 2","pages":"Article 121480"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146074799","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-27DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2026.121461
Zhouxiao Wang , Zhengmin Zhong , Lisan Fu , Pengze Yang , Jinkai Liu , Qiliang Pan
Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are promising for large-scale energy storage owing to their advantages of high theoretical capacity, low cost, and high safety. Manganese-based materials, characterized by rich reserves, low cost, multiple valence states, and relatively high operating potential, represent a very promising cathode material for AZIBs. This article reviews the latest advances in manganese-based cathode materials for AZIBs from a mechanistic perspective, elucidating the evolution of energy storage mechanisms. Representative manganese-based materials, including MnO2, Mn2O3, Mn3O4, ZnMn2O4, and manganese composite with other materials, are discussed in terms of their structural characteristics, dominant reaction pathways, and electrochemical behaviors. To address challenges of manganese dissolution, structural instability, and poor conductivity, key modification strategies (elemental doping, surface coating, structural design, and electrolyte optimization) are systematically reviewed, with a focus on their ability to enhance cycling stability and rate performance. Finally, this review outlines future research directions of manganese-based materials as AZIBs cathodes, providing a reference for developing high-performance AZIBs.
{"title":"Manganese-based cathodes for aqueous zinc-ion batteries: Mechanistic insights and rational design strategies","authors":"Zhouxiao Wang , Zhengmin Zhong , Lisan Fu , Pengze Yang , Jinkai Liu , Qiliang Pan","doi":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121461","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121461","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are promising for large-scale energy storage owing to their advantages of high theoretical capacity, low cost, and high safety. Manganese-based materials, characterized by rich reserves, low cost, multiple valence states, and relatively high operating potential, represent a very promising cathode material for AZIBs. This article reviews the latest advances in manganese-based cathode materials for AZIBs from a mechanistic perspective, elucidating the evolution of energy storage mechanisms. Representative manganese-based materials, including MnO<sub>2</sub>, Mn<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>, Mn<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>, ZnMn<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>, and manganese composite with other materials, are discussed in terms of their structural characteristics, dominant reaction pathways, and electrochemical behaviors. To address challenges of manganese dissolution, structural instability, and poor conductivity, key modification strategies (elemental doping, surface coating, structural design, and electrolyte optimization) are systematically reviewed, with a focus on their ability to enhance cycling stability and rate performance. Finally, this review outlines future research directions of manganese-based materials as AZIBs cathodes, providing a reference for developing high-performance AZIBs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15759,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering","volume":"14 2","pages":"Article 121461"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146074880","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-27DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2026.121466
Subhan Mahmood , Numan Mahmood , Muhammad Usman Liaquat , Faizan Ikhlaq , Hamza Shehzad , Shun Yao
Freshwater scarcity, driven by population growth, urbanization, industrialization, and climate change, has intensified the need for alternative water sources, including desalination. Among emerging solutions, electrodialysis (ED) has gained prominence as an energy-efficient, renewable, and chemical-free electrochemical separation technology for desalination. By leveraging ion-exchange membranes and an applied electric field, ED effectively removes salts and ions from water without requiring high-pressure or thermal energy inputs, making it particularly suitable for low-to-medium salinity water treatment. Recent advancements, such as anti-fouling membranes and integration with renewable energy systems (e.g., photovoltaics), have further enhanced the economic viability and environmental sustainability of ED. Additionally, its modular and scalable design enables decentralized applications, expanding water access to underserved regions. Beyond desalination, ED supports the circular economy by facilitating nutrient and metal recovery from wastewater, aligning with sustainable development goals (SDGs). While challenges like membrane fouling and costs persist, innovations such as hybrid systems and digital technologies are unlocking new opportunities, reinforcing the role of ED as a key solution for global water scarcity and resource optimization. This review explores historical evolution, current applications, economic and environmental prospects of ED as a sustainable desalination technology in water management in recent years, with the aim of providing a comprehensive reference for researchers in desalination and electrochemical separation.
{"title":"Electrodialysis for sustainable water desalination: Principles, applications, challenges, and future directions","authors":"Subhan Mahmood , Numan Mahmood , Muhammad Usman Liaquat , Faizan Ikhlaq , Hamza Shehzad , Shun Yao","doi":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121466","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121466","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Freshwater scarcity, driven by population growth, urbanization, industrialization, and climate change, has intensified the need for alternative water sources, including desalination. Among emerging solutions, electrodialysis (ED) has gained prominence as an energy-efficient, renewable, and chemical-free electrochemical separation technology for desalination. By leveraging ion-exchange membranes and an applied electric field, ED effectively removes salts and ions from water without requiring high-pressure or thermal energy inputs, making it particularly suitable for low-to-medium salinity water treatment. Recent advancements, such as anti-fouling membranes and integration with renewable energy systems (e.g., photovoltaics), have further enhanced the economic viability and environmental sustainability of ED. Additionally, its modular and scalable design enables decentralized applications, expanding water access to underserved regions. Beyond desalination, ED supports the circular economy by facilitating nutrient and metal recovery from wastewater, aligning with sustainable development goals (SDGs). While challenges like membrane fouling and costs persist, innovations such as hybrid systems and digital technologies are unlocking new opportunities, reinforcing the role of ED as a key solution for global water scarcity and resource optimization. This review explores historical evolution, current applications, economic and environmental prospects of ED as a sustainable desalination technology in water management in recent years, with the aim of providing a comprehensive reference for researchers in desalination and electrochemical separation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15759,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering","volume":"14 2","pages":"Article 121466"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146074802","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-27DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2026.121464
Dongming Liu , Shuhan Wang , Liang Zhao , Wenbing Tan
The rapid expansion of global livestock production has rendered manure pollution a critical threat to environmental quality and public health. Achieving high-efficiency manure valorization while simultaneously mitigating pollution and maximizing resource recovery remains a central challenge in environmental engineering and sustainable agriculture. This review critically examines the synergistic mechanisms and application potential of composting and hydrothermal carbonization (HTC), two mainstream manure treatment technologies. Conventional composting efficiently transforms organic matter into humic acids (>30 % content) but is limited by prolonged processing (30–60 days) and substantial greenhouse gas emissions (0.3–0.8 kg N₂O/t). HTC offers rapid conversion (4–6 h) and high-energy hydrochar (18–25 MJ/kg), yet is hindered by severe process water contamination (COD: 20,000–80,000 mg/L). Multi-scale analyses reveal that: (i) compost-derived humic functional groups (-COOH, -OH) enhance HTC reactivity at the molecular level; (ii) coupling “HTC pretreatment + composting post-treatment” increases overall efficiency by 40 % and reduces the carbon footprint to 15 kg CO₂-eq/t; and (iii) intelligent process control enables nitrogen and phosphorus recovery rates above 90 %. The proposed “pollution control–resource recovery–carbon neutrality” framework substantially lowers environmental risks while enabling simultaneous energy recovery and nutrient recycling. This work provides a comprehensive mechanistic and process-level foundation for next-generation manure management strategies. Future research should prioritize AI-driven process optimization and the establishment of biochar carbon credit mechanisms to accelerate large-scale deployment under dual-carbon targets.
全球畜牧业生产的迅速扩大使粪便污染对环境质量和公众健康构成严重威胁。在减少污染和最大限度地回收资源的同时实现高效的粪肥增值仍然是环境工程和可持续农业的核心挑战。本文综述了堆肥和水热碳化（HTC）这两种主流粪便处理技术的协同作用机制和应用潜力。传统的堆肥有效地将有机物转化为腐植酸（>；30 %含量），但由于处理时间长（30 - 60天）和大量温室气体排放（0.3-0.8 kg N₂O/t）而受到限制。HTC提供快速转化（4-6 h）和高能碳氢化合物（18-25 MJ/kg），但受到严重的工艺水污染（COD: 20,000-80,000 mg/L）的阻碍。多尺度分析表明：(1)堆肥衍生腐殖质官能团（-COOH, -OH）在分子水平上增强了HTC反应性；（ii）结合“HTC预处理+ 堆肥后处理”，将整体效率提高40 %，并将碳足迹减少到15 kg CO₂-eq/t；(3)智能过程控制使氮磷回收率达到90% %以上。提出的“污染控制-资源回收-碳中和”框架大大降低了环境风险，同时实现了能源回收和养分循环。这项工作为下一代粪便管理策略提供了全面的机制和工艺基础。未来的研究应优先考虑人工智能驱动的流程优化和生物炭碳信用机制的建立，以加速双碳目标下的大规模部署。
{"title":"Synergistic pathways of composting and hydrothermal carbonization for livestock manure valorization: From molecular mechanisms to carbon-neutral applications","authors":"Dongming Liu , Shuhan Wang , Liang Zhao , Wenbing Tan","doi":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121464","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121464","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The rapid expansion of global livestock production has rendered manure pollution a critical threat to environmental quality and public health. Achieving high-efficiency manure valorization while simultaneously mitigating pollution and maximizing resource recovery remains a central challenge in environmental engineering and sustainable agriculture. This review critically examines the synergistic mechanisms and application potential of composting and hydrothermal carbonization (HTC), two mainstream manure treatment technologies. Conventional composting efficiently transforms organic matter into humic acids (>30 % content) but is limited by prolonged processing (30–60 days) and substantial greenhouse gas emissions (0.3–0.8 kg N₂O/t). HTC offers rapid conversion (4–6 h) and high-energy hydrochar (18–25 MJ/kg), yet is hindered by severe process water contamination (COD: 20,000–80,000 mg/L). Multi-scale analyses reveal that: (i) compost-derived humic functional groups (-COOH, -OH) enhance HTC reactivity at the molecular level; (ii) coupling “HTC pretreatment + composting post-treatment” increases overall efficiency by 40 % and reduces the carbon footprint to 15 kg CO₂-eq/t; and (iii) intelligent process control enables nitrogen and phosphorus recovery rates above 90 %. The proposed “pollution control–resource recovery–carbon neutrality” framework substantially lowers environmental risks while enabling simultaneous energy recovery and nutrient recycling. This work provides a comprehensive mechanistic and process-level foundation for next-generation manure management strategies. Future research should prioritize AI-driven process optimization and the establishment of biochar carbon credit mechanisms to accelerate large-scale deployment under dual-carbon targets.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15759,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering","volume":"14 2","pages":"Article 121464"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146074883","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-27DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2026.121455
Lili Hu , Min Teng , Yanyu Zhao , Wenjing Zhang , Haiyan Hu , Xinli Cheng , Wei Yuan , Junwei Yuan , Cheng Zhang , Fangchao Li , Yang Li
Two-dimensional (2D) materials exhibit precise control over carrier migration and heat diffusion within the two-dimensional plane, enabling them to effectively modulate catalytic and electrical properties, making them highly favorable for electron transfer. As a novel type of catalysts, 2D materials have garnered increasing attention in various electrocatalytic reactions, particularly in nitrate reduction electrocatalysis. This review paper provides an overview of recent advancements in utilizing 2D materials for nitrate reduction. Firstly, we present a concise summary of the nitrate reduction mechanism and different types of electrolytic cells used. Subsequently, we comprehensively review and discuss various types of 2D material electrocatalysts. Finally, we address the challenges, opportunities, and future prospects associated with nitrate reduction using 2D materials.
{"title":"Recent progress of two-dimensional materials for efficient electrochemical nitrate reduction","authors":"Lili Hu , Min Teng , Yanyu Zhao , Wenjing Zhang , Haiyan Hu , Xinli Cheng , Wei Yuan , Junwei Yuan , Cheng Zhang , Fangchao Li , Yang Li","doi":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121455","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121455","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Two-dimensional (2D) materials exhibit precise control over carrier migration and heat diffusion within the two-dimensional plane, enabling them to effectively modulate catalytic and electrical properties, making them highly favorable for electron transfer. As a novel type of catalysts, 2D materials have garnered increasing attention in various electrocatalytic reactions, particularly in nitrate reduction electrocatalysis. This review paper provides an overview of recent advancements in utilizing 2D materials for nitrate reduction. Firstly, we present a concise summary of the nitrate reduction mechanism and different types of electrolytic cells used. Subsequently, we comprehensively review and discuss various types of 2D material electrocatalysts. Finally, we address the challenges, opportunities, and future prospects associated with nitrate reduction using 2D materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15759,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering","volume":"14 2","pages":"Article 121455"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146074804","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
In-situ Electrochemical Activation of the Sulfate System (IEAS) is an emerging advanced oxidation technology that generates sulfate radicals with a high redox potential (2.5–3.1 V) in situ through electrochemical methods in aqueous environments. It enables efficient degradation of emerging contaminants without the requirement for external persulfate dosing, reducing treatment costs and mitigating environmental risks. This review summarizes the composition, oxidation mechanisms, application progress, and influencing factors of the IEAS. It also analyzes its advantages and challenges in degrading emerging contaminants and outlines potential future development directions, providing a theoretical basis and technical support for the effective treatment of complex aqueous matrices.
{"title":"Research progress on the degradation of emerging contaminants by In-situ Electrochemical Activation of the Sulfate System","authors":"Zhongyao Wang, Cheng Liu, Juncheng Wang, Lianfang Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121453","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121453","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In-situ Electrochemical Activation of the Sulfate System (IEAS) is an emerging advanced oxidation technology that generates sulfate radicals with a high redox potential (2.5–3.1 V) in situ through electrochemical methods in aqueous environments. It enables efficient degradation of emerging contaminants without the requirement for external persulfate dosing, reducing treatment costs and mitigating environmental risks. This review summarizes the composition, oxidation mechanisms, application progress, and influencing factors of the IEAS. It also analyzes its advantages and challenges in degrading emerging contaminants and outlines potential future development directions, providing a theoretical basis and technical support for the effective treatment of complex aqueous matrices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15759,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering","volume":"14 2","pages":"Article 121453"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146074798","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-27DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2026.121438
Babar Ali , Khalid Alhooshani , Saheed Adewale Ganiyu
The selective conversion of CO2 into value-added aromatics, specifically xylenes, offers a promising strategy for both carbon emission reduction and the sustainable production of industrially important chemicals. Among these, the alkylation or methylation of benzene and toluene to produce xylenes in the presence of CO2 has attracted considerable attention due to its potential to integrate CO2 utilization with aromatic upgrading. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in this field, such as thermodynamic analyses and detailed mechanistic insights into both indirect and direct alkylation pathways. The development of catalysts that integrate active metal oxides for CO2 hydrogenation with acidic zeolites for selective alkylation/methylation is discussed. Strategies for tuning catalytic properties to enhance performance are also highlighted. The key factors in critical catalyst design that influence catalytic performance, such as active metal oxides, oxygen vacancies, zeolite topology, and acid site distribution, are discussed in detail. Additionally, reaction parameters such as temperature, pressure, feed composition, space velocity, metal-zeolite proximity, and catalyst mass ratio significantly impact the catalytic performance. Challenges associated with catalyst deactivation, undesired side reactions, reaction selectivity, and long-term stability are also critically assessed. Finally, emerging strategies and prospects for designing robust, highly selective, and industrially viable catalyst systems are discussed. This review aims to provide valuable guidance for advancing CO2-driven alkylation/methylation processes toward sustainable xylene production and carbon-neutral aromatics synthesis.
{"title":"Sustainable xylene production via CO2-driven methylation of benzene and toluene for carbon-neutral aromatics","authors":"Babar Ali , Khalid Alhooshani , Saheed Adewale Ganiyu","doi":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121438","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121438","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The selective conversion of CO<sub>2</sub> into value-added aromatics, specifically xylenes, offers a promising strategy for both carbon emission reduction and the sustainable production of industrially important chemicals. Among these, the alkylation or methylation of benzene and toluene to produce xylenes in the presence of CO<sub>2</sub> has attracted considerable attention due to its potential to integrate CO<sub>2</sub> utilization with aromatic upgrading. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in this field, such as thermodynamic analyses and detailed mechanistic insights into both indirect and direct alkylation pathways. The development of catalysts that integrate active metal oxides for CO<sub>2</sub> hydrogenation with acidic zeolites for selective alkylation/methylation is discussed. Strategies for tuning catalytic properties to enhance performance are also highlighted. The key factors in critical catalyst design that influence catalytic performance, such as active metal oxides, oxygen vacancies, zeolite topology, and acid site distribution, are discussed in detail. Additionally, reaction parameters such as temperature, pressure, feed composition, space velocity, metal-zeolite proximity, and catalyst mass ratio significantly impact the catalytic performance. Challenges associated with catalyst deactivation, undesired side reactions, reaction selectivity, and long-term stability are also critically assessed. Finally, emerging strategies and prospects for designing robust, highly selective, and industrially viable catalyst systems are discussed. This review aims to provide valuable guidance for advancing CO<sub>2</sub>-driven alkylation/methylation processes toward sustainable xylene production and carbon-neutral aromatics synthesis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15759,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering","volume":"14 2","pages":"Article 121438"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146074881","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-26DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2026.121416
Chunyao Zhao , Yuqing Yang , Xiaoheng Wang , Peiyang Zhang , Bohan Fang , Yuting Zhong , Ke Zhao , Zhen Hu , Erping Cui , Jianan Li
Tidal flow constructed wetland (TFCW) creates an anaerobic/aerobic alternating environment through tidal operation, greatly enhancing oxygen supply. Here, we review the state of the art on the mechanisms, influencing factors, removal effectiveness and electrochemically enhanced technologies of TFCWs, highlighting their feasibility and flexibility. The unique hydraulic conditions (e.g. the flooding/resting duration ratio) of TFCWs work synergistically with the substrate, plants and microorganisms in the environment to effectively remove both conventional and emerging pollutants. The influent carbon-to-nitrogen ratio and the temperature also influence their removal. Generally, total suspended solids and the biochemical oxygen demand are removed at high levels. Reduction of the chemical oxygen demand varies, tending to improve with longer flooding/resting duration ratios when sufficient dissolved oxygen is present during the flooding phase. Ammonium removal has been widely reported, primarily by substrate adsorption and microbial nitrification. By contrast, the removal of nitrate and nitrite is highly variable and they often accumulate in the system. Total phosphorus and phosphate removal also fluctuates. Additionally, limited research has indicated that heavy metals, pharmaceutical and personal care products and antibiotic resistance genes are effectively removed in TFCWs. To further enhance the removal performance, electrochemical technologies (e.g. electrolysis, iron-carbon micro-electrolysis, microbial fuel cells) have been successfully integrated into TFCWs and proven to be effective. Future research should prioritise novel functional substrate testing, long-term evaluations using real wastewater to assess the robustness of systems against more pollutants, mechanistic studies under tidal dynamics, pilot to full-scale applications, and process modelling with comprehensive assessments to guide system optimisation.
{"title":"Mechanisms, influencing factors, removal effectiveness and electrochemically enhanced technologies of tidal flow constructed wetlands","authors":"Chunyao Zhao , Yuqing Yang , Xiaoheng Wang , Peiyang Zhang , Bohan Fang , Yuting Zhong , Ke Zhao , Zhen Hu , Erping Cui , Jianan Li","doi":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121416","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121416","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tidal flow constructed wetland (TFCW) creates an anaerobic/aerobic alternating environment through tidal operation, greatly enhancing oxygen supply. Here, we review the state of the art on the mechanisms, influencing factors, removal effectiveness and electrochemically enhanced technologies of TFCWs, highlighting their feasibility and flexibility. The unique hydraulic conditions (e.g. the flooding/resting duration ratio) of TFCWs work synergistically with the substrate, plants and microorganisms in the environment to effectively remove both conventional and emerging pollutants. The influent carbon-to-nitrogen ratio and the temperature also influence their removal. Generally, total suspended solids and the biochemical oxygen demand are removed at high levels. Reduction of the chemical oxygen demand varies, tending to improve with longer flooding/resting duration ratios when sufficient dissolved oxygen is present during the flooding phase. Ammonium removal has been widely reported, primarily by substrate adsorption and microbial nitrification. By contrast, the removal of nitrate and nitrite is highly variable and they often accumulate in the system. Total phosphorus and phosphate removal also fluctuates. Additionally, limited research has indicated that heavy metals, pharmaceutical and personal care products and antibiotic resistance genes are effectively removed in TFCWs. To further enhance the removal performance, electrochemical technologies (e.g. electrolysis, iron-carbon micro-electrolysis, microbial fuel cells) have been successfully integrated into TFCWs and proven to be effective. Future research should prioritise novel functional substrate testing, long-term evaluations using real wastewater to assess the robustness of systems against more pollutants, mechanistic studies under tidal dynamics, pilot to full-scale applications, and process modelling with comprehensive assessments to guide system optimisation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15759,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering","volume":"14 2","pages":"Article 121416"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146074797","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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