Pub Date : 2025-04-07DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101114
Houssam Eddine Abdellatif , Shan Ali Khan , Nahid Fatima , M.A. Aljohani , Adeel Arshad , Ahmed Belaadi , Abdullah Alhushaybari
This study explores the thermal performance and phase change behavior of five thermal energy storage (TES) models with varied geometric and design parameters, aiming to enhance heat transfer and storage efficiency.The impact of an innovative S-shaped heat source wall configuration and L-shaped fins on phase change dynamics was examined through numerical simulations, presenting a novel approach to enhancing TES system designs. Temperature distribution, transient PCM temperature, velocity fields, and liquid fraction evolution were analyzed to evaluate melting time, energy storage density (SEm), mean power (Pm), and total heat storage capacity. The findings indicate that geometric enhancements and fin configurations significantly influence phase change performance. Model 01 exhibited the longest melting time of 11,040 s, whereas Model 05, with enhanced thinner (0.3 mm) and longer (112.3 mm) fins, achieved the shortest melting time of 2,720 s, reducing melting time by 75.36 %. Model 05 also demonstrated the highest SEmof 274.12 kJ/kg and Pm of 67.72 W, highlighting its superior thermal storage efficiency. These results emphasize the crucial role of fin geometry and enclosure profiles in improving TES system performance.
{"title":"Enhancing latent heat storage: Impact of geometric modifications, S-shaped enclosure walls, and L-shaped fins","authors":"Houssam Eddine Abdellatif , Shan Ali Khan , Nahid Fatima , M.A. Aljohani , Adeel Arshad , Ahmed Belaadi , Abdullah Alhushaybari","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101114","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101114","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study explores the thermal performance and phase change behavior of five thermal energy storage (TES) models with varied geometric and design parameters, aiming to enhance heat transfer and storage efficiency.The impact of an innovative S-shaped heat source wall configuration and L-shaped fins on phase change dynamics was examined through numerical simulations, presenting a novel approach to enhancing TES system designs. Temperature distribution, transient PCM temperature, velocity fields, and liquid fraction evolution were analyzed to evaluate melting time, energy storage density (<em>SE</em><sub><em>m</em></sub>), mean power (<em>P</em><sub><em>m</em></sub>), and total heat storage capacity. The findings indicate that geometric enhancements and fin configurations significantly influence phase change performance. Model 01 exhibited the longest melting time of 11,040 s, whereas Model 05, with enhanced thinner (0.3 mm) and longer (112.3 mm) fins, achieved the shortest melting time of 2,720 s, reducing melting time by 75.36 %. Model 05 also demonstrated the highest <em>SE</em><sub><em>m</em></sub>of 274.12 kJ/kg and <em>Pm</em> of 67.72 W, highlighting its superior thermal storage efficiency. These results emphasize the crucial role of fin geometry and enclosure profiles in improving TES system performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 101114"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143825946","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-07DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101117
Nathan Wybo , Antoine Duval , Luc Avérous
Safe, sustainable and recyclable lignin-based polyhydroxyurethanes (PHUs) were synthesized through a simple methodology. Aminated lignins (L-NH2) were produced without formaldehyde and used as precursors for the aminolysis of cyclocarbonates (CCs). The impact of lignin up to 50 wt% on reaction kinetics, gelation, material properties and behaviors was evaluated. While lignin had minimal influence on the aminolysis kinetics and CC conversion, it accelerated considerably the gelation (from 11 h to less than 1 min) and enhanced the thermal and mechanical properties of the PHUs. For instance, Young's modulus and tensile strength of the PHUs increased with lignin content from 1.2 to 35 MPa and 0.24–4.3 MPa, respectively. Leveraging on the dynamicity of urethane bonds, PHUs could then be recycled, maintaining material integrity across multiple cycles. However, a gradual decline in mechanical properties was observed, attributable to side reactions such as urethane-to-urea condensation.
This study establishes a proof-of-concept for the production of biobased PHUs with tunable properties from aminated lignins, and also provides a deeper understanding of the influence of lignin on the behavior of these materials. The rapid gelation step induced by lignin opens several opportunities. These findings pave the way for sustainable development of renewable, high-performance polymeric materials, offering a large range of potential applications in e.g., coatings, adhesives, and foams.
{"title":"Unlocking the potential of lignin-based polyhydroxyurethanes: Insights into kinetics, physical behavior, and recyclability","authors":"Nathan Wybo , Antoine Duval , Luc Avérous","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101117","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101117","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Safe, sustainable and recyclable lignin-based polyhydroxyurethanes (PHUs) were synthesized through a simple methodology. Aminated lignins (L-NH<sub>2</sub>) were produced without formaldehyde and used as precursors for the aminolysis of cyclocarbonates (CCs). The impact of lignin up to 50 wt% on reaction kinetics, gelation, material properties and behaviors was evaluated. While lignin had minimal influence on the aminolysis kinetics and CC conversion, it accelerated considerably the gelation (from 11 h to less than 1 min) and enhanced the thermal and mechanical properties of the PHUs. For instance, Young's modulus and tensile strength of the PHUs increased with lignin content from 1.2 to 35 MPa and 0.24–4.3 MPa, respectively. Leveraging on the dynamicity of urethane bonds, PHUs could then be recycled, maintaining material integrity across multiple cycles. However, a gradual decline in mechanical properties was observed, attributable to side reactions such as urethane-to-urea condensation.</div><div>This study establishes a proof-of-concept for the production of biobased PHUs with tunable properties from aminated lignins, and also provides a deeper understanding of the influence of lignin on the behavior of these materials. The rapid gelation step induced by lignin opens several opportunities. These findings pave the way for sustainable development of renewable, high-performance polymeric materials, offering a large range of potential applications in e.g., coatings, adhesives, and foams.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 101117"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143799161","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Earth-building materials offer a low-carbon option for construction, but their poor water resistance limits their adoption by the construction industry. Adding biopolymers to earth materials can improve mechanical strength and water resistance but also promote mold mycelium growth that reduces indoor air quality. However, for other applications such as insulation or packaging, the controlled growth of specific mycelium is seen as a promising option for producing natural waterproof materials. These application require heat-inactivation to kill the mycelium and preserve air quality. It is currently unknown if heat-inactivated mold mycelium could improve the water resistance of earth materials. This study explores a new design by promoting the natural growth of molds on biostabilized earth materials and studying the effect on earth material properties after heat inactivation. Earth mortars were prepared by mixing soil, water, and biopolymers (2 % of soil mass) to a consistent texture. Twenty formulations, using two soils and four biopolymers, were subjected to two different 21-day cures, under dry (oven at 50 °C) or humid (30 °C, 98 % RH) conditions. Mortar properties were investigated after a 48-h 80 °C heat treatment to inactivate mold. We found that the humid cure consistently prompted mold growth on biostabilized mortars, which was associated with significantly higher water resistance compared to unexposed mortars. Specifically, capillary water absorption and mass loss after water spray was reduced by 28 % and 64 % respectively. These improvements were achieved with minimal impact on shrinkage, density, and mechanical strength. The amelioration in water resistance was attributed to the hydrophobic mold mycelium filling the earth mortar pore as observed by UV microscopy. Together, this study demonstrates that mycelium could dramatically improve the water resistance of biostabilized earth materials.
{"title":"Preliminary evidence that thermally inactivated mycelium improves water resistance of biostabilized earth materials","authors":"Lily Walter , Gildas Medjigbodo , Yannick Estevez , Laurent Linguet , Ouahcène Nait-Rabah","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101113","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101113","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Earth-building materials offer a low-carbon option for construction, but their poor water resistance limits their adoption by the construction industry. Adding biopolymers to earth materials can improve mechanical strength and water resistance but also promote mold mycelium growth that reduces indoor air quality. However, for other applications such as insulation or packaging, the controlled growth of specific mycelium is seen as a promising option for producing natural waterproof materials. These application require heat-inactivation to kill the mycelium and preserve air quality. It is currently unknown if heat-inactivated mold mycelium could improve the water resistance of earth materials. This study explores a new design by promoting the natural growth of molds on biostabilized earth materials and studying the effect on earth material properties after heat inactivation. Earth mortars were prepared by mixing soil, water, and biopolymers (2 % of soil mass) to a consistent texture. Twenty formulations, using two soils and four biopolymers, were subjected to two different 21-day cures, under dry (oven at 50 °C) or humid (30 °C, 98 % RH) conditions. Mortar properties were investigated after a 48-h 80 °C heat treatment to inactivate mold. We found that the humid cure consistently prompted mold growth on biostabilized mortars, which was associated with significantly higher water resistance compared to unexposed mortars. Specifically, capillary water absorption and mass loss after water spray was reduced by 28 % and 64 % respectively. These improvements were achieved with minimal impact on shrinkage, density, and mechanical strength. The amelioration in water resistance was attributed to the hydrophobic mold mycelium filling the earth mortar pore as observed by UV microscopy. Together, this study demonstrates that mycelium could dramatically improve the water resistance of biostabilized earth materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 101113"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143799160","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The development of cellulose derivatives for advancing green polymer composites is a promising research area. In this study, we present a simple yet effective method for large-scale production of non-carbonized, chemically modified wood cellulose-reinforced high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites, with good mechanical and thermal behaviors. This approach employs alkali bleaching treatment followed by sulfuric acid hydrolysis, without the residuals such as lignin, hemicellulose, etc. The hydroxyl (-OH) groups are detected in the wood cellulose which can be functionalized to surface of HDPE, providing flame-retardant properties. While, the mechanism of hydrogen bonding between the wood cellulose fibers (WCF) and polyethylene molecular chains is developed. Additionally, the incorporation of WCF significantly influenced the pyrolysis gas generation, with Thermo-Gravimetry-Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (TG-IR) to analysis the pyrosis product with its infrared fingerprint and interconnection bonding. At an optimized loading of 3 % WCF, the composite achieved a maximum tensile strength of 12.01 MPa and an elastic modulus of 178.24 MPa, reflecting improvements of 33.6 % and 35.8 %, respectively. Also, a 38 % reduction in smoke emissions is reached. This study provides a new strategy for the development of low-cost and environmentally friendly biomass-based composites, which solves the dual problems of unsustainable and insufficient performance of traditional fillers, and has a broad application prospect in the fields of packaging and flame retardant construction.
{"title":"Design and modify the wood cellulose fiber reinforced high density polyethylene nanocomposite with its structurally interconnection investigation","authors":"Fangdi Huang , Chen Feng , Haonan Pei , Ding Chen , Guilin He , Shuaibo Jiang , Zedong Wu , Nannan Wang , Yanqiu Zhu","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101110","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101110","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The development of cellulose derivatives for advancing green polymer composites is a promising research area. In this study, we present a simple yet effective method for large-scale production of non-carbonized, chemically modified wood cellulose-reinforced high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites, with good mechanical and thermal behaviors. This approach employs alkali bleaching treatment followed by sulfuric acid hydrolysis, without the residuals such as lignin, hemicellulose, etc. The hydroxyl (-OH) groups are detected in the wood cellulose which can be functionalized to surface of HDPE, providing flame-retardant properties. While, the mechanism of hydrogen bonding between the wood cellulose fibers (WCF) and polyethylene molecular chains is developed. Additionally, the incorporation of WCF significantly influenced the pyrolysis gas generation, with Thermo-Gravimetry-Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (TG-IR) to analysis the pyrosis product with its infrared fingerprint and interconnection bonding. At an optimized loading of 3 % WCF, the composite achieved a maximum tensile strength of 12.01 MPa and an elastic modulus of 178.24 MPa, reflecting improvements of 33.6 % and 35.8 %, respectively. Also, a 38 % reduction in smoke emissions is reached. This study provides a new strategy for the development of low-cost and environmentally friendly biomass-based composites, which solves the dual problems of unsustainable and insufficient performance of traditional fillers, and has a broad application prospect in the fields of packaging and flame retardant construction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 101110"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143820610","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-02DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101103
Tinku Sharma, Utkarsh Adhikari, Anisha Nandimath, Jay Pandey
Low-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) share many significant challenges in the performance, life-span, and industrial use of these membranes because of their degradation. This review synthesizes the current state of knowledge of the dominant degradation mechanisms acting on PEMs, namely mechanical stress, thermal degradation, and chemical attacks by reactive oxygen species (ROS). It is concluded that although mechanical degradation brought about by varying pressure and hydration cycles, membrane reinforcement with materials such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and diverse composite membranes has somewhat mitigated the structural strength and toughness. Thermal and chemical degradation remains as principal challenges which are most often hastened by elevated temperatures and formation of reactive free radicals such as hydroxyl and hydrogen peroxide. Hence, to counteract chemical degradation, the addition of radical scavengers like cerium oxide (CeO2) and manganese-based additives can scavenge the destructive species even before this cause significant damage. Other new materials for PEM such as perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) composites have demonstrated enhanced resistance in chemical environments and a longer life. This includes research on innovative approaches such as introducing ionomers with improved thermal stability and evaluating hybrid organic-inorganic membranes in fighting the degradation mechanism of thermal degradations. This review brings out the need to understand the degradation mechanisms and advance mitigation strategies to ensure elongation of PEMFCs' life, thus paving a way for their reliability and feasibility as clean energy.
{"title":"Investigating degradation & mitigation strategies for proton conducting membrane in proton exchange membrane fuel cell: An approach to develop an active & stable membrane","authors":"Tinku Sharma, Utkarsh Adhikari, Anisha Nandimath, Jay Pandey","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101103","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101103","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Low-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) share many significant challenges in the performance, life-span, and industrial use of these membranes because of their degradation. This review synthesizes the current state of knowledge of the dominant degradation mechanisms acting on PEMs, namely mechanical stress, thermal degradation, and chemical attacks by reactive oxygen species (ROS). It is concluded that although mechanical degradation brought about by varying pressure and hydration cycles, membrane reinforcement with materials such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and diverse composite membranes has somewhat mitigated the structural strength and toughness. Thermal and chemical degradation remains as principal challenges which are most often hastened by elevated temperatures and formation of reactive free radicals such as hydroxyl and hydrogen peroxide. Hence, to counteract chemical degradation, the addition of radical scavengers like cerium oxide (CeO<sub>2</sub>) and manganese-based additives can scavenge the destructive species even before this cause significant damage. Other new materials for PEM such as perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) composites have demonstrated enhanced resistance in chemical environments and a longer life. This includes research on innovative approaches such as introducing ionomers with improved thermal stability and evaluating hybrid organic-inorganic membranes in fighting the degradation mechanism of thermal degradations. This review brings out the need to understand the degradation mechanisms and advance mitigation strategies to ensure elongation of PEMFCs' life, thus paving a way for their reliability and feasibility as clean energy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 101103"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143768921","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-02DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101109
Sheyda Goudarzi , Ali Ghaffarinejad
The development of efficient, earth-abundant Pt-free electrocatalysts for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) represents a significant leap forward in sustainable green energy production. In this study, the NiMn-LDH@Ti3C2(OH)2 nanocomposite was synthesized for the first time through a straightforward co-precipitation method, avoiding the need for high temperatures or prolonged reaction times and employing cost-effective salts. The vertical alignment of LDH sheets on MXene layers imparts various advantageous textural properties, such as optimized electronic configuration, efficient gas diffusion, and transport on the electrocatalyst surface, prevention of aggregation and redeposition of NiMn-LDH and MXene nanosheets, significant porosity, and a multitude of exposed active sites. Considering the synergistic effects, the NiMn-LDH@MXene (5:1) structure exhibited a significant reduction of approximately 1.3 and 1.8-fold in overvoltage at a current density of 10 mA. cm−2 compared to NiMn-LDH and MXene alone. Additionally, the obtained NiMn-LDH@MXene (5:1) structure demonstrated superior HER performance, characterized by a lower onset potential at a current density of 10 mA. cm−2 (Ƞ10 = −0.460 V/RHE), diminutive Tafel slope (220 mV. dec−1), and reduced charge transfer resistance (6 Ω cm2), relative to other mass ratios of NiMn-LDH@MXene (1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1). The favorable HER activity positions the NiMn-LDH@Ti3C2(OH)2 synthetic strategy as a potential approach for developing electrocatalysts based on other LDH and MXene compounds, including oxygen-terminated MXenes, to enhance catalytic performance.
{"title":"NiMn-LDH@Ti3C2(OH)2 as a new MXene-LDH nanocomposite for effective hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline media","authors":"Sheyda Goudarzi , Ali Ghaffarinejad","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101109","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101109","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The development of efficient, earth-abundant Pt-free electrocatalysts for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) represents a significant leap forward in sustainable green energy production. In this study, the NiMn-LDH@Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>(OH)<sub>2</sub> nanocomposite was synthesized for the first time through a straightforward co-precipitation method, avoiding the need for high temperatures or prolonged reaction times and employing cost-effective salts. The vertical alignment of LDH sheets on MXene layers imparts various advantageous textural properties, such as optimized electronic configuration, efficient gas diffusion, and transport on the electrocatalyst surface, prevention of aggregation and redeposition of NiMn-LDH and MXene nanosheets, significant porosity, and a multitude of exposed active sites. Considering the synergistic effects, the NiMn-LDH@MXene (5:1) structure exhibited a significant reduction of approximately 1.3 and 1.8-fold in overvoltage at a current density of 10 mA. cm<sup>−2</sup> compared to NiMn-LDH and MXene alone. Additionally, the obtained NiMn-LDH@MXene (5:1) structure demonstrated superior HER performance, characterized by a lower onset potential at a current density of 10 mA. cm<sup>−2</sup> (<em>Ƞ</em><sub><em>10</em></sub> = −0.460 V/RHE), diminutive Tafel slope (220 mV. dec<sup>−1</sup>), and reduced charge transfer resistance (6 Ω cm<sup>2</sup>), relative to other mass ratios of NiMn-LDH@MXene (1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1). The favorable HER activity positions the NiMn-LDH@Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>(OH)<sub>2</sub> synthetic strategy as a potential approach for developing electrocatalysts based on other LDH and MXene compounds, including oxygen-terminated MXenes, to enhance catalytic performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 101109"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143768920","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-02DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101102
Neelanjana Bag , Jhilik Roy , Anuja Chatterjee , Dhananjoy Mondal , Saheli Ghosh , Shaheen Aktar , Suman Bhandary , Shubham Roy , Sukhen Das
Contaminants such as pathogens, chemicals, and pollutants in untreated wastewater pose serious public health risks. Addressing these concerns is crucial as environmental awareness continues to grow. Piezoelectric materials, known for their rapid and non-invasive treatment capabilities, have recently gained significant interest. This study introduces an innovative piezoelectric composite material integrating PVDF-HFP (polyvinyl fluoride–hexafluoropropylene) and barium titanate (BTO) nanocrystals. Specifically engineered for efficient pollutant degradation and bacterial removal, this composite demonstrates promising capabilities in environmental remediation. Under ultrasound stimulation, BTO exhibits exceptional production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), further enhanced by the biocompatibility of the PVDF-HFP membrane, which promotes ROS generation and cellular adhesion. The synergistic effect of these components significantly enhances ROS production efficiency, achieving a remarkable degradation rate of approximately 99 % for Congo Red in just 70 min under soft ultrasound. Scavenger experiments confirm hydroxyl radicals as pivotal in this process. Furthermore, the composite piezo catalyst displays robust durability across multiple experimental cycles, highlighting its practical applicability. Its high polarizability enables efficient piezoelectric power generation (≈5.03 V) through simple mechanical stimulation, yielding substantial instantaneous voltage output. Additionally, the material exhibits potent antibacterial activity achieving nearly 99 % bacterial eradication within a brief 30-min time frame. These findings highlight the versatile potential of polymeric composites incorporating BTO in diverse environmental and technological applications.
{"title":"Piezoelectric barium titanate/ PVDF-HFP nanocomposite-mediated soft ultrasound assisted organic dye degradation and antibacterial therapy against Bacillus subtilis and Vibrio cholerae","authors":"Neelanjana Bag , Jhilik Roy , Anuja Chatterjee , Dhananjoy Mondal , Saheli Ghosh , Shaheen Aktar , Suman Bhandary , Shubham Roy , Sukhen Das","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101102","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101102","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Contaminants such as pathogens, chemicals, and pollutants in untreated wastewater pose serious public health risks. Addressing these concerns is crucial as environmental awareness continues to grow. Piezoelectric materials, known for their rapid and non-invasive treatment capabilities, have recently gained significant interest. This study introduces an innovative piezoelectric composite material integrating PVDF-HFP (polyvinyl fluoride–hexafluoropropylene) and barium titanate (BTO) nanocrystals. Specifically engineered for efficient pollutant degradation and bacterial removal, this composite demonstrates promising capabilities in environmental remediation. Under ultrasound stimulation, BTO exhibits exceptional production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), further enhanced by the biocompatibility of the PVDF-HFP membrane, which promotes ROS generation and cellular adhesion. The synergistic effect of these components significantly enhances ROS production efficiency, achieving a remarkable degradation rate of approximately 99 % for Congo Red in just 70 min under soft ultrasound. Scavenger experiments confirm hydroxyl radicals as pivotal in this process. Furthermore, the composite piezo catalyst displays robust durability across multiple experimental cycles, highlighting its practical applicability. Its high polarizability enables efficient piezoelectric power generation (≈5.03 V) through simple mechanical stimulation, yielding substantial instantaneous voltage output. Additionally, the material exhibits potent antibacterial activity achieving nearly 99 % bacterial eradication within a brief 30-min time frame. These findings highlight the versatile potential of polymeric composites incorporating BTO in diverse environmental and technological applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 101102"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143776957","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-01DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101105
Myoungsu Chae , Yuseong Jang , Doowon Lee , Hee-Dong Kim
Research on transparent RRAM (T-RRAM) is imperative for achieving high integration levels, necessitating the resolution of interference issues arising from sneak-path currents in the array. Here, we propose a fully transparent ITO/ZnO/IGZO/ITO device structure featuring a ZnO resistive switching (RS) layer and an IGZO rectifying layer, as well as an eco-friendly indirect treatment method, i.e., microwave treatment (MWT), demonstrating self-rectifying RS characteristics capable of overcoming interference problems without supplementary elements. In detail, the proposed T-RRAM exhibits superior transmittance (>80 %) in the visible region, uniform RS of >102 cycles, and stable retention for >104 s. The device particularly showed a read margin of 1,700, indicating the reliable operation of RS up to 41 × 41 without any degradation in the array structure. These findings suggest the potential for developing superior rectification properties for eco-friendly advanced industries by incorporating ZnO/IGZO bilayers and the post-MWT method.
{"title":"Improved self-rectifying characteristics observed in ZnO/IGZO bilayer RRAM cells using eco-friendly indirect post-treatment","authors":"Myoungsu Chae , Yuseong Jang , Doowon Lee , Hee-Dong Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101105","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101105","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Research on transparent RRAM (T-RRAM) is imperative for achieving high integration levels, necessitating the resolution of interference issues arising from sneak-path currents in the array. Here, we propose a fully transparent ITO/ZnO/IGZO/ITO device structure featuring a ZnO resistive switching (RS) layer and an IGZO rectifying layer, as well as an eco-friendly indirect treatment method, i.e., microwave treatment (MWT), demonstrating self-rectifying RS characteristics capable of overcoming interference problems without supplementary elements. In detail, the proposed T-RRAM exhibits superior transmittance (>80 %) in the visible region, uniform RS of >10<sup>2</sup> cycles, and stable retention for >10<sup>4</sup> s. The device particularly showed a read margin of 1,700, indicating the reliable operation of RS up to 41 × 41 without any degradation in the array structure. These findings suggest the potential for developing superior rectification properties for eco-friendly advanced industries by incorporating ZnO/IGZO bilayers and the post-MWT method.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 101105"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143759067","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-01DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101108
Chiara Artusi , Elisabetta Campodoni , Leonardo Tarlati , Brais Vazquez Iglesias , Anna Sansone , Carla Ferreri , Franco Belosi , Alberta Vandini , Paolo Monticelli , Monica Sandri
For many years, Heat and Moisture Exchange (HME) filters have been used for the safeguard of hospitalized patients subjected to long-term mechanical ventilation, anaesthesia, or intensive care. These devices, also namely “artificial noses”, are essential to maintain normal levels of humidity, warmth, and decontamination of the trachea when the upper airways are bypassed and in general when patients are subjected to ventilation with technical gases. Their function is to retain and reuse part of the heat and the moisture captured from the exhaled air, to precondition the inhaled technical gas. The currently used HME devices still have some limitations concerning above all the costs of raw materials and processes as well as their environmental impact. Further, this study aims to develop and validate eco-friendly and biodegradable HME filters developed through a green manufacturing process and reusing raw materials deriving from food waste to reduce their environmental impact. In detail, an extremely porous aerogel has been developed by exploiting the chemical advantages offered by biopolymers, like gelatin and chitosan, and designed with a view of attempt selection of raw materials and of process parameters for the obtaining of highly efficient devices, but while maintaining a low costs attractive to the market of disposable devices such as HME. Between the process parameters, freeze-drying and cross-linking steps were managed to achieve the target of low cost and time savings, making the process more easily scalable at industrial level, and improving the HME efficiency. Pressure drops, moisture and heat transfer, microbial filtration efficiency and bacteriostatic capacity of the HME filters were validated, both in vitro and in a hospital environment, also highlighting the device's ability to capture bacterial and inhibit their proliferation, a key feature for the preservation of patent health and of clinical instruments as well as for the possibility of being marketed. Further, it was achieved a proof of concept on the inclusion of a diagnostic tool in the HME structure. It can provoke the colour changing of the device in the presence of bacteria. This would make it easier to de-hospitalize patients, reducing healthcare costs but keeping their health status constantly monitored outside the hospital.
{"title":"Development and validation of eco-friendly designed heat and moisture exchange filters for the safeguard of the respiratory tract and of the environment","authors":"Chiara Artusi , Elisabetta Campodoni , Leonardo Tarlati , Brais Vazquez Iglesias , Anna Sansone , Carla Ferreri , Franco Belosi , Alberta Vandini , Paolo Monticelli , Monica Sandri","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101108","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101108","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>For many years, Heat and Moisture Exchange (HME) filters have been used for the safeguard of hospitalized patients subjected to long-term mechanical ventilation, anaesthesia, or intensive care. These devices, also namely “artificial noses”, are essential to maintain normal levels of humidity, warmth, and decontamination of the trachea when the upper airways are bypassed and in general when patients are subjected to ventilation with technical gases. Their function is to retain and reuse part of the heat and the moisture captured from the exhaled air, to precondition the inhaled technical gas. The currently used HME devices still have some limitations concerning above all the costs of raw materials and processes as well as their environmental impact. Further, this study aims to develop and validate eco-friendly and biodegradable HME filters developed through a green manufacturing process and reusing raw materials deriving from food waste to reduce their environmental impact. In detail, an extremely porous aerogel has been developed by exploiting the chemical advantages offered by biopolymers, like gelatin and chitosan, and designed with a view of attempt selection of raw materials and of process parameters for the obtaining of highly efficient devices, but while maintaining a low costs attractive to the market of disposable devices such as HME. Between the process parameters, freeze-drying and cross-linking steps were managed to achieve the target of low cost and time savings, making the process more easily scalable at industrial level, and improving the HME efficiency. Pressure drops, moisture and heat transfer, microbial filtration efficiency and bacteriostatic capacity of the HME filters were validated, both in vitro and in a hospital environment, also highlighting the device's ability to capture bacterial and inhibit their proliferation, a key feature for the preservation of patent health and of clinical instruments as well as for the possibility of being marketed. Further, it was achieved a proof of concept on the inclusion of a diagnostic tool in the HME structure. It can provoke the colour changing of the device in the presence of bacteria. This would make it easier to de-hospitalize patients, reducing healthcare costs but keeping their health status constantly monitored outside the hospital.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 101108"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143768878","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-01DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101107
Raheleh Saeedirad, Majid Abdouss, Seyed Mohammad Reza Shoja
This study presents a novel MCM-41/UiO-66 hybrid nanostructure, achieving exceptional demulsification efficiency and recyclability, offering a sustainable solution for oil-water emulsions in the petroleum industry. With a remarkable 99 % demulsification efficiency and minimal residual oil content, MCM-41/UIO-66 demonstrates exceptional separation capabilities. The successful hybridization of UiO-66, integrating seamlessly with silica-based support, preserved intrinsic structures and enhanced thermal stability. The material exhibits improved textural properties and porosity as well as effective phase separation capabilities, as validated through rigorous testing. Quantitative analysis illustrates dosage-dependent enhancement, with a notable 99 % efficiency achieved at 0.2 wt% MCM-41/UiO-66. Elevated temperatures positively influence demulsification efficiency. The proposed desulfurization mechanism positions MCM-41/UiO-66 as a promising material for broader applications. Recycling tests underscore its excellent reusability and effective recovery, solidifying MCM-41/UiO-66 as a versatile and sustainable solution for petroleum industry challenges.
{"title":"Synthesis and characterization of recyclable MCM-41/UiO-66 silicate mesoporous nanostructures with high demulsification efficiency of crude oil-in-water emulsions","authors":"Raheleh Saeedirad, Majid Abdouss, Seyed Mohammad Reza Shoja","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101107","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101107","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study presents a novel MCM-41/UiO-66 hybrid nanostructure, achieving exceptional demulsification efficiency and recyclability, offering a sustainable solution for oil-water emulsions in the petroleum industry. With a remarkable 99 % demulsification efficiency and minimal residual oil content, MCM-41/UIO-66 demonstrates exceptional separation capabilities. The successful hybridization of UiO-66, integrating seamlessly with silica-based support, preserved intrinsic structures and enhanced thermal stability. The material exhibits improved textural properties and porosity as well as effective phase separation capabilities, as validated through rigorous testing. Quantitative analysis illustrates dosage-dependent enhancement, with a notable 99 % efficiency achieved at 0.2 wt% MCM-41/UiO-66. Elevated temperatures positively influence demulsification efficiency. The proposed desulfurization mechanism positions MCM-41/UiO-66 as a promising material for broader applications. Recycling tests underscore its excellent reusability and effective recovery, solidifying MCM-41/UiO-66 as a versatile and sustainable solution for petroleum industry challenges.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 101107"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143748196","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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