Pub Date : 2025-10-02DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101231
Kit O'Rourke , Christopher Griffin , Keith Doyle , Muhammad Waqas , Paula Douglas , Bronagh Millar , Dipa Ray
This work explores the use of low-value packaging film-based waste mixed plastics (wMP) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) to produce value-added composites. The performance of the composites is assessed through mechanical testing, UV ageing, and electrical conductivity measurement. Reinforcing wMP with 5 wt% CNT increased the tensile strength and tensile modulus by 46 % and 23 %, respectively. There were similar increases in flexural modulus (53 %), compressive strength (131 %), and compressive modulus (89 %) compared to unreinforced wMP. UV ageing for 500 h had no measurable effect on unreinforced wMP but decreased the flexural modulus of wMP/5 wt% CNT by 23 %. An average electrical conductivity of 1.65 × 10−2 S/m was measured for wMP/CNT, with unreinforced wMP showing no measurable electrical conductivity, as expected. This research provides valuable scientific insights into the application of mixed waste plastics in composites, aiding the creation of a more circular economy for plastic waste and leading to second-generation products with a wide range of potential applications.
{"title":"Trash into Treasure: Value-Added composites from waste plastic packaging and carbon nanotubes","authors":"Kit O'Rourke , Christopher Griffin , Keith Doyle , Muhammad Waqas , Paula Douglas , Bronagh Millar , Dipa Ray","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101231","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101231","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This work explores the use of low-value packaging film-based waste mixed plastics (wMP) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) to produce value-added composites. The performance of the composites is assessed through mechanical testing, UV ageing, and electrical conductivity measurement. Reinforcing wMP with 5 wt% CNT increased the tensile strength and tensile modulus by 46 % and 23 %, respectively. There were similar increases in flexural modulus (53 %), compressive strength (131 %), and compressive modulus (89 %) compared to unreinforced wMP. UV ageing for 500 h had no measurable effect on unreinforced wMP but decreased the flexural modulus of wMP/5 wt% CNT by 23 %. An average electrical conductivity of 1.65 × 10<sup>−2</sup> S/m was measured for wMP/CNT, with unreinforced wMP showing no measurable electrical conductivity, as expected. This research provides valuable scientific insights into the application of mixed waste plastics in composites, aiding the creation of a more circular economy for plastic waste and leading to second-generation products with a wide range of potential applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article 101231"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145324727","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 : 2025-09-30DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101232
Ali Akbar Firoozi , Ali Asghar Firoozi , Mohammad Reza Maghami
This study critically explores the integration of Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) within civil engineering as a strategy to enhance the sustainability of infrastructure projects. Focused on assessing environmental impacts throughout project lifecycles from material extraction to decommissioning, LCA emerges as a vital tool for sustainable development. Utilizing detailed case studies, we applied LCA methodologies to assess their efficacy in reducing environmental footprints and guiding decision-making toward sustainability objectives. The findings demonstrate significant improvements in the accuracy of environmental impact assessments through the adoption of advanced digital technologies and sector-specific databases. Challenges such as limited data availability and the complexity of LCA methods were identified. Strategies to address these challenges include educational programs to enhance understanding and adoption of LCA, alongside technological innovations that streamline data collection and analysis processes. Our study underscores the potential of LCA to drive civil engineering practices towards more resilient, sustainable, and circular infrastructure solutions. This analysis confirms the growing importance of LCA in project planning and highlights its role in achieving global sustainability targets, advocating for its wider adoption in civil engineering practices.
{"title":"Life Cycle Assessment for sustainable civil infrastructure with standardized functional units and boundaries","authors":"Ali Akbar Firoozi , Ali Asghar Firoozi , Mohammad Reza Maghami","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101232","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101232","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study critically explores the integration of Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) within civil engineering as a strategy to enhance the sustainability of infrastructure projects. Focused on assessing environmental impacts throughout project lifecycles from material extraction to decommissioning, LCA emerges as a vital tool for sustainable development. Utilizing detailed case studies, we applied LCA methodologies to assess their efficacy in reducing environmental footprints and guiding decision-making toward sustainability objectives. The findings demonstrate significant improvements in the accuracy of environmental impact assessments through the adoption of advanced digital technologies and sector-specific databases. Challenges such as limited data availability and the complexity of LCA methods were identified. Strategies to address these challenges include educational programs to enhance understanding and adoption of LCA, alongside technological innovations that streamline data collection and analysis processes. Our study underscores the potential of LCA to drive civil engineering practices towards more resilient, sustainable, and circular infrastructure solutions. This analysis confirms the growing importance of LCA in project planning and highlights its role in achieving global sustainability targets, advocating for its wider adoption in civil engineering practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article 101232"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145220918","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 : 2025-09-30DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101227
J. Mohammed , Eman Ramadan Elsharkawy , Salah M. El-Bahy , Hafeez Yusuf Hafeez , R.I. Musa , S.A. Idris , Suleiman Maikudi , Zeinhom M. El-Bahy
Global warming due to greenhouse gas emissions couple with the limited supply of fossil fuels are in the fore front of the problems facing humanity. Splitting H2O to get hydrogen is among the most innovative alternative to replace fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emission. Photocatalytic water splitting reaction depends on the performance and efficiency of semiconductor photocatalysts to absorb photons from sunlight and generates and pairs. One of the main challenges experienced in development of novel photocatalysts that could be used to efficient split water is “recombination of and pairs”, often called charge carrier recombination. Of all the alternatives to resolve this challenge via heterojunction formation, the Z scheme and S scheme heterojunctions approach shows the highest promising results. This review attempts to overhaul the latest achievements made in development of Z scheme and S scheme heterojunction photocatalysts. Additionally, the review discussed and evaluate the role of sacrificial agent, defect engineering, doping effect, along with effect of built in electric field (BIEF) as strategies to enhance photocatalytic water splitting. The review concludes that increasing the efficiency and stability of photocatalysts is necessary to comprehend the mechanism of charge transfer in Z scheme together with S scheme heterojunctions as well as obtaining further progress in photocatalytic water splitting.
{"title":"Z-scheme and S-scheme heterostructured photocatalyst for photocatalytic water splitting: A review towards efficient H2 generation","authors":"J. Mohammed , Eman Ramadan Elsharkawy , Salah M. El-Bahy , Hafeez Yusuf Hafeez , R.I. Musa , S.A. Idris , Suleiman Maikudi , Zeinhom M. El-Bahy","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101227","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101227","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Global warming due to greenhouse gas emissions couple with the limited supply of fossil fuels are in the fore front of the problems facing humanity. Splitting H<sub>2</sub>O to get hydrogen is among the most innovative alternative to replace fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emission. Photocatalytic water splitting reaction depends on the performance and efficiency of semiconductor photocatalysts to absorb photons from sunlight and generates <span><math><mrow><msup><mi>e</mi><mo>−</mo></msup></mrow></math></span> and <span><math><mrow><msup><mi>h</mi><mo>+</mo></msup></mrow></math></span> pairs. One of the main challenges experienced in development of novel photocatalysts that could be used to efficient split water is “recombination of <span><math><mrow><msup><mi>e</mi><mo>−</mo></msup></mrow></math></span> and <span><math><mrow><msup><mi>h</mi><mo>+</mo></msup></mrow></math></span> pairs”, often called charge carrier recombination. Of all the alternatives to resolve this challenge via heterojunction formation, the Z <span><math><mrow><mo>−</mo></mrow></math></span> scheme and S<span><math><mrow><mo>−</mo></mrow></math></span> scheme heterojunctions approach shows the highest promising results. This review attempts to overhaul the latest achievements made in development of Z<span><math><mrow><mo>−</mo></mrow></math></span> scheme and S<span><math><mrow><mo>−</mo></mrow></math></span> scheme heterojunction photocatalysts. Additionally, the review discussed and evaluate the role of sacrificial agent, defect engineering, doping effect, along with effect of built <span><math><mrow><mo>−</mo></mrow></math></span> in electric field (BIEF) as strategies to enhance photocatalytic water splitting. The review concludes that increasing the efficiency and stability of photocatalysts is necessary to comprehend the mechanism of charge transfer in Z<span><math><mrow><mo>−</mo></mrow></math></span> scheme together with S <span><math><mrow><mo>−</mo></mrow></math></span> scheme heterojunctions as well as obtaining further progress in photocatalytic water splitting.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article 101227"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145267808","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 : 2025-09-29DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101230
Mahnoor Hassan , Kassa Belay Ibrahim , Jodi Gobbo , Shujie You , Enrico Ercolini , Enrico Trave , Margherita Zavelani-Rossi , Edoardo Carraro , Andrea Iudica , Paolo Moras , Mario Leopoldo Rivera-Salazar , Stephanie Bruyere , David Horwat , Alberto Vomiero , Elisa Moretti , Tofik Ahmed Shifa
Carbon dots (CDs) are promising fluorophores for optoelectronic devices. Yet, achieving CDs with high solid-state photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) remains a significant challenge. The development of metal-doped carbon dots (CDs) to effectively modulate their electronic properties and surface chemical reactivities is still in its early stages. This work introduces copper-doping to CDs (Cu-CDs) luminescent material to modify the optoelectronic properties of CDs. The as-synthesized CDs show a Stokes shift of ≈0.67 eV and high PLQYs of 62 %. The Cu-CDs show the highest power conversion efficiency of 2.36 % compared to CDs (2.04 %) with a Stokes shift of 0.71 eV. These findings demonstrate the possibility of tuning optical properties into CDs via metal doping, obtaining eco-friendly, high-efficiency LSCs through scalable production techniques, paving the way to the lab-to-fab transition of this kind of device. Our results demonstrate that dual-emission Cu-CDs with strong solid-state fluorescence are promising candidates as luminophores in efficient photovoltaic devices.
{"title":"Cu-doped nanocrystal carbon dots for integrated fabrication of ultrabright luminescent solar concentrators","authors":"Mahnoor Hassan , Kassa Belay Ibrahim , Jodi Gobbo , Shujie You , Enrico Ercolini , Enrico Trave , Margherita Zavelani-Rossi , Edoardo Carraro , Andrea Iudica , Paolo Moras , Mario Leopoldo Rivera-Salazar , Stephanie Bruyere , David Horwat , Alberto Vomiero , Elisa Moretti , Tofik Ahmed Shifa","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101230","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101230","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Carbon dots (CDs) are promising fluorophores for optoelectronic devices. Yet, achieving CDs with high solid-state photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) remains a significant challenge. The development of metal-doped carbon dots (CDs) to effectively modulate their electronic properties and surface chemical reactivities is still in its early stages. This work introduces copper-doping to CDs (Cu-CDs) luminescent material to modify the optoelectronic properties of CDs. The as-synthesized CDs show a Stokes shift of ≈0.67 eV and high PLQYs of 62 %. The Cu-CDs show the highest power conversion efficiency of 2.36 % compared to CDs (2.04 %) with a Stokes shift of 0.71 eV. These findings demonstrate the possibility of tuning optical properties into CDs via metal doping, obtaining eco-friendly, high-efficiency LSCs through scalable production techniques, paving the way to the lab-to-fab transition of this kind of device. Our results demonstrate that dual-emission Cu-CDs with strong solid-state fluorescence are promising candidates as luminophores in efficient photovoltaic devices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article 101230"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145221019","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}
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), with their special properties like high porosity and adjustable structures, have emerged as versatile reinforcements for nanocomposites. These hybrid systems have gained enormous attention for their potential to achieve electrical conductivity, either through the intrinsic properties of MOFs or via the incorporation of conductive nanomaterials within the MOF framework. This review explores recent advancements in nanocomposite systems reinforced with MOFs, focusing on two primary categories: systems where conductivity stems from the MOFs themselves and those enhanced by doping with additional nanomaterials. Various organic and inorganic additives, including polymer core-shells, C3N4, electroactive polymers, graphene, carbon (nanosheets and nanotubes), zeolites, metals, MOF-reinforced metal oxides, semimetals, and MXenes, are analyzed for their roles in enhancing the conductive, chemical, and structural characteristics of these nanocomposites. The potential of these systems to enable the development of lightweight, cost-effective, and chemically and electrically resilient materials with broad applications is also discussed. This review highlights the prospects and obstacles in advancing MOF-reinforced nanocomposites for next-generation electrically conductive materials.
{"title":"A comprehensive review on electroactive MOF-reinforced nanocomposites: From material design to practical applications","authors":"Pouya Khattami Kermanshahi , Sara Estaji , Erfan Zivari , Shahab Moghari , Pouria Aslani Poshtahani , Sadaf Moftakhari , Hosein Ali Khonakdar","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101229","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101229","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), with their special properties like high porosity and adjustable structures, have emerged as versatile reinforcements for nanocomposites. These hybrid systems have gained enormous attention for their potential to achieve electrical conductivity, either through the intrinsic properties of MOFs or via the incorporation of conductive nanomaterials within the MOF framework. This review explores recent advancements in nanocomposite systems reinforced with MOFs, focusing on two primary categories: systems where conductivity stems from the MOFs themselves and those enhanced by doping with additional nanomaterials. Various organic and inorganic additives, including polymer core-shells, C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>, electroactive polymers, graphene, carbon (nanosheets and nanotubes), zeolites, metals, MOF-reinforced metal oxides, semimetals, and MXenes, are analyzed for their roles in enhancing the conductive, chemical, and structural characteristics of these nanocomposites. The potential of these systems to enable the development of lightweight, cost-effective, and chemically and electrically resilient materials with broad applications is also discussed. This review highlights the prospects and obstacles in advancing MOF-reinforced nanocomposites for next-generation electrically conductive materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article 101229"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145155587","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}
The discarded cement pastes and glass generated as by-products during the process of building demolition. The open accumulation of waste cement pastes and glass causes resource wastage and environmental pollution, which urgently needs resource utilization. In this study, composite supplementary cementitious materials (RCG), which are formulated by mixing recycled cement paste and glass powder, are utilized to partially substitute conventional cement in the preparation of environmentally friendly mortar. The influence of RCG content on the compressive strength, microstructure and nanomechanical properties of mortar is systematically studied. Additionally, the corresponding ecological benefit was assessed. The results indicate that incorporating an optimal proportion of RCG (10 %–20 %) enhances the mechanical properties of the mortar. Compared with the control specimen, the compressive strength of RCG20 specimen increased by 5.79 % at 28 days. However, the strength of specimens decreased with further increase of RCG content. The addition of 20 %RCG can effectively improve the compactness of mortar specimens, optimize the pore structure, and increase the C-S-H content, especially for high-density C-S-H. Compared with conventional mortar, RCG-containing mortar has lower CO2 emission and cost. This study highlights the potential for resource recovery from construction waste, contributing to the sustainable development of cement-based materials.
{"title":"Synergistic utilization of recycle cement powder and glass powder to prepare low-carbon and environmentally friendly mortar: Mechanical properties, microstructure, and environmental assessment","authors":"Hongyu Tao , Jiyao Tang , Chenjin Zhang , Changshun Zhou , Wenqiang Zhai","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101228","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101228","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The discarded cement pastes and glass generated as by-products during the process of building demolition. The open accumulation of waste cement pastes and glass causes resource wastage and environmental pollution, which urgently needs resource utilization. In this study, composite supplementary cementitious materials (RCG), which are formulated by mixing recycled cement paste and glass powder, are utilized to partially substitute conventional cement in the preparation of environmentally friendly mortar. The influence of RCG content on the compressive strength, microstructure and nanomechanical properties of mortar is systematically studied. Additionally, the corresponding ecological benefit was assessed. The results indicate that incorporating an optimal proportion of RCG (10 %–20 %) enhances the mechanical properties of the mortar. Compared with the control specimen, the compressive strength of RCG20 specimen increased by 5.79 % at 28 days. However, the strength of specimens decreased with further increase of RCG content. The addition of 20 %RCG can effectively improve the compactness of mortar specimens, optimize the pore structure, and increase the C-S-H content, especially for high-density C-S-H. Compared with conventional mortar, RCG-containing mortar has lower CO<sub>2</sub> emission and cost. This study highlights the potential for resource recovery from construction waste, contributing to the sustainable development of cement-based materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article 101228"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145221018","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 : 2025-09-23DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101226
Cheryl Bernice Pohrmen , Mrinal , Charu Deepika , Krishna Kumar Jaiswal , Vinod Kumar , Amit K. Jaiswal
The escalating global population has intensified reliance on fossil fuels, leading to a surge in anthropogenic emissions detrimental to human health and the environment. Biofuels offer a sustainable, eco-friendly, and renewable alternative. Among various feedstocks, microalgae stand out for their high biomass productivity and ability to sequester CO2, contributing to climate change mitigation. The integration of nanocatalysts in microalgae-based biofuel production has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance yield and conversion efficiency. This review outlines the diverse nanocatalysts and catalyst support materials employed to optimize microalgal biofuel production. It also examines nanomaterial synthesis techniques and addresses key challenges related to the stability, cost, durability, and scalability of nanocatalysts. While nanocatalysts offer substantial advantages, their potential environmental impact warrants caution. Hence, future research must focus on developing efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally benign nanocatalysts.
{"title":"Green heterogeneous noble nanocatalysts and catalyst-support materials for the production of microalgal biofuels","authors":"Cheryl Bernice Pohrmen , Mrinal , Charu Deepika , Krishna Kumar Jaiswal , Vinod Kumar , Amit K. Jaiswal","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101226","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101226","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The escalating global population has intensified reliance on fossil fuels, leading to a surge in anthropogenic emissions detrimental to human health and the environment. Biofuels offer a sustainable, eco-friendly, and renewable alternative. Among various feedstocks, microalgae stand out for their high biomass productivity and ability to sequester CO<sub>2</sub>, contributing to climate change mitigation. The integration of nanocatalysts in microalgae-based biofuel production has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance yield and conversion efficiency. This review outlines the diverse nanocatalysts and catalyst support materials employed to optimize microalgal biofuel production. It also examines nanomaterial synthesis techniques and addresses key challenges related to the stability, cost, durability, and scalability of nanocatalysts. While nanocatalysts offer substantial advantages, their potential environmental impact warrants caution. Hence, future research must focus on developing efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally benign nanocatalysts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article 101226"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145465425","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}
The spectral and thermal environment in greenhouses is critical for optimizing crop performance, particularly during low-light winter periods. This study evaluated laminated glass integrated with CuInS2/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) that passively convert ultraviolet and blue photons into orange-red light (590–620 nm), enhancing the spectral quality of transmitted sunlight without requiring active energy input. Compared to a control glass, the QD-glazing increased relative red photon flux by 29% and increased the Red:Blue ratio by 57%, with negligible losses in total PAR (photosynthetically active radiation). Experimental trials conducted from January to February demonstrated that the QD-glazed greenhouse maintained a higher internal air temperature, averaging 0.68 °C warmer than the control. Root zone (nutrient solution) temperature also exhibited consistent thermal advantages, averaging 1–2 °C higher under the QD glazing, contributing to enhanced nutrient uptake. Vapor pressure deficit was elevated in the QD greenhouse during daylight hours, reflecting increased evaporative demand aligned with higher photosynthetic activity. Despite slightly lower DLI (Daily Light Integral) values, QD-treated lettuce exhibited a 37.8% increase in fresh biomass yield and a 41% improvement in light use efficiency, demonstrating that enhanced spectral quality and early-day thermal buffering can significantly boost physiological performance. Notably, concentrations of key macro-nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S) and micro-nutrients (Zn, Cu) were significantly higher under QD treatment, indicating enhanced mineral uptake. These results underscore the potential of spectrally selective QD-glazing as a passive, energy-free solution for optimizing greenhouse microclimate and supporting resilient, winter-season crop production. The findings highlight a promising pathway toward climate-smart greenhouse envelopes that integrate photonics with sustainable food and energy strategies.
{"title":"Spectrally selective quantum dot laminated glass for photonic modulation and climate regulation in greenhouses","authors":"Amrit Kumar Thakur , Nazmin Akter , Md Shamim Ahamed , Damon Hebert , Emily Ganley , J.K. Gurchiek , Laura Cammarisano , Zhian Li , T.M. Abir Ahsan , Md Sazzadul Kabir","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101221","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101221","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The spectral and thermal environment in greenhouses is critical for optimizing crop performance, particularly during low-light winter periods. This study evaluated laminated glass integrated with CuInS<sub>2</sub>/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) that passively convert ultraviolet and blue photons into orange-red light (590–620 nm), enhancing the spectral quality of transmitted sunlight without requiring active energy input. Compared to a control glass, the QD-glazing increased relative red photon flux by 29% and increased the Red:Blue ratio by 57%, with negligible losses in total PAR (photosynthetically active radiation). Experimental trials conducted from January to February demonstrated that the QD-glazed greenhouse maintained a higher internal air temperature, averaging 0.68 °C warmer than the control. Root zone (nutrient solution) temperature also exhibited consistent thermal advantages, averaging 1–2 °C higher under the QD glazing, contributing to enhanced nutrient uptake. Vapor pressure deficit was elevated in the QD greenhouse during daylight hours, reflecting increased evaporative demand aligned with higher photosynthetic activity. Despite slightly lower DLI (Daily Light Integral) values, QD-treated lettuce exhibited a 37.8% increase in fresh biomass yield and a 41% improvement in light use efficiency, demonstrating that enhanced spectral quality and early-day thermal buffering can significantly boost physiological performance. Notably, concentrations of key macro-nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S) and micro-nutrients (Zn, Cu) were significantly higher under QD treatment, indicating enhanced mineral uptake. These results underscore the potential of spectrally selective QD-glazing as a passive, energy-free solution for optimizing greenhouse microclimate and supporting resilient, winter-season crop production. The findings highlight a promising pathway toward climate-smart greenhouse envelopes that integrate photonics with sustainable food and energy strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article 101221"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145267809","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}
The brittle and rigid nature of the resin matrix makes it difficult to cut carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates into thin slices and reprocess them into strongly oriented strand boards. To address this limitation, Cyrene, which is a biodegradable, non-toxicity biobased solvent, was employed to recycle CFRP laminates by inducing resin swelling. At 160–220 °C under atmospheric pressure, Cyrene fully swelled and softened the epoxy matrix within 30–240 min. The resin swelling rate ranged from 53.40 % to 303.39 %, with corresponding mass loss rates of 0–12.59 %. The resulting volume expansion led to delamination of the laminate into pliable monolayer carbon fiber (CF) sheets. These sheets were subsequently cut, dried, cross-stacked, and hot-pressed into new CFRP plates. The re-prepared laminates exhibited flexural, tensile, and interlaminar shear strengths ranging from 72.3 % to 77.5 %, 74.6 %–87.0 %, and 84.6 %–88.3 % of the original CFRP laminates. This mild process retained the CF length and mechanical performance while transferring waste resin into the new product. Cyrene, being thermally stable, was recovered by decompression distillation. This study offers a green and full-component recycling strategy for CFRP waste, supporting sustainable development through resource conservation and reuse.
{"title":"Cyrene as a biobased solvent for the green delamination recycling of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer laminates","authors":"Mingfei Xing, Wanting Xu, Lili Dong, Shuofei Fu, Fayang Guo, Li Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101225","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101225","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The brittle and rigid nature of the resin matrix makes it difficult to cut carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates into thin slices and reprocess them into strongly oriented strand boards. To address this limitation, Cyrene, which is a biodegradable, non-toxicity biobased solvent, was employed to recycle CFRP laminates by inducing resin swelling. At 160–220 °C under atmospheric pressure, Cyrene fully swelled and softened the epoxy matrix within 30–240 min. The resin swelling rate ranged from 53.40 % to 303.39 %, with corresponding mass loss rates of 0–12.59 %. The resulting volume expansion led to delamination of the laminate into pliable monolayer carbon fiber (CF) sheets. These sheets were subsequently cut, dried, cross-stacked, and hot-pressed into new CFRP plates. The re-prepared laminates exhibited flexural, tensile, and interlaminar shear strengths ranging from 72.3 % to 77.5 %, 74.6 %–87.0 %, and 84.6 %–88.3 % of the original CFRP laminates. This mild process retained the CF length and mechanical performance while transferring waste resin into the new product. Cyrene, being thermally stable, was recovered by decompression distillation. This study offers a green and full-component recycling strategy for CFRP waste, supporting sustainable development through resource conservation and reuse.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article 101225"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145119382","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 : 2025-09-21DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101224
H. Withana , S. Rawat , Y.X. Zhang
A structured approach to optimising the constituents of engineered cementitious composites (ECC) is crucial for reducing resource intensity and improving design efficiency. This study presents the design of a novel sustainable ECC that simultaneously achieves high strength and ductility, incorporating hybrid fibres, nanocellulose (NC), and high volumes of fly ash and silica fume. A novel approach utilising the hybrid application of Taguchi- Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methods is adopted for the design, enabling systematic and precise adjustment of mix constituents and leading to optimized performance. The standard Taguchi orthogonal array, consisting of four factors, i.e. fly ash to silica fume ratio, water-to-binder ratio, fibre proportions, and nanocellulose dosage, was used to design the mix. The optimum combination of these constituents was determined to maximize five key response parameters: compressive strength, elastic modulus, flexural strength, tensile strength, and ultimate tensile strain. Results indicated that fly ash to silica fume ratio of 1:0.2, a water to binder ratio of 0.22, 1.5 % polyethylene +0.75 % steel fibre by volume, and 0.25 % NC by weight represent the optimal mix design. This mix achieved a compressive strength of 71 MPa, an elastic modulus of 30 GPa, a flexural strength of 17 MPa, an ultimate tensile strength of 4 MPa, and an ultimate tensile strain of 3 %. The optimal design was further validated by experimental results, which showed that the optimized mix outperformed all other mixes in all indices. This further demonstrates the effectiveness of the design method and the potential for successfully incorporating nanocellulose in ECC designs.
{"title":"Optimising hybrid Fibre and nanocellulose reinforced engineered cementitious composites using Taguchi-TOPSIS analysis","authors":"H. Withana , S. Rawat , Y.X. Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101224","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101224","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A structured approach to optimising the constituents of engineered cementitious composites (ECC) is crucial for reducing resource intensity and improving design efficiency. This study presents the design of a novel sustainable ECC that simultaneously achieves high strength and ductility, incorporating hybrid fibres, nanocellulose (NC), and high volumes of fly ash and silica fume. A novel approach utilising the hybrid application of Taguchi- Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methods is adopted for the design, enabling systematic and precise adjustment of mix constituents and leading to optimized performance. The standard Taguchi orthogonal array, consisting of four factors, i.e. fly ash to silica fume ratio, water-to-binder ratio, fibre proportions, and nanocellulose dosage, was used to design the mix. The optimum combination of these constituents was determined to maximize five key response parameters: compressive strength, elastic modulus, flexural strength, tensile strength, and ultimate tensile strain. Results indicated that fly ash to silica fume ratio of 1:0.2, a water to binder ratio of 0.22, 1.5 % polyethylene +0.75 % steel fibre by volume, and 0.25 % NC by weight represent the optimal mix design. This mix achieved a compressive strength of 71 MPa, an elastic modulus of 30 GPa, a flexural strength of 17 MPa, an ultimate tensile strength of 4 MPa, and an ultimate tensile strain of 3 %. The optimal design was further validated by experimental results, which showed that the optimized mix outperformed all other mixes in all indices. This further demonstrates the effectiveness of the design method and the potential for successfully incorporating nanocellulose in ECC designs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article 101224"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145155585","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}
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