Sustainable on-site hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production from oxygen and water using visible light is an appealing method for decentralized water treatment and green oxidation chemistry. However, it often faces challenges due to weak O2 activation and rapid charge recombination in carbon nitride photocatalysts. In this study, we report a sulphur-functionalized poly (heptazine imide) (S-PHI) made through KCl-assisted polymerization. The controlled addition of different atoms and changes to the framework improve crystallinity, stacking order, and defect chemistry. XRD and vibrational spectroscopy confirm the creation of a heptazine-imide network with strain-induced structural changes. XPS shows C–S bonding without oxidized sulphur species present. S-PHI shows improved visible-light absorption (Eg ∼ 2.64 eV; LHE ∼91% up to 440 nm), strong photoluminescence quenching, a slightly longer carrier lifetime (∼10.48 ns), a larger electrochemically active surface area (Cdl: 61.5 mF cm−2), lower interfacial charge-transfer resistance, and a more negative flat-band potential (−1.62 V), which supports oxygen reduction. With low-power 405 nm LED light and ethanol, S-PHI produces 16,400 μmol g−1 h−1 H2O2, increasing to 38,142 μmol g−1 h−1 in untreated seawater with O2 bubbling. The apparent quantum yields reach up to 45.1%, and the SCC efficiency is 0.31%. Rotating-disk analysis (n ∼ 2.29) and scavenger tests indicate a mainly two-electron O2 reduction pathway, with an extra 1O2-mediated contribution from defect states and photosensitized pathways. This work showcases defect-engineered PHI as a strong and scalable option for solar-driven H2O2 production in real saline environments.
{"title":"Enhanced solar-to-chemical conversion of seawater to H2O2 via defect-rich sulphur-doped poly (heptazine imide) photocatalysts","authors":"Aneek Kuila , Priyanka Mishra , Sae Youn Lee , Narayanamoorthy Bhuvanendran , Saravanan Pichiah , Muhammad Kashif Shahid , Nirmalendu Sekhar Mishra , Sasmita Chand","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2026.101318","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2026.101318","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sustainable on-site hydrogen peroxide (H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>) production from oxygen and water using visible light is an appealing method for decentralized water treatment and green oxidation chemistry. However, it often faces challenges due to weak O<sub>2</sub> activation and rapid charge recombination in carbon nitride photocatalysts. In this study, we report a sulphur-functionalized poly (heptazine imide) (S-PHI) made through KCl-assisted polymerization. The controlled addition of different atoms and changes to the framework improve crystallinity, stacking order, and defect chemistry. XRD and vibrational spectroscopy confirm the creation of a heptazine-imide network with strain-induced structural changes. XPS shows C–S bonding without oxidized sulphur species present. S-PHI shows improved visible-light absorption (Eg ∼ 2.64 eV; LHE ∼91% up to 440 nm), strong photoluminescence quenching, a slightly longer carrier lifetime (∼10.48 ns), a larger electrochemically active surface area (Cdl: 61.5 mF cm<sup>−2</sup>), lower interfacial charge-transfer resistance, and a more negative flat-band potential (−1.62 V), which supports oxygen reduction. With low-power 405 nm LED light and ethanol, S-PHI produces 16,400 μmol g<sup>−1</sup> h<sup>−1</sup> H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>, increasing to 38,142 μmol g<sup>−1</sup> h<sup>−1</sup> in untreated seawater with O<sub>2</sub> bubbling. The apparent quantum yields reach up to 45.1%, and the SCC efficiency is 0.31%. Rotating-disk analysis (n ∼ 2.29) and scavenger tests indicate a mainly two-electron O<sub>2</sub> reduction pathway, with an extra <sup>1</sup>O<sub>2</sub>-mediated contribution from defect states and photosensitized pathways. This work showcases defect-engineered PHI as a strong and scalable option for solar-driven H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> production in real saline environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article 101318"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146169927","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 : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-12-20DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101282
Ammar Elsheikh , Ali Ali , Fadl A. Essa , Mohamed A.E. Omer , Mohamed G. Abou-Ali , Ninshu Ma
Hydrogen embrittlement (HE) poses a significant threat to the structural integrity and long-term reliability of its storage tanks, particularly in welded joints, where microstructural heterogeneities increase susceptibility. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of HE phenomena, emphasizing its critical role in material degradation. The paper begins by outlining the fundamentals of HE, describing how atomic hydrogen infiltrates metallic lattices, leading to loss of ductility and premature failure. Various HE mechanisms, including hydrogen-enhanced decohesion (HEDE), hydrogen-enhanced localized plasticity (HELP), and hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC), are discussed and classified based on their underlying physical principles. The susceptibility of commonly used storage tank materials, such as high-strength steels and aluminum alloys, is evaluated, with a focus on microstructural and compositional factors. Special attention is given to the welded regions, where residual stresses, grain boundary structures, and weld metal (WM) composition play a pivotal role in accelerating HE. The review also highlights key factors influencing HE in welded joints, including hydrogen diffusion pathways, welding processes, and post-weld treatments. Experimental methodologies, such as slow strain rate testing and thermal desorption analysis, are discussed alongside simulation approaches that model hydrogen diffusion and crack propagation. Finally, the paper outlines current mitigation strategies, including material selection, heat treatment, hydrogen barriers, and cathodic protection, offering insights into practical solutions for reducing HE risks in hydrogen storage systems. This review aims to guide future research and inform engineering practices for safer hydrogen infrastructure.
{"title":"Hydrogen embrittlement in storage tank materials and welded joints","authors":"Ammar Elsheikh , Ali Ali , Fadl A. Essa , Mohamed A.E. Omer , Mohamed G. Abou-Ali , Ninshu Ma","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101282","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101282","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hydrogen embrittlement (HE) poses a significant threat to the structural integrity and long-term reliability of its storage tanks, particularly in welded joints, where microstructural heterogeneities increase susceptibility. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of HE phenomena, emphasizing its critical role in material degradation. The paper begins by outlining the fundamentals of HE, describing how atomic hydrogen infiltrates metallic lattices, leading to loss of ductility and premature failure. Various HE mechanisms, including hydrogen-enhanced decohesion (HEDE), hydrogen-enhanced localized plasticity (HELP), and hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC), are discussed and classified based on their underlying physical principles. The susceptibility of commonly used storage tank materials, such as high-strength steels and aluminum alloys, is evaluated, with a focus on microstructural and compositional factors. Special attention is given to the welded regions, where residual stresses, grain boundary structures, and weld metal (WM) composition play a pivotal role in accelerating HE. The review also highlights key factors influencing HE in welded joints, including hydrogen diffusion pathways, welding processes, and post-weld treatments. Experimental methodologies, such as slow strain rate testing and thermal desorption analysis, are discussed alongside simulation approaches that model hydrogen diffusion and crack propagation. Finally, the paper outlines current mitigation strategies, including material selection, heat treatment, hydrogen barriers, and cathodic protection, offering insights into practical solutions for reducing HE risks in hydrogen storage systems. This review aims to guide future research and inform engineering practices for safer hydrogen infrastructure.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article 101282"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145925601","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}
Iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using NaOH, NaBH4, and Calpurnia aurea leaf extract as reducing agents. XRD analysis confirmed the formation of hematite nanoparticles with rhombohedral structure when using NaOH and NaBH4 as reducing agents, having the average crystallite size of 28.2287 and 21.86575 nm, respectively. The iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized using Calpurnia aurea leaf extract were maghemite with a cubic spinal structure having an average crystallite size of 21.69002, 21.09579, and 19.61541 nm with leaf extract to precursor ratios of 1:2, 1:1, and 2:1, respectively. The FT-IR analysis demonstrated the formation of Fe-O bonds between 460 and 550 cm−1 and around 570 cm−1 for hematite and maghemite nanoparticles, respectively. The optical band gap energy calculation from DRS analysis gave the indirect band gap energy of 1.32 and 1.14 eV and direct band gap energy of 1.62 and 1.55 eV for hematite nanoparticles synthesized using NaOH and NaBH4, respectively. For maghemite nanoparticles synthesized with the leaf extract, indirect band gap energies of 1.62, 1.57, and 1.66 eV and direct band gap energies of 2.09, 2.09, and 2.20 eV were calculated for leaf extract to precursor ratios of 1:2, 1:1, and 2:1, respectively. The TGA-DTA analysis confirmed the improved thermal stability of the maghemite nanoparticles synthesized using the leaf extract. The hematite nanoparticles synthesized with NaOH exhibited a total weight loss of 27.278 % with three different endothermic peaks at 89.95, 31.79, and 650.79 °C, while a weak endothermic peak was observed for hematite nanoparticles obtained using NaBH4 at 94.25 °C. For the maghemite nanoparticles synthesized using leaf extract, the maximum weight loss observed is 8.192 % at a ratio of 1:1, while there are no endothermic or exothermic peaks observed for the three ratios. From the BET analysis, surface areas of 31.082 and 27.113 m2/g were calculated for hematite nanoparticles synthesized with NaOH and NaBH4, respectively, and 45.998, 52.743, and 56.243 m2/g were calculated for maghemite nanoparticles synthesized with leaf extract to precursor ratios of 1:2, 1:1, and 2:1, respectively. The photocatalytic malachite green degradation experiment indicates 98.944, 98.902, and 97.930 % degradation efficiency at the optimized experimental parameters for maghemite nanoparticles synthesized with leaf extract and hematite nanoparticles synthesized with NaBH4 and NaOH, respectively. The degradation of malachite green with the three photocatalysts fits first-order kinetics.
{"title":"Enhancing the phase, thermal stability, band gap energy, and surface area of iron oxide nanoparticles by varying reducing agents and examining their efficacy in photocatalytic dye degradation","authors":"Gemechu Fikadu Aaga , Workineh Mengesha Fereja , Tsion Guta Bekele","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101285","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101285","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using NaOH, NaBH<sub>4</sub>, and <em>Calpurnia aurea</em> leaf extract as reducing agents. XRD analysis confirmed the formation of hematite nanoparticles with rhombohedral structure when using NaOH and NaBH<sub>4</sub> as reducing agents, having the average crystallite size of 28.2287 and 21.86575 nm, respectively. The iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized using <em>Calpurnia aurea</em> leaf extract were maghemite with a cubic spinal structure having an average crystallite size of 21.69002, 21.09579, and 19.61541 nm with leaf extract to precursor ratios of 1:2, 1:1, and 2:1, respectively. The FT-IR analysis demonstrated the formation of Fe-O bonds between 460 and 550 cm<sup>−1</sup> and around 570 cm<sup>−1</sup> for hematite and maghemite nanoparticles, respectively. The optical band gap energy calculation from DRS analysis gave the indirect band gap energy of 1.32 and 1.14 eV and direct band gap energy of 1.62 and 1.55 eV for hematite nanoparticles synthesized using NaOH and NaBH<sub>4</sub>, respectively. For maghemite nanoparticles synthesized with the leaf extract, indirect band gap energies of 1.62, 1.57, and 1.66 eV and direct band gap energies of 2.09, 2.09, and 2.20 eV were calculated for leaf extract to precursor ratios of 1:2, 1:1, and 2:1, respectively. The TGA-DTA analysis confirmed the improved thermal stability of the maghemite nanoparticles synthesized using the leaf extract. The hematite nanoparticles synthesized with NaOH exhibited a total weight loss of 27.278 % with three different endothermic peaks at 89.95, 31.79, and 650.79 °C, while a weak endothermic peak was observed for hematite nanoparticles obtained using NaBH<sub>4</sub> at 94.25 °C. For the maghemite nanoparticles synthesized using leaf extract, the maximum weight loss observed is 8.192 % at a ratio of 1:1, while there are no endothermic or exothermic peaks observed for the three ratios. From the BET analysis, surface areas of 31.082 and 27.113 m<sup>2</sup>/g were calculated for hematite nanoparticles synthesized with NaOH and NaBH<sub>4</sub>, respectively, and 45.998, 52.743, and 56.243 m<sup>2</sup>/g were calculated for maghemite nanoparticles synthesized with leaf extract to precursor ratios of 1:2, 1:1, and 2:1, respectively. The photocatalytic malachite green degradation experiment indicates 98.944, 98.902, and 97.930 % degradation efficiency at the optimized experimental parameters for maghemite nanoparticles synthesized with leaf extract and hematite nanoparticles synthesized with NaBH<sub>4</sub> and NaOH, respectively. The degradation of malachite green with the three photocatalysts fits first-order kinetics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article 101285"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145925701","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 : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-21DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2026.101308
Amira S. Diab , Ahmed A. Allam , Hassan A. Rudayni , Mostafa R. Abukhadra
The widespread presence of sulfate (SO42−) in natural and industrial waters poses serious environmental and engineering challenges, including ecological degradation, scaling, and infrastructure corrosion. Conventional treatment methods such as chemical precipitation, ion exchange, biological reduction, and membrane separation are often limited by high energy consumption, secondary waste generation, or poor cost-effectiveness. Zeolites, crystalline aluminosilicates with highly ordered frameworks and ion-exchange capacity, have emerged as promising candidates for sulfate remediation. This review provides a critical assessment of natural, synthetic, and modified zeolites, with particular emphasis on how structural features and modification strategies influence adsorption performance. Surface modifications—such as cation exchange, acid activation, metal incorporation, and surfactant functionalization—are shown to significantly enhance sulfate affinity, stability, and reusability compared with raw zeolites. Mechanistic insights into ion exchange, electrostatic attraction, and surface complexation are systematically correlated with framework topology, pore dimensionality, and Si/Al ratios. Current challenges include regeneration efficiency, long-term structural stability under realistic wastewater conditions, and cost of large-scale synthesis and modification. Future directions highlight the importance of green synthesis approaches, the design of hybrid zeolite composites, and multifunctional zeolite-based platforms capable of simultaneously targeting anionic, cationic, and organic pollutants. By integrating structural chemistry with environmental engineering, this review establishes zeolites and their modified derivatives as sustainable and scalable materials for advanced sulfate remediation in water and wastewater systems.
{"title":"Zeolite-based materials for sulfate remediation: A review of structure–function insights, modification strategies, and sustainable water treatment applications","authors":"Amira S. Diab , Ahmed A. Allam , Hassan A. Rudayni , Mostafa R. Abukhadra","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2026.101308","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2026.101308","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The widespread presence of sulfate (SO<sub>4</sub><sup>2−</sup>) in natural and industrial waters poses serious environmental and engineering challenges, including ecological degradation, scaling, and infrastructure corrosion. Conventional treatment methods such as chemical precipitation, ion exchange, biological reduction, and membrane separation are often limited by high energy consumption, secondary waste generation, or poor cost-effectiveness. Zeolites, crystalline aluminosilicates with highly ordered frameworks and ion-exchange capacity, have emerged as promising candidates for sulfate remediation. This review provides a critical assessment of natural, synthetic, and modified zeolites, with particular emphasis on how structural features and modification strategies influence adsorption performance. Surface modifications—such as cation exchange, acid activation, metal incorporation, and surfactant functionalization—are shown to significantly enhance sulfate affinity, stability, and reusability compared with raw zeolites. Mechanistic insights into ion exchange, electrostatic attraction, and surface complexation are systematically correlated with framework topology, pore dimensionality, and Si/Al ratios. Current challenges include regeneration efficiency, long-term structural stability under realistic wastewater conditions, and cost of large-scale synthesis and modification. Future directions highlight the importance of green synthesis approaches, the design of hybrid zeolite composites, and multifunctional zeolite-based platforms capable of simultaneously targeting anionic, cationic, and organic pollutants. By integrating structural chemistry with environmental engineering, this review establishes zeolites and their modified derivatives as sustainable and scalable materials for advanced sulfate remediation in water and wastewater systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article 101308"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146022605","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 : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-23DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2026.101315
Yali Yu , Yan Liu , Yongfeng Zhu , Bin Mu , Xicun Wang , Aiqin Wang
Incorporating inorganic components into a polymer matrix represents an effective strategy for enhancing the performance of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs), with the final properties largely determined by the strength of the interaction between the incorporated components and the polymer matrix. In this study, a novel composite SAP was successfully prepared using coal gasification slag (CGFS), a mesoporous material derived from gasification processes, as a functional filler. Prior to composite formation, the CGFS was subjected to a low-temperature calcination at 300 °C under a nitrogen atmosphere to eliminate adsorbed water, thereby improving its interfacial compatibility with the polymer matrix. This preservation of the micro-mesoporous structure during the polymerization process served as active sites for initiator decomposition, significantly enhancing the interfacial interaction between the CGFS and polymeric matrix. The resulting SAP demonstrated water absorption capacities of 403.9 g/g and 72.4 g/g in distilled water and 0.9 wt% NaCl solution, respectively. Pot experiments further validated the excellent water-retention properties of the SAP in soil. This study not only achieved high-value utilization of waste resources through physical activation of CGFS, but also provided a promising approach for the development of high-performance SAP for agricultural applications.
{"title":"Superabsorbent incorporating coal gasification fine slag for enhanced water absorption","authors":"Yali Yu , Yan Liu , Yongfeng Zhu , Bin Mu , Xicun Wang , Aiqin Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2026.101315","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2026.101315","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Incorporating inorganic components into a polymer matrix represents an effective strategy for enhancing the performance of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs), with the final properties largely determined by the strength of the interaction between the incorporated components and the polymer matrix. In this study, a novel composite SAP was successfully prepared using coal gasification slag (CGFS), a mesoporous material derived from gasification processes, as a functional filler. Prior to composite formation, the CGFS was subjected to a low-temperature calcination at 300 °C under a nitrogen atmosphere to eliminate adsorbed water, thereby improving its interfacial compatibility with the polymer matrix. This preservation of the micro-mesoporous structure during the polymerization process served as active sites for initiator decomposition, significantly enhancing the interfacial interaction between the CGFS and polymeric matrix. The resulting SAP demonstrated water absorption capacities of 403.9 g/g and 72.4 g/g in distilled water and 0.9 wt% NaCl solution, respectively. Pot experiments further validated the excellent water-retention properties of the SAP in soil. This study not only achieved high-value utilization of waste resources through physical activation of CGFS, but also provided a promising approach for the development of high-performance SAP for agricultural applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article 101315"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077953","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 : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-12-11DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101276
Sayanthan Ramakrishnan , Akilesh Ramesh , Kirubajiny Pasupathy , Allan C. Manalo , Jay Sanjayan
This study investigates a method to regulate the foaming effect, enhance foam stability and overall performance of chemically foamed aerated geopolymer concrete (AGC) using recycled waste latex paint (RWP). The RWP consists of acrylic polymers and surfactants which are expected to regulate the foaming effect in AGC. AGC was synthesised by alkali activation of fly ash and slag, with Aluminium powder as the chemical foaming agent. A varying level of RWP was introduced as the foam regulating agent to enhance the rheological properties and gas bubble distribution in the AGC matrix. The systematic experimental analysis revealed that higher RWP dosage increased the expansion height by 75 % with a well-regulated expansion behaviour, attributed to the presence of soluble polymers and surfactants in RWP that mitigate bubble collapse and enhance the chemical foam stability. Additionally, increased RWP dosage improved the viscosity and yield strength of AGC mixes, facilitating better gas bubble migration in the matrix, resulting in finer and uniform pore structure. High RWP content increased porosity by 31 % and reduced density by 35 %, indicating its efficiency in producing lightweight AGC products. Although a reduction in the compressive strength of about 40 %–75 % was observed due to increased pore connectivity and reduced geopolymerisation from pigments and impurities in RWP, microstructural analysis confirmed reduced bubble coalescence and pore irregularity. Enhanced interfacial paste strength resulted in a finer and more uniform pore distribution. These findings demonstrate the potential of RWP as a value-added, sustainable additive for producing lightweight, non-load bearing AGC products with enhanced thermal and acoustic properties, contributing to sustainable construction and promoting the circular economy of waste paint products.
{"title":"Regulating the chemical foaming and pore distribution in aerated geopolymer concrete","authors":"Sayanthan Ramakrishnan , Akilesh Ramesh , Kirubajiny Pasupathy , Allan C. Manalo , Jay Sanjayan","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101276","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101276","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates a method to regulate the foaming effect, enhance foam stability and overall performance of chemically foamed aerated geopolymer concrete (AGC) using recycled waste latex paint (RWP). The RWP consists of acrylic polymers and surfactants which are expected to regulate the foaming effect in AGC. AGC was synthesised by alkali activation of fly ash and slag, with Aluminium powder as the chemical foaming agent. A varying level of RWP was introduced as the foam regulating agent to enhance the rheological properties and gas bubble distribution in the AGC matrix. The systematic experimental analysis revealed that higher RWP dosage increased the expansion height by 75 % with a well-regulated expansion behaviour, attributed to the presence of soluble polymers and surfactants in RWP that mitigate bubble collapse and enhance the chemical foam stability. Additionally, increased RWP dosage improved the viscosity and yield strength of AGC mixes, facilitating better gas bubble migration in the matrix, resulting in finer and uniform pore structure. High RWP content increased porosity by 31 % and reduced density by 35 %, indicating its efficiency in producing lightweight AGC products. Although a reduction in the compressive strength of about 40 %–75 % was observed due to increased pore connectivity and reduced geopolymerisation from pigments and impurities in RWP, microstructural analysis confirmed reduced bubble coalescence and pore irregularity. Enhanced interfacial paste strength resulted in a finer and more uniform pore distribution. These findings demonstrate the potential of RWP as a value-added, sustainable additive for producing lightweight, non-load bearing AGC products with enhanced thermal and acoustic properties, contributing to sustainable construction and promoting the circular economy of waste paint products.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article 101276"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145787527","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 : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-11DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2026.101303
Hongwei Pan , Yue Qu , Xueqin Hui , Haiquan Yue
Alveolar bone defects with insufficient bone mass, caused by trauma, tumors, congenital disorders, and periodontal inflammation, severely hinder natural tooth preservation and dental implantation, a key challenge in modern oral medicine. Guided bone regeneration(GBR) using barrier membranes is an essential strategy and standard clinical procedure to improve the efficiency of alveolar bone tissue repair. Both non-absorbable and absorbable membranes have good biocompatibility and can serve as barriers. However, they generally suffer from issues such as single structural design, weak mechanical properties, rapid degradation, poor antibacterial ability, and inadequate biological functions. In recent years, to overcome the various problems associated with existing commercial barrier membranes, researchers have optimized the components and controlled the structure of barrier membranes to develop multifunctional barrier membranes suitable for bone tissue regeneration. This review first outlines the common strategies for preparing GBR barrier membranes, their characteristics, and their classification. It also provides a detailed summary of the progress of research on new biomimetic barrier membranes as multifunctional platforms for repairing alveolar bone defects in biomedical engineering. Finally, it summarizes the challenges that multifunctional barrier membranes need to overcome and future development trends, laying a solid foundation for the research and clinical translation of GBR barrier membranes.
{"title":"Advances in biological barrier membranes for guided bone regeneration: Fabrication, characteristics, multifunctional optimization, and clinical prospects","authors":"Hongwei Pan , Yue Qu , Xueqin Hui , Haiquan Yue","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2026.101303","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2026.101303","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Alveolar bone defects with insufficient bone mass, caused by trauma, tumors, congenital disorders, and periodontal inflammation, severely hinder natural tooth preservation and dental implantation, a key challenge in modern oral medicine. Guided bone regeneration(GBR) using barrier membranes is an essential strategy and standard clinical procedure to improve the efficiency of alveolar bone tissue repair. Both non-absorbable and absorbable membranes have good biocompatibility and can serve as barriers. However, they generally suffer from issues such as single structural design, weak mechanical properties, rapid degradation, poor antibacterial ability, and inadequate biological functions. In recent years, to overcome the various problems associated with existing commercial barrier membranes, researchers have optimized the components and controlled the structure of barrier membranes to develop multifunctional barrier membranes suitable for bone tissue regeneration. This review first outlines the common strategies for preparing GBR barrier membranes, their characteristics, and their classification. It also provides a detailed summary of the progress of research on new biomimetic barrier membranes as multifunctional platforms for repairing alveolar bone defects in biomedical engineering. Finally, it summarizes the challenges that multifunctional barrier membranes need to overcome and future development trends, laying a solid foundation for the research and clinical translation of GBR barrier membranes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article 101303"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146022602","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 : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-12-22DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101288
W.S.amadhi Fernando , Peter W. McDonald , Wei Sung Ng , George V. Franks , San H. Thang , Chris Ritchie
Amidst increasing environmental concerns and the limitations associated with conventional synthetic reagents, the advancement of sustainable and efficient alternatives has emerged as a significant priority in mineral processing applications. In the present study, a bio-molecule-based hydrophobic modifier was introduced as a previously unreported kaolinite collector for the froth flotation separation of kaolinite from calcite. Synthetic yttrium-loaded kaolinite (kaol-Y) was used in single mineral flotation tests, with yttrium serving as a proxy for rare earth elements (REEs). This approach aimed to assess the collector's effectiveness in ionic clay systems containing REEs. Spectroscopic techniques were used to analyze selective adsorption, while the selective aggregation of kaolinite under high shear conditions was evaluated using an image-derived particle size measuring technique, providing insights into particle aggregation under dynamic fluid environments. The impact of collector dosages on separation performance was systematically evaluated through lab-scale mechanical flotation cell experiments. The optimal dosage was determined to lie within the range of 0.2–0.4 % wt, resulting in a separation process that achieved over 90 % kaolinite recovery in the concentrate at a grade of 70 %, starting from a feed grade of 50 %. The pH-responsive nature of the collector facilitated the recovery of the reagent from the concentrate, effectively demonstrating a recycling strategy that provides a cost-effective and sustainable solution for kaolinite flotation. This approach, employing bio-inspired collectors, holds significant promise for ongoing advancements and further optimization in flotation processes.
{"title":"A pH-responsive flavylium surfactant as a recyclable hydrophobic modifier for selective aggregation and flotation of kaolinite","authors":"W.S.amadhi Fernando , Peter W. McDonald , Wei Sung Ng , George V. Franks , San H. Thang , Chris Ritchie","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101288","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101288","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Amidst increasing environmental concerns and the limitations associated with conventional synthetic reagents, the advancement of sustainable and efficient alternatives has emerged as a significant priority in mineral processing applications. In the present study, a bio-molecule-based hydrophobic modifier was introduced as a previously unreported kaolinite collector for the froth flotation separation of kaolinite from calcite. Synthetic yttrium-loaded kaolinite (kaol-Y) was used in single mineral flotation tests, with yttrium serving as a proxy for rare earth elements (REEs). This approach aimed to assess the collector's effectiveness in ionic clay systems containing REEs. Spectroscopic techniques were used to analyze selective adsorption, while the selective aggregation of kaolinite under high shear conditions was evaluated using an image-derived particle size measuring technique, providing insights into particle aggregation under dynamic fluid environments. The impact of collector dosages on separation performance was systematically evaluated through lab-scale mechanical flotation cell experiments. The optimal dosage was determined to lie within the range of 0.2–0.4 % wt, resulting in a separation process that achieved over 90 % kaolinite recovery in the concentrate at a grade of 70 %, starting from a feed grade of 50 %. The pH-responsive nature of the collector facilitated the recovery of the reagent from the concentrate, effectively demonstrating a recycling strategy that provides a cost-effective and sustainable solution for kaolinite flotation. This approach, employing bio-inspired collectors, holds significant promise for ongoing advancements and further optimization in flotation processes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article 101288"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146022603","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 : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-11-19DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101259
Rehan M. El-Shabasy , Ahmed Zayed , Mohamed A. Farag , Kamel R. Shoueir
Graphene and graphene-based nanomaterials have gained remarkable attention owing to their outstanding physicochemical characteristics and versatile functional properties. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview that integrates graphene production, comparing chemical versus green synthesis routes from waste materials, with a discussion of their potential health-related applications. Top-down and bottom-up synthetic approaches, along with several industrial routes, are discussed. The bottom-up method remains the most efficient for high-quality graphene production; however, scale-up limitations, batch-to-batch variability, and cost-effective industrial scalability continue to represent major research challenges. Sustainability metrics (E-factor, energy consumption, and solvent footprint) are essential for a complete evaluation of few-layer graphene (FLG) synthesis routes. Increasing global focus has shifted toward sustainable, eco-friendly production routes. In this context, the upcycling of plastic waste into value-added products such as graphene represents a promising and environmentally sound strategy for large-scale production. FLG and graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have demonstrated considerable potential in biomedical applications including drug delivery, tissue engineering, biosensing, bioimaging, antiviral, and anticancer therapy. However, these applications are largely preclinical, and translation to clinical practice remains limited by variability in material quality, incomplete long-term toxicity and immunogenicity data, and challenges in achieving scalable, GMP-compliant production. The global graphene market is also reviewed, revealing that most commercially available graphene-based materials are applied in energy storage, electronics, and sports composites, whereas biomedical applications remain underrepresented. Addressing these translational barriers through standardized synthesis, thorough safety evaluation, and regulatory harmonization will be essential to fully realize the biomedical potential of graphene, and future research should focus on scalable green production, detailed in vivo safety studies, and clinical translation of graphene-based therapeutics.
{"title":"Green synthesis of relevant and sustainable bio-applications of few-layer graphene: A multi-faceted review and future perspectives","authors":"Rehan M. El-Shabasy , Ahmed Zayed , Mohamed A. Farag , Kamel R. Shoueir","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101259","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101259","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Graphene and graphene-based nanomaterials have gained remarkable attention owing to their outstanding physicochemical characteristics and versatile functional properties. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview that integrates graphene production, comparing chemical versus green synthesis routes from waste materials, with a discussion of their potential health-related applications. Top-down and bottom-up synthetic approaches, along with several industrial routes, are discussed. The bottom-up method remains the most efficient for high-quality graphene production; however, scale-up limitations, batch-to-batch variability, and cost-effective industrial scalability continue to represent major research challenges. Sustainability metrics (E-factor, energy consumption, and solvent footprint) are essential for a complete evaluation of few-layer graphene (FLG) synthesis routes. Increasing global focus has shifted toward sustainable, eco-friendly production routes. In this context, the upcycling of plastic waste into value-added products such as graphene represents a promising and environmentally sound strategy for large-scale production. FLG and graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have demonstrated considerable potential in biomedical applications including drug delivery, tissue engineering, biosensing, bioimaging, antiviral, and anticancer therapy. However, these applications are largely preclinical, and translation to clinical practice remains limited by variability in material quality, incomplete long-term toxicity and immunogenicity data, and challenges in achieving scalable, GMP-compliant production. The global graphene market is also reviewed, revealing that most commercially available graphene-based materials are applied in energy storage, electronics, and sports composites, whereas biomedical applications remain underrepresented. Addressing these translational barriers through standardized synthesis, thorough safety evaluation, and regulatory harmonization will be essential to fully realize the biomedical potential of graphene, and future research should focus on scalable green production, detailed <em>in vivo</em> safety studies, and clinical translation of graphene-based therapeutics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article 101259"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145645568","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 : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-12-24DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101295
Maryam Nejati , Li Zha , Rhoda Afriyie Mensah , Oisik Das , Antonio J. Capezza , Amparo Jiménez-Quero
This study presents a multiscale investigation of mycelium-based biocomposites produced via solid-state cultivation of Ganoderma lucidum on agro-food sidestreams. Three lignocellulosic residues, wheat bran (in two particle sizes), rice straw, and spent coffee grounds, were selected based on global availability and chemical diversity. The biocomposites were characterized to investigate how substrate composition and mycelial growth influence microstructure and macroscopic performance.
Monosaccharide analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that wheat bran supported enhanced mycelial growth. Fine wheat bran-based composites exhibited compressive strengths up to 449 kPa at 30 % strain and tensile moduli of 15–25 MPa, significantly higher than expanded polystyrene (EPS), a conventional insulator. All biocomposites showed intrinsic surface hydrophobicity (water contact angles of 106–120°). Thermal analyses, including thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and hot-plate conductivity measurement, confirmed their suitability as porous insulation. Cone calorimetry demonstrated improved fire safety in wheat bran-based composites, with reduced peak heat release rates (112–115 kW/m2).
Embodied energy and carbon footprint assessments indicated up to 89 % lower energy demand and 72 % lower CO2 emissions compared with EPS. Through multiscale characterization and direct benchmarking, this study shows how substrate selection and fungal-substrate interactions can be utilized to tailor performance. The findings provide insights into converting low-value biomass into scalable, fire-safer, and environmentally responsible insulation materials.
{"title":"Agro-food waste upcycling into mycelium insulation: Linking structure with mechanical and fire performance","authors":"Maryam Nejati , Li Zha , Rhoda Afriyie Mensah , Oisik Das , Antonio J. Capezza , Amparo Jiménez-Quero","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101295","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101295","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study presents a multiscale investigation of mycelium-based biocomposites produced via solid-state cultivation of <em>Ganoderma lucidum</em> on agro-food sidestreams. Three lignocellulosic residues, wheat bran (in two particle sizes), rice straw, and spent coffee grounds, were selected based on global availability and chemical diversity. The biocomposites were characterized to investigate how substrate composition and mycelial growth influence microstructure and macroscopic performance.</div><div>Monosaccharide analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that wheat bran supported enhanced mycelial growth. Fine wheat bran-based composites exhibited compressive strengths up to 449 kPa at 30 % strain and tensile moduli of 15–25 MPa, significantly higher than expanded polystyrene (EPS), a conventional insulator. All biocomposites showed intrinsic surface hydrophobicity (water contact angles of 106–120°). Thermal analyses, including thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and hot-plate conductivity measurement, confirmed their suitability as porous insulation. Cone calorimetry demonstrated improved fire safety in wheat bran-based composites, with reduced peak heat release rates (112–115 kW/m<sup>2</sup>).</div><div>Embodied energy and carbon footprint assessments indicated up to 89 % lower energy demand and 72 % lower CO<sub>2</sub> emissions compared with EPS. Through multiscale characterization and direct benchmarking, this study shows how substrate selection and fungal-substrate interactions can be utilized to tailor performance. The findings provide insights into converting low-value biomass into scalable, fire-safer, and environmentally responsible insulation materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article 101295"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145925809","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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