Pub Date : 2025-11-30DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101265
Hana M. Abumelha , Reem Ghubayra , Zahra H. Alhalafi , Kholood M. Alkhamis , Amnah S. Al Zbedy , Nasser A. Alamrani , Ali Sayqal , Nashwa M. El-Metwaly
The ultrasonic-chemical synthesis of pure tin dioxide quantum dots (SnO2QDs) and zinc-doped tin dioxide quantum dots (SnO2QDs/Zns) were reported for photocatalytic abatement of Reactive Yellow 145 (RY145) dye and real textile wastewater treatment. Structural characterization confirmed the retention of the rutile SnO2 phase with quantum-confined crystallite sizes ranging from 7.47 to 9.63 nm, and uniform Zn incorporation without forming segregated ZnO phases at low doping levels, as evidenced by XRD and EDX mapping. Optical analyses revealed tunable bandgap energies from 3.06 eV in undoped SnO2QDs to 3.51 eV in higher Zn-doped samples. The photocatalytic activity, assessed via degradation kinetics of RY145 under Xenon lamp irradiation, demonstrated a marked improvement for SnO2QDs/Zn1 (4 % Zn) with a rate constant (k) of 9.92 × 10−3 s−1, exceeding the performance of undoped SnO2QDs1 (k = 6.93 × 10−3 s−1) and surpassing SnO2QDs/Zn2 (6 % Zn) by over 320 %. Notably, the catalysts maintained over 87 % activity after seven recycling cycles in real industrial wastewater, emphasizing operational stability. An economic evaluation revealed a 25.4 % cost reduction for SnO2QDs/Zn1 relative to SnO2QDs/Zn2. This investigation underscores the critical role of nanoscale structural engineering and dopant optimization in advancing semiconductor photocatalysts for environmental applications and water treatment technologies.
{"title":"Remarkable photocatalytic efficiency, economic analysis and recycling processes of Sn-Zn quantum dots oxides for Reactive Yellow 145 dye removal and real industrial wastewater treatment","authors":"Hana M. Abumelha , Reem Ghubayra , Zahra H. Alhalafi , Kholood M. Alkhamis , Amnah S. Al Zbedy , Nasser A. Alamrani , Ali Sayqal , Nashwa M. El-Metwaly","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101265","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101265","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The ultrasonic-chemical synthesis of pure tin dioxide quantum dots (SnO<sub>2</sub>QDs) and zinc-doped tin dioxide quantum dots (SnO<sub>2</sub>QDs/Zn<sub>s</sub>) were reported for photocatalytic abatement of Reactive Yellow 145 (RY145) dye and real textile wastewater treatment. Structural characterization confirmed the retention of the rutile SnO<sub>2</sub> phase with quantum-confined crystallite sizes ranging from 7.47 to 9.63 nm, and uniform Zn incorporation without forming segregated ZnO phases at low doping levels, as evidenced by XRD and EDX mapping. Optical analyses revealed tunable bandgap energies from 3.06 eV in undoped SnO<sub>2</sub>QDs to 3.51 eV in higher Zn-doped samples. The photocatalytic activity, assessed via degradation kinetics of RY145 under Xenon lamp irradiation, demonstrated a marked improvement for SnO<sub>2</sub>QDs/Zn1 (4 % Zn) with a rate constant (k) of 9.92 × 10<sup>−3</sup> s<sup>−1</sup>, exceeding the performance of undoped SnO<sub>2</sub>QDs1 (k = 6.93 × 10<sup>−3</sup> s<sup>−1</sup>) and surpassing SnO<sub>2</sub>QDs/Zn2 (6 % Zn) by over 320 %. Notably, the catalysts maintained over 87 % activity after seven recycling cycles in real industrial wastewater, emphasizing operational stability. An economic evaluation revealed a 25.4 % cost reduction for SnO<sub>2</sub>QDs/Zn1 relative to SnO<sub>2</sub>QDs/Zn2. This investigation underscores the critical role of nanoscale structural engineering and dopant optimization in advancing semiconductor photocatalysts for environmental applications and water treatment technologies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article 101265"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145683101","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 : 2025-11-29DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101271
Ghada Shaban , Emad H. Bartawi , Martin P. Andersson , Rajan Ambat
The temperature impact on the inhibitory characteristics of black tea extract was examined in a 1 wt.% sodium chloride solution under CO2 saturation. The evaluations were conducted in solutions with pH 5.5 at 20, 40, and 60 °C. The interaction of black tea extract (BTE) with L80-1Cr carbon steel, focusing on its adsorption and chelation properties, was examined using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), electrochemical measurements, and density functional theory (DFT) modelling. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), computed tomography (CT) scans, focused ion beam (FIB) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) were employed to study the morphology and cross-section of the film formed on the steel surface. BTE exhibited significantly improved corrosion inhibition properties with temperature, as a maximum polarization resistance of 800 Ω .cm2 and a higher inhibition efficiency of 88 % was observed at 60 °C after 300 h of immersion. Moreover, the inhibition efficiency did not decrease over time; on the contrary, it showed a gradual increase. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations showed that various BTE components have a strong adsorption tendency on the Fe (110) surface and Fe3C (001), with delphinine presenting the greatest adsorption with −104 kJ/mol and the ability to displace 2 water from the surface. UV–Vis spectroscopy showed a shift to lower wavelengths in peak positions, indicating stronger interactions between BTE molecules and Fe2+ ions. Cross-sectional FIB imaging confirmed the formation of Fe2+–BTE chelate layers on top of the corrosion products. As the temperature increased, the thickness of this protective layer grew from 215 nm to 406 nm, while the underlying corrosion layer decreased, highlighting improved protection at higher temperatures. 3D and cross-sectional CT showed a smoother surface of the inhibited sample, consistent with the dual action of BTE, adsorption and chelation.
{"title":"Effect of temperature on CO2 corrosion inhibition by black tea extract: A combined experimental and molecular modelling study","authors":"Ghada Shaban , Emad H. Bartawi , Martin P. Andersson , Rajan Ambat","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101271","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101271","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The temperature impact on the inhibitory characteristics of black tea extract was examined in a 1 wt.% sodium chloride solution under CO<sub>2</sub> saturation. The evaluations were conducted in solutions with pH 5.5 at 20, 40, and 60 °C. The interaction of black tea extract (BTE) with L80-1Cr carbon steel, focusing on its adsorption and chelation properties, was examined using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), electrochemical measurements, and density functional theory (DFT) modelling. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), computed tomography (CT) scans, focused ion beam (FIB) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) were employed to study the morphology and cross-section of the film formed on the steel surface. BTE exhibited significantly improved corrosion inhibition properties with temperature, as a maximum polarization resistance of 800 Ω .cm<sup>2</sup> and a higher inhibition efficiency of 88 % was observed at 60 °C after 300 h of immersion. Moreover, the inhibition efficiency did not decrease over time; on the contrary, it showed a gradual increase. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations showed that various BTE components have a strong adsorption tendency on the Fe (110) surface and Fe<sub>3</sub>C (001), with delphinine presenting the greatest adsorption with −104 kJ/mol and the ability to displace 2 water from the surface. UV–Vis spectroscopy showed a shift to lower wavelengths in peak positions, indicating stronger interactions between BTE molecules and Fe<sup>2+</sup> ions. Cross-sectional FIB imaging confirmed the formation of Fe<sup>2+</sup>–BTE chelate layers on top of the corrosion products. As the temperature increased, the thickness of this protective layer grew from 215 nm to 406 nm, while the underlying corrosion layer decreased, highlighting improved protection at higher temperatures. 3D and cross-sectional CT showed a smoother surface of the inhibited sample, consistent with the dual action of BTE, adsorption and chelation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article 101271"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145683100","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}
Over the last two decades, graphene and its derivatives based fascinating materials have been exploited in the synthesis of multifunctional polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) derived from various polymer matrices including elastomers, thermoplastics, thermosets, biopolymers, and conducting polymers have been extensively demonstrated. This review provides an in-depth discussion of the recent developments and perspectives of graphene-derived multifunctional PNCs for application in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding devices. In the first part of the review, the synthesis routes of graphene and its derivatives have been discussed in detail. Later, different processing methods of graphene-derived PNCs have also been discussed. Furthermore, the review discusses the primary EMI shielding mechanism and key parameters that define the EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of graphene-based PNCs. Besides, the review also highlights key parameters such as the type of polymer matrix, nanofiller type and concentration, sample thickness, and grain size that need to be considered for advancing the EMI shielding properties of PNCs. Finally, the review provides insight into the factors influencing the EMI SE values of PNCs and discusses the challenges and future perspectives for developing a new generation of shielding materials.
{"title":"Graphene and its derivatives based polymer nanocomposites for electromagnetic interference shielding applications: A comprehensive review","authors":"Kalim Deshmukh , Tomáš Kovářík , Mayank Pandey , Priyanka Rani , Vinay Deep Punetha , S.K. Khadheer Pasha , Kishor Kumar Sadasivuni","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101256","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101256","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Over the last two decades, graphene and its derivatives based fascinating materials have been exploited in the synthesis of multifunctional polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) derived from various polymer matrices including elastomers, thermoplastics, thermosets, biopolymers, and conducting polymers have been extensively demonstrated. This review provides an in-depth discussion of the recent developments and perspectives of graphene-derived multifunctional PNCs for application in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding devices. In the first part of the review, the synthesis routes of graphene and its derivatives have been discussed in detail. Later, different processing methods of graphene-derived PNCs have also been discussed. Furthermore, the review discusses the primary EMI shielding mechanism and key parameters that define the EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of graphene-based PNCs. Besides, the review also highlights key parameters such as the type of polymer matrix, nanofiller type and concentration, sample thickness, and grain size that need to be considered for advancing the EMI shielding properties of PNCs. Finally, the review provides insight into the factors influencing the EMI SE values of PNCs and discusses the challenges and future perspectives for developing a new generation of shielding materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article 101256"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145645676","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 : 2025-11-19DOI: 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":"2025-11-19","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 : 2025-11-07DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101252
Md Naimur Rahman, Md Alamgir Hossain
Ferrite materials have attracted significant attention due to their tunable structural and magnetic properties, making them highly promising for modern technological applications. Transition metals play a crucial role in spinel ferrites, serving either as dopants or as primary divalent cations, and thus strongly influence their performance. Despite extensive studies, a systematic framework that links transition-metal incorporation to magnetic applications using modern synthesis methods and combined structural and magnetic property analysis is still limited. This review highlights several modern synthesis methodologies and emphasizes the relationship between structural and magnetic properties of transition-metal spinel ferrites, drawing insights from X-ray diffraction (XRD) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). Structural parameters, such as lattice constant, crystallite size, dislocation density, unit cell volume, and hopping length, provide insight into structural stability, bond geometry, and structural ordering. Similarly, magnetic parameters, including remanent and saturation magnetization, squareness ratio, coercivity, magnetic moment, and anisotropy, reflect domain stability, magnetic domain structure, and magnetic ordering. Reduced structural stability and altered bond geometry generally favor soft magnetic states (superparamagnetic, paramagnetic, diamagnetic, antiferromagnetic), whereas enhanced stability supports hard magnetic states (ferromagnetic, ferrimagnetic). Notably, transition-metal doping improves both structural and magnetic properties, broadening the potential of spinel ferrites for next-generation technological applications.
{"title":"Transition metal based spinel ferrites: a review","authors":"Md Naimur Rahman, Md Alamgir Hossain","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101252","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101252","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ferrite materials have attracted significant attention due to their tunable structural and magnetic properties, making them highly promising for modern technological applications. Transition metals play a crucial role in spinel ferrites, serving either as dopants or as primary divalent cations, and thus strongly influence their performance. Despite extensive studies, a systematic framework that links transition-metal incorporation to magnetic applications using modern synthesis methods and combined structural and magnetic property analysis is still limited. This review highlights several modern synthesis methodologies and emphasizes the relationship between structural and magnetic properties of transition-metal spinel ferrites, drawing insights from X-ray diffraction (XRD) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). Structural parameters, such as lattice constant, crystallite size, dislocation density, unit cell volume, and hopping length, provide insight into structural stability, bond geometry, and structural ordering. Similarly, magnetic parameters, including remanent and saturation magnetization, squareness ratio, coercivity, magnetic moment, and anisotropy, reflect domain stability, magnetic domain structure, and magnetic ordering. Reduced structural stability and altered bond geometry generally favor soft magnetic states (superparamagnetic, paramagnetic, diamagnetic, antiferromagnetic), whereas enhanced stability supports hard magnetic states (ferromagnetic, ferrimagnetic). Notably, transition-metal doping improves both structural and magnetic properties, broadening the potential of spinel ferrites for next-generation technological applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article 101252"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145683102","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 : 2025-11-06DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101248
Manuel A. Ramirez-Ubillus , Yuen Yee Li Sip , Zakariya Mohayman , Akihiro Kushima , Yang Yang , Lei Zhai
Nickel diselenide (NiSe2), a promising catalyst for hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs), can be synthesized through a simple chemical reduction method. However, low-temperature synthesis produces secondary crystalline phases, such as Ni1.7Se2, which diminish catalytic efficiency. This study introduces a post-reduction method to create a stable NiSe2/Se heterostructure and examines how crystal structure and selenium content affect electrocatalytic properties. The synthesized products were washed with chloroform and thermally annealed, resulting in NiSe2/Se heterostructure crystals. The catalytic performance was assessed at 10 mA/cm2, achieving an overpotential of 202 mV and a Tafel slope of 25.3 mV/dec. The enhanced performance is linked to the high-order crystal of NiSe2 and the presence of selenium, as confirmed by XRD, SAED-TEM, and Raman spectroscopy. The selenium improves carrier densities and charge transfer efficiency. Furthermore, NiSe2/Se with lower selenium content retained their initial performance over 21 h which highlights their stability under HER conditions.
{"title":"Improving NiSe2 HER performance by controlling crystallinity and stabilizing embedded selenium","authors":"Manuel A. Ramirez-Ubillus , Yuen Yee Li Sip , Zakariya Mohayman , Akihiro Kushima , Yang Yang , Lei Zhai","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101248","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101248","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nickel diselenide (NiSe<sub>2</sub>), a promising catalyst for hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs), can be synthesized through a simple chemical reduction method. However, low-temperature synthesis produces secondary crystalline phases, such as Ni<sub>1.7</sub>Se<sub>2</sub>, which diminish catalytic efficiency. This study introduces a post-reduction method to create a stable NiSe<sub>2</sub>/Se heterostructure and examines how crystal structure and selenium content affect electrocatalytic properties. The synthesized products were washed with chloroform and thermally annealed, resulting in NiSe<sub>2</sub>/Se heterostructure crystals. The catalytic performance was assessed at 10 mA/cm<sup>2</sup>, achieving an overpotential of 202 mV and a Tafel slope of 25.3 mV/dec. The enhanced performance is linked to the high-order crystal of NiSe<sub>2</sub> and the presence of selenium, as confirmed by XRD, SAED-TEM, and Raman spectroscopy. The selenium improves carrier densities and charge transfer efficiency. Furthermore, NiSe<sub>2</sub>/Se with lower selenium content retained their initial performance over 21 h which highlights their stability under HER conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article 101248"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145525530","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 : 2025-11-05DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101253
Qamar Wali , It Ee Lee , Teong Chee Chuah , Rajan Jose
Charge transport layers, which selectively transport electrons and holes, are critical to the performance and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Tin oxide (SnO2) possesses distinctive advantages over the frequently used titanium dioxide (TiO2) as an electron transport layer (ETL), supporting superior photovoltaic conversion efficiency and operational stability in PSCs. Nevertheless, state-of-the-art PSCs incorporating TiO2 ETLs still demonstrate marginally superior practical performance, highlighting the need to address the limitations of SnO2 to unlock its full potential. In this review, we examine PSCs employing SnO2 ETLs with power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) exceeding 24 %, identifying their common characteristics and limitations. We critically analyze various strategies adopted in high-efficiency PSCs, including buried interfaces, self-assembled molecules, organic ligands, molecular bridging, and solvent engineering, and highlight the major challenges associated with SnO2 ETLs from the perspective of scalability and commercialization.
{"title":"Overcoming the SnO2 bottleneck in perovskite solar cells: Strategies for enhancing efficiency and stability","authors":"Qamar Wali , It Ee Lee , Teong Chee Chuah , Rajan Jose","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101253","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101253","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Charge transport layers, which selectively transport electrons and holes, are critical to the performance and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Tin oxide (SnO<sub>2</sub>) possesses distinctive advantages over the frequently used titanium dioxide (TiO<sub>2</sub>) as an electron transport layer (ETL), supporting superior photovoltaic conversion efficiency and operational stability in PSCs. Nevertheless, state-of-the-art PSCs incorporating TiO<sub>2</sub> ETLs still demonstrate marginally superior practical performance, highlighting the need to address the limitations of SnO<sub>2</sub> to unlock its full potential. In this review, we examine PSCs employing SnO<sub>2</sub> ETLs with power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) exceeding 24 %, identifying their common characteristics and limitations. We critically analyze various strategies adopted in high-efficiency PSCs, including buried interfaces, self-assembled molecules, organic ligands, molecular bridging, and solvent engineering, and highlight the major challenges associated with SnO<sub>2</sub> ETLs from the perspective of scalability and commercialization.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article 101253"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145465426","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}
Nickel-rich layered cathodes, such as LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811), offer high specific capacity and energy density but suffer from surface instability, cation mixing, and side reactions at the electrode-electrolyte interface. These issues lead to structural degradation, capacity fading, and reduced cyclic stability in lithium-ion batteries. In this study, we propose a strategy to engineer the interface of NMC811 cathodes with an ultrathin 3D-network vanadium-doped polyoxometalate (PMV) shell, synthesized via a facile wet chemical method, to enhance their electrochemical performance and cyclic stability. Structural characterizations reveal that the uniform PMV coating (thickness around 30–50 nm) preserve the crystal structure of NMC811 while enhancing the stability of the electrode-electrolyte interface and improving lithium-ion diffusion. Electrochemical studies determine that the PMV-coated cathodes achieve a superior initial discharge capacity of 217 mAh g−1, compared to 175 mAh g−1 for the uncoated NMC811 (at 0.1C). The rate capability of the PMV-coated cathode is also enhanced to gain a specific capacity of 87.4 mAh g−1 at 5C, which significantly outperform the uncoated cathode. Detailed investigations indicate that the coating minimizes particle cracking and voltage fading, thus contributing to improved long-term performance and cyclic stability. Applying this ultrathin, ion-conductive PMV coating highlights a viable path for optimizing nickel-rich cathodes.
富镍层状阴极,如LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811),具有较高的比容量和能量密度,但存在表面不稳定、阳离子混合和电极-电解质界面副反应等问题。这些问题导致锂离子电池的结构退化、容量衰减和循环稳定性降低。在这项研究中,我们提出了一种通过易湿化学方法合成的超薄3d网络掺钒多金属氧酸盐(PMV)外壳来设计NMC811阴极界面的策略,以提高其电化学性能和循环稳定性。结构表征表明,均匀的PMV涂层(厚度约为30-50 nm)在保持NMC811晶体结构的同时,增强了电极-电解质界面的稳定性,改善了锂离子的扩散。电化学研究表明,pmv涂层阴极的初始放电容量为217 mAh g - 1,而未涂层的NMC811 (0.1C)的初始放电容量为175 mAh g - 1。pmv涂层阴极的倍率能力也得到了增强,在5C时获得了87.4 mAh g−1的比容量,显著优于未涂层阴极。详细的研究表明,涂层最大限度地减少了颗粒裂纹和电压褪色,从而有助于提高长期性能和循环稳定性。应用这种超薄、离子导电的PMV涂层突出了优化富镍阴极的可行途径。
{"title":"Enhanced stability and performance of LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 cathodes via vanadium-doped polyoxometalate coating","authors":"Nafiseh Bolghanabadi , Arcangelo Celeste , Sergio Brutti , Sayed Khatiboleslam Sadrnezhaad , Abdolreza Simchi","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101249","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101249","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nickel-rich layered cathodes, such as LiNi<sub>0.8</sub>Mn<sub>0.1</sub>Co<sub>0.1</sub>O<sub>2</sub> (NMC811), offer high specific capacity and energy density but suffer from surface instability, cation mixing, and side reactions at the electrode-electrolyte interface. These issues lead to structural degradation, capacity fading, and reduced cyclic stability in lithium-ion batteries. In this study, we propose a strategy to engineer the interface of NMC811 cathodes with an ultrathin 3D-network vanadium-doped polyoxometalate (PMV) shell, synthesized via a facile wet chemical method, to enhance their electrochemical performance and cyclic stability. Structural characterizations reveal that the uniform PMV coating (thickness around 30–50 nm) preserve the crystal structure of NMC811 while enhancing the stability of the electrode-electrolyte interface and improving lithium-ion diffusion. Electrochemical studies determine that the PMV-coated cathodes achieve a superior initial discharge capacity of 217 mAh g<sup>−1</sup>, compared to 175 mAh g<sup>−1</sup> for the uncoated NMC811 (at 0.1C). The rate capability of the PMV-coated cathode is also enhanced to gain a specific capacity of 87.4 mAh g<sup>−1</sup> at 5C, which significantly outperform the uncoated cathode. Detailed investigations indicate that the coating minimizes particle cracking and voltage fading, thus contributing to improved long-term performance and cyclic stability. Applying this ultrathin, ion-conductive PMV coating highlights a viable path for optimizing nickel-rich cathodes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article 101249"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145525532","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 : 2025-11-04DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101246
Sherif Ishola Mustapha , Ifeanyi Michael Smarte Anekwe , Kabiru Bab Muritala , Yusuf Makarfi Isa
The global pursuit of sustainable and low-carbon energy solutions has intensified research into biofuels as viable alternatives to fossil fuels. Yet, conventional catalytic processes often suffer from limitations such as low conversion efficiency, poor selectivity, and limited catalyst recyclability. Recent advances in nanotechnology have introduced nanocatalysts as powerful tools to overcome these barriers, owing to their high surface-to-volume ratio, tunable physicochemical properties, and superior catalytic performance. This review critically examines the application of nanocatalysts in major biofuel production routes, including transesterification, pyrolysis, hydrothermal liquefaction, hydrodeoxygenation, hydrolysis, fermentation, and steam reforming. The roles of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, carbon-based nanomaterials, magnetic nanocomposites, zeolites, and bimetallic or multimetallic systems are comprehensively discussed in terms of catalytic mechanisms, yield enhancement, and reusability. The comparative advantages of nanocatalysts over traditional systems, particularly in reaction kinetics, thermal stability, and adaptability to diverse feedstocks, are emphasized. Furthermore, the review explores emerging strategies such as green synthesis methods, hybrid nanostructures, and integration into circular biorefinery platforms. Key challenges, including nanoparticle agglomeration, scalability, and long-term stability, are also outlined. By consolidating current advancements and identifying future research directions, this article highlights the transformative potential of nanocatalysts in improving biofuel productivity, process economics, and environmental sustainability, ultimately supporting the global transition toward renewable energy systems.
{"title":"Advances in nanocatalysts for biofuel production: Mechanisms, performance, and future perspectives","authors":"Sherif Ishola Mustapha , Ifeanyi Michael Smarte Anekwe , Kabiru Bab Muritala , Yusuf Makarfi Isa","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101246","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101246","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The global pursuit of sustainable and low-carbon energy solutions has intensified research into biofuels as viable alternatives to fossil fuels. Yet, conventional catalytic processes often suffer from limitations such as low conversion efficiency, poor selectivity, and limited catalyst recyclability. Recent advances in nanotechnology have introduced nanocatalysts as powerful tools to overcome these barriers, owing to their high surface-to-volume ratio, tunable physicochemical properties, and superior catalytic performance. This review critically examines the application of nanocatalysts in major biofuel production routes, including transesterification, pyrolysis, hydrothermal liquefaction, hydrodeoxygenation, hydrolysis, fermentation, and steam reforming. The roles of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, carbon-based nanomaterials, magnetic nanocomposites, zeolites, and bimetallic or multimetallic systems are comprehensively discussed in terms of catalytic mechanisms, yield enhancement, and reusability. The comparative advantages of nanocatalysts over traditional systems, particularly in reaction kinetics, thermal stability, and adaptability to diverse feedstocks, are emphasized. Furthermore, the review explores emerging strategies such as green synthesis methods, hybrid nanostructures, and integration into circular biorefinery platforms. Key challenges, including nanoparticle agglomeration, scalability, and long-term stability, are also outlined. By consolidating current advancements and identifying future research directions, this article highlights the transformative potential of nanocatalysts in improving biofuel productivity, process economics, and environmental sustainability, ultimately supporting the global transition toward renewable energy systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article 101246"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145465424","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 : 2025-11-04DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101251
Rahul Jude Alroy , Stefan Björklund , Radek Mušálek , František Lukáč , Vasanth Gopal , Peter Kjeldsteen , Olav Norheim , Shrikant Joshi
Typically, 40–60 % of the injected powder feedstock in most thermal spray processes ends up as overspray waste and is a prominent technology drawback. This unutilized powder not only represents significant raw material loss but also poses disposal challenges. This study examines the prospect of the possible reuse of overspray waste that can considerably enhance the sustainability of thermal spray processes. Overspray waste from high velocity oxy fuel (HVOF) spraying of a WC-20Cr3C2-7Ni powder from an industrial spray shop was systematically collected and characterized for morphology, particle size distribution, and phase composition. This overspray powder was considered for reuse as feedstock for both HVOF and high velocity air fuel (HVAF) spraying. The resulting coatings were evaluated for microstructure, phase constitution, hardness and wear performance, and their characteristics were compared with coatings produced from virgin powder deposited via HVOF and HVAF. The results were noted to be extremely encouraging, with HVAF coatings using HVOF overspray outperforming HVOF coatings with virgin powder feedstock, making a strong case to investigate further possibilities to gainfully utilize thermal spray waste from varied sources. Considering that tungsten and chromium are critical raw materials, with tungsten bearing a particularly high carbon footprint, this study also quantitatively assesses the sustainability benefits of reusing the overspray powder. This illustrative exercise reveals a reduction in energy consumption and CO2 emissions by a factor of two to three, along with a three-to-fivefold reduction in production costs.
{"title":"Demonstrating circularity in thermal spraying: Converting waste to wealth","authors":"Rahul Jude Alroy , Stefan Björklund , Radek Mušálek , František Lukáč , Vasanth Gopal , Peter Kjeldsteen , Olav Norheim , Shrikant Joshi","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101251","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101251","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Typically, 40–60 % of the injected powder feedstock in most thermal spray processes ends up as overspray waste and is a prominent technology drawback. This unutilized powder not only represents significant raw material loss but also poses disposal challenges. This study examines the prospect of the possible reuse of overspray waste that can considerably enhance the sustainability of thermal spray processes. Overspray waste from high velocity oxy fuel (HVOF) spraying of a WC-20Cr<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>-7Ni powder from an industrial spray shop was systematically collected and characterized for morphology, particle size distribution, and phase composition. This overspray powder was considered for reuse as feedstock for both HVOF and high velocity air fuel (HVAF) spraying. The resulting coatings were evaluated for microstructure, phase constitution, hardness and wear performance, and their characteristics were compared with coatings produced from virgin powder deposited via HVOF and HVAF. The results were noted to be extremely encouraging, with HVAF coatings using HVOF overspray outperforming HVOF coatings with virgin powder feedstock, making a strong case to investigate further possibilities to gainfully utilize thermal spray waste from varied sources. Considering that tungsten and chromium are critical raw materials, with tungsten bearing a particularly high carbon footprint, this study also quantitatively assesses the sustainability benefits of reusing the overspray powder. This illustrative exercise reveals a reduction in energy consumption and CO<sub>2</sub> emissions by a factor of two to three, along with a three-to-fivefold reduction in production costs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article 101251"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145465457","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}