Pub Date : 2025-11-04DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101250
Donny Marihot Siburian , Yi Cheng , Hai Liu , Zhenjiang He , Yunjiao Li , Yulou Wu , Wenchao Hua , Kaihua Xu
The development of single-crystalline LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 (NCM622) cathodes has garnered significant interest in lithium-ion batteries due to their superior cycle stability and capacity retention compared to polycrystalline counterparts. However, achieving high-performance single-crystalline NCM622 cathodes remains challenging due to uncontrolled particle growth and side reactions. This study highlights the importance of pH control in precursor synthesis, as it crucially influences nucleation and crystallinity, essential for single-crystal formation. Optimized conditions (pH = 11.2, denoted as HP-4/SC-4) promoted solid-state nucleation and controlled particle growth, enabling the formation of single crystals during sintering. The SC-4 cathode exhibited an initial discharge capacity of 172.56 mAh g−1 with 87.78 % Coulombic efficiency, retaining 80.10 % capacity after 200 cycles. Notably, Coulombic efficiency stabilized above 99 % after 200 cycles, indicating minimal side reactions. Structural characterization confirmed the stability of the single-crystal architecture, underscoring its potential for high-energy battery applications and long-term cycle performance.
与多晶阴极相比，单晶LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 （NCM622）阴极具有优越的循环稳定性和容量保持性，因此在锂离子电池领域引起了极大的兴趣。然而，由于不受控制的颗粒生长和副反应，实现高性能单晶NCM622阴极仍然具有挑战性。这项研究强调了pH控制在前驱体合成中的重要性，因为它对单晶形成至关重要的成核和结晶度有重要影响。优化后的条件（pH = 11.2，表示为HP-4/SC-4）促进了固态成核，控制了颗粒生长，使烧结过程中形成单晶。SC-4阴极的初始放电容量为172.56 mAh g−1，库仑效率为87.78 %，循环200次后容量保持80.10 %。值得注意的是，经过200次循环后，库仑效率稳定在99% %以上，表明副反应最小。结构表征证实了单晶结构的稳定性，强调了其在高能电池应用和长期循环性能方面的潜力。
{"title":"Strategic pH-controlled synthesis of single-crystal LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 for maximized structural and electrochemical optimization in lithium-ion batteries","authors":"Donny Marihot Siburian , Yi Cheng , Hai Liu , Zhenjiang He , Yunjiao Li , Yulou Wu , Wenchao Hua , Kaihua Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101250","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101250","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The development of single-crystalline LiNi<sub>0.6</sub>Co<sub>0.2</sub>Mn<sub>0.2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> (NCM622) cathodes has garnered significant interest in lithium-ion batteries due to their superior cycle stability and capacity retention compared to polycrystalline counterparts. However, achieving high-performance single-crystalline NCM622 cathodes remains challenging due to uncontrolled particle growth and side reactions. This study highlights the importance of pH control in precursor synthesis, as it crucially influences nucleation and crystallinity, essential for single-crystal formation. Optimized conditions (pH = 11.2, denoted as HP-4/SC-4) promoted solid-state nucleation and controlled particle growth, enabling the formation of single crystals during sintering. The SC-4 cathode exhibited an initial discharge capacity of 172.56 mAh g<sup>−1</sup> with 87.78 % Coulombic efficiency, retaining 80.10 % capacity after 200 cycles. Notably, Coulombic efficiency stabilized above 99 % after 200 cycles, indicating minimal side reactions. Structural characterization confirmed the stability of the single-crystal architecture, underscoring its potential for high-energy battery applications and long-term cycle performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article 101250"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145525531","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 : 2025-11-03DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101247
Liping Zhang , Mingrui Zhao , Xiaoqing Zhao , Bo Huang , Zimeng Zhou , Tianfeng Yang
Based on the concept of sustainable development, these solid wastes, such as soda residue (SR) and phosphate tailing (PT) were used to collaboratively prepare soda residue modified fishpond soil (SRS) and phosphate tailings-soda residue modified fishpond soil (PRS), stabilized by externally adding lime, which were applied as subgrade materials in expressway engineering. Through field tests and comparisons with lime-stabilized fishpond soil (LFS), the feasibility and advantages of them were verified as subgrade materials. Further microstructural analysis using XRD and SEM tests revealed its reaction mechanisms and microstructural characteristics. Additionally, carbon emissions and their economic assessments were conducted. As the curing time increased, the mechanical properties of SRS, PRS, and LFS all improved. After 7 days of curing, the value of CBRf, MRf, deflection, and DCPI of SRS are 71.1 %, 151.2 MPa, 68.2 (0.01 mm), and 1.01 cm/blow, respectively; for PRS, these values are 79.6 %, 164.4 MPa, 59.9 (0.01 mm), and 0.95 cm/blow; and for LFS, the values are 63.6 %, 131.0 MPa, 69.3 (0.01 mm), and 1.09 cm/blow. The road performances of SRS and PRS are slightly superior to those of LFS. XRD and SEM analysis indicate that the reticulated C-S-H and short-columnar AFt in the SRS and PRS systems fill the pores, thereby contributing to the development of strength. Sustainability analysis shows that SRS and PRS are environmentally friendly, low-carbon, and economically advantageous subgrade materials, suitable for application in the subgrade of expressways and highways.
{"title":"Application of multiple solid wastes as subgrade material in expressway subgrade: field test, microcosmic mechanism and sustainability","authors":"Liping Zhang , Mingrui Zhao , Xiaoqing Zhao , Bo Huang , Zimeng Zhou , Tianfeng Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101247","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101247","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Based on the concept of sustainable development, these solid wastes, such as soda residue (SR) and phosphate tailing (PT) were used to collaboratively prepare soda residue modified fishpond soil (SRS) and phosphate tailings-soda residue modified fishpond soil (PRS), stabilized by externally adding lime, which were applied as subgrade materials in expressway engineering. Through field tests and comparisons with lime-stabilized fishpond soil (LFS), the feasibility and advantages of them were verified as subgrade materials. Further microstructural analysis using XRD and SEM tests revealed its reaction mechanisms and microstructural characteristics. Additionally, carbon emissions and their economic assessments were conducted. As the curing time increased, the mechanical properties of SRS, PRS, and LFS all improved. After 7 days of curing, the value of <em>CBR</em><sub>f</sub>, <em>MR</em><sub>f</sub>, deflection, and <em>DCPI</em> of SRS are 71.1 %, 151.2 MPa, 68.2 (0.01 mm), and 1.01 cm/blow, respectively; for PRS, these values are 79.6 %, 164.4 MPa, 59.9 (0.01 mm), and 0.95 cm/blow; and for LFS, the values are 63.6 %, 131.0 MPa, 69.3 (0.01 mm), and 1.09 cm/blow. The road performances of SRS and PRS are slightly superior to those of LFS. XRD and SEM analysis indicate that the reticulated C-S-H and short-columnar AFt in the SRS and PRS systems fill the pores, thereby contributing to the development of strength. Sustainability analysis shows that SRS and PRS are environmentally friendly, low-carbon, and economically advantageous subgrade materials, suitable for application in the subgrade of expressways and highways.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article 101247"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145465423","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 : 2025-10-25DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101245
Marc Comí, Ekiñe Apellaniz, Paul Jusner, Balaji Sridharan, Kelly Servaes, Richard Vendamme
Lignin is the most abundant aromatic bioresource, but the complexity of its biopolymer structure hinders its use in many applications. Large-scale continuous systems for lignin upgrading via solvolysis or catalytic depolymerization are currently being developed to produce more defined and application-specific lignin oligomers. A key factor in the scale-up of the conversion process is monitoring the molecular weight of lignin fractions throughout the operation. However, traditional analytical methods such as gel permeation chromatography (GPC) are slow, while a fast response is essential to prevent significant product losses. In this study, we developed a simple, rapid, and qualitative method to assess the molecular weight range of the lignin-derived products during continuous depolymerization runs. This approach is based on establishing strong correlations between lignin molecular structure and nanoparticle size in aqueous dispersion. By optimizing lignin nanoparticle (LNP) fabrication for specific lignin fractions within a defined molecular weight range, we tested a series of lignin samples. The results obtained from GPC and LNP size analysis were compared to validate the accuracy of our method. Finally, the LNP-based qualitative method was applied to a pilot-scale depolymerization run to track potential deviations in molecular weight in the final product. Our findings demonstrate that LNP size can serve as a simple, reliable, and rapid technique for evaluating the molecular weight of depolymerized lignin. This method offers valuable potential for future industrial processes involving this abundant renewable resource.
{"title":"Monitoring pilot-scale lignin depolymerization via nanoparticle size in water: A sustainable qualitative method","authors":"Marc Comí, Ekiñe Apellaniz, Paul Jusner, Balaji Sridharan, Kelly Servaes, Richard Vendamme","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101245","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101245","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lignin is the most abundant aromatic bioresource, but the complexity of its biopolymer structure hinders its use in many applications. Large-scale continuous systems for lignin upgrading via solvolysis or catalytic depolymerization are currently being developed to produce more defined and application-specific lignin oligomers. A key factor in the scale-up of the conversion process is monitoring the molecular weight of lignin fractions throughout the operation. However, traditional analytical methods such as gel permeation chromatography (GPC) are slow, while a fast response is essential to prevent significant product losses. In this study, we developed a simple, rapid, and qualitative method to assess the molecular weight range of the lignin-derived products during continuous depolymerization runs. This approach is based on establishing strong correlations between lignin molecular structure and nanoparticle size in aqueous dispersion. By optimizing lignin nanoparticle (LNP) fabrication for specific lignin fractions within a defined molecular weight range, we tested a series of lignin samples. The results obtained from GPC and LNP size analysis were compared to validate the accuracy of our method. Finally, the LNP-based qualitative method was applied to a pilot-scale depolymerization run to track potential deviations in molecular weight in the final product. Our findings demonstrate that LNP size can serve as a simple, reliable, and rapid technique for evaluating the molecular weight of depolymerized lignin. This method offers valuable potential for future industrial processes involving this abundant renewable resource.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article 101245"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145417025","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 : 2025-10-25DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101242
Junge Zhu , Fengshan Zhou , Huan Li , Dan Liu , Wenjun Long , Yirong Zhan
The high-value use of PET, one of the key ingredients in blended fabrics, will be a crucial component in fostering the development of a closed loop in the textile industry cycle. This study examines the problem of separating and reusing waste blended fabrics, presents the most recent developments in this area, thoroughly examines the methods used to separate PET and cotton, assesses the economic and industrial viability of reusing the components, and concludes with suggestions for solutions. With the goal of transforming the textile industry from a polluter to a major contributor to accelerating the world's admirable aspirations to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, this review serves as a catalyst for the industry by offering a theoretical reference for the separation, recycling, and reuse of waste blended fabrics.
{"title":"Recovery, separation, and quality-based reutilization of PET in waste blended fabrics: A review","authors":"Junge Zhu , Fengshan Zhou , Huan Li , Dan Liu , Wenjun Long , Yirong Zhan","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101242","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101242","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The high-value use of PET, one of the key ingredients in blended fabrics, will be a crucial component in fostering the development of a closed loop in the textile industry cycle. This study examines the problem of separating and reusing waste blended fabrics, presents the most recent developments in this area, thoroughly examines the methods used to separate PET and cotton, assesses the economic and industrial viability of reusing the components, and concludes with suggestions for solutions. With the goal of transforming the textile industry from a polluter to a major contributor to accelerating the world's admirable aspirations to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, this review serves as a catalyst for the industry by offering a theoretical reference for the separation, recycling, and reuse of waste blended fabrics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article 101242"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145417022","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 : 2025-10-11DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101238
Mohammad I. Hossain , Abdulaziz A. Alaswad , Fahhad H. Alharbi
The solar cell industry has long been dominated by various silicon technologies, along with a limited range of thin-film options such as cadmium telluride, copper–indium–gallium selenide (CIGS), and a few III-V materials. This trend is also reflected in the current research landscape. The successful development of high-efficiency solar cells using alternative materials could significantly enhance industry and help bridge the competitiveness gap with other energy sources. In this review, we explore recent advancements in solar cells that utilize inorganic binary materials, focusing primarily on single - junction designs. We highlight twenty-three alternative semiconductor materials, emphasizing their maximum efficiencies and the key challenges encountered in their applications.
{"title":"Recent advances in inorganic binary solar cells","authors":"Mohammad I. Hossain , Abdulaziz A. Alaswad , Fahhad H. Alharbi","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101238","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101238","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The solar cell industry has long been dominated by various silicon technologies, along with a limited range of thin-film options such as cadmium telluride, copper–indium–gallium selenide (CIGS), and a few III-V materials. This trend is also reflected in the current research landscape. The successful development of high-efficiency solar cells using alternative materials could significantly enhance industry and help bridge the competitiveness gap with other energy sources. In this review, we explore recent advancements in solar cells that utilize inorganic binary materials, focusing primarily on single <span><math><mi>p</mi></math></span>-<span><math><mi>n</mi></math></span> junction designs. We highlight twenty-three alternative semiconductor materials, emphasizing their maximum efficiencies and the key challenges encountered in their applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article 101238"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145324729","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 : 2025-10-10DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101244
Giorgos Varras , Michail Chalaris
This study presents a practical and forward-looking approach to improving renewable energy integration within the isolated power systems of Greece's Non-Interconnected Islands (NIIs). It addresses a key challenge faced by such regions: the significant curtailment of wind energy due to infrastructure limitations, lack of interconnection, and the absence of grid-scale storage. Focusing on a medium-sized island as a representative case, the analysis introduces a tailored methodology for estimating excess wind output, combining hourly operational data with turbine-specific performance characteristics to assess the extent of untapped renewable potential.
The proposed system design involves coupling Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysis with Reverse Osmosis (RO) desalination to produce green hydrogen using surplus wind power, even in water-scarce environments. Simulation results suggest that, under existing constraints, approximately 100 metric tons of hydrogen could be produced annually—energy that would otherwise go unused. Among the storage solutions evaluated, Compressed Gaseous Hydrogen (CGH2) is identified as the most practical for this context, offering safety, scalability, and compatibility with local infrastructure.
In addition to technical feasibility, the study considers logistical aspects of hydrogen transport and favors CGH2-based distribution via road trailers, aligning well with the decentralized nature of island systems. Beyond operational benefits, the approach holds broader implications for energy autonomy, reduced fossil fuel dependency, and environmental sustainability. Its originality lies in integrating excess wind recovery, water treatment, and hydrogen production into a unified, replicable framework, suited for real-world application in remote island contexts seeking resilient and clean energy alternatives.
{"title":"Applying excess wind power to green hydrogen production: A simulation approach to improving energy utilization in Greece's non-interconnected islands","authors":"Giorgos Varras , Michail Chalaris","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101244","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101244","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study presents a practical and forward-looking approach to improving renewable energy integration within the isolated power systems of Greece's Non-Interconnected Islands (NIIs). It addresses a key challenge faced by such regions: the significant curtailment of wind energy due to infrastructure limitations, lack of interconnection, and the absence of grid-scale storage. Focusing on a medium-sized island as a representative case, the analysis introduces a tailored methodology for estimating excess wind output, combining hourly operational data with turbine-specific performance characteristics to assess the extent of untapped renewable potential.</div><div>The proposed system design involves coupling Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysis with Reverse Osmosis (RO) desalination to produce green hydrogen using surplus wind power, even in water-scarce environments. Simulation results suggest that, under existing constraints, approximately 100 metric tons of hydrogen could be produced annually—energy that would otherwise go unused. Among the storage solutions evaluated, Compressed Gaseous Hydrogen (CGH<sub>2</sub>) is identified as the most practical for this context, offering safety, scalability, and compatibility with local infrastructure.</div><div>In addition to technical feasibility, the study considers logistical aspects of hydrogen transport and favors CGH<sub>2</sub>-based distribution via road trailers, aligning well with the decentralized nature of island systems. Beyond operational benefits, the approach holds broader implications for energy autonomy, reduced fossil fuel dependency, and environmental sustainability. Its originality lies in integrating excess wind recovery, water treatment, and hydrogen production into a unified, replicable framework, suited for real-world application in remote island contexts seeking resilient and clean energy alternatives.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article 101244"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145324743","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 : 2025-10-10DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101243
Mohib Hussain , Faten Labassi , Hassan Waqas , Syed Muhammad Raza Shah Naqvi , Meraj Ali Khan
The enhancement of melting performance in phase change materials (PCMs) has become a critical challenge in the development of advanced thermal energy storage systems (TESS). Efficient melting and solidification are essential for maximizing energy utilization, yet conventional PCMs often suffer from low thermal conductivity, which restricts their heat transfer rates. To overcome this limitation, structural and material modifications are widely explored. Among these, the integration of fins within storage systems has proven highly effective. In particular, T-shaped fins are advantageous because their extended surface area significantly improves heat distribution during the melting process. In addition to structural modifications, the incorporation of nanoparticles into PCMs has emerged as a practical strategy to enhance thermal conductivity. By embedding high-conductivity nanoparticles into the base PCM, the overall energy absorption, conservation, and storage capabilities are improved. This investigation examines the combined effect of fin geometry and nanoparticle addition on the melting behavior in a horizontal shell-and-tube storage system. Specifically, PCMs integrated with nanoparticles are analyzed using T-shaped and V-shaped fins, and their performance is compared with that of eight longitudinal fins at an equal fin volume fraction. Both experimental and numerical validations are conducted to confirm accuracy. Results indicate that T-shaped fins coupled with nano-enhanced PCMs accelerate melting, reduce overall melting time, and improve uniformity, independent of heat transfer fluid (HTF) temperature.
{"title":"Enhancing melting of nanoparticle-enriched phase change materials in thermal energy storage systems","authors":"Mohib Hussain , Faten Labassi , Hassan Waqas , Syed Muhammad Raza Shah Naqvi , Meraj Ali Khan","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101243","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101243","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The enhancement of melting performance in phase change materials (PCMs) has become a critical challenge in the development of advanced thermal energy storage systems (TESS). Efficient melting and solidification are essential for maximizing energy utilization, yet conventional PCMs often suffer from low thermal conductivity, which restricts their heat transfer rates. To overcome this limitation, structural and material modifications are widely explored. Among these, the integration of fins within storage systems has proven highly effective. In particular, T-shaped fins are advantageous because their extended surface area significantly improves heat distribution during the melting process. In addition to structural modifications, the incorporation of nanoparticles into PCMs has emerged as a practical strategy to enhance thermal conductivity. By embedding high-conductivity nanoparticles into the base PCM, the overall energy absorption, conservation, and storage capabilities are improved. This investigation examines the combined effect of fin geometry and nanoparticle addition on the melting behavior in a horizontal shell-and-tube storage system. Specifically, PCMs integrated with nanoparticles are analyzed using T-shaped and V-shaped fins, and their performance is compared with that of eight longitudinal fins at an equal fin volume fraction. Both experimental and numerical validations are conducted to confirm accuracy. Results indicate that T-shaped fins coupled with nano-enhanced PCMs accelerate melting, reduce overall melting time, and improve uniformity, independent of heat transfer fluid (HTF) temperature.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article 101243"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145324728","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}
MXenes, a novel class of two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides, have garnered significant attention due to their exceptional physicochemical properties, including high electrical conductivity, tunable surface chemistry, and hydrophilicity. These features make them highly promising for environmental and energy-related applications. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of MXenes’ structural, electrical, and magnetic characteristics, along with a critical evaluation of their synthesis strategies such as etching, top-down, and bottom-up approaches, each offering distinct advantages and limitations. In environmental remediation, MXenes demonstrate adsorption capacities up to 3–5 times greater than conventional materials such as activated carbon, graphene oxide, and zeolites, enabling rapid and efficient removal of heavy metal ions and organic pollutants. Their integration into membrane systems significantly reduces fouling and facilitates electrochemical regeneration, addressing key limitations in traditional wastewater treatment technologies. In energy applications, MXenes exhibit outstanding performance in electrocatalytic processes, including hydrogen evolution (HER), oxygen evolution (OER), and oxygen reduction reactions (ORR), as well as in photocatalysis and catalytic degradation. As energy storage materials, they offer high capacity and fast charge–discharge rates, particularly in lithium-ion batteries. This review also addresses major challenges, including oxidation, layer restacking, and limited scalability, while highlighting emerging solutions such as HF-free synthesis, surface functionalization, and hybrid material design. Furthermore, the integration of polymers like PVA, PEO, and PEDOT significantly enhances MXene properties, including electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and ion transport. This paper presents a detailed overview of MXenes' promise, limitations, and recent advances in environmental and energy-focused applications.
{"title":"A review on the synthesis methods and environmental applications of MAX phase and MXenes","authors":"Md. Mozahidul Islam , Md. Farhet Hossain Anik , Md. Kawsar , Md. Sahadat Hossain","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101237","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101237","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>MXenes, a novel class of two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides, have garnered significant attention due to their exceptional physicochemical properties, including high electrical conductivity, tunable surface chemistry, and hydrophilicity. These features make them highly promising for environmental and energy-related applications. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of MXenes’ structural, electrical, and magnetic characteristics, along with a critical evaluation of their synthesis strategies such as etching, top-down, and bottom-up approaches, each offering distinct advantages and limitations. In environmental remediation, MXenes demonstrate adsorption capacities up to 3–5 times greater than conventional materials such as activated carbon, graphene oxide, and zeolites, enabling rapid and efficient removal of heavy metal ions and organic pollutants. Their integration into membrane systems significantly reduces fouling and facilitates electrochemical regeneration, addressing key limitations in traditional wastewater treatment technologies. In energy applications, MXenes exhibit outstanding performance in electrocatalytic processes, including hydrogen evolution (HER), oxygen evolution (OER), and oxygen reduction reactions (ORR), as well as in photocatalysis and catalytic degradation. As energy storage materials, they offer high capacity and fast charge–discharge rates, particularly in lithium-ion batteries. This review also addresses major challenges, including oxidation, layer restacking, and limited scalability, while highlighting emerging solutions such as HF-free synthesis, surface functionalization, and hybrid material design. Furthermore, the integration of polymers like PVA, PEO, and PEDOT significantly enhances MXene properties, including electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and ion transport. This paper presents a detailed overview of MXenes' promise, limitations, and recent advances in environmental and energy-focused applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article 101237"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145324730","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 : 2025-10-09DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101240
Bing Liu , Qiushi Sun , Meng Sun , Shuang Liu , Hao Wu
As the need for enhanced energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy increases, polyethylene glycol (PEG), a crucial element in phase change materials (PCMs), has gained considerable focus in the areas of temperature control and energy storage. Nevertheless, PEG faces leakage and undesired light absorption problems in practical applications. In this study, melamine foam (MF) is utilized as an encapsulation material in an attempt to tackle the leakage problem. ZIF-67 is incorporated onto MF by in situ growth, followed by high-temperature carbonization to prepare a hierarchical porous carbon, which further enhances the absorbance of phase change composite (PCC). The crystallization of the prepared PCCs is in the range of 157.9-170.3 J/g. The photo-thermal conversion rate of PCC is 92.65 %, and the thermal conductivity is 0.38 W/(m∙K). In conclusion, the problems of PEG leakage and low light absorption were solved by carbonized porous encapsulation technique and in situ growth of ZIF-67, which enhanced the solar-thermal energy conversion of storage and PCCs.
{"title":"Shape-stabilized phase change composites based on ZIF-67/melamine foam for solar-thermal energy conversion and storage","authors":"Bing Liu , Qiushi Sun , Meng Sun , Shuang Liu , Hao Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101240","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101240","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As the need for enhanced energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy increases, polyethylene glycol (PEG), a crucial element in phase change materials (PCMs), has gained considerable focus in the areas of temperature control and energy storage. Nevertheless, PEG faces leakage and undesired light absorption problems in practical applications. In this study, melamine foam (MF) is utilized as an encapsulation material in an attempt to tackle the leakage problem. ZIF-67 is incorporated onto MF by in situ growth, followed by high-temperature carbonization to prepare a hierarchical porous carbon, which further enhances the absorbance of phase change composite (PCC). The crystallization of the prepared PCCs is in the range of 157.9-170.3 J/g. The photo-thermal conversion rate of PCC is 92.65 %, and the thermal conductivity is 0.38 W/(m∙K). In conclusion, the problems of PEG leakage and low light absorption were solved by carbonized porous encapsulation technique and in situ growth of ZIF-67, which enhanced the solar-thermal energy conversion of storage and PCCs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article 101240"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145363431","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}
Tin oxide (SnO2) is widely used as an electron transport layer (ETL) in planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs) due to its advantageous optical, electrical, and chemical properties. These include high transmittance, minimal UV photocatalytic activity, suitable energy levels, high electron mobility, and excellent chemical stability. Additionally, SnO2 can be deposited at low temperatures, facilitating the fabrication of flexible PSCs. However, the open circuit voltage (VOC) in PSCs can decrease due to high defect density and the deeper conduction band (CB) energy level of SnO2. In this study, titanium (Ti) doping of nanoparticle (NP) SnO2 ETL is employed to passivate defects and improve charge carrier dynamics in PSCs. The planar PSC utilizing Ti-doped NP-SnO2 ETL shows a significant increase in VOC and power conversion efficiency (PCE), achieving values of 1.10 V and 19.75 %, respectively, compared to the undoped variant, which has a VOC of 1.02 V and a PCE of 17.50 %. Furthermore, the unencapsulated Ti-doped NP-SnO2 ETL-based PSC retains over 92 % of its initial PCE after approximately 1440 h of storage at room temperature (25–30 °C) with a relative humidity of 20–50 %.
{"title":"Titanium-doped SnO2 nanoparticles as the electron transport layer: A pathway to higher open circuit voltage and stability in perovskite solar cells","authors":"Maryam Alidaei , Vahid Ahmadi , Farzaneh Arabpour Roghabadi , Mahsa Moradbeigi","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101241","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101241","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tin oxide (SnO<sub>2</sub>) is widely used as an electron transport layer (ETL) in planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs) due to its advantageous optical, electrical, and chemical properties. These include high transmittance, minimal UV photocatalytic activity, suitable energy levels, high electron mobility, and excellent chemical stability. Additionally, SnO<sub>2</sub> can be deposited at low temperatures, facilitating the fabrication of flexible PSCs. However, the open circuit voltage (V<sub>OC</sub>) in PSCs can decrease due to high defect density and the deeper conduction band (CB) energy level of SnO<sub>2</sub>. In this study, titanium (Ti) doping of nanoparticle (NP) SnO<sub>2</sub> ETL is employed to passivate defects and improve charge carrier dynamics in PSCs. The planar PSC utilizing Ti-doped NP-SnO<sub>2</sub> ETL shows a significant increase in V<sub>OC</sub> and power conversion efficiency (PCE), achieving values of 1.10 V and 19.75 %, respectively, compared to the undoped variant, which has a V<sub>OC</sub> of 1.02 V and a PCE of 17.50 %. Furthermore, the unencapsulated Ti-doped NP-SnO<sub>2</sub> ETL-based PSC retains over 92 % of its initial PCE after approximately 1440 h of storage at room temperature (25–30 °C) with a relative humidity of 20–50 %.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article 101241"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145267810","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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