Pub Date : 2026-01-28DOI: 10.1016/j.susmat.2026.e01897
Danyang Wang , Xuanxuan Zhang , Xinhui Zhai , Zhen Wei , Jiguang Deng , Hongxing Dai , Yun Hau Ng , Lin Jing
Hydrogen production through solar-driven photocatalytic pure-water splitting is a promising strategy for achieving carbon-neutral energy systems, yet the development of simple and single-component semiconductor photocatalysts that operate efficiently under visible-light irradiation remains highly challenging. Herein, we report for the first time the synthesis of hollow crystalline red phosphorus (h-CRP) nanospheres, featuring a well-defined thin-shell architecture, enhanced visible-light absorption, shortened charge-transport pathways, and an optimized band structure favorable for overall water splitting. Benefiting from these structural advantages, h-CRP exhibits a markedly improved photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate under visible-light irradiation, outperforming conventional rod-like CRP and amorphous RP. This work provides new insights into the structural design of phosphorus-based photocatalysts and highlights the great potential of hollow CRP nanostructures for efficient solar-to‑hydrogen conversion, while circumventing the complexity and material constraints typically associated with heterojunction-based overall water-splitting systems.
{"title":"Hollow crystalline red phosphorus for efficient visible-light photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from pure water splitting","authors":"Danyang Wang , Xuanxuan Zhang , Xinhui Zhai , Zhen Wei , Jiguang Deng , Hongxing Dai , Yun Hau Ng , Lin Jing","doi":"10.1016/j.susmat.2026.e01897","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.susmat.2026.e01897","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hydrogen production through solar-driven photocatalytic pure-water splitting is a promising strategy for achieving carbon-neutral energy systems, yet the development of simple and single-component semiconductor photocatalysts that operate efficiently under visible-light irradiation remains highly challenging. Herein, we report for the first time the synthesis of hollow crystalline red phosphorus (h-CRP) nanospheres, featuring a well-defined thin-shell architecture, enhanced visible-light absorption, shortened charge-transport pathways, and an optimized band structure favorable for overall water splitting. Benefiting from these structural advantages, h-CRP exhibits a markedly improved photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate under visible-light irradiation, outperforming conventional rod-like CRP and amorphous RP. This work provides new insights into the structural design of phosphorus-based photocatalysts and highlights the great potential of hollow CRP nanostructures for efficient solar-to‑hydrogen conversion, while circumventing the complexity and material constraints typically associated with heterojunction-based overall water-splitting systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22097,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Materials and Technologies","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article e01897"},"PeriodicalIF":9.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077620","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The design of high-performance cathode catalysts is a key aspect of lithium‑oxygen battery research. A Li/O dual-defect modulation strategy for electrochemical delithiation was proposed to convert waste LiNi1-x-yCoxMnyO2 (NCM) into NCM-Ir-120, which demonstrated superior performance in both OER electrocatalysis and lithium‑oxygen battery applications. The decoration of the NCM surface with Ir nanoparticles induces interfacial charge reorganization, which effectively tunes the oxidation states of the transition metal and enhances the site reactivity. Electrochemical delithiation further increases the density of Li/O vacancies in NCM-Ir-120, optimizes its adsorption energy for LiO2 and Li2O2, and diminishes the reaction energy barrier for the lithium‑oxygen battery. As a lithium‑oxygen battery cathode, it achieved a substantial discharge capacity of 14,441 mAh g−1 along with a low charge plateau at 3.55 V, while maintained excellent cycling stability over 42 consecutive cycles. Even after 115 cycles at 1000 mA g−1, it retains its discharge capability. In addition, the NCM-Ir-120 catalyst demonstrated exceptional electrocatalytic OER activity, achieved a lower overpotential of 328 mV at 10 mA cm−2 compared to pristine NCM (470 mV) and NCM-Ir (369 mV). This study effectively demonstrates the significant potential of interface engineering and defect design in both lithium-ion cathode material recycling and efficient catalyst utilization.
高性能阴极催化剂的设计是锂氧电池研究的一个关键方面。提出了一种Li/O双缺陷调制策略，将废LiNi1-x-yCoxMnyO2 （NCM）转化为NCM- ir -120，该策略在OER电催化和锂氧电池应用中均表现出优异的性能。用Ir纳米粒子修饰NCM表面，诱导界面电荷重组，有效地调整过渡金属的氧化态，提高了位点的反应活性。电化学氧化进一步增加了NCM-Ir-120中Li/O空位的密度，优化了其对LiO2和Li2O2的吸附能，降低了锂氧电池的反应能垒。作为锂氧电池正极，其放电容量可达14,441 mAh g - 1，且在3.55 V时具有低充电平台，同时在连续42次循环中保持出色的循环稳定性。即使在1000 mA g - 1下循环115次后，它仍保持其放电能力。此外，NCM- ir -120催化剂表现出优异的电催化OER活性，与原始NCM （470 mV）和NCM- ir （369 mV）相比，在10 mA cm - 2下实现了328 mV的过电位。该研究有效地证明了界面工程和缺陷设计在锂离子正极材料回收和催化剂高效利用方面的巨大潜力。
{"title":"Li/O dual-defect modulation strategy to restructure LiNi1-x-yCoxMnyO2 surface for high-performance lithium-oxygen battery catalysts","authors":"Xianghui Yu, Jiening Li, Rui Liu, Junkai Wang, Lianfeng Duan","doi":"10.1016/j.susmat.2026.e01899","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.susmat.2026.e01899","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The design of high-performance cathode catalysts is a key aspect of lithium‑oxygen battery research. A Li/O dual-defect modulation strategy for electrochemical delithiation was proposed to convert waste LiNi<sub>1-x-y</sub>Co<sub>x</sub>Mn<sub>y</sub>O<sub>2</sub> (NCM) into NCM-Ir-120, which demonstrated superior performance in both OER electrocatalysis and lithium‑oxygen battery applications. The decoration of the NCM surface with Ir nanoparticles induces interfacial charge reorganization, which effectively tunes the oxidation states of the transition metal and enhances the site reactivity. Electrochemical delithiation further increases the density of Li/O vacancies in NCM-Ir-120, optimizes its adsorption energy for LiO<sub>2</sub> and Li<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>, and diminishes the reaction energy barrier for the lithium‑oxygen battery. As a lithium‑oxygen battery cathode, it achieved a substantial discharge capacity of 14,441 mAh g<sup>−1</sup> along with a low charge plateau at 3.55 V, while maintained excellent cycling stability over 42 consecutive cycles. Even after 115 cycles at 1000 mA g<sup>−1</sup>, it retains its discharge capability. In addition, the NCM-Ir-120 catalyst demonstrated exceptional electrocatalytic OER activity, achieved a lower overpotential of 328 mV at 10 mA cm<sup>−2</sup> compared to pristine NCM (470 mV) and NCM-Ir (369 mV). This study effectively demonstrates the significant potential of interface engineering and defect design in both lithium-ion cathode material recycling and efficient catalyst utilization.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22097,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Materials and Technologies","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article e01899"},"PeriodicalIF":9.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146187669","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-28DOI: 10.1016/j.susmat.2026.e01869
Odín Reyes-Vallejo , Francisco J. Cano , Rocío Sánchez-Albores , Edith Luévano-Hipólito , J. Escorcia-García , Leticia M. Torres-Martínez , Pathiyamattom Joseph Sebastian
The pressing need for sustainable and eco−friendly solutions has driven a paradigm shift towards innovative materials to tackle critical environmental and energy challenges. This study pioneers a green, waste−to−resource methodology for synthesizing cobalt ferrite (CoFe₂O₄) spinel nanoparticles, leveraging orange peel powder as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. By transforming agro−industrial waste into high−performance nanomaterials, this work exemplifies the seamless integration of circular economy principles with cutting−edge nanotechnology. Comprehensive characterization by XRD, SEM−TEM, BET, and UV−Vis spectroscopy revealed a well−defined cubic spinel structure with an optical bandgap of 1.46 eV, optimized for visible−light absorption. Advanced techniques, including Raman, XPS, and FTIR, uncovered a partially inverted spinel configuration, with Co2+ and Fe3+ ions distributed across tetrahedral and octahedral sites. The CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticles demonstrated exceptional multifunctionality, excelling in both environmental remediation and renewable energy applications. In water treatment, the nanoparticles achieved remarkable dye removal efficiencies of 83.49% for malachite green (MG) and 49.73% for methylene blue (MB) through a synergistic adsorption−photocatalysis mechanism under visible light. In visible light−driven energy production, they facilitated hydrogen evolution (480 μmol/g) and formic acid (180 μmol/g) production from H2O and CO2 reduction, respectively. These achievements underscore the superior performance of the material compared to conventional photocatalysts. This approach establishes an efficient and sustainable route for nanomaterial synthesis, positioning orange peel−derived CoFe₂O₄ as a promising candidate for large−scale applications in water purification, renewable energy conversion, and carbon capture. By combining eco−compatibility with high catalytic efficiency, this study provides a scientifically grounded framework for advancing green nanotechnology.
对可持续和生态友好解决方案的迫切需求推动了向创新材料的范式转变，以应对关键的环境和能源挑战。该研究开创了一种绿色，废物到资源的方法来合成钴铁氧体（CoFe₂O₄）尖晶石纳米颗粒，利用橙皮粉作为天然还原剂和稳定剂。通过将农业-工业废物转化为高性能纳米材料，这项工作体现了循环经济原则与尖端纳米技术的无缝结合。通过XRD， SEM - TEM， BET和UV - Vis光谱综合表征，发现具有清晰的立方尖晶石结构，光学带隙为1.46 eV，对可见光吸收进行了优化。包括拉曼、XPS和FTIR在内的先进技术发现了部分倒置的尖晶石结构，Co2+和Fe3+离子分布在四面体和八面体上。CoFe₂O₄纳米颗粒表现出优异的多功能性，在环境修复和可再生能源应用方面都表现出色。在水处理中，纳米颗粒在可见光下通过协同吸附-光催化机制对孔雀石绿（MG）和亚甲基蓝（MB）的染料去除率分别达到83.49%和49.73%。在可见光驱动的能源生产中，它们分别促进了H2O还原氢（480 μmol/g）和CO2还原甲酸（180 μmol/g）的生成。这些成就强调了该材料与传统光催化剂相比的优越性能。该方法建立了一种高效和可持续的纳米材料合成途径，将橘子皮衍生的CoFe₂O₄定位为大规模应用于水净化、可再生能源转换和碳捕获的有希望的候选材料。通过将生态兼容性与高催化效率相结合，本研究为推进绿色纳米技术提供了科学基础框架。
{"title":"Orange peel − derived CoFe₂O₄ spinel: A sustainable nanocatalyst for dye removal, water splitting, and CO₂ reduction","authors":"Odín Reyes-Vallejo , Francisco J. Cano , Rocío Sánchez-Albores , Edith Luévano-Hipólito , J. Escorcia-García , Leticia M. Torres-Martínez , Pathiyamattom Joseph Sebastian","doi":"10.1016/j.susmat.2026.e01869","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.susmat.2026.e01869","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The pressing need for sustainable and eco−friendly solutions has driven a paradigm shift towards innovative materials to tackle critical environmental and energy challenges. This study pioneers a green, waste−to−resource methodology for synthesizing cobalt ferrite (CoFe₂O₄) spinel nanoparticles, leveraging orange peel powder as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. By transforming agro−industrial waste into high−performance nanomaterials, this work exemplifies the seamless integration of circular economy principles with cutting−edge nanotechnology. Comprehensive characterization by XRD, SEM−TEM, BET, and UV−Vis spectroscopy revealed a well−defined cubic spinel structure with an optical bandgap of 1.46 eV, optimized for visible−light absorption. Advanced techniques, including Raman, XPS, and FTIR, uncovered a partially inverted spinel configuration, with Co<sup>2+</sup> and Fe<sup>3+</sup> ions distributed across tetrahedral and octahedral sites. The CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticles demonstrated exceptional multifunctionality, excelling in both environmental remediation and renewable energy applications. In water treatment, the nanoparticles achieved remarkable dye removal efficiencies of 83.49% for malachite green (MG) and 49.73% for methylene blue (MB) through a synergistic adsorption−photocatalysis mechanism under visible light. In visible light−driven energy production, they facilitated hydrogen evolution (480 <em>μ</em>mol/g) and formic acid (180 <em>μ</em>mol/g) production from H<sub>2</sub>O and CO<sub>2</sub> reduction, respectively. These achievements underscore the superior performance of the material compared to conventional photocatalysts. This approach establishes an efficient and sustainable route for nanomaterial synthesis, positioning orange peel−derived CoFe₂O₄ as a promising candidate for large−scale applications in water purification, renewable energy conversion, and carbon capture. By combining eco−compatibility with high catalytic efficiency, this study provides a scientifically grounded framework for advancing green nanotechnology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22097,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Materials and Technologies","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article e01869"},"PeriodicalIF":9.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077684","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-27DOI: 10.1016/j.susmat.2026.e01893
Peiyuan Li , Wenlin Zhou , Qing Guo , Siyan Liang , Chumei Liang , Wei Su
The development of multifunctional wound dressings from sustainable resources is critical to advancing green biomedical materials for effective wound repair. In this study, we present an eco-friendly microneedle delivery platform (LutCe-QCS-GP MN) with integrated reactive oxygen scavenging and antibacterial functions. The system features a sustainable nanozyme (LutCe), formed by self-assembly of the plant-derived flavonoid luteolin and cerium ions, which exhibits robust superoxide dismutase-like activity. These LutCe nanozymes organic-inorganic hybrids were synthesized through a green assembly process and demonstrate potent scavenging capability against superoxide anions, hydroxyl radicals, and reactive nitrogen species. Incorporated into the tips of the microneedles, they directly alleviate oxidative stress at the wound site. Simultaneously, an antimicrobial polysaccharide-based matrix provides effective defense against wound pathogens, preventing infection and secondary tissue damage. By synergistically combining sustainable antioxidant nanozymes with natural antibacterial components, the LutCe-QCS-GP MN system significantly reduced oxidative stress and bacterial load in wounds, markedly accelerating the healing process. Comprehensive in vitro and in vivo safety evaluations support the biosafety of the platform, underscoring its potential for clinical translation. This work not only introduces a promising therapeutic strategy for wound management but also highlights the valorization of natural, sustainable resources in functional material design, offering a meaningful reference for green technology applications in biomedicine.
利用可持续资源开发多功能创面敷料是推进绿色生物医用材料有效修复创面的关键。在这项研究中，我们提出了一个集活性氧清除和抗菌功能于一体的生态友好型微针输送平台（LutCe-QCS-GP MN）。该系统具有可持续的纳米酶（LutCe），由植物来源的黄酮类木犀草素和铈离子自组装形成，具有强大的超氧化物歧化酶样活性。这些LutCe纳米酶是通过绿色组装工艺合成的，具有清除超氧阴离子、羟基自由基和活性氮的能力。在微针的尖端，它们直接减轻了伤口部位的氧化应激。同时，基于抗菌多糖的基质可有效防御伤口病原体，防止感染和继发性组织损伤。通过将可持续抗氧化纳米酶与天然抗菌成分协同结合，luce - qcs - gp MN系统显著降低了伤口的氧化应激和细菌负荷，显著加快了愈合过程。全面的体外和体内安全性评估支持该平台的生物安全性，强调其临床转化的潜力。本研究不仅介绍了一种有前景的伤口治疗策略，而且强调了功能材料设计中自然、可持续资源的价值，为绿色技术在生物医学中的应用提供了有意义的参考。
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Pub Date : 2026-01-27DOI: 10.1016/j.susmat.2026.e01896
Lijun Yang , Yiyi Shen , Zhixu Du , Xiaotong He , Hong Li , Lichun Dai
The removal of nutrients (phosphate) and pathogen (e.g., E. coli, and S. aureus) are of great importance to the water quality. Lanthanum carbonates possess balanced properties in adsorption performance, chemical stability and biosafety. Herein, a route, lanthanum (La)-enabled carbon capture during oxidative pyrolysis, was developed for the synthesis of biochar-supported La carbonate (La2O2CO3/biochar) as antibacterial phosphate adsorbent. The results showed that the CO2 generated from oxidative pyrolysis could be captured by La, leading to the formation of La2O2CO3 on biochar surface. The resultant La2O2CO3@biochar possessed a high phosphate adsorption capacity of ∼134.66 mg/g at a low dosage of 0.1 g/L. Furthermore, the material exhibited remarkable dual functionality, achieving >99.99% inactivation of S. aureus and E. coli without compromising its adsorption capacity. This synergistic nutrient-capturing and antibacterial capability addresses two critical challenges in water treatment, i.e., eutrophication control and pathogen elimination, within a single-step process. Finally, this study proposed an alternative route for the synthesis of biochar-supported La carbonates as highly efficient antibacterial phosphate adsorbent for advanced water treatment.
{"title":"Lanthanum-driven carbon capture via oxidative pyrolysis constructs La2O2CO3@biochar for phosphate adsorption and bacteriostasis","authors":"Lijun Yang , Yiyi Shen , Zhixu Du , Xiaotong He , Hong Li , Lichun Dai","doi":"10.1016/j.susmat.2026.e01896","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.susmat.2026.e01896","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The removal of nutrients (phosphate) and pathogen (e.g., <em>E. coli</em>, and <em>S. aureus</em>) are of great importance to the water quality. Lanthanum carbonates possess balanced properties in adsorption performance, chemical stability and biosafety. Herein, a route, lanthanum (La)-enabled carbon capture during oxidative pyrolysis, was developed for the synthesis of biochar-supported La carbonate (La<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub>/biochar) as antibacterial phosphate adsorbent. The results showed that the CO<sub>2</sub> generated from oxidative pyrolysis could be captured by La, leading to the formation of La<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub> on biochar surface. The resultant La<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub>@biochar possessed a high phosphate adsorption capacity of ∼134.66 mg/g at a low dosage of 0.1 g/L. Furthermore, the material exhibited remarkable dual functionality, achieving >99.99% inactivation of <em>S. aureus</em> and <em>E. coli</em> without compromising its adsorption capacity. This synergistic nutrient-capturing and antibacterial capability addresses two critical challenges in water treatment, i.e., eutrophication control and pathogen elimination, within a single-step process. Finally, this study proposed an alternative route for the synthesis of biochar-supported La carbonates as highly efficient antibacterial phosphate adsorbent for advanced water treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22097,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Materials and Technologies","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article e01896"},"PeriodicalIF":9.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077685","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-25DOI: 10.1016/j.susmat.2026.e01895
Mariam El-Adl , S.E. Samra , Amr Awad Ibrahim , Mina Shawky Adly
Pollution and water scarcity have become major global issues that endanger both ecological sustainability and human health. Though traditional evaporator designs have limited efficiency and salt accumulation, solar-driven water purification offers a promising green and eco-friendly solution. In this study, a soft, flexible, and self-floating photoabsorber was prepared by a simple method with a bioinspired cone architecture from the lotus pod. The fabricated device is characterized by excellent photothermal conversion, rapid water transportation through the macrochannels, and exceptional salt rejection. Laser ablation was applied to convert the surface of the polyvinyl formal (poly(vinyl alcohol) formaldehyde, PVF) sponge into a black material-based laser-induced graphene (LIG) decorated with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). The generated nanocomposite exhibits remarkable mechanical durability under stress-strain tension and high photothermal efficiency for seawater desalination. This photothermal exhibits remarkable performance, which is attributed to multi-directional solar energy absorption through a porous structure, enhanced thermal localization, and good salt rejection. Furthermore, the photothermal materials adhered to the surface tightly and floated on the water surface without tilting. The designated LIG-Ag-based PVF sponge exhibited an efficiency of 108.7% under one sun irradiation, along with a significant rate of 1.57 kg m−2 h−1. Moreover, it demonstrated good performance in terms of salt resistance, chemical and mechanical stability, recyclability and absorption of organic liquids. The cone-like design can be used as an excellent candidate for different applications related to water desalination and purification due to its simplicity, cost-effective production process, and improved solar photothermal efficiency.
污染和缺水已成为危害生态可持续性和人类健康的重大全球性问题。虽然传统的蒸发器设计效率有限，而且会积累盐分，但太阳能驱动的水净化提供了一个有前途的绿色环保解决方案。本研究以莲荚为原料，采用仿生锥形结构，采用简单的方法制备了一种柔软、灵活、自漂浮的光吸收材料。该装置具有优异的光热转换、快速的水通过大通道输送和优异的排盐性能。采用激光烧蚀的方法将聚乙烯醇甲醛（PVF）海绵表面转化为黑色材料基激光诱导石墨烯（LIG），表面装饰有银纳米粒子（Ag NPs）。所制备的纳米复合材料在应力-应变拉伸下具有良好的力学耐久性和较高的海水淡化光热效率。这种光热材料表现出优异的性能，这归功于多孔结构对太阳能的多向吸收，增强的热局部化和良好的防盐性能。光热材料紧贴水面，漂浮在水面上不倾斜。在所设计的ligg - ag基PVF海绵在一次太阳照射下的效率为108.7%，速率为1.57 kg m−2 h−1。此外，它在耐盐性、化学和机械稳定性、可回收性和吸收有机液体方面表现出良好的性能。由于其简单，具有成本效益的生产过程和提高的太阳能光热效率，锥状设计可以作为与水淡化和净化相关的不同应用的优秀候选者。
{"title":"Lotus pod-inspired self-floating photothermal system based on laser-ablated Ag nanoparticles on macroporous polyvinyl formal sponge for green seawater desalination and oil absorption","authors":"Mariam El-Adl , S.E. Samra , Amr Awad Ibrahim , Mina Shawky Adly","doi":"10.1016/j.susmat.2026.e01895","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.susmat.2026.e01895","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pollution and water scarcity have become major global issues that endanger both ecological sustainability and human health. Though traditional evaporator designs have limited efficiency and salt accumulation, solar-driven water purification offers a promising green and eco-friendly solution. In this study, a soft, flexible, and self-floating photoabsorber was prepared by a simple method with a bioinspired cone architecture from the lotus pod. The fabricated device is characterized by excellent photothermal conversion, rapid water transportation through the macrochannels, and exceptional salt rejection. Laser ablation was applied to convert the surface of the polyvinyl formal (poly(vinyl alcohol) formaldehyde, PVF) sponge into a black material-based laser-induced graphene (LIG) decorated with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). The generated nanocomposite exhibits remarkable mechanical durability under stress-strain tension and high photothermal efficiency for seawater desalination. This photothermal exhibits remarkable performance, which is attributed to multi-directional solar energy absorption through a porous structure, enhanced thermal localization, and good salt rejection. Furthermore, the photothermal materials adhered to the surface tightly and floated on the water surface without tilting. The designated LIG-Ag-based PVF sponge exhibited an efficiency of 108.7% under one sun irradiation, along with a significant rate of 1.57 kg m<sup>−2</sup> h<sup>−1</sup>. Moreover, it demonstrated good performance in terms of salt resistance, chemical and mechanical stability, recyclability and absorption of organic liquids. The cone-like design can be used as an excellent candidate for different applications related to water desalination and purification due to its simplicity, cost-effective production process, and improved solar photothermal efficiency.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22097,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Materials and Technologies","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article e01895"},"PeriodicalIF":9.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077624","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-25DOI: 10.1016/j.susmat.2026.e01881
Nagma Khan , Kavita Tapadia , Chandrakant Thakur
This study reports, the development of a novel magnetic Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst, boron-doped reduced graphene oxide/Fe₂O₃/N-TiO₂ (B-rGO/Fe₂O₃/N-TiO₂) composite, synthesised via a hydrothermal process. Comprehensive characterization using FTIR, XRD, SEM, HRTEM, XPS, EPR, UV–Vis DRS, particle size distribution, and zeta potential analyses confirmed effective boron doping, the formation of crystalline anatase TiO₂ and Fe₂O₃ phases, the presence of paramagnetic Fe3+ centres, and enhanced surface charge stability. The photocatalytic efficiency of the composite was evaluated through the degradation study of Rhodamine B dye under UV irradiation. At Optimal operational conditions pH 6, catalyst dosage of 20 mg, and dye concentration of 10 mg/L and time 120 min show 94.56% degradation of Rhodamine B dye. The kinetic study based on a pseudo-first order model, yielding a rate constant of k = 0.0254 min−1, indicates enhanced activity. The composite retained high efficiency over five consecutive cycles, demonstrating good stability and recyclability. Radical scavenging experiments identified superoxide radicals (•O₂−) and hydroxyl radicals (•OH) as the dominant reactive species. A Z-scheme charge transfer mechanism was proposed, in which photogenerated electrons in the CB of Fe₂O₃ recombine with holes in the VB of N-TiO₂ through B-rGO mediator, resulting in enhanced redox potential and suppressed charge recombination. The findings highlight the potential of the B-rGO/Fe₂O₃/N-TiO₂ composite as an efficient and reusable photocatalyst for environmental remediation applications.
Environmental implication
The present study demonstrates that the synthesised B-rGO/Fe₂O₃/N-TiO₂ photocatalyst effectively degrades Rhodamine B dye under visible light irradiation, highlighting its potential for treating dye-contaminated wastewater. Minor environmental implications may arise during the synthesis stage due to the use of certain chemicals; however, these impacts can be mitigated through appropriate handling and waste management practices. Furthermore, the reusability of the photocatalyst was evaluated to ensure sustainable operation and to minimize solid waste generation, confirming its potential for repeated use with consistent performance.
{"title":"Application of a novel magnetic Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst boron doped-rGO/Fe₂O₃/N-TiO₂ composite for degradation of Rhodamine B dye","authors":"Nagma Khan , Kavita Tapadia , Chandrakant Thakur","doi":"10.1016/j.susmat.2026.e01881","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.susmat.2026.e01881","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study reports, the development of a novel magnetic <em>Z</em>-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst, boron-doped reduced graphene oxide/Fe₂O₃/N-TiO₂ (B-rGO/Fe₂O₃/N-TiO₂) composite, synthesised via a hydrothermal process. Comprehensive characterization using FTIR, XRD, SEM, HRTEM, XPS, EPR, UV–Vis DRS, particle size distribution, and zeta potential analyses confirmed effective boron doping, the formation of crystalline anatase TiO₂ and Fe₂O₃ phases, the presence of paramagnetic Fe<sup>3+</sup> centres, and enhanced surface charge stability. The photocatalytic efficiency of the composite was evaluated through the degradation study of Rhodamine B dye under UV irradiation. At Optimal operational conditions pH 6, catalyst dosage of 20 mg, and dye concentration of 10 mg/L and time 120 min show 94.56% degradation of Rhodamine B dye. The kinetic study based on a pseudo-first order model, yielding a rate constant of k = 0.0254 min<sup>−1</sup>, indicates enhanced activity. The composite retained high efficiency over five consecutive cycles, demonstrating good stability and recyclability. Radical scavenging experiments identified superoxide radicals (•O₂<sup>−</sup>) and hydroxyl radicals (•OH) as the dominant reactive species. A <em>Z</em>-scheme charge transfer mechanism was proposed, in which photogenerated electrons in the CB of Fe₂O₃ recombine with holes in the VB of N-TiO₂ through B-rGO mediator, resulting in enhanced redox potential and suppressed charge recombination. The findings highlight the potential of the B-rGO/Fe₂O₃/N-TiO₂ composite as an efficient and reusable photocatalyst for environmental remediation applications.</div></div><div><h3>Environmental implication</h3><div>The present study demonstrates that the synthesised B-rGO/Fe₂O₃/N-TiO₂ photocatalyst effectively degrades Rhodamine B dye under visible light irradiation, highlighting its potential for treating dye-contaminated wastewater. Minor environmental implications may arise during the synthesis stage due to the use of certain chemicals; however, these impacts can be mitigated through appropriate handling and waste management practices. Furthermore, the reusability of the photocatalyst was evaluated to ensure sustainable operation and to minimize solid waste generation, confirming its potential for repeated use with consistent performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22097,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Materials and Technologies","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article e01881"},"PeriodicalIF":9.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146187689","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-22DOI: 10.1016/j.susmat.2026.e01878
S. Saffirio , S. Anelli , J.F. Basbus , A. Barbucci , A.G. Sabato , F. Smeacetto , S.L. Fiorilli
This study introduces a scalable and sustainable method for recovering yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and nickel (as NiO) from end-of-life (EoL) solid oxide cells (SOCs). The process combines hydrothermal disaggregation at 200 °C with acid leaching into a single-step treatment, enabling whole-cell recycling and eliminating the need for complex layer separation. Optimised conditions – 50 g of SOC powder treated with 1 M HNO₃ for 1 h – achieved ≈92 wt% YSZ recovery while minimizing reagent use and processing time. The recovered YSZ showed a particle size distribution (445 ± 140 nm) comparable to virgin 3YSZ (470 ± 90 nm), with minimal Ni contamination (0.1 wt%) and preserved yttria content. When sintered at 1300 °C for 3 h, the material reached 95.5% relative density and an ionic conductivity of 7.9 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 800 °C, closely matching virgin 3YSZ (97.8%, 9.4 × 10−3 S cm−1). A residual monoclinic phase (17.4 wt%), which may slightly reduce transformation toughening, did not significantly affect ionic transport. Reuse pathways for recovered YSZ include closed-loop reintegration into SOC electrolytes or supports, and open-loop valorisation such as thermal barrier coatings or catalytic substrates. Concurrently, ≈99 wt% of Ni has been recovered in the form of NiO, with Co and La contamination below 1 wt%, further supporting circular economy strategies.
本研究介绍了一种可扩展和可持续的方法，用于从报废固体氧化物电池（soc）中回收氧化钇稳定的氧化锆（YSZ）和镍（NiO）。该工艺将200°C的水热分解与酸浸结合为一步处理，实现了全细胞回收，无需复杂的层分离。优化的条件-用1 M HNO₃处理50 g SOC粉末1小时-实现了≈92 wt%的YSZ回收率，同时最大限度地减少了试剂的使用和处理时间。回收的YSZ的粒径分布（445±140 nm）与原始3YSZ的粒径分布（470±90 nm）相当，镍污染最小（0.1 wt%），钇含量保持不变。在1300℃烧结3 h时，该材料的相对密度达到95.5%，800℃时离子电导率为7.9 × 10−3 S cm−1，与未加工的3YSZ （97.8%, 9.4 × 10−3 S cm−1）非常接近。残留的单斜相（17.4 wt%）可能会略微降低相变增韧，但对离子传输没有显著影响。回收YSZ的再利用途径包括闭环重新整合到SOC电解质或载体中，以及开环增值，如热障涂层或催化基质。同时，约99 wt%的Ni以NiO的形式被回收，Co和La污染低于1 wt%，进一步支持循环经济战略。
{"title":"Scaling up ceramic recovery from end-of-life solid oxide cells: Process optimization and evaluation of recovered materials","authors":"S. Saffirio , S. Anelli , J.F. Basbus , A. Barbucci , A.G. Sabato , F. Smeacetto , S.L. Fiorilli","doi":"10.1016/j.susmat.2026.e01878","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.susmat.2026.e01878","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study introduces a scalable and sustainable method for recovering yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and nickel (as NiO) from end-of-life (EoL) solid oxide cells (SOCs). The process combines hydrothermal disaggregation at 200 °C with acid leaching into a single-step treatment, enabling whole-cell recycling and eliminating the need for complex layer separation. Optimised conditions – 50 g of SOC powder treated with 1 M HNO₃ for 1 h – achieved ≈92 wt% YSZ recovery while minimizing reagent use and processing time. The recovered YSZ showed a particle size distribution (445 ± 140 nm) comparable to virgin 3YSZ (470 ± 90 nm), with minimal Ni contamination (0.1 wt%) and preserved yttria content. When sintered at 1300 °C for 3 h, the material reached 95.5% relative density and an ionic conductivity of 7.9 × 10<sup>−3</sup> S cm<sup>−1</sup> at 800 °C, closely matching virgin 3YSZ (97.8%, 9.4 × 10<sup>−3</sup> S cm<sup>−1</sup>). A residual monoclinic phase (17.4 wt%), which may slightly reduce transformation toughening, did not significantly affect ionic transport. Reuse pathways for recovered YSZ include closed-loop reintegration into SOC electrolytes or supports, and open-loop valorisation such as thermal barrier coatings or catalytic substrates. Concurrently, ≈99 wt% of Ni has been recovered in the form of NiO, with Co and La contamination below 1 wt%, further supporting circular economy strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22097,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Materials and Technologies","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article e01878"},"PeriodicalIF":9.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037570","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-22DOI: 10.1016/j.susmat.2026.e01875
Francesca Servadei , Valentina Medri , Annalisa Natali Murri, Elettra Papa, Francesco Miccio, Elena Landi
Construction and demolition waste (CDW) represents one of the largest waste streams worldwide, and its reuse in high-value applications is a key challenge in the transition toward circular economy. This work demonstrates for the first time that unsorted CDW can be used as the main aluminosilicate precursor (60 wt%) to fabricate geopolymer foams with 74% total porosity, filling a gap in CDW-based geopolymer research, which has so far focused on dense matrices or separated waste fractions. A direct foaming approach was employed using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a blowing agent to generate a macroporous structure. Macro-microstructural, mechanical, gas permeation, and thermal properties of the resulting geopolymer foam were analyzed. The bulk density was about 0.62 g/cm3 with a bimodal distribution in the mesopore to ultra-macropore range, and the compressive strength exceeded 2 MPa. Gas permeability measurements indicated comparable performance to gel-cast foams and honeycomb filters. The foam showed a thermal conductivity of 0.166 W/(m·K) and good thermal stability up to 650 °C, above which sintering occurred leading to a shrinkage of about 15%. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of valorizing unsorted CDW into lightweight geopolymer foams with high porosity, providing a novel and cost-effective route for thermal insulation materials in the construction sector.
{"title":"Synthesis and characterization of geopolymer foam based on construction and demolition waste","authors":"Francesca Servadei , Valentina Medri , Annalisa Natali Murri, Elettra Papa, Francesco Miccio, Elena Landi","doi":"10.1016/j.susmat.2026.e01875","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.susmat.2026.e01875","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Construction and demolition waste (CDW) represents one of the largest waste streams worldwide, and its reuse in high-value applications is a key challenge in the transition toward circular economy. This work demonstrates for the first time that unsorted CDW can be used as the main aluminosilicate precursor (60 wt%) to fabricate geopolymer foams with 74% total porosity, filling a gap in CDW-based geopolymer research, which has so far focused on dense matrices or separated waste fractions. A direct foaming approach was employed using hydrogen peroxide (H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>) as a blowing agent to generate a macroporous structure. Macro-microstructural, mechanical, gas permeation, and thermal properties of the resulting geopolymer foam were analyzed. The bulk density was about 0.62 g/cm<sup>3</sup> with a bimodal distribution in the mesopore to ultra-macropore range, and the compressive strength exceeded 2 MPa. Gas permeability measurements indicated comparable performance to gel-cast foams and honeycomb filters. The foam showed a thermal conductivity of 0.166 W/(m·K) and good thermal stability up to 650 °C, above which sintering occurred leading to a shrinkage of about 15%. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of valorizing unsorted CDW into lightweight geopolymer foams with high porosity, providing a novel and cost-effective route for thermal insulation materials in the construction sector.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22097,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Materials and Technologies","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article e01875"},"PeriodicalIF":9.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146188241","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-22DOI: 10.1016/j.susmat.2026.e01894
Yuanbin Zhang , Yueting Sun , Yong Lang , Qi Sun , Quanwei Ding , Kejie Zhang , Lingfeng Pan , Kailong Zhang , Jianhua Zhang , Guohua Jiang
Bone tissue engineering materials exhibit significant potential in the realm of bone defect regeneration owing to their outstanding biocompatibility, appropriate mechanical support, and well-defined osteoinductive activity. Nevertheless, the existing materials commonly encounter the issue of insufficient interfacial adhesion, which renders it arduous to attain long-term stable residence and controlled drug release at complex defect sites. In this study, a strongly adhesive composite hydrogel system loaded with The total flavonoids of Rhizoma Drynariae (TFRD) was developed as a bone tissue engineering material for bone defect regeneration. The composite hydrogel was consisted of dopamine-functionalized hyaluronic acid (HA-DA) and mussel adhesion protein (MAP). This hydrogel system leveraged the interfacial bonding between the dopamine (DA) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) groups of mussel mucin to realize strong adhesion at the bone defect site. Simultaneously, the stable and sustained release of TFRD was realized through enzyme-responsive degradation. In addition, the obtained hydrogel system not only possessed favorable biocompatibility and biodegradability but can also mimicked the extracellular matrix environment to mitigate the stimulation of surrounding tissues and reduce the risk of inflammatory reactions, thereby providing a suitable milieu for the drugs to exert their effects and promoting the bone defect regeneration process.
{"title":"Injectable biomimetic composite hydrogel containing total flavonoids of rhizoma drynariae for bone regeneration","authors":"Yuanbin Zhang , Yueting Sun , Yong Lang , Qi Sun , Quanwei Ding , Kejie Zhang , Lingfeng Pan , Kailong Zhang , Jianhua Zhang , Guohua Jiang","doi":"10.1016/j.susmat.2026.e01894","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.susmat.2026.e01894","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bone tissue engineering materials exhibit significant potential in the realm of bone defect regeneration owing to their outstanding biocompatibility, appropriate mechanical support, and well-defined osteoinductive activity. Nevertheless, the existing materials commonly encounter the issue of insufficient interfacial adhesion, which renders it arduous to attain long-term stable residence and controlled drug release at complex defect sites. In this study, a strongly adhesive composite hydrogel system loaded with The total flavonoids of <em>Rhizoma Drynariae</em> (TFRD) was developed as a bone tissue engineering material for bone defect regeneration. The composite hydrogel was consisted of dopamine-functionalized hyaluronic acid (HA-DA) and mussel adhesion protein (MAP). This hydrogel system leveraged the interfacial bonding between the dopamine (DA) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) groups of mussel mucin to realize strong adhesion at the bone defect site. Simultaneously, the stable and sustained release of TFRD was realized through enzyme-responsive degradation. In addition, the obtained hydrogel system not only possessed favorable biocompatibility and biodegradability but can also mimicked the extracellular matrix environment to mitigate the stimulation of surrounding tissues and reduce the risk of inflammatory reactions, thereby providing a suitable milieu for the drugs to exert their effects and promoting the bone defect regeneration process.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22097,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Materials and Technologies","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article e01894"},"PeriodicalIF":9.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077622","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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