Kinjal Moradiya, Matheus M. Pereira, Kamalesh Prasad
Three ionic liquids (ILs) and three deep eutectic solvents (DESs) with identical counterparts, as well as their aqueous solutions, were prepared for the selective extraction of alginate from Sargassum tenerrimum, a brown seaweed. It was found that the ILs and their hydrated systems were only able to extract alginate from the seaweed directly, while the DESs were not, as confirmed by molecular docking studies. When the quality of the polysaccharide was compared to that produced using the hydrated IL system with the widely used conventional method, it was discovered that the physicochemical and rheological characteristics of the alginate produced using the ILs as solvents were on par with those produced using the conventional method. The ILs can be seen as acceptable alternative solvents for the simple extraction of the polysaccharide straight from the seaweed given the consistency of the extraction procedure used in conventional extraction processes. The hydrated ILs were discovered to be more effective than their non-hydrated counterparts. The yield was also maximized up to 54%, which is much more than that obtained using a traditional approach. Moreover, the ionic liquids can also be recovered and reused for the extraction process. Additionally, any residual material remaining after the extraction process was converted into cellulose, making the process environmentally friendly and sustainable.
制备了三种离子液体（ILs）和三种具有相同对应物的深共晶溶剂（DESs）及其水溶液，用于从褐色海藻马尾藻（Sargassum tenerrimum）中选择性提取海藻酸。经分子对接研究证实，ILs 及其水合体系只能直接从海藻中提取海藻酸盐，而 DESs 则不能。在将多糖的质量与使用水合 IL 系统和广泛使用的传统方法生产的多糖进行比较时，发现使用 ILs 作为溶剂生产的海藻酸盐的理化和流变特性与使用传统方法生产的海藻酸盐相当。鉴于传统萃取工艺中使用的萃取程序的一致性，ILs 可被视为从海藻中直接简单萃取多糖的可接受的替代溶剂。研究发现，水合惰性溶胶比非水合惰性溶胶更有效。产量也最大化到了 54%，远高于传统方法的产量。此外，离子液体还可以回收并重新用于萃取过程。此外，萃取过程后的任何残留物质都会转化为纤维素，从而使该过程变得环保和可持续。
{"title":"Aqueous Solution of Ionic Liquid Is an Efficient Substituting Solvent System for the Extraction of Alginate from Sargassum tenerrimum","authors":"Kinjal Moradiya, Matheus M. Pereira, Kamalesh Prasad","doi":"10.3390/suschem5020009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/suschem5020009","url":null,"abstract":"Three ionic liquids (ILs) and three deep eutectic solvents (DESs) with identical counterparts, as well as their aqueous solutions, were prepared for the selective extraction of alginate from Sargassum tenerrimum, a brown seaweed. It was found that the ILs and their hydrated systems were only able to extract alginate from the seaweed directly, while the DESs were not, as confirmed by molecular docking studies. When the quality of the polysaccharide was compared to that produced using the hydrated IL system with the widely used conventional method, it was discovered that the physicochemical and rheological characteristics of the alginate produced using the ILs as solvents were on par with those produced using the conventional method. The ILs can be seen as acceptable alternative solvents for the simple extraction of the polysaccharide straight from the seaweed given the consistency of the extraction procedure used in conventional extraction processes. The hydrated ILs were discovered to be more effective than their non-hydrated counterparts. The yield was also maximized up to 54%, which is much more than that obtained using a traditional approach. Moreover, the ionic liquids can also be recovered and reused for the extraction process. Additionally, any residual material remaining after the extraction process was converted into cellulose, making the process environmentally friendly and sustainable.","PeriodicalId":22103,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Chemistry","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140989733","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. Sah, Biraj Shah Thakuri, Jyoti Pant, Ramesh L Gardas, Ajaya Bhattarai
The current economic development paradigm, which is based on steadily rising resource consumption and pollution emissions, is no longer viable in a world with limited resources and ecological capacity. The “green economy” idea has presented this context with a chance to alter how society handles the interplay between the environmental and economic spheres. The related concept of “green nanotechnology” aims to use nano-innovations within the fields of materials science and engineering to generate products and processes that are economically and ecologically sustainable, enabling society to establish and preserve a green economy. Many different economic sectors are anticipated to be impacted by these applications, including those related to corrosion inhibitor nanofertilizers, nanoremediation, biodegradation, heavy metal detection, biofuel, insecticides and pesticides, and catalytic CO2 reduction. These innovations might make it possible to use non-traditional water sources safely and to create construction materials that are enabled by nanotechnology, improving living and ecological conditions. Therefore, our aim is to highlight how nanotechnology is being used in the green economy and to present promises for nano-applications in this domain. In the end, it emphasizes how critical it is to attain a truly sustainable advancement in nanotechnology.
{"title":"The Multifaceted Perspective on the Role of Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles in Promoting a Sustainable Green Economy","authors":"M. Sah, Biraj Shah Thakuri, Jyoti Pant, Ramesh L Gardas, Ajaya Bhattarai","doi":"10.3390/suschem5020004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/suschem5020004","url":null,"abstract":"The current economic development paradigm, which is based on steadily rising resource consumption and pollution emissions, is no longer viable in a world with limited resources and ecological capacity. The “green economy” idea has presented this context with a chance to alter how society handles the interplay between the environmental and economic spheres. The related concept of “green nanotechnology” aims to use nano-innovations within the fields of materials science and engineering to generate products and processes that are economically and ecologically sustainable, enabling society to establish and preserve a green economy. Many different economic sectors are anticipated to be impacted by these applications, including those related to corrosion inhibitor nanofertilizers, nanoremediation, biodegradation, heavy metal detection, biofuel, insecticides and pesticides, and catalytic CO2 reduction. These innovations might make it possible to use non-traditional water sources safely and to create construction materials that are enabled by nanotechnology, improving living and ecological conditions. Therefore, our aim is to highlight how nanotechnology is being used in the green economy and to present promises for nano-applications in this domain. In the end, it emphasizes how critical it is to attain a truly sustainable advancement in nanotechnology.","PeriodicalId":22103,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Chemistry","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140382236","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The recycling of catalysts has emerged as a key solution to address environmental pollution and the scarcity of natural resources. This dynamic is further reinforced by the growing industrial demand for catalysts and the urgent need to transition to more sustainable production methods. In the context of chemical transformations, the direct reuse of recycled catalysts for chemical applications in particular represents an elegant route towards greener syntheses. In this article, we review recent advancements in the recycling of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts since 2020, emphasizing the utilization of waste-derived catalysts for chemical reactions. In particular, we consider three primary sources of waste: electronic waste, spent lithium-ion batteries, and industrial wastewater. For each of these waste streams, different extraction methods are explored for their effectiveness in obtaining catalysts suitable for a broad spectrum of chemical reactions. These presented studies emphasize the potential of recycled catalysts to contribute to a sustainable and waste-efficient future.
{"title":"Recent Progress in Turning Waste into Catalysts for Green Syntheses","authors":"Konstantin Wink, Ingo Hartmann","doi":"10.3390/suschem5010003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/suschem5010003","url":null,"abstract":"The recycling of catalysts has emerged as a key solution to address environmental pollution and the scarcity of natural resources. This dynamic is further reinforced by the growing industrial demand for catalysts and the urgent need to transition to more sustainable production methods. In the context of chemical transformations, the direct reuse of recycled catalysts for chemical applications in particular represents an elegant route towards greener syntheses. In this article, we review recent advancements in the recycling of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts since 2020, emphasizing the utilization of waste-derived catalysts for chemical reactions. In particular, we consider three primary sources of waste: electronic waste, spent lithium-ion batteries, and industrial wastewater. For each of these waste streams, different extraction methods are explored for their effectiveness in obtaining catalysts suitable for a broad spectrum of chemical reactions. These presented studies emphasize the potential of recycled catalysts to contribute to a sustainable and waste-efficient future.","PeriodicalId":22103,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Chemistry","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140235978","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The transition towards sustainable and renewable energy sources is imperative in mitigating the environmental impacts of escalating global energy consumption. Methanol, with its versatile applications and potential as a clean energy carrier, a precursor chemical, and a valuable commodity, emerges as a promising solution within the realm of renewable energy technologies. This work explores the integration of electrochemistry with solar power to drive efficient methanol production processes, focusing on electrochemical reduction (ECR) of CO2 and methane oxidation reaction (MOR) as pathways for methanol synthesis. Through detailed analysis and calculations, we evaluate the thermodynamic limits and realistic solar-to-fuel (STF) efficiencies of ECR and MOR. Our investigation encompasses the characterization of multijunction light absorbers, determination of thermoneutral potentials, and assessment of STF efficiencies under varying conditions. We identify the challenges and opportunities inherent in both ECR and MOR pathways, shedding light on catalyst stability, reaction kinetics, and system optimization, thereby providing insights into the prospects and challenges of solar-driven methanol synthesis, offering a pathway towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
向可持续和可再生能源过渡，是减轻全球能源消耗升级对环境影响的当务之急。甲醇用途广泛，具有作为清洁能源载体、前体化学品和贵重商品的潜力，是可再生能源技术领域中一个前景广阔的解决方案。这项研究探索了电化学与太阳能的结合，以推动高效的甲醇生产工艺，重点是将二氧化碳的电化学还原（ECR）和甲烷氧化反应（MOR）作为甲醇合成的途径。通过详细的分析和计算，我们评估了 ECR 和 MOR 的热力学极限和太阳能转化为燃料 (STF) 的实际效率。我们的研究包括多接面光吸收器的表征、热中性电位的确定以及不同条件下 STF 效率的评估。我们确定了 ECR 和 MOR 途径中固有的挑战和机遇，阐明了催化剂稳定性、反应动力学和系统优化，从而为太阳能驱动的甲醇合成的前景和挑战提供了见解，为实现更清洁、更可持续的能源未来提供了途径。
{"title":"A Perspective on Solar-Driven Electrochemical Routes for Sustainable Methanol Production","authors":"A. Pendse, Aditya Prajapati","doi":"10.3390/suschem5010002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/suschem5010002","url":null,"abstract":"The transition towards sustainable and renewable energy sources is imperative in mitigating the environmental impacts of escalating global energy consumption. Methanol, with its versatile applications and potential as a clean energy carrier, a precursor chemical, and a valuable commodity, emerges as a promising solution within the realm of renewable energy technologies. This work explores the integration of electrochemistry with solar power to drive efficient methanol production processes, focusing on electrochemical reduction (ECR) of CO2 and methane oxidation reaction (MOR) as pathways for methanol synthesis. Through detailed analysis and calculations, we evaluate the thermodynamic limits and realistic solar-to-fuel (STF) efficiencies of ECR and MOR. Our investigation encompasses the characterization of multijunction light absorbers, determination of thermoneutral potentials, and assessment of STF efficiencies under varying conditions. We identify the challenges and opportunities inherent in both ECR and MOR pathways, shedding light on catalyst stability, reaction kinetics, and system optimization, thereby providing insights into the prospects and challenges of solar-driven methanol synthesis, offering a pathway towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.","PeriodicalId":22103,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Chemistry","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140262588","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Klemen Rola, Sven Gruber, D. Goričanec, D. Urbancl
Synthetically produced biofuels play a critical role in the energy transition away from fossil fuels. Biofuels could effectively lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and contribute to better air quality. One of these biofuels is bioethanol, which could act as a gasoline replacement. For this purpose, a simulation of bioethanol production through lignocellulosic biomass fermentation, focused on distillation, was carried out in simulation software Aspen Plus. Since the possibility of absolute ethanol production through distillation is limited by the ethanol–water azeotrope, pressure swing distillation (PSD) was used to obtain fuel-grade ethanol (EtOH) with a fraction of 99.60 wt.%. The flowsheet was optimised with NQ analysis, which is a simple optimisation method for distillation columns. We found that the PSD has the potential to concentrate the EtOH to a desired value, while simultaneously removing other unwanted impurities whose presence is a consequence of pretreatment and fermentation processes.
在能源转型过程中，合成生物燃料在摒弃化石燃料方面发挥着至关重要的作用。生物燃料可以有效降低温室气体排放，改善空气质量。其中一种生物燃料是生物乙醇，它可以作为汽油的替代品。为此，使用模拟软件 Aspen Plus 对通过木质纤维素生物质发酵生产生物乙醇进行了模拟，重点是蒸馏。由于蒸馏法生产绝对乙醇受到乙醇-水共沸物的限制，因此采用变压蒸馏法（PSD）来获得燃料级乙醇（EtOH），其重量百分比为 99.60%。采用 NQ 分析法对流程图进行了优化，这是一种针对蒸馏塔的简单优化方法。我们发现，PSD 有可能将 EtOH 浓缩到所需的值，同时去除预处理和发酵过程中产生的其他不需要的杂质。
{"title":"Waste Lignocellulosic Biomass as a Source for Bioethanol Production","authors":"Klemen Rola, Sven Gruber, D. Goričanec, D. Urbancl","doi":"10.3390/suschem5010001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/suschem5010001","url":null,"abstract":"Synthetically produced biofuels play a critical role in the energy transition away from fossil fuels. Biofuels could effectively lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and contribute to better air quality. One of these biofuels is bioethanol, which could act as a gasoline replacement. For this purpose, a simulation of bioethanol production through lignocellulosic biomass fermentation, focused on distillation, was carried out in simulation software Aspen Plus. Since the possibility of absolute ethanol production through distillation is limited by the ethanol–water azeotrope, pressure swing distillation (PSD) was used to obtain fuel-grade ethanol (EtOH) with a fraction of 99.60 wt.%. The flowsheet was optimised with NQ analysis, which is a simple optimisation method for distillation columns. We found that the PSD has the potential to concentrate the EtOH to a desired value, while simultaneously removing other unwanted impurities whose presence is a consequence of pretreatment and fermentation processes.","PeriodicalId":22103,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Chemistry","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140421204","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Poly(ethylene terephthalate), the fifth most produced polymer, generates significant waste annually. This increased waste production has spurred interest in chemical and mechanical pathways for recycling. The shift from laboratory settings to larger-scale implementation creates opportunities to explore the value and recovery of recycling products. Derived from the glycolysis of PET, bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) exhibits versatility as a depolymerization product and valuable monomer. BHET exhibits versatility and finds application across diverse industries such as resins, coatings, foams, and tissue scaffolds. Incorporating BHET, which is a chemical recycling product, supports higher recycling rates and contributes to a more sustainable approach to generating materials. This review illuminates the opportunities for BHET as a valuable feedstock for a more circular polymer materials economy.
聚对苯二甲酸乙二醇酯是产量排名第五的聚合物，每年都会产生大量废物。废物产量的增加激发了人们对化学和机械回收途径的兴趣。从实验室环境到更大规模的实施，为探索回收产品的价值和回收创造了机会。双（2-羟乙基）对苯二甲酸乙二酯（BHET）是从 PET 的乙二醇化反应中提取的，作为一种解聚产品和有价值的单体，它具有多种用途。BHET 具有多功能性，可应用于树脂、涂料、泡沫和组织支架等多种行业。BHET 是一种化学回收产品，加入 BHET 可提高回收率，并有助于以更可持续的方式生产材料。本综述揭示了 BHET 作为一种有价值的原料，可促进聚合物材料经济循环发展的机遇。
{"title":"Envisioning a BHET Economy: Adding Value to PET Waste","authors":"Clarissa C. Westover, Timothy E. Long","doi":"10.3390/suschem4040025","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/suschem4040025","url":null,"abstract":"Poly(ethylene terephthalate), the fifth most produced polymer, generates significant waste annually. This increased waste production has spurred interest in chemical and mechanical pathways for recycling. The shift from laboratory settings to larger-scale implementation creates opportunities to explore the value and recovery of recycling products. Derived from the glycolysis of PET, bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) exhibits versatility as a depolymerization product and valuable monomer. BHET exhibits versatility and finds application across diverse industries such as resins, coatings, foams, and tissue scaffolds. Incorporating BHET, which is a chemical recycling product, supports higher recycling rates and contributes to a more sustainable approach to generating materials. This review illuminates the opportunities for BHET as a valuable feedstock for a more circular polymer materials economy.","PeriodicalId":22103,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Chemistry","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138995570","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
R. M. Sendão, Joaquim C. G. Esteves da Silva, Luís Pinto da Silva
PFASs are a class of highly persistent chemicals that are slowly infiltrating soils and waterways. Thus, there is a great need for fast, sensitive, and reliable techniques to detect PFASs. Conventional methods, such as LC-MS/SPE, allow high sensitivities. However, such methods can be complex and expensive. Considering this, it is not surprising that the scientific community has turned their attention to the search for alternatives. New types of PFAS sensors have been reported over the years, being generally part of three classes: optical, electrochemical, or hybrid sensors. Carbon dots (CDs) are new alternative fluorescent sensors that can present great affinity towards PFASs, while allowing for a fast response and promising sensitivity and selectivity. Furthermore, CDs have more attractive properties than traditional fluorophores and even metal-based nanomaterials that make them better candidates for sensing applications. Thus, CDs display great potential for permitting a fast and accurate quantification of PFASs. This review aims to serve as a basis for the future development and optimization of CD-based fluorescent sensors for PFASs.
全氟辛烷磺酸是一类高持久性化学品，正在缓慢渗入土壤和水道。因此，亟需快速、灵敏、可靠的技术来检测 PFAS。LC-MS/SPE 等传统方法具有高灵敏度。然而，这些方法可能既复杂又昂贵。有鉴于此，科学界将注意力转向寻找替代方法也就不足为奇了。多年来，新型 PFAS 传感器层出不穷，一般分为三类：光学传感器、电化学传感器或混合传感器。碳点（CD）是一种新型替代荧光传感器，对全氟辛烷磺酸具有很强的亲和力，同时反应速度快，灵敏度和选择性也很好。此外，与传统荧光团甚至金属基纳米材料相比，碳点具有更具吸引力的特性，使其成为传感应用的最佳候选材料。因此，CD 在快速、准确地定量 PFAS 方面显示出巨大的潜力。本综述旨在为未来开发和优化基于 CD 的全氟辛烷磺酸荧光传感器奠定基础。
{"title":"Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) Detection Via Carbon Dots: A Review","authors":"R. M. Sendão, Joaquim C. G. Esteves da Silva, Luís Pinto da Silva","doi":"10.3390/suschem4040024","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/suschem4040024","url":null,"abstract":"PFASs are a class of highly persistent chemicals that are slowly infiltrating soils and waterways. Thus, there is a great need for fast, sensitive, and reliable techniques to detect PFASs. Conventional methods, such as LC-MS/SPE, allow high sensitivities. However, such methods can be complex and expensive. Considering this, it is not surprising that the scientific community has turned their attention to the search for alternatives. New types of PFAS sensors have been reported over the years, being generally part of three classes: optical, electrochemical, or hybrid sensors. Carbon dots (CDs) are new alternative fluorescent sensors that can present great affinity towards PFASs, while allowing for a fast response and promising sensitivity and selectivity. Furthermore, CDs have more attractive properties than traditional fluorophores and even metal-based nanomaterials that make them better candidates for sensing applications. Thus, CDs display great potential for permitting a fast and accurate quantification of PFASs. This review aims to serve as a basis for the future development and optimization of CD-based fluorescent sensors for PFASs.","PeriodicalId":22103,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Chemistry","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138999692","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kazi Afroza Sultana, Javier Hernandez Ortega, Mohammad Tariqul Islam, Zayra N. Dorado, Bonifacio Alvarado-Tenorio, Ignacio Rene Galindo-Esquivel, Juan C. Noveron
Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) with a high photocatalytic performance were prepared by using the aerobic combustion of saccharides such as glucose, fructose, dextrin, and starch with zinc nitrate. The ZnO NPs were characterized by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray scattering spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), and UV-vis spectroscopy. The TEM images revealed that the ZnO NPs have sizes ranging from ~20 to 35 nm with a bandgap of ~3.32 eV. The XRPD pattern revealed the hexagonal wurtzite crystalline structure of the ZnO NPs. The photocatalytic properties of the ZnO NPs were studied by the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) in deionized water (DIW) and simulated fresh drinking water (FDW) under ultraviolet light (UV-B) and sunlight illumination. The terephthalic acid photoluminescence technique was also used to study the generation of a hydroxyl radical (•OH) by ZnO NPs. The saccharide-derived ZnO NPs exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than the nonsaccharide-derived ZnO NPs. Varying the type of saccharides used during the calcination had some effect on the degree of the catalytic enhancement.
{"title":"Saccharide-Derived Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles with High Photocatalytic Activity for Water Decontamination and Sanitation","authors":"Kazi Afroza Sultana, Javier Hernandez Ortega, Mohammad Tariqul Islam, Zayra N. Dorado, Bonifacio Alvarado-Tenorio, Ignacio Rene Galindo-Esquivel, Juan C. Noveron","doi":"10.3390/suschem4040023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/suschem4040023","url":null,"abstract":"Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) with a high photocatalytic performance were prepared by using the aerobic combustion of saccharides such as glucose, fructose, dextrin, and starch with zinc nitrate. The ZnO NPs were characterized by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray scattering spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), and UV-vis spectroscopy. The TEM images revealed that the ZnO NPs have sizes ranging from ~20 to 35 nm with a bandgap of ~3.32 eV. The XRPD pattern revealed the hexagonal wurtzite crystalline structure of the ZnO NPs. The photocatalytic properties of the ZnO NPs were studied by the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) in deionized water (DIW) and simulated fresh drinking water (FDW) under ultraviolet light (UV-B) and sunlight illumination. The terephthalic acid photoluminescence technique was also used to study the generation of a hydroxyl radical (•OH) by ZnO NPs. The saccharide-derived ZnO NPs exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than the nonsaccharide-derived ZnO NPs. Varying the type of saccharides used during the calcination had some effect on the degree of the catalytic enhancement.","PeriodicalId":22103,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Chemistry","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135818646","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
In this paper, a distinction is first made between environmental, sustainable, and green chemistry; the last two are then examined in relation to the more general problem of environmental education. A brief historical digression on the Science, Technology, and Society movement attempts to dissect reasons why chemistry is seen by the general public as a problem, not as a decisive resource for the realization of the ecological transition. Although sustainable and green chemistry can be decisive in overcoming the insularity of chemical disciplines in high school, it is not well-embedded in educational practices. This situation is slowly changing thanks to the implementations of systems thinking in teaching practice, showing interconnections between the molecular world and sustainability. Historical and epistemological studies provide an all-encompassing framework for the relationship between chemistry and the environment in a broad sense, giving a solid foundation for educational projects. Specific operational goals can help chemical educators in supporting real learning, as well as an examination of the fundamental axes of sustainable and green chemistry, according to the criteria of Scientific and Technological Literacy. Finally, the results of some research carried out in secondary school are presented. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the interdisciplinary-systemic approach in teaching chemistry as well as in guiding future green careers and reducing the gender gap, preparing high school students in the best possible way to face the challenges of an increasingly interconnected and complex world.
{"title":"High School Sustainable and Green Chemistry: Historical–Epistemological and Pedagogical Considerations","authors":"Teresa Celestino","doi":"10.3390/suschem4030022","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/suschem4030022","url":null,"abstract":"In this paper, a distinction is first made between environmental, sustainable, and green chemistry; the last two are then examined in relation to the more general problem of environmental education. A brief historical digression on the Science, Technology, and Society movement attempts to dissect reasons why chemistry is seen by the general public as a problem, not as a decisive resource for the realization of the ecological transition. Although sustainable and green chemistry can be decisive in overcoming the insularity of chemical disciplines in high school, it is not well-embedded in educational practices. This situation is slowly changing thanks to the implementations of systems thinking in teaching practice, showing interconnections between the molecular world and sustainability. Historical and epistemological studies provide an all-encompassing framework for the relationship between chemistry and the environment in a broad sense, giving a solid foundation for educational projects. Specific operational goals can help chemical educators in supporting real learning, as well as an examination of the fundamental axes of sustainable and green chemistry, according to the criteria of Scientific and Technological Literacy. Finally, the results of some research carried out in secondary school are presented. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the interdisciplinary-systemic approach in teaching chemistry as well as in guiding future green careers and reducing the gender gap, preparing high school students in the best possible way to face the challenges of an increasingly interconnected and complex world.","PeriodicalId":22103,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Chemistry","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134913565","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This paper introduces a captivating topic for upper-level analytical chemistry capstone projects, focusing on aquarium water analysis. This provides a more comprehensive understanding of the role of analytical chemistry towards sustainability and its environmental, economic, societal and education dimensions. Regarding the crucial role of maintaining optimal aquarium water quality for the welfare of aquatic life, students are tasked with envisioning and executing the measurement of key parameters, including pH, ammonium, nitrite, and nitrate contents. This hands-on experience not only engages students in real-world applications, but also allows them to delve into essential analytical chemistry principles. They carefully select measurement methods, considering factors such as instrument availability, ease of use, precision and sensitivity requirements, sample size, and matrix effects. Besides fostering the acquisition of technical and soft skills, one notable aspect of this type of project is the exceptionally high student satisfaction. Furthermore, the project’s outcomes have proven to be significant predictors of learning achievements. Additionally, it lays the foundation for exploring potential designs of aquaponics systems and fosters interdisciplinary projects, expanding the practical applications in the field of chemistry education. Overall, these projects exemplify enriching and engaging educational experiences that empower students with valuable skills and knowledge while encouraging them to explore novel avenues in analytical chemistry.
{"title":"Adding Sustainability in Analytical Chemistry Education through Monitoring Aquarium Water Quality","authors":"N. Rosales-Conrado, J. Peña-Martínez","doi":"10.3390/suschem4030021","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/suschem4030021","url":null,"abstract":"This paper introduces a captivating topic for upper-level analytical chemistry capstone projects, focusing on aquarium water analysis. This provides a more comprehensive understanding of the role of analytical chemistry towards sustainability and its environmental, economic, societal and education dimensions. Regarding the crucial role of maintaining optimal aquarium water quality for the welfare of aquatic life, students are tasked with envisioning and executing the measurement of key parameters, including pH, ammonium, nitrite, and nitrate contents. This hands-on experience not only engages students in real-world applications, but also allows them to delve into essential analytical chemistry principles. They carefully select measurement methods, considering factors such as instrument availability, ease of use, precision and sensitivity requirements, sample size, and matrix effects. Besides fostering the acquisition of technical and soft skills, one notable aspect of this type of project is the exceptionally high student satisfaction. Furthermore, the project’s outcomes have proven to be significant predictors of learning achievements. Additionally, it lays the foundation for exploring potential designs of aquaponics systems and fosters interdisciplinary projects, expanding the practical applications in the field of chemistry education. Overall, these projects exemplify enriching and engaging educational experiences that empower students with valuable skills and knowledge while encouraging them to explore novel avenues in analytical chemistry.","PeriodicalId":22103,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Chemistry","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"78586685","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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