Biodegradable plastics are expected to mitigate marine plastic pollution, yet there remains a concern of causing similar problems to petroleum-based plastics: if biodegradable plastics degrade too slowly in marine environments, they can fragment into microplastics, much like conventional plastics. In this review, we introduce the latest studies on ocean-friendly plastics encompassing fully recyclable plastics designed for efficient breakdown in recycling plants and biodegradable plastics engineered to decompose rapidly in marine environments. We explore how advancements in polymer science can contribute to mitigating plastic pollution in the oceans, one of the most urgent environmental challenges of our time.
{"title":"Progress and prospects in polymer science addressing plastic pollution in marine environments, including the deep-sea floor","authors":"Noriyuki Isobe , Shun'ichi Ishii , Hidetaka Nomaki","doi":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101089","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101089","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Biodegradable plastics are expected to mitigate marine plastic pollution, yet there remains a concern of causing similar problems to petroleum-based plastics: if biodegradable plastics degrade too slowly in marine environments, they can fragment into microplastics, much like conventional plastics. In this review, we introduce the latest studies on ocean-friendly plastics encompassing fully recyclable plastics designed for efficient breakdown in recycling plants and biodegradable plastics engineered to decompose rapidly in marine environments. We explore how advancements in polymer science can contribute to mitigating plastic pollution in the oceans, one of the most urgent environmental challenges of our time.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":292,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 101089"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143174500","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 : 2025-01-20DOI: 10.1016/j.coche.2025.101091
Almeenu Rasheed, Yasser Bashir, Sovik Das
In this era of extensive plastic dependency, the detrimental effects of micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) on the ecosystem along with their pervasive nature have been drastically impacting terrestrial and aquatic life. Even though conventional treatment techniques aid in separating MNPs from water matrices, the scope for mineralizing these pollutants into nontoxic substances was fostered through the emergence of electrochemical and bioelectrochemical systems (BESs). Hence, in this manuscript, the missing links for analyzing electrochemical and BESs on the grounds of MNP mineralizing efficiency, while prioritizing economic feasibility and sustainability, are critically emphasized through life cycle analysis and techno-economic assessment. Furthermore, this opinion paper functions as a guideline for identifying the significant potential of these emerging technologies through strength–weakness–opportunity–threat analysis to overcome the current challenges and to develop economical, sustainable, and technologically efficient MNP mitigating solutions.
{"title":"Are (bio)electrochemical techniques sustainable solutions to combat micro- and nano-plastic pollution?","authors":"Almeenu Rasheed, Yasser Bashir, Sovik Das","doi":"10.1016/j.coche.2025.101091","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coche.2025.101091","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this era of extensive plastic dependency, the detrimental effects of micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) on the ecosystem along with their pervasive nature have been drastically impacting terrestrial and aquatic life. Even though conventional treatment techniques aid in separating MNPs from water matrices, the scope for mineralizing these pollutants into nontoxic substances was fostered through the emergence of electrochemical and bioelectrochemical systems (BESs). Hence, in this manuscript, the missing links for analyzing electrochemical and BESs on the grounds of MNP mineralizing efficiency, while prioritizing economic feasibility and sustainability, are critically emphasized through life cycle analysis and techno-economic assessment. Furthermore, this opinion paper functions as a guideline for identifying the significant potential of these emerging technologies through strength–weakness–opportunity–threat analysis to overcome the current challenges and to develop economical, sustainable, and technologically efficient MNP mitigating solutions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":292,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 101091"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143175419","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 : 2025-01-11DOI: 10.1016/j.coche.2024.101073
Claire S Adjiman, Amparo Galindo
Pharmaceutical manufacturing gives rise to a large amount of waste per kilogram of active ingredient, a growing concern with the trend towards larger therapeutic molecules. Achieving better sustainability requires new approaches to process development. We explore the role that computer-aided molecular (and process) design (CAMPD) methods can play, highlighting the value of an end-to-end design mindset that can enable a more holistic assessment of sustainability. We discuss the challenges that must be overcome to deploy such an approach, identifying new structure-property models and the integration of CAMPD with process synthesis and computer-aided synthesis planning as possible research directions.
{"title":"Challenges and opportunities for computer-aided molecular and process design approaches in advancing sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing","authors":"Claire S Adjiman, Amparo Galindo","doi":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101073","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101073","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pharmaceutical manufacturing gives rise to a large amount of waste per kilogram of active ingredient, a growing concern with the trend towards larger therapeutic molecules. Achieving better sustainability requires new approaches to process development. We explore the role that computer-aided molecular (and process) design (CAMPD) methods can play, highlighting the value of an end-to-end design mindset that can enable a more holistic assessment of sustainability. We discuss the challenges that must be overcome to deploy such an approach, identifying new structure-property models and the integration of CAMPD with process synthesis and computer-aided synthesis planning as possible research directions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":292,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 101073"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143174492","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-10DOI: 10.1016/j.coche.2024.101088
Thiago C Pereira, Vinícius P Souza, Ana Paula F Padilha, Fabio A Duarte, Erico MM Flores
In recent years, the recovery of bioactive substances from biomass has been widely studied for obtaining high-value products, such as phenolic compounds and polyphenols. The ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) has gained recognition as an effective technique for extracting compounds with lower solvent, time, and energy requirements, compared to conventional processes (e.g. Soxhlet). The introduction of greener solvents for extraction procedures, such as natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES), arose as a safer option than conventional organic solvents like methanol. The synergy of UAE-NADES processes can provide extracts of biocompounds with enhanced total phenolic content and superior antioxidant activity compared to extracts with conventional solvents. Using different hydrogen bond acceptors and hydrogen bond donors for NADES synthesis can generate solvents suited to diverse applications. This review aims to briefly present the status of UAE-NADES applications published from 2021 to 2024, exploring their key uses and benefits.
{"title":"Trends and perspectives on the ultrasound-assisted extraction of bioactive compounds using natural deep eutectic solvents","authors":"Thiago C Pereira, Vinícius P Souza, Ana Paula F Padilha, Fabio A Duarte, Erico MM Flores","doi":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101088","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101088","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In recent years, the recovery of bioactive substances from biomass has been widely studied for obtaining high-value products, such as phenolic compounds and polyphenols. The ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) has gained recognition as an effective technique for extracting compounds with lower solvent, time, and energy requirements, compared to conventional processes (e.g. Soxhlet). The introduction of greener solvents for extraction procedures, such as natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES), arose as a safer option than conventional organic solvents like methanol. The synergy of UAE-NADES processes can provide extracts of biocompounds with enhanced total phenolic content and superior antioxidant activity compared to extracts with conventional solvents. Using different hydrogen bond acceptors and hydrogen bond donors for NADES synthesis can generate solvents suited to diverse applications. This review aims to briefly present the status of UAE-NADES applications published from 2021 to 2024, exploring their key uses and benefits.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":292,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 101088"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143174484","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 : 2025-01-10DOI: 10.1016/j.coche.2024.101086
Jijo Lukose , Megha Sunil , Elizabeth K Westhead , Santhosh Chidangil , Satheesh Kumar
The detection of microplastics is crucial, given their widespread occurrence as a global contaminant. Although numerous techniques exist for identifying small plastic particles, optical methods are increasingly acknowledged as efficient tools, particularly due to their noninvasive nature. The sub-nanoscale wavelength of light enables the identification of the unique characteristics of microscopic plastic particles through the use of technologies that integrate applied optics. This paper presents a comprehensive perspective of the various optical approaches used for the accurate detection and analysis of microplastics across different environmental settings.
{"title":"Gaining traction of optical modalities in the detection of microplastics","authors":"Jijo Lukose , Megha Sunil , Elizabeth K Westhead , Santhosh Chidangil , Satheesh Kumar","doi":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101086","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101086","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The detection of microplastics is crucial, given their widespread occurrence as a global contaminant. Although numerous techniques exist for identifying small plastic particles, optical methods are increasingly acknowledged as efficient tools, particularly due to their noninvasive nature. The sub-nanoscale wavelength of light enables the identification of the unique characteristics of microscopic plastic particles through the use of technologies that integrate applied optics. This paper presents a comprehensive perspective of the various optical approaches used for the accurate detection and analysis of microplastics across different environmental settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":292,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 101086"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143174485","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 : 2025-01-09DOI: 10.1016/j.coche.2024.101084
Dries Versteyhe , Koen Binnemans , Tom Van Gerven
This article examines the latest developments of four different centrifugal reactors to improve liquid–liquid and precipitation processes. The mini-review covers recent scientific and technological progress made from February 2019 to July 2024 regarding the spinning disc reactor, rotor-stator spinning disc reactor, Taylor-Couette reactor, and annular centrifugal contactor, focusing on recent design evolutions and potential applications. Additionally, an overview of all the technologies is provided, aiming to highlight each technology’s strengths and weaknesses to enable an easier assessment of their applicability and position in the field of process intensification.
{"title":"Recent advancements in centrifugal contactor design for chemical processing","authors":"Dries Versteyhe , Koen Binnemans , Tom Van Gerven","doi":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101084","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101084","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This article examines the latest developments of four different centrifugal reactors to improve liquid–liquid and precipitation processes. The mini-review covers recent scientific and technological progress made from February 2019 to July 2024 regarding the spinning disc reactor, rotor-stator spinning disc reactor, Taylor-Couette reactor, and annular centrifugal contactor, focusing on recent design evolutions and potential applications. Additionally, an overview of all the technologies is provided, aiming to highlight each technology’s strengths and weaknesses to enable an easier assessment of their applicability and position in the field of process intensification.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":292,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 101084"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143174497","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 : 2025-01-09DOI: 10.1016/j.coche.2024.101085
David Lu , Minwoo Jung , Isabel C. Escobar , Tequila A.L. Harris
Next-generation polymeric membranes must be derived from more environmentally friendly materials that have similar solubility and miscibility properties as their predecessors to form permeable and selective membranes. Bio-derived polymers, recycled plastics, and eco-friendly solvents have been demonstrated to produce membranes with similar permeability and selectivity as conventional counterparts, though matching membrane durability and cost-effectiveness remain as future research challenges. Slot die coating and 3D printing have been demonstrated to show the scalability of membrane fabrication. Life cycle assessments have become valuable tools in estimating the total environmental impacts of the manufacturing process and characterizing the sustainability of new materials. Recent advances have shortened the gap between materials innovation research and commercial application.
{"title":"Advances in applying sustainable materials and manufacturing scale-up in polymeric membrane fabrication","authors":"David Lu , Minwoo Jung , Isabel C. Escobar , Tequila A.L. Harris","doi":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101085","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101085","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Next-generation polymeric membranes must be derived from more environmentally friendly materials that have similar solubility and miscibility properties as their predecessors to form permeable and selective membranes. Bio-derived polymers, recycled plastics, and eco-friendly solvents have been demonstrated to produce membranes with similar permeability and selectivity as conventional counterparts, though matching membrane durability and cost-effectiveness remain as future research challenges. Slot die coating and 3D printing have been demonstrated to show the scalability of membrane fabrication. Life cycle assessments have become valuable tools in estimating the total environmental impacts of the manufacturing process and characterizing the sustainability of new materials. Recent advances have shortened the gap between materials innovation research and commercial application.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":292,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 101085"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143174488","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 : 2025-01-03DOI: 10.1016/j.coche.2024.101082
Yeit H Teow , Woon C Chong , Woei J Lau , Ming Xie
Spiral wound membrane elements made from flat sheet polyamide thin film composite (TFC) membranes have been successfully used in industrial water and wastewater treatment processes for several decades. This membrane configuration, offering high packing density and a small footprint, is the standard design for nanofiltration and reverse osmosis processes. Despite its industrial advantages, the manufacturing of spiral wound membrane elements relies heavily on materials derived from crude oil. This review summarizes recent progress in developing sustainable spiral wound TFC membrane elements using various approaches, including green solvents, polymers/monomers sourced from renewable or recycled materials, and fabrication techniques that eliminate hazardous solvents. While promising results have emerged from relevant laboratory studies, there is a notable absence of case studies, patents, or publications from prominent membrane manufacturers on this topic. Recognizing the significance of sustainable manufacturing in mitigating environmental impacts and optimizing resource efficiency, we foresee continued and focused efforts on this subject in the near future.
{"title":"Manufacturing spiral wound element of thin film composite membrane: contemporary methods and sustainable manufacturing approaches","authors":"Yeit H Teow , Woon C Chong , Woei J Lau , Ming Xie","doi":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101082","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101082","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Spiral wound membrane elements made from flat sheet polyamide thin film composite (TFC) membranes have been successfully used in industrial water and wastewater treatment processes for several decades. This membrane configuration, offering high packing density and a small footprint, is the standard design for nanofiltration and reverse osmosis processes. Despite its industrial advantages, the manufacturing of spiral wound membrane elements relies heavily on materials derived from crude oil. This review summarizes recent progress in developing sustainable spiral wound TFC membrane elements using various approaches, including green solvents, polymers/monomers sourced from renewable or recycled materials, and fabrication techniques that eliminate hazardous solvents. While promising results have emerged from relevant laboratory studies, there is a notable absence of case studies, patents, or publications from prominent membrane manufacturers on this topic. Recognizing the significance of sustainable manufacturing in mitigating environmental impacts and optimizing resource efficiency, we foresee continued and focused efforts on this subject in the near future.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":292,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 101082"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143174487","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 : 2024-12-30DOI: 10.1016/j.coche.2024.101076
Vasilios I Manousiouthakis , Heriberto Cabezas
{"title":"Editorial overview: Climate Change Special Issue","authors":"Vasilios I Manousiouthakis , Heriberto Cabezas","doi":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101076","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101076","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":292,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 101076"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143175421","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}
Ionic liquids (ILs) have recently emerged as a new membrane material for efficient separation. In this review, current achievements of nanofiltration (NF) membranes modified by ILs are highlighted. ILs, comprising cations and anions, possess excellent tunability of functionalized groups, high polarity, high chargeability, good antimicrobial properties, low vapor pressure, and eco-friendly characteristics, which can enhance the hydrophilicity and chargeability of the NF membrane, provide additional water transport channels and water transport efficiency, as well as improve the ion selectivity, antifouling, and antibacterial properties of the NF membrane for green and sustainable separation process. Meanwhile, the challenges and future research interests toward the interaction behavior between ILs and targeted substance, the regulation of membrane surface interface properties, the separation mechanism, and the inadequacies of s-based NF membranes are discussed.
{"title":"Ionic liquids: a novel material for efficient nanofiltration membranes","authors":"Luqi Xiao , Jinfeng Cui , Linglong Shan , Xiangping Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101083","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coche.2024.101083","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ionic liquids (ILs) have recently emerged as a new membrane material for efficient separation. In this review, current achievements of nanofiltration (NF) membranes modified by ILs are highlighted. ILs, comprising cations and anions, possess excellent tunability of functionalized groups, high polarity, high chargeability, good antimicrobial properties, low vapor pressure, and eco-friendly characteristics, which can enhance the hydrophilicity and chargeability of the NF membrane, provide additional water transport channels and water transport efficiency, as well as improve the ion selectivity, antifouling, and antibacterial properties of the NF membrane for green and sustainable separation process. Meanwhile, the challenges and future research interests toward the interaction behavior between ILs and targeted substance, the regulation of membrane surface interface properties, the separation mechanism, and the inadequacies of s-based NF membranes are discussed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":292,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 101083"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143174486","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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