Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering最新文献

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) have attracted widespread interest due to their exceptional properties in heterogeneous catalysis. Recently, Z-scheme photocatalysts-based SACs are emerging as a versatile catalytic system for environmental applications. This review succinctly introduces the synthetic strategies for SAC-based Z-scheme photocatalysts and highlights their recent progress in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). The applications of Z-scheme SAC-mediated AOPs in wastewater treatment are summarized, including photo-Fenton-like reactions, photocatalysis, and piezo-photocatalysis technologies. Additionally, the advantages of the Z-scheme heterojunction in photocatalysis and the corresponding Z-scheme charge-transfer mechanisms are discussed. This review offers valuable insights into the potential applications of SAC-based Z-scheme photocatalysts for environmental remediation and aims to inspire future research on advanced SACs.

The aim of this paper is to assess carbon dioxide (CO₂) reduction research and strategies, in view of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), and in particular SDG 13 ‘Climate Action’, achievement. According to current understanding, limiting global warming to a determined temperature level requires stabilization of atmospheric greenhouse gases by achieving net-zero emissions. This implies that all residual emissions should be counterbalanced by natural or technical long-term storage sinks. Therefore, CO₂ reduction and storage appear to be essential for curtailing global warming and for the stabilization of global climate, as a precondition for the achievement of SDGs. Catalyst preparation has a high impact on carbon removal technology, especially as far as the most promising methods, such as electrochemical and photochemical reduction, are concerned. Even if the two technologies might preliminarily appear different, the inner mechanisms, that is, electron transfer and surface absorption, are common to both. This study analyses recent literature on CO₂ catalytic reduction through the analysis of network maps created by VOSviewer to spotlight the most promising areas for the sector’s improvement.

Since its creation and diversification 30 years ago, reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) has gained tremendous relevance as a powerful and versatile set of techniques for the robust synthesis of precise polymer architectures for advanced applications. In parallel, mathematical models for the polymerization kinetics, molar mass distributions, and copolymer characteristics have rapidly developed and gained sophistication and detail. The aim of this review is to provide a summary of the most important modeling techniques used in RDRP and a brief description of the most recent literature on the subject, highlighting the most relevant issues and subjects addressed in these works.

Clinical advances in the space of next-generation vaccines and medicines, together with the advent of platform technologies, have revolutionised the modus operandi of the biopharmaceutical industry. The industry’s core mission for uninterrupted delivery of high-quality, efficacious drugs is now further challenged by bold and necessary targets to operate sustainably. In this paper, we discuss how threefold sustainability that integrates economic, environmental, and social objectives can be achieved through a combination of technological advances, expert knowledge and transparent dialogue. We summarise recent advances in biomanufacturing in terms of novel technologies, intracellular and process-level analytics, and computational models before providing an outlook on how Industry 5.0 principles can be adopted and applied to advance industrial practice.

Because of increasing demand and strict regulations, pharmaceutical manufacturers encounter significant hurdles in achieving high productivity while ensuring normal process states. Variability in raw materials and operational disturbances can lead to deviations from normal operating conditions that result in decreased productivity. The implementation of smart fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) techniques is crucial for attaining acceptable productivity and ensuring process safety. In this review, we identify the major challenges of smart FDD in pharmaceutical processes, and we discuss future opportunities and new perspectives.

This review meticulously explores the innovative application of iron-based catalysts in addressing the pressing environmental challenge of removing nitrogen and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from wastewater. Traditional wastewater treatment methods fall short of efficiently eliminating these pervasive pollutants, necessitating the development of more effective, sustainable, and economically viable alternatives. Iron-based catalysts, characterized by their exceptional catalytic reduction capabilities, offer a promising solution. Through various forms, including zero-valent iron, iron oxides, and bimetallic combinations, these catalysts demonstrate a unique ability to break down nitrogen oxides and PFAS into less harmful substances. The review underscores the catalysts’ advantages in terms of reactivity, cost-efficiency, and environmental impact, highlighting their potential to transform wastewater treatment practices. However, it also acknowledges existing challenges, such as catalyst stability and the need for further optimization, to facilitate widespread application. This work advocates for intensified research efforts to refine these catalytic systems, aiming to integrate them seamlessly into future wastewater treatment infrastructures, thereby contributing to the preservation of water quality and public health.

This paper reviews the latest research advancements in cathodic membrane (CM)–based electrochemical redox processes (CMERs) for water treatment. The water purification mechanisms by CMERs, including CMER reduction, CMER Fenton, and CMER coupling other oxidant processes (CMEOs), are explained. Especially, the pathways of formation of reactive species (e.g. •OH, ¹O₂, and O₂^•) are presented in detail. Besides, the effects of different CMs and operating conditions are considered. The applications extending to refractory pollutants removal, disinfection, membrane fouling alleviation, and resource recovery are well presented and analyzed. CMER reactors are also discussed for their potentials of scale up for water treatment. Finally, the trends in the field encompassing current knowledge gaps are highlighted, and the recommendations for future research are proposed.

Advanced reduction processes (ARPs) have demonstrated efficient degradation of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This paper describes the maturity level of more established ultraviolet (UV)-based ARPs, along with other reductive processes in the research stage. Commercial ARP vendors offer varying formats of UV-activated photosensitization of chemical additives to generate hydrated electrons in batch mode. These systems are typically coupled with preliminary separation processes and treat a concentrated PFAS waste stream. Other reduction approaches such as metal catalytic reduction have not yet left the academic space. Key areas of progress needed include cost-effective pretreatment approaches, and, relatedly, demonstration of ARPs in complex waste concentrates. Further improvement in reaction kinetics and developing an effective process for treating the most recalcitrant PFAS will also increase adoption of ARPs.

Metal sulfides (MSs) have been explored extensively as promising semiconductors for photocatalytic applications in pollutant degradation, CO₂ reduction, and H₂ production. However, pure MSs suffer from several drawbacks, especially rapid electron–hole recombination. The construction of S-scheme heterojunctions has been recommended as one of effective strategies to improve charge separation and transfer, as well as to retain high redox potential electrons and holes to participate in reaction. This paper reviewed recent advances on the construction of MS-based S-scheme heterojunctions with high photocatalytic performances. In particular, various design and construction approaches, including integration with other semiconductors, microstructure control, and interface modulation, were covered along with mechanisms governing the boosted photocatalytic performances. The challenges and prospects in the research about MS-based S-scheme heterojunctions were discussed finally, providing our insight on future research.

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) possess unique physical and chemical properties clearly distinguishable from those of traditional alloys, making them promising candidates for various applications, including electrocatalysis. While the electrocatalytic performance of these alloys has been assessed in detail, the electrochemical stability is often assumed to be improved compared with single metals and simple alloys. Such an assumption is rarely supported by theoretical or experimental data and might be misleading for the further successful implementation of HEAs in real devices. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the current state of this research direction, identify the common pitfalls in assessing alloy stability, and discuss the need for advanced coupled experimental/computational studies directed toward understanding the partial dissolution of elements from alloys.