Pub Date : 2026-02-05DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2026.137133
Mengyao Han, Xiaoxuan Chen, Jiayuan Zhang, Jianrui Niu, Situ Mu, Yongkun Shi, Jing Zhang, Chun Liu, Junjun Ma
Flow-electrode capacitive deionization (FCDI) is a promising technology for the energy-efficient recovery of valuable resources like NH4+ from wastewater. While progress has been made using magnetic carbon (MC) electrodes, current research has predominantly focused on the magnetic manipulation of the MC particles themselves, largely neglecting the direct influence of the magnetic field on ion migration. Consequently, a systematic investigation into the optimization of magnetic field configurations, coupled with a quantitative force analysis of NH4+ transport, remains notably absent. This gap hinders the development of strategies for precisely regulating ion trajectories to enhance system performance. Herein, we systematically investigate the influence of magnetic field orientation, position, and intensity on NH4+ migration in a magnetic FCDI system (MF-FCDI). Our analysis reveals that the magnetic field, through the Lorentz force, synergistically acts with the electric field and the hydrodynamic drag force to modulate ion trajectories and accelerate migration. Under optimized conditions that 220 mT field applied centrally to the cathode side with MC (Fe:C = 1:1), the system achieved a superior average salt removal rate (ASRR) of 0.311 μmol·cm−2 min−1 and energy-normalized salt removal (ENRS) of 4.61 μmol·J−1. This work presents a magnetically-assisted strategy that enables both efficient NH4+ recovery and facile electrode separation.
{"title":"Analysis of ion forces in the process of enhancing NH4+ recovery by magnetic flow electrode capacitive deionization (MF-FCDI)","authors":"Mengyao Han, Xiaoxuan Chen, Jiayuan Zhang, Jianrui Niu, Situ Mu, Yongkun Shi, Jing Zhang, Chun Liu, Junjun Ma","doi":"10.1016/j.seppur.2026.137133","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2026.137133","url":null,"abstract":"Flow-electrode capacitive deionization (FCDI) is a promising technology for the energy-efficient recovery of valuable resources like NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup> from wastewater. While progress has been made using magnetic carbon (MC) electrodes, current research has predominantly focused on the magnetic manipulation of the MC particles themselves, largely neglecting the direct influence of the magnetic field on ion migration. Consequently, a systematic investigation into the optimization of magnetic field configurations, coupled with a quantitative force analysis of NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup> transport, remains notably absent. This gap hinders the development of strategies for precisely regulating ion trajectories to enhance system performance. Herein, we systematically investigate the influence of magnetic field orientation, position, and intensity on NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup> migration in a magnetic FCDI system (MF-FCDI). Our analysis reveals that the magnetic field, through the Lorentz force, synergistically acts with the electric field and the hydrodynamic drag force to modulate ion trajectories and accelerate migration. Under optimized conditions that 220 mT field applied centrally to the cathode side with MC (Fe:C = 1:1), the system achieved a superior average salt removal rate (ASRR) of 0.311 μmol·cm<sup>−2</sup> min<sup>−1</sup> and energy-normalized salt removal (ENRS) of 4.61 μmol·J<sup>−1</sup>. This work presents a magnetically-assisted strategy that enables both efficient NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup> recovery and facile electrode separation.","PeriodicalId":427,"journal":{"name":"Separation and Purification Technology","volume":"9 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146135570","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"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 : 2026-02-05DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2026.137032
Chonghao Liang, Zhongli Ji, Xiaolin Wu
This study investigates the effects of varying cone lengths on the flow field and separation performance of a volute-type cyclone separator. The turbulent flow is modeled using the Reynolds stress model. The effects of a high-concentration, polydisperse particle system on the flow field characteristics and energy consumption distribution of the gas-solid two-phase flow within the cyclone separator are examined through a coupled Population Balance Equation approach based on the Euler-Euler method. The effect of cone length on vortex motion within cyclone separators under different particle loading conditions was investigated using the Liutex vortex identification method. Furthermore, the distribution patterns of internal energy dissipation within cyclone separators across various systems were revealed through entropy production analysis based on the second law of thermodynamics. Research findings indicate that cone length under varying particle loading conditions influences vortex motion within the flow field. High particle loading attenuates turbulence intensity, resulting in the inability of strong vortex cores to extend throughout the entire fluid space in long-cone cyclones. Among the irreversible factors affecting flow field dissipation, wall dissipation and turbulent dissipation are the dominant contributors, while entropy production from temperature-difference heat transfer and viscous dissipation account for an extremely small proportion. Particle loading reduces turbulent dissipation in the flow field and wall friction. The variation in particle loading affects local dissipation in different regions of the cyclone separator while also weakening the influence of cone length on local dissipation within the cyclone separator.
{"title":"Study on the influence of cone length in volute-type cyclone separators on flow field characteristics and energy consumption","authors":"Chonghao Liang, Zhongli Ji, Xiaolin Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.seppur.2026.137032","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2026.137032","url":null,"abstract":"This study investigates the effects of varying cone lengths on the flow field and separation performance of a volute-type cyclone separator. The turbulent flow is modeled using the Reynolds stress model. The effects of a high-concentration, polydisperse particle system on the flow field characteristics and energy consumption distribution of the gas-solid two-phase flow within the cyclone separator are examined through a coupled Population Balance Equation approach based on the Euler-Euler method. The effect of cone length on vortex motion within cyclone separators under different particle loading conditions was investigated using the Liutex vortex identification method. Furthermore, the distribution patterns of internal energy dissipation within cyclone separators across various systems were revealed through entropy production analysis based on the second law of thermodynamics. Research findings indicate that cone length under varying particle loading conditions influences vortex motion within the flow field. High particle loading attenuates turbulence intensity, resulting in the inability of strong vortex cores to extend throughout the entire fluid space in long-cone cyclones. Among the irreversible factors affecting flow field dissipation, wall dissipation and turbulent dissipation are the dominant contributors, while entropy production from temperature-difference heat transfer and viscous dissipation account for an extremely small proportion. Particle loading reduces turbulent dissipation in the flow field and wall friction. The variation in particle loading affects local dissipation in different regions of the cyclone separator while also weakening the influence of cone length on local dissipation within the cyclone separator.","PeriodicalId":427,"journal":{"name":"Separation and Purification Technology","volume":"23 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146135568","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"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 : 2026-02-04DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2026.137147
Rui Li, Hang Zhou, Yiting Wang, Qiao Yu, Die Huang, , , Songdong Ding
{"title":"A novel pyrazolyl-pyridine N-donor ligand-based extraction system for the separation of trivalent actinides from lanthanides without lipophilic anions","authors":"Rui Li, Hang Zhou, Yiting Wang, Qiao Yu, Die Huang, , , Songdong Ding","doi":"10.1016/j.seppur.2026.137147","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2026.137147","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":427,"journal":{"name":"Separation and Purification Technology","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146110898","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"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 : 2026-02-04DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2026.137163
Yiming Xie, Guangzhu Cao, Ronggao Qin, Ciming Kong, Yi Qiang, Yingying Wu, Fangling Cheng, Yanfeng Lu, Ming Li
Excessive inorganic nitrogen in soil and water causes persistent regional pollution. To deeply address this, we utilized a nano zero-valent iron (nZVI)-layered double hydroxides (LDH)@biochar composite (nZVI-LDH-BC) to achieve coordinated, green removal of ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3−) ions via adsorption and redox pathways. The composite's performance was systematically evaluated. It significantly outperformed single-phase traditional precursors under optimal conditions. Specifically, NH4+ removal rates and N2N selectivity increased by 1.01–5.71 times and 1.89–2.22 times, while NO3− values improved by 1.47–16.06 times and 1.82–2.57 times. In the comparison of the material types, we observed optimal inorganic nitrogen degradation rates of 3.75 mg/(L·h) and 4.14 mg/(L·h), alongside corresponding N2N selectivities of 85.29 wt% and 92.15 wt%. In addition, environmental factors regulated removal rates between 40.39% and 100%, while N2 selectivity fluctuated in the range of 16.81–93.69 wt%. Redundancy analysis identified pH, light intensity, and initial concentration as key factors driving removal rates and N2N selectivity. Conditions for optimal removal rates included no interfering ions, more and stronger light, an initial concentration of 100 mg/L, and pH 9 or pH 5. In contrast, the differences in conditions favoring N2 selectivity included K+ (10 mg/L), a 1:4 mixing ratio, initial concentrations of 350 mg/L, and pH 7 or pH 9. This study establishes a reference for the environmental applicability of nZVI-LDH-BC. Besides, these findings offer guidance for research on synergistic NH4+ and NO3− removal and the selection of environments for long-term application.
{"title":"Dynamic responses of nZVI-LDH@biochar to key environmental factors in inorganic nitrogen removal","authors":"Yiming Xie, Guangzhu Cao, Ronggao Qin, Ciming Kong, Yi Qiang, Yingying Wu, Fangling Cheng, Yanfeng Lu, Ming Li","doi":"10.1016/j.seppur.2026.137163","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2026.137163","url":null,"abstract":"Excessive inorganic nitrogen in soil and water causes persistent regional pollution. To deeply address this, we utilized a nano zero-valent iron (nZVI)-layered double hydroxides (LDH)@biochar composite (nZVI-LDH-BC) to achieve coordinated, green removal of ammonium (NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup>) and nitrate (NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup>) ions via adsorption and redox pathways. The composite's performance was systematically evaluated. It significantly outperformed single-phase traditional precursors under optimal conditions. Specifically, NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup> removal rates and N<sub>2</sub><img alt=\"single bond\" src=\"https://sdfestaticassets-us-east-1.sciencedirectassets.com/shared-assets/55/entities/sbnd.gif\" style=\"vertical-align:middle\"/>N selectivity increased by 1.01–5.71 times and 1.89–2.22 times, while NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup> values improved by 1.47–16.06 times and 1.82–2.57 times. In the comparison of the material types, we observed optimal inorganic nitrogen degradation rates of 3.75 mg/(L·h) and 4.14 mg/(L·h), alongside corresponding N<sub>2</sub><img alt=\"single bond\" src=\"https://sdfestaticassets-us-east-1.sciencedirectassets.com/shared-assets/55/entities/sbnd.gif\" style=\"vertical-align:middle\"/>N selectivities of 85.29 wt% and 92.15 wt%. In addition, environmental factors regulated removal rates between 40.39% and 100%, while N<sub>2</sub> selectivity fluctuated in the range of 16.81–93.69 wt%. Redundancy analysis identified pH, light intensity, and initial concentration as key factors driving removal rates and N<sub>2</sub><img alt=\"single bond\" src=\"https://sdfestaticassets-us-east-1.sciencedirectassets.com/shared-assets/55/entities/sbnd.gif\" style=\"vertical-align:middle\"/>N selectivity. Conditions for optimal removal rates included no interfering ions, more and stronger light, an initial concentration of 100 mg/L, and pH 9 or pH 5. In contrast, the differences in conditions favoring N<sub>2</sub> selectivity included K<sup>+</sup> (10 mg/L), a 1:4 mixing ratio, initial concentrations of 350 mg/L, and pH 7 or pH 9. This study establishes a reference for the environmental applicability of nZVI-LDH-BC. Besides, these findings offer guidance for research on synergistic NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup> and NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup> removal and the selection of environments for long-term application.","PeriodicalId":427,"journal":{"name":"Separation and Purification Technology","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146115828","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"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 : 2026-02-04DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2026.137049
Yunpeng Zhang, Zhenghui Ma, Hongfei Wei, Guoli Fan, Feng Li
Currently, regarding the capture, storage, and utilization of greenhouse CO2 gas, catalytic hydrogenation of captured CO2 to produce methanol represents a critical strategy for establishing sustainable carbon cycles and remains substantial interest. Given the inherent complexity of multi-step proton-electron transfer processes in this reaction, conventional catalysts featuring single active centers exhibit limited catalytic efficiency. In this study, a unique Co/In2O3-ZrO2 catalyst was constructed by facile one-pot solvothermal approach. It was shown that as-constructed Co/In2O3-ZrO2 catalyst with highly dispersed surface Co0 nanoclusters and abundant interfacial Co-Ov-In and Co-Ov-Zr structures (Ov: oxygen vacancies) exhibited exceptional catalytic performance in CO2 hydrogenation, with high methanol production under mild reaction conditions. By combining comprehensive structural characterization, in situ spectroscopic analysis, and density functional theory calculations, it was unveiled that on the Co/In2O3-ZrO2 catalyst, surface highly dispersed Co0 sites on In2O3 and ZrO2 matrix enabled efficient H2 dissociation, and abundant interfacial Co-Ov-In structures significantly enhanced the adsorption of CO2 and the stabilization and transformation of formate intermediates during CO2 hydrogenation. Therefore, the synergistic interplay between Co-In2O3 and Co-ZrO2 dual interfacial structures in the ternary CoInZr catalysis system ultimately enabled highly efficient methanol production. This work establishes a new paradigm for designing high-performance non-noble metal catalysts by precisely engineering multiple surfacial/interfacial structures within multi-component catalysts to boost CO2 hydrogenation to produce methanol.
目前，关于温室二氧化碳气体的捕集、储存和利用，捕集的二氧化碳催化加氢生产甲醇是建立可持续碳循环的关键策略，仍然是人们关注的焦点。考虑到该反应中多步质子-电子转移过程的固有复杂性，具有单一活性中心的传统催化剂表现出有限的催化效率。本研究采用简单的一锅溶剂热法制备了一种独特的Co/In2O3-ZrO2催化剂。结果表明，构建的Co/In2O3-ZrO2催化剂具有高度分散的表面Co0纳米团簇和丰富的Co-Ov- in和Co-Ov- zr界面结构（Ov：氧空位），在温和的反应条件下具有优异的CO2加氢催化性能，甲醇产量高。通过综合结构表征、原位光谱分析和密度泛函理论计算，揭示了在Co/In2O3-ZrO2催化剂上，In2O3和ZrO2基体表面高度分散的Co0位点使H2高效解离，丰富的Co- ov - in界面结构显著增强了Co/In2O3-ZrO2催化剂对CO2的吸附以及CO2加氢过程中甲酸酯中间体的稳定转化。因此，在三元CoInZr催化体系中，Co-In2O3和Co-ZrO2双界面结构之间的协同相互作用最终实现了高效甲醇生产。这项工作为设计高性能非贵金属催化剂建立了一个新的范例，通过在多组分催化剂中精确设计多个表面/界面结构来促进CO2加氢生成甲醇。
{"title":"Engineering dual interfacial metal/oxide structures over the co/In2O3-ZrO2 catalyst for efficient CO2 hydrogenation to produce methanol","authors":"Yunpeng Zhang, Zhenghui Ma, Hongfei Wei, Guoli Fan, Feng Li","doi":"10.1016/j.seppur.2026.137049","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2026.137049","url":null,"abstract":"Currently, regarding the capture, storage, and utilization of greenhouse CO<sub>2</sub> gas, catalytic hydrogenation of captured CO<sub>2</sub> to produce methanol represents a critical strategy for establishing sustainable carbon cycles and remains substantial interest. Given the inherent complexity of multi-step proton-electron transfer processes in this reaction, conventional catalysts featuring single active centers exhibit limited catalytic efficiency. In this study, a unique Co/In<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>-ZrO<sub>2</sub> catalyst was constructed by facile one-pot solvothermal approach. It was shown that as-constructed Co/In<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>-ZrO<sub>2</sub> catalyst with highly dispersed surface Co<sup>0</sup> nanoclusters and abundant interfacial Co-O<sub>v</sub>-In and Co-O<sub>v</sub>-Zr structures (O<sub>v</sub>: oxygen vacancies) exhibited exceptional catalytic performance in CO<sub>2</sub> hydrogenation, with high methanol production under mild reaction conditions. By combining comprehensive structural characterization, <em>in situ</em> spectroscopic analysis, and density functional theory calculations, it was unveiled that on the Co/In<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>-ZrO<sub>2</sub> catalyst, surface highly dispersed Co<sup>0</sup> sites on In<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> and ZrO<sub>2</sub> matrix enabled efficient H<sub>2</sub> dissociation, and abundant interfacial Co-O<sub>v</sub>-In structures significantly enhanced the adsorption of CO<sub>2</sub> and the stabilization and transformation of formate intermediates during CO<sub>2</sub> hydrogenation. Therefore, the synergistic interplay between Co-In<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> and Co-ZrO<sub>2</sub> dual interfacial structures in the ternary CoInZr catalysis system ultimately enabled highly efficient methanol production. This work establishes a new paradigm for designing high-performance non-noble metal catalysts by precisely engineering multiple surfacial/interfacial structures within multi-component catalysts to boost CO<sub>2</sub> hydrogenation to produce methanol.","PeriodicalId":427,"journal":{"name":"Separation and Purification Technology","volume":"9 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146115829","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"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 : 2026-02-04DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2026.137161
Dong A. Kang, Blake Trusty, Shailesh Dangwal, Benjamin T. Manard, Jordan S. Stanberry, Mariappan Parans Paranthaman, Ramesh R. Bhave, Syed Z. Islam
Rare earth elements (REEs) are essential for advanced technologies and yet face significant supply chain risks due to their concentrated global production and limited domestic availability. Addressing this challenge requires efficient processes capable of upgrading low-grade secondary resources such as mine tailings. In this study, we developed a novel separation flowsheet that integrates sequential leaching and 2-stage solvent extraction (SX) processes to recover high-purity heavy REEs (HREEs) and light REEs (LREEs) from a simulated mine-tailing concentrate containing 2.4 wt% total REEs (TREEs; 0.6 wt% LREEs and 1.8 wt% HREEs). Sequential leaching with controlled pH adjustment selectively precipitated REEs while retaining the large amount of impurities in the solution, producing an REE-enriched leachate by following leaching processes with roughly twice the REE concentration and half the impurity concentration compared to that of single-step leaching. The optimized SX flowsheet employed Cyanex 572 to extract HREEs and Fe over LREEs, followed by Fe removal using tributyl phosphate (TBP), while the raffinate stream was processed by SX with di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) to recover LREEs under optimized conditions balancing both extraction efficiency and purity. Although increased extractant availability in the organic phase improved LREE recovery, it also increased co-extraction of Ca, underscoring trade-offs in process optimization. Both HREE- and LREE-rich solutions were subsequently precipitated into solid products via oxalate precipitation, resulting in high-purity REE solids containing ~92.0 wt% HREEs (~ 95.7 wt% TREEs) and ~ 92.8 wt% LREEs (~ 94.0 wt% TREEs). This proof-of-concept study using simulated mine tailings demonstrates a promising approach for upgrading low-grade REE resources, while highlighting the need for future validation with real materials.
{"title":"Process design for recovering rare-earth elements from mine tailings with low rare-earth concentrations via sequential leaching and solvent extraction","authors":"Dong A. Kang, Blake Trusty, Shailesh Dangwal, Benjamin T. Manard, Jordan S. Stanberry, Mariappan Parans Paranthaman, Ramesh R. Bhave, Syed Z. Islam","doi":"10.1016/j.seppur.2026.137161","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2026.137161","url":null,"abstract":"Rare earth elements (REEs) are essential for advanced technologies and yet face significant supply chain risks due to their concentrated global production and limited domestic availability. Addressing this challenge requires efficient processes capable of upgrading low-grade secondary resources such as mine tailings. In this study, we developed a novel separation flowsheet that integrates sequential leaching and 2-stage solvent extraction (SX) processes to recover high-purity heavy REEs (HREEs) and light REEs (LREEs) from a simulated mine-tailing concentrate containing 2.4 wt% total REEs (TREEs; 0.6 wt% LREEs and 1.8 wt% HREEs). Sequential leaching with controlled pH adjustment selectively precipitated REEs while retaining the large amount of impurities in the solution, producing an REE-enriched leachate by following leaching processes with roughly twice the REE concentration and half the impurity concentration compared to that of single-step leaching. The optimized SX flowsheet employed Cyanex 572 to extract HREEs and Fe over LREEs, followed by Fe removal using tributyl phosphate (TBP), while the raffinate stream was processed by SX with di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) to recover LREEs under optimized conditions balancing both extraction efficiency and purity. Although increased extractant availability in the organic phase improved LREE recovery, it also increased co-extraction of Ca, underscoring trade-offs in process optimization. Both HREE- and LREE-rich solutions were subsequently precipitated into solid products via oxalate precipitation, resulting in high-purity REE solids containing ~92.0 wt% HREEs (~ 95.7 wt% TREEs) and ~ 92.8 wt% LREEs (~ 94.0 wt% TREEs). This proof-of-concept study using simulated mine tailings demonstrates a promising approach for upgrading low-grade REE resources, while highlighting the need for future validation with real materials.","PeriodicalId":427,"journal":{"name":"Separation and Purification Technology","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146116138","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Solar-driven interfacial evaporators (SDIEs) have advanced sustainable desalination by enabling freshwater production and salt harvesting from brines. Here, electrospun cellulose acetate (CA) films with aligned nanoporous fibers are rolled into a 3D cylinder and partially coated with a carbon black/poly(vinyl alcohol) (CB/PVA) photothermal layer to create an environmentally-friendly SDIE for concurrent desalination and salt recovery. The evaporator achieves a high evaporation rate of 4.44 kg m−2 h−1 under 1 sun, corresponding to a photothermal conversion efficiency of 107.3% based on equivalent evaporation enthalpy. This performance is ascribed to reduced vaporization enthalpy from material-water interactions and nanoporous structures, along with cold evaporation-induced environmental energy harvesting. Under 1 sun, the SDIE stably treats brines of 3.5–20 wt% salinity with edge-preferential salt crystallization due to its fibrous microporous architecture. This feature allows gravity-assisted salt collection and durable function in 10 wt% NaCl for 10 days, maintaining average steam generation and salt harvesting rates of 4.71 kg m−2 h−1 and 3.21 kg m−2 day−1, respectively. Condensed waters from 3.5 wt% NaCl and simulated seawater exhibit high purity with significantly lower conductivities. The outdoor experiment also reveals the stable performance of the SDIE under actual conditions. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation further validates edge-preferential salt aggregation. This innovative device offers a promising route for simultaneous freshwater and salt collection from brines.
太阳能驱动的界面蒸发器（SDIEs）通过实现淡水生产和从盐水中收集盐，推动了可持续的海水淡化。在这里，电纺醋酸纤维素（CA）薄膜与排列整齐的纳米多孔纤维被卷成一个3D圆柱体，并部分涂上炭黑/聚乙烯醇（CB/PVA）光热层，以创建一个环保的SDIE，用于同时脱盐和盐回收。蒸发器在1个太阳下的蒸发速率高达4.44 kg m−2 h−1，根据等效蒸发焓计算，光热转换效率为107.3%。这种性能归因于材料-水相互作用和纳米孔结构的蒸发焓降低，以及冷蒸发引起的环境能量收集。在1个太阳下，由于其纤维微孔结构，SDIE稳定地处理盐度为3.5 - 20%的盐水，并具有边缘优先的盐结晶。该功能允许重力辅助盐收集和在10 wt% NaCl中持续10天，保持平均蒸汽产生和盐收集率分别为4.71 kg m−2 h−1和3.21 kg m−2 day−1。3.5 wt% NaCl和模拟海水的凝结水纯度高，电导率明显降低。室外实验也显示了SDIE在实际条件下的稳定性能。计算流体动力学（CFD）模拟进一步验证了边缘优先的盐聚集。这种创新的设备为同时从盐水中收集淡水和盐提供了一条有前途的途径。
{"title":"Nanoporous fibrous 3D solar evaporator for efficient freshwater generation and salt recovery","authors":"Mojtaba Ebrahimian Mashhadi, Md. Mehadi Hassan, Ningxin Chen, Ruijie Yang, Qingye Lu","doi":"10.1016/j.seppur.2026.137162","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2026.137162","url":null,"abstract":"Solar-driven interfacial evaporators (SDIEs) have advanced sustainable desalination by enabling freshwater production and salt harvesting from brines. Here, electrospun cellulose acetate (CA) films with aligned nanoporous fibers are rolled into a 3D cylinder and partially coated with a carbon black/poly(vinyl alcohol) (CB/PVA) photothermal layer to create an environmentally-friendly SDIE for concurrent desalination and salt recovery. The evaporator achieves a high evaporation rate of 4.44 kg m<sup>−2</sup> h<sup>−1</sup> under 1 sun, corresponding to a photothermal conversion efficiency of 107.3% based on equivalent evaporation enthalpy. This performance is ascribed to reduced vaporization enthalpy from material-water interactions and nanoporous structures, along with cold evaporation-induced environmental energy harvesting. Under 1 sun, the SDIE stably treats brines of 3.5–20 wt% salinity with edge-preferential salt crystallization due to its fibrous microporous architecture. This feature allows gravity-assisted salt collection and durable function in 10 wt% NaCl for 10 days, maintaining average steam generation and salt harvesting rates of 4.71 kg m<sup>−2</sup> h<sup>−1</sup> and 3.21 kg m<sup>−2</sup> day<sup>−1</sup>, respectively. Condensed waters from 3.5 wt% NaCl and simulated seawater exhibit high purity with significantly lower conductivities. The outdoor experiment also reveals the stable performance of the SDIE under actual conditions. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation further validates edge-preferential salt aggregation. This innovative device offers a promising route for simultaneous freshwater and salt collection from brines.","PeriodicalId":427,"journal":{"name":"Separation and Purification Technology","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146135574","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Due to the presence of high content of oxygenated compounds (aldehydes, alcohols, carboxylic acids, esters, ethers, furfurals, ketones, lignin-derived compounds, phenols, and sugars), bio-oil has inferior oil properties compared to petroleum-derived oils. This creates numerous technological challenges in downstream separation processes. The present study outlines recent research trends on various separation strategies for upgrading crude biogenic pyrolysis oil for the production of valuable commodities. The focus of the present study mainly concentrates on the various separation strategies such as column chromatography, distillation, membrane filtration, crystallization, solvent extraction, electrosorption, and fractional condensation with respect to principles of operation, efficiency, economy and environmental concerns. Phase separation using solvent and adsorbent was found to be the best separation strategy compared to others due to lower capital investment and energy expenditure. However, there are various technological challenges with separation strategies for scale-up in industries. A comparative analysis of various separation strategies with the application of various bio-oil fractions from aqueous phases of bio-oil is summarized to understand the possible pathways for utilization in various industries. A brief section on technoeconomic analysis with existing pilot and semi-pilot pyrolysis plants is presented to understand the economic feasibility of pyrolysis and upgrading strategies. In the end, the circular economy perspective of the pyrolysis-separation and its integration with a machine learning model, are briefly outlined.
{"title":"Recent progress in separation strategies for upgrading bio-oil: mechanisms, challenges and a way forward","authors":"Akhil Mohan, Åsa Emmer, Klas Engvall, Mats Jonsson","doi":"10.1016/j.seppur.2026.137146","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2026.137146","url":null,"abstract":"Due to the presence of high content of oxygenated compounds (aldehydes, alcohols, carboxylic acids, esters, ethers, furfurals, ketones, lignin-derived compounds, phenols, and sugars), bio-oil has inferior oil properties compared to petroleum-derived oils. This creates numerous technological challenges in downstream separation processes. The present study outlines recent research trends on various separation strategies for upgrading crude biogenic pyrolysis oil for the production of valuable commodities. The focus of the present study mainly concentrates on the various separation strategies such as column chromatography, distillation, membrane filtration, crystallization, solvent extraction, electrosorption, and fractional condensation with respect to principles of operation, efficiency, economy and environmental concerns. Phase separation using solvent and adsorbent was found to be the best separation strategy compared to others due to lower capital investment and energy expenditure. However, there are various technological challenges with separation strategies for scale-up in industries. A comparative analysis of various separation strategies with the application of various bio-oil fractions from aqueous phases of bio-oil is summarized to understand the possible pathways for utilization in various industries. A brief section on technoeconomic analysis with existing pilot and semi-pilot pyrolysis plants is presented to understand the economic feasibility of pyrolysis and upgrading strategies. In the end, the circular economy perspective of the pyrolysis-separation and its integration with a machine learning model, are briefly outlined.","PeriodicalId":427,"journal":{"name":"Separation and Purification Technology","volume":"17 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146115827","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
N selectivity increased by 1.01–5.71 times and 1.89–2.22 times, while NO3− values improved by 1.47–16.06 times and 1.82–2.57 times. In the comparison of the material types, we observed optimal inorganic nitrogen degradation rates of 3.75 mg/(L·h) and 4.14 mg/(L·h), alongside corresponding N2
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