Pub Date : 2024-12-12DOI: 10.1038/s44296-024-00043-7
Sarah L. Williams, Danielle N. Beatty, Wil V. Srubar III
The use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) is a key method used to reduce the embodied carbon of cement-based materials. Uncertainty in traditional SCM markets has led to increased interest in alternative, natural SCM materials. In this work, biosilica derived from freshly cultured diatom frustules (grown by Thalassiosira pseudonana and Phaeodactylum tricornutum) was assessed as an alternative SCM for the first time. The chemical reactivity of each biosilica source was assessed using a small-scale version of ASTM C1897 (the R3 test) previously developed by the authors. The chemical reactivity of T. pseudonana frustules was relatively high (i.e., greater than that of blast furnace slag, but lower than that of metakaolin). P. tricornutum frustules exhibited a lower chemical reactivity, similar to a Class F fly ash. Results demonstrate the potential to grow highly reactive biominerals using diatoms and highlight the potential tunability of diatom biosilica for use as a novel, sustainable SCM.
{"title":"Diatom biosilica as a supplementary cementitious material","authors":"Sarah L. Williams, Danielle N. Beatty, Wil V. Srubar III","doi":"10.1038/s44296-024-00043-7","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44296-024-00043-7","url":null,"abstract":"The use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) is a key method used to reduce the embodied carbon of cement-based materials. Uncertainty in traditional SCM markets has led to increased interest in alternative, natural SCM materials. In this work, biosilica derived from freshly cultured diatom frustules (grown by Thalassiosira pseudonana and Phaeodactylum tricornutum) was assessed as an alternative SCM for the first time. The chemical reactivity of each biosilica source was assessed using a small-scale version of ASTM C1897 (the R3 test) previously developed by the authors. The chemical reactivity of T. pseudonana frustules was relatively high (i.e., greater than that of blast furnace slag, but lower than that of metakaolin). P. tricornutum frustules exhibited a lower chemical reactivity, similar to a Class F fly ash. Results demonstrate the potential to grow highly reactive biominerals using diatoms and highlight the potential tunability of diatom biosilica for use as a novel, sustainable SCM.","PeriodicalId":471646,"journal":{"name":"npj Materials Sustainability","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s44296-024-00043-7.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142821507","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Heightened concerns on water pollution have increased research on environmentally friendly materials for water and wastewater treatment. Ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have emerged among potential solutions due to their properties, including low vapor pressure and solvating capabilities, enabling the targeting of specific contaminants. This critical review explores innovative applications of ILs and DESs in water and wastewater treatment, emphasizing adaptability and effectiveness in various treatment processes.
{"title":"Exploring ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents for emerging contaminant removal from water and wastewater","authors":"Setareh Cheshmekhezr, Shams Razzak Rothee, Morteza Nazaripour, Ashiqur Rahman, Hamed Heidari, Sayeda Ummeh Masrura, Eakalak Khan","doi":"10.1038/s44296-024-00042-8","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44296-024-00042-8","url":null,"abstract":"Heightened concerns on water pollution have increased research on environmentally friendly materials for water and wastewater treatment. Ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have emerged among potential solutions due to their properties, including low vapor pressure and solvating capabilities, enabling the targeting of specific contaminants. This critical review explores innovative applications of ILs and DESs in water and wastewater treatment, emphasizing adaptability and effectiveness in various treatment processes.","PeriodicalId":471646,"journal":{"name":"npj Materials Sustainability","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s44296-024-00042-8.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142778637","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-11-14DOI: 10.1038/s44296-024-00039-3
Sajid Bashir, Jingbo Louise Liu
We explored safer, superior energy storage solutions by investigating all-solid-state electrolytes with high theoretical energy densities of 3860 mAh g−1, corresponding to the Li-metal anode. Despite challenges like dendrite growth, we synthesized ceramic-based electrolytes using green chemistry. These non-doped and doped electrolytes with F-, Ce-, and Mo demonstrated notable ionic conductivity (0.15–0.54 S cm−1) and durability. By customizing nanostructured materials, we improved battery performance, surpassing the conductivity of commercial electrolytes.
我们通过研究理论能量密度高达 3860 mAh g-1 的全固态电解质（相当于锂金属阳极），探索了更安全、更优越的储能解决方案。尽管面临枝晶生长等挑战，我们还是利用绿色化学合成了陶瓷基电解质。这些未掺杂和掺杂 F-、Ce- 和 Mo 的电解质具有显著的离子导电性（0.15-0.54 S cm-1）和耐久性。通过定制纳米结构材料，我们提高了电池性能，超越了商用电解质的导电性。
{"title":"Design and evaluations of nano-ceramic electrolytes used for solid-state lithium battery","authors":"Sajid Bashir, Jingbo Louise Liu","doi":"10.1038/s44296-024-00039-3","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44296-024-00039-3","url":null,"abstract":"We explored safer, superior energy storage solutions by investigating all-solid-state electrolytes with high theoretical energy densities of 3860 mAh g−1, corresponding to the Li-metal anode. Despite challenges like dendrite growth, we synthesized ceramic-based electrolytes using green chemistry. These non-doped and doped electrolytes with F-, Ce-, and Mo demonstrated notable ionic conductivity (0.15–0.54 S cm−1) and durability. By customizing nanostructured materials, we improved battery performance, surpassing the conductivity of commercial electrolytes.","PeriodicalId":471646,"journal":{"name":"npj Materials Sustainability","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s44296-024-00039-3.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142637002","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-11-01DOI: 10.1038/s44296-024-00034-8
Catherine De Wolf, Brandon S. Byers, Deepika Raghu, Matthew Gordon, Vanessa Schwarzkopf, Eleftherios Triantafyllidis
The intersection of digital transformation and circular construction practices presents significant potential to mitigate environmental impacts through optimised material reuse. We propose a five-step (D5) digital circular workflow that integrates these digital innovations towards reuse, validated through real-world case studies. We assessed a variety of digital tools for enhancing the reuse of construction materials, including digital product passports, material classification assisted by artificial intelligence (AI), reality capture, computational design, design inspired by generative AI, digital fabrication techniques, extended reality, and blockchain technology. Using action research through a multiple case study approach, we disassembled several buildings that were set for demolition and subsequently designed and executed construction projects using the salvaged materials. Our findings indicate that digital transformation for detection, disassembly, distribution, design, and finally deployment significantly support the application of circular economy principles. We demonstrate the potential of the proposed workflow for industry implementation and scalability.
{"title":"D5 digital circular workflow: five digital steps towards matchmaking for material reuse in construction","authors":"Catherine De Wolf, Brandon S. Byers, Deepika Raghu, Matthew Gordon, Vanessa Schwarzkopf, Eleftherios Triantafyllidis","doi":"10.1038/s44296-024-00034-8","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44296-024-00034-8","url":null,"abstract":"The intersection of digital transformation and circular construction practices presents significant potential to mitigate environmental impacts through optimised material reuse. We propose a five-step (D5) digital circular workflow that integrates these digital innovations towards reuse, validated through real-world case studies. We assessed a variety of digital tools for enhancing the reuse of construction materials, including digital product passports, material classification assisted by artificial intelligence (AI), reality capture, computational design, design inspired by generative AI, digital fabrication techniques, extended reality, and blockchain technology. Using action research through a multiple case study approach, we disassembled several buildings that were set for demolition and subsequently designed and executed construction projects using the salvaged materials. Our findings indicate that digital transformation for detection, disassembly, distribution, design, and finally deployment significantly support the application of circular economy principles. We demonstrate the potential of the proposed workflow for industry implementation and scalability.","PeriodicalId":471646,"journal":{"name":"npj Materials Sustainability","volume":" ","pages":"1-15"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11530372/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142570907","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-21DOI: 10.1038/s44296-024-00041-9
Maria Magdalena Ramirez-Corredores
The current CO2 emissions scale (Gton) magnitude is 5–6 orders greater than that of utilization (Mton). CO2 utilization should focus on its massive consumption, application of sustainable technologies, low-C energy sources and long-lasting products. CO2 conversion into materials might fulfill these requirements while using C-neutral resources and circularization to avoid waste generation will contribute to achieve sustainability. This article revises reported RD&T on production of CO2-derived materials and circularization approaches.
{"title":"Sustainable production of CO2-derived materials","authors":"Maria Magdalena Ramirez-Corredores","doi":"10.1038/s44296-024-00041-9","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44296-024-00041-9","url":null,"abstract":"The current CO2 emissions scale (Gton) magnitude is 5–6 orders greater than that of utilization (Mton). CO2 utilization should focus on its massive consumption, application of sustainable technologies, low-C energy sources and long-lasting products. CO2 conversion into materials might fulfill these requirements while using C-neutral resources and circularization to avoid waste generation will contribute to achieve sustainability. This article revises reported RD&T on production of CO2-derived materials and circularization approaches.","PeriodicalId":471646,"journal":{"name":"npj Materials Sustainability","volume":" ","pages":"1-21"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s44296-024-00041-9.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142487185","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This research investigates the effect of carbon sequestration via accelerated carbon curing (ACC) in alkali-activated earth-based alkali-activated mortar (25S-AAM) on the long-term engineering performance, chemical bonding and microstructure. The addition of clay accelerates hydration kinetics and promotes the formation of more cross-linked calcium–(sodium) alumino silicate hydrates (N-A-S-H and C-(N)-A-S-H). This contributes to early strength and a 25% reduction in total shrinkage after 60 days. Although ACC promotes higher carbon sequestration and increases 1-d compressive strength by 13%, it leads to severe decalcification of 25S-AAM after 365 days of natural exposure, resulting in coarsening of the pore structure in the mesoporous size range of 10–100 nm. Due to a relatively low Ca/Si ratio, 25S-AAM is more adversely affected by natural carbonation during the 365-d exposure period than the control (without clay). In summary, ACC is not recommended for earth-based AAM products especially if they are applied for outdoor constructions.
{"title":"Carbon sequestration in earth-based alkali-activated mortar: phase changes and performance after natural exposure","authors":"Pitabash Sahoo, Nikita Rao, Sheetal Kumar Jain, Souradeep Gupta","doi":"10.1038/s44296-024-00040-w","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44296-024-00040-w","url":null,"abstract":"This research investigates the effect of carbon sequestration via accelerated carbon curing (ACC) in alkali-activated earth-based alkali-activated mortar (25S-AAM) on the long-term engineering performance, chemical bonding and microstructure. The addition of clay accelerates hydration kinetics and promotes the formation of more cross-linked calcium–(sodium) alumino silicate hydrates (N-A-S-H and C-(N)-A-S-H). This contributes to early strength and a 25% reduction in total shrinkage after 60 days. Although ACC promotes higher carbon sequestration and increases 1-d compressive strength by 13%, it leads to severe decalcification of 25S-AAM after 365 days of natural exposure, resulting in coarsening of the pore structure in the mesoporous size range of 10–100 nm. Due to a relatively low Ca/Si ratio, 25S-AAM is more adversely affected by natural carbonation during the 365-d exposure period than the control (without clay). In summary, ACC is not recommended for earth-based AAM products especially if they are applied for outdoor constructions.","PeriodicalId":471646,"journal":{"name":"npj Materials Sustainability","volume":" ","pages":"1-21"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s44296-024-00040-w.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142377234","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-01DOI: 10.1038/s44296-024-00036-6
Kerry Rippy, Robert T. Bell, Noemi Leick
Currently, the iron and steel industry is responsible for 7% of global CO2 emissions. In this review, we summarize the operational principles of current emissions-intensive steelmaking technologies and review emerging low- and zero-carbon technologies that could substantially reduce emissions. Current technologies that are discussed include blast furnaces, electric arc furnaces, and smelting. Promising low-carbon routes include use of alternative reductants for ore processing (hydrogen direct reduction, hydrogen plasma-smelting, hydrogen smelting, and ammonia-based reduction), electrolytic iron production (with aqueous and molten oxide electrolytes) and biocarbon-based electric arc furnace operation. Advantages of each approach are presented, and remaining research hurdles are identified.
{"title":"Chemical and electrochemical pathways to low-carbon iron and steel","authors":"Kerry Rippy, Robert T. Bell, Noemi Leick","doi":"10.1038/s44296-024-00036-6","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44296-024-00036-6","url":null,"abstract":"Currently, the iron and steel industry is responsible for 7% of global CO2 emissions. In this review, we summarize the operational principles of current emissions-intensive steelmaking technologies and review emerging low- and zero-carbon technologies that could substantially reduce emissions. Current technologies that are discussed include blast furnaces, electric arc furnaces, and smelting. Promising low-carbon routes include use of alternative reductants for ore processing (hydrogen direct reduction, hydrogen plasma-smelting, hydrogen smelting, and ammonia-based reduction), electrolytic iron production (with aqueous and molten oxide electrolytes) and biocarbon-based electric arc furnace operation. Advantages of each approach are presented, and remaining research hurdles are identified.","PeriodicalId":471646,"journal":{"name":"npj Materials Sustainability","volume":" ","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s44296-024-00036-6.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142360056","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-13DOI: 10.1038/s44296-024-00038-4
Francisco Matus, Osvaldo Salazar, Felipe Aburto, Denisse Zamorano, Francisco Nájera, Radmila Jovanović, Catalina Guerra, Luis Reyes-Rojas, Oscar Seguel, Marco Pfeiffer, José Dörner, Susana Valle, Sergio Radic-Schilling, Efraín Duarte
We analysed a large dataset consisting of 457 soil profiles of Andisols and Ultisols of volcanic origin compared to 60 non-volcanic soils. We hypothesised that soil pH has a greater impact on the development of Al-organomineral complexes in volcanic soils compared to non-volcanic soils, in the latter, the silt and clay fractions play a crucial role. Soil pH >4.5 strongly influenced the formation of Al-organomineral complexes in volcanic soils, while an increase in allophane content led to a decrease in SOC. Ultisols with more crystalline clays, such as halloysite and disordered kaolinite, the pH had a weaker impact and there was no effect on non-volcanic soils. Instead, a positive correlation (R2 = 0.63, p < 0.01) was found between silt and clay and SOC in non-volcanic soils, supporting our second hypothesis. Soil pH played a significant role in the interplay between Al-organomineral complexes and allophane formation, while crystalline mineralogy has a direct effect on SOC levels in non-volcanic soils.
{"title":"Perspective of soil carbon sequestration in Chilean volcanic soils","authors":"Francisco Matus, Osvaldo Salazar, Felipe Aburto, Denisse Zamorano, Francisco Nájera, Radmila Jovanović, Catalina Guerra, Luis Reyes-Rojas, Oscar Seguel, Marco Pfeiffer, José Dörner, Susana Valle, Sergio Radic-Schilling, Efraín Duarte","doi":"10.1038/s44296-024-00038-4","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44296-024-00038-4","url":null,"abstract":"We analysed a large dataset consisting of 457 soil profiles of Andisols and Ultisols of volcanic origin compared to 60 non-volcanic soils. We hypothesised that soil pH has a greater impact on the development of Al-organomineral complexes in volcanic soils compared to non-volcanic soils, in the latter, the silt and clay fractions play a crucial role. Soil pH >4.5 strongly influenced the formation of Al-organomineral complexes in volcanic soils, while an increase in allophane content led to a decrease in SOC. Ultisols with more crystalline clays, such as halloysite and disordered kaolinite, the pH had a weaker impact and there was no effect on non-volcanic soils. Instead, a positive correlation (R2 = 0.63, p < 0.01) was found between silt and clay and SOC in non-volcanic soils, supporting our second hypothesis. Soil pH played a significant role in the interplay between Al-organomineral complexes and allophane formation, while crystalline mineralogy has a direct effect on SOC levels in non-volcanic soils.","PeriodicalId":471646,"journal":{"name":"npj Materials Sustainability","volume":" ","pages":"1-7"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s44296-024-00038-4.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142174393","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-10DOI: 10.1038/s44296-024-00037-5
Nicolò Pajer, Chiara Cestari, Dimitris S. Argyropoulos, Claudia Crestini
Recently, self-assembly processes operating in lignin have been the subject of intense research with the aim to prepare high-value, environmentally sustainable, nanomaterials for diverse material applications such as antimicrobial, antibacterial, UV-shielding, photonics etc. Lignin offers structural features that make these potential applications possible once well-tailored aggregates are synthesised. However, the intricate nature of lignin and the ensuing complexity of its aggregation behaviour, coupled with the plethora and diversity of techniques used, still requires systematic attempts to unify the scattered and at times contradictory data. This effort attempts to enumerate the various parameters affecting self-assembly phenomena of lignins by critically considering the science behind its solvation behaviour in organic solvents, in aqueous media, and its eventual self-assembly in forming nano-systems. Finally, knowledge gaps that cause present limitations and potential future efforts, are identified so as to arrive at a thorough comprehension of these phenomena.
{"title":"From lignin self assembly to nanoparticles nucleation and growth: A critical perspective","authors":"Nicolò Pajer, Chiara Cestari, Dimitris S. Argyropoulos, Claudia Crestini","doi":"10.1038/s44296-024-00037-5","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44296-024-00037-5","url":null,"abstract":"Recently, self-assembly processes operating in lignin have been the subject of intense research with the aim to prepare high-value, environmentally sustainable, nanomaterials for diverse material applications such as antimicrobial, antibacterial, UV-shielding, photonics etc. Lignin offers structural features that make these potential applications possible once well-tailored aggregates are synthesised. However, the intricate nature of lignin and the ensuing complexity of its aggregation behaviour, coupled with the plethora and diversity of techniques used, still requires systematic attempts to unify the scattered and at times contradictory data. This effort attempts to enumerate the various parameters affecting self-assembly phenomena of lignins by critically considering the science behind its solvation behaviour in organic solvents, in aqueous media, and its eventual self-assembly in forming nano-systems. Finally, knowledge gaps that cause present limitations and potential future efforts, are identified so as to arrive at a thorough comprehension of these phenomena.","PeriodicalId":471646,"journal":{"name":"npj Materials Sustainability","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s44296-024-00037-5.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142160307","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-02DOI: 10.1038/s44296-024-00035-7
Khushank Singhal, Ramiz Boy, Abu Musa Abdullah, Tarek Mazeed, Melik C. Demirel
Biological polymers, such as polysaccharides and polypeptides, offer renewable and biodegradable solutions for a more sustainable future. These polymers comprise natural building blocks, such as amino acids and glycans, which ensure their true environmental benefits at the end of their lifecycle. For example, cellulose is a highly sustainable material with many excellent properties, including renewability, biodegradability, and versatility in its functionality. It can be used in various forms, such as textiles, packaging materials, and building insulation. Here, we studied advanced cellulosic materials produced by blending or creating bi-composites with biomanufactured proteins inspired by squid ring teeth (SRT). Biomanufactured proteins can be synthesized in larger quantities, have a controlled production process, be modified to create desirable variants, and their production can be scaled up or down. Specifically, we engineered recombinant SRT proteins to have high electrostatic charge, induce crystallinity, and provide polar hydroxyl groups, which enhances cellulosic materials’ triboelectric response. The triboelectric voltage of blend triacetate and cellulose fibers increased by 72–108% and 49–57%, respectively, with a protein content of 10% wt. Furthermore, coating proteins on cellulosic fibers to create bi-composite fibers is a highly effective method for doubling (200%) the triboelectric performance. This finding has important implications for developing sustainable triboelectric materials and producing advanced materials using biomanufacturing.
{"title":"Engineering advanced cellulosics for enhanced triboelectric performance using biomanufactured proteins","authors":"Khushank Singhal, Ramiz Boy, Abu Musa Abdullah, Tarek Mazeed, Melik C. Demirel","doi":"10.1038/s44296-024-00035-7","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44296-024-00035-7","url":null,"abstract":"Biological polymers, such as polysaccharides and polypeptides, offer renewable and biodegradable solutions for a more sustainable future. These polymers comprise natural building blocks, such as amino acids and glycans, which ensure their true environmental benefits at the end of their lifecycle. For example, cellulose is a highly sustainable material with many excellent properties, including renewability, biodegradability, and versatility in its functionality. It can be used in various forms, such as textiles, packaging materials, and building insulation. Here, we studied advanced cellulosic materials produced by blending or creating bi-composites with biomanufactured proteins inspired by squid ring teeth (SRT). Biomanufactured proteins can be synthesized in larger quantities, have a controlled production process, be modified to create desirable variants, and their production can be scaled up or down. Specifically, we engineered recombinant SRT proteins to have high electrostatic charge, induce crystallinity, and provide polar hydroxyl groups, which enhances cellulosic materials’ triboelectric response. The triboelectric voltage of blend triacetate and cellulose fibers increased by 72–108% and 49–57%, respectively, with a protein content of 10% wt. Furthermore, coating proteins on cellulosic fibers to create bi-composite fibers is a highly effective method for doubling (200%) the triboelectric performance. This finding has important implications for developing sustainable triboelectric materials and producing advanced materials using biomanufacturing.","PeriodicalId":471646,"journal":{"name":"npj Materials Sustainability","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s44296-024-00035-7.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142123439","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
京公网安备 11010802042870号
京ICP备2023020795号-1
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：