Pub Date : 2025-11-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ceja.2025.100938
Yasukazu Kobayashi
Ni, Ru, Rh, Ir, Pt, Pd, Ag, and Au metal nanopowders possessing large Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface areas of 103, 154, 121, 51, and 27 m2/g, respectively, are prepared by reducing Ca-containing oxide precursors using CaH2 or LiH in molten salts at 360–600 °C. The BET surface area increases with the calcium content in oxide precursors. CO uptake measurements, which reflect the catalytic performance, reveal a good correlation between the BET surface area and adsorbed CO amount of the prepared nanopowders. The adsorbed CO amount of the as-formed Ru nanopowder is eight times higher than that of commercial Ru black. Therefore, the prepared nanopowders possess catalytically active surfaces and are promising for catalyst applications.
{"title":"Hydride-assisted molten salt synthesis of metal nanopowders possessing large specific surface areas via calcium templating","authors":"Yasukazu Kobayashi","doi":"10.1016/j.ceja.2025.100938","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ceja.2025.100938","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ni, Ru, Rh, Ir, Pt, Pd, Ag, and Au metal nanopowders possessing large Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface areas of 103, 154, 121, 51, and 27 m<sup>2</sup>/g, respectively, are prepared by reducing Ca-containing oxide precursors using CaH<sub>2</sub> or LiH in molten salts at 360–600 °C. The BET surface area increases with the calcium content in oxide precursors. CO uptake measurements, which reflect the catalytic performance, reveal a good correlation between the BET surface area and adsorbed CO amount of the prepared nanopowders. The adsorbed CO amount of the as-formed Ru nanopowder is eight times higher than that of commercial Ru black. Therefore, the prepared nanopowders possess catalytically active surfaces and are promising for catalyst applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9749,"journal":{"name":"Chemical Engineering Journal Advances","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100938"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145462732","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A novel fluorescent nanomaterial, SBA-Pr-CQC-SG, was synthesized by functionalizing SBA-15 with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane, followed by modification with 2-chloroquinoline-3-carbaldehyde and sulfaguanidine. The material was systematically characterized by FT-IR, EDX, SEM, N2 adsorption-desorption, and TGA, confirming its successful fabrication, structural stability, and porosity. Fluorescence studies demonstrated that SBA-Pr-CQC-SG exhibits high sensitivity and selectivity toward Pb2+ ions in aqueous media. To gain molecular-level insight into the sensing mechanism, DFT calculations were performed. Geometry optimization, MEP mapping, Mulliken charge distribution, and FMO analyses all confirmed that Pb2+ preferentially interacts with the N3 and O1 atoms of the probe. The practical applicability of the sensor was validated using real water samples. Overall, these findings demonstrate that SBA-Pr-CQC-SG is a robust, selective, and efficient sensing platform for Pb2+ detection, offering both strong theoretical validation and reliable performance in real environmental samples.
{"title":"Enhancing sensor performance through the surface functionalization of SBA-15 with 2-chloroquinoline-3-carbaldehyde and sulphaguanidine verified via DFT insights","authors":"Ghodsi Mohammadi Ziarani , Ala Arvish , Zahra Panahande , Alireza Badiei , Mehran Feizi-Dehnayebi","doi":"10.1016/j.ceja.2025.100923","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ceja.2025.100923","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A novel fluorescent nanomaterial, SBA-Pr-CQC-SG, was synthesized by functionalizing SBA-15 with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane, followed by modification with 2-chloroquinoline-3-carbaldehyde and sulfaguanidine. The material was systematically characterized by FT-IR, EDX, SEM, N<sub>2</sub> adsorption-desorption, and TGA, confirming its successful fabrication, structural stability, and porosity. Fluorescence studies demonstrated that SBA-Pr-CQC-SG exhibits high sensitivity and selectivity toward Pb<sup>2+</sup> ions in aqueous media. To gain molecular-level insight into the sensing mechanism, DFT calculations were performed. Geometry optimization, MEP mapping, Mulliken charge distribution, and FMO analyses all confirmed that Pb<sup>2+</sup> preferentially interacts with the N3 and O1 atoms of the probe. The practical applicability of the sensor was validated using real water samples. Overall, these findings demonstrate that SBA-Pr-CQC-SG is a robust, selective, and efficient sensing platform for Pb<sup>2+</sup> detection, offering both strong theoretical validation and reliable performance in real environmental samples.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9749,"journal":{"name":"Chemical Engineering Journal Advances","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100923"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145412904","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ceja.2025.100933
Atanu Kumar Das, Lars Sundvall
Reducing the loss of cellulosic material during pulping remains a significant challenge for the pulp and paper industry. Achieving high-kappa pulp with minimal rejects is crucial for the efficient utilization of wood resources. This study explored the application of high-alkali impregnation combined with green (non-dried) wood chips as a strategy to achieve these objectives. The results demonstrated that this method yields a pulp with a 52.3 % yield, an exceptionally low reject content of 0.2 %, and a kappa number of 54.2. Furthermore, the hot-pressed (250 °C) hand sheets produced from the high-alkali-impregnated, high-kappa pulp (HAICK-50) exhibited an improved tensile index of 111 kN·m/kg compared to 96.9 kN·m/kg and 108 kN·m/kg for the pulp of reference cook with kappa 30 (REFCK-30) and kappa 50 (REFCK-50), respectively, highlighting the potential of this approach to improve both material efficiency and product quality in the pulping process.
{"title":"An efficient chemical pulping method for optimal resource utilization and improved pulp properties in packaging-grade paper production","authors":"Atanu Kumar Das, Lars Sundvall","doi":"10.1016/j.ceja.2025.100933","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ceja.2025.100933","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Reducing the loss of cellulosic material during pulping remains a significant challenge for the pulp and paper industry. Achieving high-kappa pulp with minimal rejects is crucial for the efficient utilization of wood resources. This study explored the application of high-alkali impregnation combined with green (non-dried) wood chips as a strategy to achieve these objectives. The results demonstrated that this method yields a pulp with a 52.3 % yield, an exceptionally low reject content of 0.2 %, and a kappa number of 54.2. Furthermore, the hot-pressed (250 °C) hand sheets produced from the high-alkali-impregnated, high-kappa pulp (HAICK-50) exhibited an improved tensile index of 111 kN·m/kg compared to 96.9 kN·m/kg and 108 kN·m/kg for the pulp of reference cook with kappa 30 (REFCK-30) and kappa 50 (REFCK-50), respectively, highlighting the potential of this approach to improve both material efficiency and product quality in the pulping process.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9749,"journal":{"name":"Chemical Engineering Journal Advances","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100933"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145412995","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A filtration-free and non-destructive electrostatic-based separation and preconcentration system for bacterial cellulose nanocrystals (BCNCs) dispersed in aqueous media have been developed by harnessing the electrostatic interactions between negatively charged BCNCs and the positively charged graphite electrode. BCNCs are extracted from Nata de Coco by sulfuric acid hydrolysis and exhibit an average hydrodynamic diameter of 342 nm and an average zeta potential of −56 mV. The extracted BCNCs exhibit needle-like morphology as characterized by transmission electron microscopy. The electrostatic separation apparatus consists of three main components including a programmable direct-current power supply, two graphite electrodes arranged in a parallel-plate configuration, and a 3D-printed electrode holder. Upon applying uniform electric fields with constant electrical voltages, BCNC particles are subjected to electrophoretic motion and accumulated on the graphite anode as an opaque white gel. The deposited BCNC gel could be easily separated from the dispersing medium. The mass concentration of the separated BCNC gel could be enhanced up to 7.5 % (w/w). The quantity of deposited BCNC particles on the graphite anode tends to increase with the applied electric field strength, the treatment duration, and the thickness of the graphite electrode. Under optimized conditions, the developed process does not cause significant alterations in morphology, chemical functional groups, surface charge, colloidal stability, and crystallinity of the BCNCs as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta-potential analysis, conductometric titration, and X-ray diffraction. The electrostatically separated BCNCs could be redispersed in various polar solvents and exhibit good colloidal stability.
{"title":"Electrostatic-based separation system for negatively charged cellulose nanocrystals","authors":"Sutthida Sukaiem , Benyapha Kheawmanee , Supaporn Guntha , Parinton Jangtawee , Sanong Ekgasit , Tewarak Parnklang","doi":"10.1016/j.ceja.2025.100922","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ceja.2025.100922","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A filtration-free and non-destructive electrostatic-based separation and preconcentration system for bacterial cellulose nanocrystals (BCNCs) dispersed in aqueous media have been developed by harnessing the electrostatic interactions between negatively charged BCNCs and the positively charged graphite electrode. BCNCs are extracted from Nata de Coco by sulfuric acid hydrolysis and exhibit an average hydrodynamic diameter of 342 nm and an average zeta potential of −56 mV. The extracted BCNCs exhibit needle-like morphology as characterized by transmission electron microscopy. The electrostatic separation apparatus consists of three main components including a programmable direct-current power supply, two graphite electrodes arranged in a parallel-plate configuration, and a 3D-printed electrode holder. Upon applying uniform electric fields with constant electrical voltages, BCNC particles are subjected to electrophoretic motion and accumulated on the graphite anode as an opaque white gel. The deposited BCNC gel could be easily separated from the dispersing medium. The mass concentration of the separated BCNC gel could be enhanced up to 7.5 % (w/w). The quantity of deposited BCNC particles on the graphite anode tends to increase with the applied electric field strength, the treatment duration, and the thickness of the graphite electrode. Under optimized conditions, the developed process does not cause significant alterations in morphology, chemical functional groups, surface charge, colloidal stability, and crystallinity of the BCNCs as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta-potential analysis, conductometric titration, and X-ray diffraction. The electrostatically separated BCNCs could be redispersed in various polar solvents and exhibit good colloidal stability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9749,"journal":{"name":"Chemical Engineering Journal Advances","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100922"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145412905","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The efficient removal of toxic dyes from industrial effluents remains a persistent environmental challenge, necessitating the development of high-performance and recyclable adsorbents. In this study, a superparamagnetic activated carbon derived from Spathodea campanulata flowers (SCMAC) was synthesized via a sustainable low-temperature carbonization–magnetization route and employed for the fixed-bed adsorption of Malachite Green (MG) dye. The influence of key operational parameters, including bed height (Z:1–3 cm), flow rate (Q:3–5 mL/min), and inlet concentration (C0:20–60 mg/L), was systematically investigated. Increasing the bed height from 1 to 3 cm prolonged the breakthrough time and enhanced dye removal (34.32 to 50.37 %), while higher flow rates and feed concentrations accelerated saturation. The optimal conditions (Z = 2 cm, Q = 4.2 mL/min, C0 = 40 mg/L), yielded a maximum equilibrium adsorption capacity of 108.06 mg/g. Breakthrough modeling using the Thomas, Yoon–Nelson, Adams–Bohart, Clark, and Bed Depth Service Time models showed excellent agreement with experimental data, validating the adsorption kinetics and mass-transfer dynamics. To further improve predictive capability, advanced machine-learning models were developed, with CatBoost (R2 = 0.9965) identified as the most accurate predictor. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) and Partial Dependence Plots (PDP) analyses revealed time as the dominant parameter influencing MG breakthrough behavior. These findings establish SCMAC as a magnetically separable, high-efficient adsorbent and introduce a data-driven modeling framework for optimizing continuous adsorption systems for dye-laden wastewater remediation.
{"title":"Machine learning-enhanced breakthrough modeling of malachite green adsorption onto superparamagnetic activated carbon","authors":"Sujesh Sudarsan , N.R. Srinivasan , Ramesh Vinayagam , Raja Selvaraj","doi":"10.1016/j.ceja.2025.100932","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ceja.2025.100932","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The efficient removal of toxic dyes from industrial effluents remains a persistent environmental challenge, necessitating the development of high-performance and recyclable adsorbents. In this study, a superparamagnetic activated carbon derived from <em>Spathodea campanulata</em> flowers (SCMAC) was synthesized via a sustainable low-temperature carbonization–magnetization route and employed for the fixed-bed adsorption of Malachite Green (MG) dye. The influence of key operational parameters, including bed height (Z:1–3 cm), flow rate (Q:3–5 mL/min), and inlet concentration (C<sub>0</sub>:20–60 mg/L), was systematically investigated. Increasing the bed height from 1 to 3 cm prolonged the breakthrough time and enhanced dye removal (34.32 to 50.37 %), while higher flow rates and feed concentrations accelerated saturation. The optimal conditions (<em>Z</em> = 2 cm, <em>Q</em> = 4.2 mL/min, C<sub>0</sub> = 40 mg/L), yielded a maximum equilibrium adsorption capacity of 108.06 mg/g. Breakthrough modeling using the Thomas, Yoon–Nelson, Adams–Bohart, Clark, and Bed Depth Service Time models showed excellent agreement with experimental data, validating the adsorption kinetics and mass-transfer dynamics. To further improve predictive capability, advanced machine-learning models were developed, with CatBoost (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.9965) identified as the most accurate predictor. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) and Partial Dependence Plots (PDP) analyses revealed time as the dominant parameter influencing MG breakthrough behavior. These findings establish SCMAC as a magnetically separable, high-efficient adsorbent and introduce a data-driven modeling framework for optimizing continuous adsorption systems for dye-laden wastewater remediation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9749,"journal":{"name":"Chemical Engineering Journal Advances","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100932"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145412906","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ceja.2025.100925
Matilde Bastide d’Izard, Stéphane Abanades
The reduction of hematite (Fe2O3) to metallic iron via a carbothermal process was investigated with the aim of using carbon derived from captured or recycled CO2. This CO2-sourced carbon can be obtained by pyrolysis either directly from biomass or methane (issued from biogas or via a synthetic methanation route, through the Sabatier reaction). The carbon can ultimately serve as the reducing agent in a carbon-neutral solar thermal process. A comparative study was conducted to assess the thermodynamic and kinetic behavior of Fe2O3 reduction using four distinct carbon materials: carbon black, activated charcoal, graphite, and biochar. The influence of heating rate and carbon-to-oxide molar ratio (C/Fe2O3) was analyzed. Thermogravimetric analysis was employed to examine the reaction kinetics and mechanisms, while independent experiments in a tubular reactor further validated the results. These techniques enabled the synthesis of metallic iron and provided valuable insights into the reaction sequence, gas evolution rates (CO, CO₂), and phase transformations under controlled conditions. The expected phase transformation sequence: Fe2O3 → Fe3O4 → FeO → Fe was evidenced by gas phase analysis. X-ray diffraction analysis of the solid products confirmed nearly complete conversion of Fe2O3 to Fe at a C/Fe2O3 molar ratio of 3.0 or higher. The heating rate did not significantly affect reduction efficiency, whereas a carbon excess promoted near-complete reduction. At a fixed C/Fe2O3 ratio of 4.5, conversion profiles showed slight variations based on the carbon type used. Graphite exhibited a sharp conversion increase at ∼1110 °C, while the other reductants displayed more gradual and similar conversion profiles with stepwise release of CO2 and CO according to a three-stage mechanism. Notably, a lower onset reduction temperature (∼959 °C) was observed with biochar, indicating the potential of bio-sourced materials conversion for green ironmaking.
通过碳热法研究了赤铁矿（Fe2O3）还原为金属铁的方法，目的是利用捕获或回收的二氧化碳产生的碳。这种二氧化碳来源的碳可以通过热解直接从生物质或甲烷中获得（从沼气中产生或通过Sabatier反应通过合成甲烷化途径产生）。碳最终可以在碳中性太阳能热过程中作为还原剂。对比研究了四种不同的碳材料：炭黑、活性炭、石墨和生物炭对Fe2O3还原的热力学和动力学行为。分析了升温速率和碳氧化物摩尔比（C/Fe2O3）的影响。采用热重分析对反应动力学和机理进行了检验，并在管式反应器中进行了独立实验，进一步验证了结果。这些技术使金属铁的合成成为可能，并为在受控条件下的反应顺序、气体释放速率（CO, CO 2）和相变提供了有价值的见解。气相分析证实了预期的相变顺序：Fe2O3→Fe3O4→FeO→Fe。固体产物的x射线衍射分析证实，当C/Fe2O3摩尔比为3.0或更高时，Fe2O3几乎完全转化为Fe。加热速率对还原效率没有显著影响，而碳过量则促进了近乎完全的还原。在固定的C/Fe2O3比为4.5时，不同碳类型的转化曲线略有不同。石墨在~ 1110°C时表现出急剧的转化，而其他还原剂表现出更渐进和相似的转化曲线，根据三阶段机制逐步释放CO2和CO。值得注意的是，用生物炭观察到较低的起始还原温度（~ 959°C），表明生物源材料转化为绿色炼铁的潜力。
{"title":"Carbothermal reduction of hematite involving biogenic carbon sourced from CO2","authors":"Matilde Bastide d’Izard, Stéphane Abanades","doi":"10.1016/j.ceja.2025.100925","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ceja.2025.100925","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The reduction of hematite (Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>) to metallic iron via a carbothermal process was investigated with the aim of using carbon derived from captured or recycled CO<sub>2</sub>. This CO<sub>2</sub>-sourced carbon can be obtained by pyrolysis either directly from biomass or methane (issued from biogas or via a synthetic methanation route, through the Sabatier reaction). The carbon can ultimately serve as the reducing agent in a carbon-neutral solar thermal process. A comparative study was conducted to assess the thermodynamic and kinetic behavior of Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> reduction using four distinct carbon materials: carbon black, activated charcoal, graphite, and biochar. The influence of heating rate and carbon-to-oxide molar ratio (C/Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>) was analyzed. Thermogravimetric analysis was employed to examine the reaction kinetics and mechanisms, while independent experiments in a tubular reactor further validated the results. These techniques enabled the synthesis of metallic iron and provided valuable insights into the reaction sequence, gas evolution rates (CO, CO₂), and phase transformations under controlled conditions. The expected phase transformation sequence: Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> → Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> → FeO → Fe was evidenced by gas phase analysis. X-ray diffraction analysis of the solid products confirmed nearly complete conversion of Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> to Fe at a C/Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> molar ratio of 3.0 or higher. The heating rate did not significantly affect reduction efficiency, whereas a carbon excess promoted near-complete reduction. At a fixed C/Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> ratio of 4.5, conversion profiles showed slight variations based on the carbon type used. Graphite exhibited a sharp conversion increase at ∼1110 °C, while the other reductants displayed more gradual and similar conversion profiles with stepwise release of CO<sub>2</sub> and CO according to a three-stage mechanism. Notably, a lower onset reduction temperature (∼959 °C) was observed with biochar, indicating the potential of bio-sourced materials conversion for green ironmaking.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9749,"journal":{"name":"Chemical Engineering Journal Advances","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100925"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145412890","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Electroactive biofilms (EABs) play a pivotal role in bioelectrochemical systems (BESs), enabling microbial respiration on solid electrodes. However, the spatial limitations of electron transfer often constrain biofilm development and performance, particularly in porous, heterogeneous environments. In this study, we investigated the effect of magnetite nanoparticles on the formation and electrochemical behavior of EABs in continuous-flow reactors packed with sand or a sand–magnetite mixture. Chronoamperometry revealed that the magnetite-amended reactor produced significantly higher electric currents (up to 2.6-fold) alongside increased acetate removal rates (up to 2.2-fold) and prolonged electron discharge following substrate depletion, indicative of enhanced electron storage and release. Cyclic voltammetry confirmed greater bioelectrocatalytic activity and revealed an over fourfold increase in anode capacitance, suggesting the development of a more extensive and electrochemically active biofilm. Spatial profiling with a titanium probe demonstrated that electrocatalytic activity extended up to 1.8 cm from the anode only in the presence of magnetite, consistent with the formation of a biologically mediated conductive network beyond the electrode surface. In line with these evidences, a higher abundance of electroactive microorganisms was detected within the packing material surrounding the anode. These findings provide the first experimental support for the concept of Diffuse Electro–Conductive Zones (DECZs) and suggest a viable strategy to extend the radius of electrode influence in soil BESs. This approach may enhance the effectiveness of in situ bioremediation technologies by enabling mesoscale redox connectivity in complex subsurface environments.
{"title":"Magnetite-enabled self-assembled microbial networks for centimeter-scale electron transfer in a soil bioelectrochemical system","authors":"Marco Resitano , Matteo Tucci , Ghada Sellami , Habib Chouchane , Carolina Cruz Viggi , Luca Niccolini , Bruna Matturro , Ugo Marzocchi , Federico Aulenta","doi":"10.1016/j.ceja.2025.100945","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ceja.2025.100945","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Electroactive biofilms (EABs) play a pivotal role in bioelectrochemical systems (BESs), enabling microbial respiration on solid electrodes. However, the spatial limitations of electron transfer often constrain biofilm development and performance, particularly in porous, heterogeneous environments. In this study, we investigated the effect of magnetite nanoparticles on the formation and electrochemical behavior of EABs in continuous-flow reactors packed with sand or a sand–magnetite mixture. Chronoamperometry revealed that the magnetite-amended reactor produced significantly higher electric currents (up to 2.6-fold) alongside increased acetate removal rates (up to 2.2-fold) and prolonged electron discharge following substrate depletion, indicative of enhanced electron storage and release. Cyclic voltammetry confirmed greater bioelectrocatalytic activity and revealed an over fourfold increase in anode capacitance, suggesting the development of a more extensive and electrochemically active biofilm. Spatial profiling with a titanium probe demonstrated that electrocatalytic activity extended up to 1.8 cm from the anode only in the presence of magnetite, consistent with the formation of a biologically mediated conductive network beyond the electrode surface. In line with these evidences, a higher abundance of electroactive microorganisms was detected within the packing material surrounding the anode. These findings provide the first experimental support for the concept of Diffuse Electro–Conductive Zones (DECZs) and suggest a viable strategy to extend the radius of electrode influence in soil BESs. This approach may enhance the effectiveness of in situ bioremediation technologies by enabling mesoscale redox connectivity in complex subsurface environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9749,"journal":{"name":"Chemical Engineering Journal Advances","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100945"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145516771","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ceja.2025.100935
Funeka Matebese, Meladi L. Motloutsi, Mabore J. Raseala, Richard M. Moutloali
The presence of natural organic matter (NOMs) in surface water complicates drinking water treatment by forming toxic byproducts, posing significant health-related problems. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the efficiency of pH-responsive membranes in mitigating fouling and facilitating backwashing of NOM deposits on and within the membrane surface. NOM is predominantly hydrophobic, necessitating the use of hydrophilic membranes to prevent fouling and improve rejection and backwashing processes. Polymeric membranes were fabricated using polyacrylic acid-grafted polyethersulfone (PAA-g-PES). PAA is known for its hydrophilic and pH-sensitive properties. The characteristics of the PAA-g-PES polymer and its ultrafiltration (UF) membranes were confirmed through TGA, FTIR, zeta potential, SEM, and AFM, respectively. Their pH sensitivity was confirmed by degree of swelling (DOS), water contact angle (WCA), and pure water flux studies. To assess the impact of the pH-responsiveness of PAA brushes, NOM-impacted surface water was tested at different pH levels (3, 7, and 9). Fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (FEEM) analysis revealed that the presence of PAA improved NOM removal, achieving an average removal rate of 65.6% across all components. This enhanced NOM removal can be attributed to swollen grafts, increased surface hydrophilicity, and electrostatic repulsion interactions. At low pH levels, dominant hydrophobic interactions caused graft shrinkage, resulting in high-water permeation. The best-performing membrane exhibited a flux recovery ratio (FRR) of 84.4% after more than 9 hours of fouling and cleaning, demonstrating the efficacy of pH-sensitive membranes. High pH solutions showed improved fouling resistance and backwashing efficiency, proving to be an effective approach for widespread use.
{"title":"Smart ultrafiltration: pH-modulated polyacrylic acid-grafted polyethersulfone (PAA-g-PES) membranes for efficient natural organic matter (NOM) foul mitigation and cleaning process","authors":"Funeka Matebese, Meladi L. Motloutsi, Mabore J. Raseala, Richard M. Moutloali","doi":"10.1016/j.ceja.2025.100935","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ceja.2025.100935","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The presence of natural organic matter (NOMs) in surface water complicates drinking water treatment by forming toxic byproducts, posing significant health-related problems. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the efficiency of pH-responsive membranes in mitigating fouling and facilitating backwashing of NOM deposits on and within the membrane surface. NOM is predominantly hydrophobic, necessitating the use of hydrophilic membranes to prevent fouling and improve rejection and backwashing processes. Polymeric membranes were fabricated using polyacrylic acid-grafted polyethersulfone (PAA-<em>g-</em>PES). PAA is known for its hydrophilic and pH-sensitive properties. The characteristics of the PAA-g-PES polymer and its ultrafiltration (UF) membranes were confirmed through TGA, FTIR, zeta potential, SEM, and AFM, respectively. Their pH sensitivity was confirmed by degree of swelling (DOS), water contact angle (WCA), and pure water flux studies. To assess the impact of the pH-responsiveness of PAA brushes, NOM-impacted surface water was tested at different pH levels (3, 7, and 9). Fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (FEEM) analysis revealed that the presence of PAA improved NOM removal, achieving an average removal rate of 65.6% across all components. This enhanced NOM removal can be attributed to swollen grafts, increased surface hydrophilicity, and electrostatic repulsion interactions. At low pH levels, dominant hydrophobic interactions caused graft shrinkage, resulting in high-water permeation. The best-performing membrane exhibited a flux recovery ratio (<em>FRR</em>) of 84.4% after more than 9 hours of fouling and cleaning, demonstrating the efficacy of pH-sensitive membranes. High pH solutions showed improved fouling resistance and backwashing efficiency, proving to be an effective approach for widespread use.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9749,"journal":{"name":"Chemical Engineering Journal Advances","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100935"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145412902","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ceja.2025.100915
Shabnam Tahmasebi, Reza Mohammadi
Wound healing is a complex biological process that requires effective materials to restore skin integrity. The objective of this study was to develop a bio-nanocomposite hydrogel with antibacterial, antioxidant, and hemostatic functions for wound healing applications. Sodium alginate (SA) was sequentially modified through dialdehyde and dicarboxylate functionalization and co-polymerized with acrylamide (AAm) and acrylic acid (AA) using potassium persulfate (KPS) as the initiator and N, N-methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) as the crosslinker. Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were green-synthesized using Calendula officinalis (CO) extract and incorporated into the hydrogel. The prepared hydrogel showed a swelling capacity of 6700 % within 2 h and underwent controlled biodegradation under physiological conditions. Antibacterial tests demonstrated inhibition zones of 27 mm against Escherichia coli and 28 mm against S. aureus. The hydrogel also displayed 73 % antioxidant activity, 98 % cell viability in HFF-2 cells, a hemolysis index below 2 %, and a hemostatic index of 25 %. These results indicate that the hydrogel has potential for supporting wound healing through its combined antibacterial, antioxidant, and hemostatic properties.
{"title":"Multifunctional antibacterial and antioxidant hydrogel based on modified sodium alginate and green-synthesized Ag NPs for wound dressing applications","authors":"Shabnam Tahmasebi, Reza Mohammadi","doi":"10.1016/j.ceja.2025.100915","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ceja.2025.100915","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Wound healing is a complex biological process that requires effective materials to restore skin integrity. The objective of this study was to develop a bio-nanocomposite hydrogel with antibacterial, antioxidant, and hemostatic functions for wound healing applications. Sodium alginate (SA) was sequentially modified through dialdehyde and dicarboxylate functionalization and co-polymerized with acrylamide (AAm) and acrylic acid (AA) using potassium persulfate (KPS) as the initiator and <em>N, N</em>-methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) as the crosslinker. Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were green-synthesized using <em>Calendula officinalis (CO)</em> extract and incorporated into the hydrogel. The prepared hydrogel showed a swelling capacity of 6700 % within 2 h and underwent controlled biodegradation under physiological conditions. Antibacterial tests demonstrated inhibition zones of 27 mm against <em>Escherichia coli</em> and 28 mm against <em>S. aureus</em>. The hydrogel also displayed 73 % antioxidant activity, 98 % cell viability in HFF-2 cells, a hemolysis index below 2 %, and a hemostatic index of 25 %. These results indicate that the hydrogel has potential for supporting wound healing through its combined antibacterial, antioxidant, and hemostatic properties.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9749,"journal":{"name":"Chemical Engineering Journal Advances","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100915"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145412903","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ceja.2025.100934
Md. Saiful Islam , Shreyoshi Mazumder , Sadit Bihongo Malitha , Md. Zahangir Alam , A. M. Sarwaruddin Chowdhury
The current world requires us to examine water scarcity as a vital matter. The main problem with water usability stems from its high salt content, which makes it unsuitable for different applications. The world now witnesses an increasing adoption of membrane-based desalination technology for water treatment. This study is based on a comprehensive evaluation of graphene oxide (GO)-based membranes for desalination operations. A complete bibliometric evaluation of research progress in GO-based membranes for desalination required a Scopus database download of a comprehensive dataset. The research hotspots become visible through Burst keyword analysis. The database underwent topic modeling and research evolution prediction through the integration of AI-derived models. The analysis of patent data from the “Lens” database enabled researchers to study actual GO-based membrane applications for desalination and their technological advancements. The study assesses industrialization challenges of GO-based membranes for desalination, along with a feasibility assessment to determine the implementation potential of GO-based membranes for desalination in South Asia, where water shortages and saltwater salinity present significant challenges. The research provides essential information to scientists who want to study GO-based membranes for desalination and business leaders who need to evaluate the current state and operational viability of this technology.
{"title":"Unveiling the future of graphene oxide-based desalination membranes: Bibliometric analysis, AI-powered topic modeling and research evolution forecast, patent analysis, and regional feasibility in South Asia","authors":"Md. Saiful Islam , Shreyoshi Mazumder , Sadit Bihongo Malitha , Md. Zahangir Alam , A. M. Sarwaruddin Chowdhury","doi":"10.1016/j.ceja.2025.100934","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ceja.2025.100934","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The current world requires us to examine water scarcity as a vital matter. The main problem with water usability stems from its high salt content, which makes it unsuitable for different applications. The world now witnesses an increasing adoption of membrane-based desalination technology for water treatment. This study is based on a comprehensive evaluation of graphene oxide (GO)-based membranes for desalination operations. A complete bibliometric evaluation of research progress in GO-based membranes for desalination required a Scopus database download of a comprehensive dataset. The research hotspots become visible through Burst keyword analysis. The database underwent topic modeling and research evolution prediction through the integration of AI-derived models. The analysis of patent data from the “Lens” database enabled researchers to study actual GO-based membrane applications for desalination and their technological advancements. The study assesses industrialization challenges of GO-based membranes for desalination, along with a feasibility assessment to determine the implementation potential of GO-based membranes for desalination in South Asia, where water shortages and saltwater salinity present significant challenges. The research provides essential information to scientists who want to study GO-based membranes for desalination and business leaders who need to evaluate the current state and operational viability of this technology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9749,"journal":{"name":"Chemical Engineering Journal Advances","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100934"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145462733","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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