Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Mostrar: 20 | 50 | 100
Resultados 1 - 20 de 441
Filtrar
Más filtros

Intervalo de año de publicación
1.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A ; 120(14): e2213130120, 2023 Apr 04.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36972452

RESUMEN

The value of considerable residual energy in waste Li-ion batteries (WLIBs) is always neglected. At present, "this energy" is always wasted during the discharge process of WLIBs. However, if this energy could be reused, it would not only save a lot of energy but also avoid the discharge step of recycling of WLIBs. Unfortunately, the instability of WLIBs potential is a challenge to efficient utilization of this residual energy. Here, we propose a method that could regulate the cathode potential and current of the battery by simply adjusting the solution pH to utilize 35.08%, 88.4%, and 84.7% of the residual energy for removing heavy metal ions from wastewater, removing Cr (VI) from wastewater, and recovering copper from the solution, respectively. By taking advantage of the high internal resistance R of WLIBs and the sudden change of battery current I caused by iron passivation on the positive electrode of the battery, this method could induce the response of overvoltage η (η = IR) inside the battery at different pH levels to regulate the cathode potential µ of the battery to the three intervals. The potential ranges of the battery cathode corresponding to pH < 3.4, pH ≈ 3.4, and pH > 4 were µ > -0.47V, -0.47V < µ < -0.82V, and µ < -0.82V, respectively. This study provides a promising way and theoretical basis for the development of technologies for reusing residual energy in WLIBs.

2.
Nano Lett ; 24(39): 12233-12238, 2024 Oct 02.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39287191

RESUMEN

MicroRNAs (MiRNAs) are valuable biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of diseases. The development of reliable assays is an urgent pursuit. We herein fabricate a novel electrochemical sensing strategy based on the conformation transitions of DNA nanostructures and click chemistry. Duplex-specific nuclease (DSN)-catalyzed reaction is first used for the disintegration of the DNA triangular pyramid frustum (DNA TPF). A DNA triangle is formed, which in turn assists strain-promoted alkyne-azide cycloaddition (SPAAC) to localize single-stranded DNA probes (P1). After SPAAC ligation, multiple DNA hairpins are spontaneously folded, and the labeled electrochemical species are dragged near the electrode interface. By recording and analyzing the responses, a highly sensitive electrochemical biosensor is established, which exhibits high sensitivity and reproducibility. Clinical applications have been verified with good stability. This sensing strategy relies on the integration of DNA nanostructures and click chemistry, which may inspire further designs for the development of DNA nanotechnology and applications in clinical chemistry.


Asunto(s)
Técnicas Biosensibles , Química Clic , ADN , Técnicas Electroquímicas , Nanoestructuras , Técnicas Biosensibles/métodos , Nanoestructuras/química , Técnicas Electroquímicas/métodos , ADN/química , Humanos , Reacción de Cicloadición , MicroARNs/análisis , Alquinos/química , Azidas/química , Nanotecnología/métodos , Conformación de Ácido Nucleico , Sondas de ADN/química
3.
Small ; 20(28): e2311268, 2024 Jul.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38342592

RESUMEN

The development of economical and efficient oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts is crucial to accelerate the widespread application rhythm of aqueous rechargeable zinc-air batteries (ZABs). Here, a strategy is reported that the modification of the binding energy for reaction intermediates by the axial N-group converts the inactive spinel MgAl2O4 into the active motif of MgAl2O4-N. It is found that the introduction of N species can effectively optimize the electronic configuration of MgAl2O4, thereby significantly reducing the adsorption strength of *OH and boosting the reaction process. This main-group MgAl2O4-N catalyst exhibits a high ORR activity in a broad pH range from acidic and alkaline environments. The aqueous ZABs assembled with MgAl2O4-N shows a peak power density of 158.5 mW cm-2, the long-term cyclability over 2000 h and the high stability in the temperature range from -10 to 50 °C, outperforming the commercial Pt/C in terms of activity and stability. This work not only serves as a significant candidate for the robust ORR electrocatalysts of aqueous ZABs, but also paves a new route for the effective reutilization of waste Mg alloys.

4.
Small ; 20(32): e2311647, 2024 Aug.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38593379

RESUMEN

Hydrogels have emerged as promising candidates for flexible devices and water resource management. However, further applications of conventional hydrogels are restricted due to their limited performance and lack of a recycling strategy. Herein, a tough, flexible, and recyclable hydrogel sensor via a visible-light-triggered polymerization is rapidly created. The Zn2+ crosslinked terpolymer is in situ polymerized using g-C3N4 as the sole initiator to form in situ chain entanglements, endowing the hydrogels with low hysteresis and high elasticity. In the use phase, the hydrogel sensor exhibited high ion conductivity, excellent mechanical properties, fast responsiveness, high sensitivity, and remarkable anti-fatigue ability, making it exceptionally effective in accurately monitoring complex human movements. At the end-of-life (EOL), leveraging the synergy between the photodegradation capacity of g-C3N4 and the adsorption function of the hydrogel matrix, the post-consumer hydrogel is converted into water remediation materials, which not only promoted the rapid degradation of organic pollutants, but also facilitated collection and reuse. This innovative strategy combined in situ entangling reinforcement and tailored recycle-by-design that employed g-C3N4 as key blocks in the hydrogel to achieve high performance in the use phase and close the loop through the reutilization at EOL, highlighting the cost-effective synthesis, specialized structure, and life cycle management.

5.
Small ; 20(32): e2401489, 2024 Aug.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38661053

RESUMEN

To mitigate the environmental impact of the improper disposal of spent LiFePO4 batteries and reduce resource waste, the development of LiFePO4 recycling technologies is of paramount importance. Meanwhile, olivine-structured NaFePO4 in sodium-ion batteries has received great attention, due to its high theoretical specific capacity of 154 mAh g-1 and excellent stability. However, olivine NaFePO4 only can be synthesized from olivine LiFePO4. Accordingly, in this proposal, developing the continuous flow electrochemical solid-liquid reactor-based metal ion insertion technology is to utilize the olivine FePO4, recycled from LiFePO4, and to synthesize NaFePO4. Additionally, by employing I- as the reducing agent, NaFePO4 is successfully synthesized with a discharge-specific capacity of 134 mAh g-1 at 0.1C and a remarkable capacity retention rate of 86.5% after 100 cycles at 0.2C. And the reasons for sodium deficiency in the synthesized NFP are elucidated through first-principles calculations. Furthermore, the kinetics of the solid-solution reaction 2 (Na2/3+ßPO4→ Na1-αFePO4) mechanism improve with cycling and are sensitive to temperature. Utilizing a minimal amount of reducing agent in the electrochemical reactor, NaFePO4 synthesis is successfully achieved. This innovative approach offers a new, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly strategy for preparing NaFePO4 from recycling LiFePO4.

6.
Ecotoxicol Environ Saf ; 283: 116824, 2024 Sep 15.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39106573

RESUMEN

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) pose potential hazards to human health and contribute significantly to odor pollution. This study examined VOC emissions from a representative recycled rubber industry, evaluating the occupational health risks for frontline workers in various workshops. Variables such as gender and workshop-specific concentration variations were considered using Monte Carlo simulation methods. Employees in the five production workshops and office areas face noncarcinogenic health risks with hazard indices (HIs) greater than 1, with the rubber compounding phase presenting the highest risk. Acetaldehyde is identified as the primary noncarcinogenic health risk substance, with hazard quotient (HQ) values exceeding 1 in all workshops. Carcinogenic health risks vary by area, with the highest risks found in compounding and refining workshops. Formaldehyde poses the greatest risk in rubber grinding workshops and offices, with cumulative weights exceeding unacceptable levels of M80.58 % and W77.56 % in grinding and M94.98 % and W92.24 % in the office. Male workers face 4-7 % greater noncarcinogenic VOC health risks than females and 5-14 % greater carcinogenic risks from individual VOCs, increasing their susceptibility to health risks caused by VOCs. Additionally, our analysis of odor identification and intensity classification revealed that 53 VOCs are capable of causing odor pollution, with several substances reaching odor levels of 2 or higher. The predominant perceived odors, as reflected in the odor wheel, include categories such as "solvent/aromatic" and "sweet/fruit," with aldehydes being the primary odor-causing substances. In summary, emissions of VOCs from rubber industrial processes not only pose substantial health risks to workers but also contribute significantly to odor pollution. Consequently, enterprises must prioritize optimizing workplace conditions to ensure the occupational health and well-being of their employees.


Asunto(s)
Exposición Profesional , Odorantes , Reciclaje , Goma , Compuestos Orgánicos Volátiles , Compuestos Orgánicos Volátiles/análisis , Odorantes/análisis , Humanos , Exposición Profesional/análisis , Goma/química , Medición de Riesgo , Femenino , Masculino , Contaminantes Ocupacionales del Aire/análisis , Formaldehído/análisis , Formaldehído/toxicidad , Acetaldehído/análisis , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Método de Montecarlo
7.
J Environ Manage ; 366: 121863, 2024 Aug.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39033618

RESUMEN

This study focuses on developing a cost-effective Fe2O3 catalyst from oilfield iron waste to create a floating heterogeneous photo-Fenton system with anatase/rutile(A/R) TiO2 heterophase photocatalyst (cork-Fe2O3@A1-xRx-TiO2) for treating textile pollution in sunlight. Through controlling sol-gel (SG) microwave heating technique, the A/R ratio of A1-xRx-TiO2 crystal is tuned (A/R ratio = 1.13 and Eg = 3.02 eV) to improve adsorption-photocatalytic removal of anionic/cationic dyes with an apparent kinetic rate (kapp) of 0.0074 min-1 under UV-visible irradiation. The developed cork-Fe2O3@A53.1R46.8-TiO2 floated system also outperforms the classical photo-Fenton with Fe/H2O2 benchmark, showing a 2-fold enhancement in textile dye degradation (kapp = 0.216 min-1 and space-time yield (SY) of 1.7*10-4 mol/E.g at pH 5.65) with high stability over four reuse cycles. The formation of Fe2O3@A53.1R46.8-TiO2 Type-II heterojunction is confirmed by optical and electrochemical analyses, allowing the acceleration of direct electron transfer mechanism and oxidative degradation of dyes during photo-Fenton reaction. As a case study, the cork-Fe2O3@A53.1R46.8-TiO2 system demonstrates a high capability for efficient mineralization of textile pollution in a real effluent, achieving 82 ± 2% reduction in the total organic contents at an operational cost of 2.61 $/kg.m3 in sunlight. Thus, this research addresses challenges in conventional Fenton chemistry, iron waste recycling, and catalyst retention, offering new insights for sustainable treatment of textile effluents and environmental protection.


Asunto(s)
Peróxido de Hidrógeno , Hierro , Textiles , Titanio , Hierro/química , Catálisis , Peróxido de Hidrógeno/química , Titanio/química , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/química , Luz Solar , Compuestos Férricos/química , Colorantes/química , Contaminación del Agua/prevención & control
8.
Molecules ; 29(12)2024 Jun 19.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38930970

RESUMEN

A highly sensitive, selective and recyclable histidine detection method based on magnetic Fe3O4@mTiO2 (M-TiO2) nanocomposites with SERRS was developed. Mesoporous M-TiO2 nanoparticles were functionalized with 4-aminothiophenol and then coupled with histidine through an azo coupling reaction in 5 min, producing the corresponding azo compound. The strong and specific SERRS response of the azo product allowed for ultrasensitive and selective detection for histidine with an M-TiO2 device loaded with Ag NPs due to the molecular resonance effect and plasmonic effect of Ag NPs under a 532 nm excitation laser. The sensitivity was further enhanced with the magnetic enrichment of M-TiO2. The limit of detection (LOD) was as low as 8.00 × 10-12 mol/L. The M-TiO2 demonstrated applicability towards histidine determination in human urine without any sample pretreatment. Additionally, the M-TiO2 device can be recycled for 3 cycles with the photodegradation of the azo product under UV irradiation due to TiO2-assisted and plasmon-enhanced photocatalysis. In summary, a multifunctional and recyclable M-TiO2 device was synthesized based on azo coupling and SERRS spectroscopy for ultra-sensitive and specific histidine sensing. In addition, the proposed system demonstrated the potential for the multiplex determination of toxic compounds in the fields of food safety, industrial production and environmental protection, which benefit from the fingerprint property and universality of SERRS.


Asunto(s)
Histidina , Nanocompuestos , Titanio , Titanio/química , Histidina/química , Histidina/orina , Nanocompuestos/química , Límite de Detección , Humanos , Nanopartículas del Metal/química , Plata/química , Compuestos Azo/química
9.
Prep Biochem Biotechnol ; 54(5): 668-679, 2024 May.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38190739

RESUMEN

For complete utilization of high glucose at ∼100 g/L, a high cell density (HCD) continuous fermentation system was established using Lb. delbrueckii NCIM 2025 for the bioproduction of lactic acid (LA). An integrated membrane cell recycling system coupled with the continuous bioreactor, aided to achieve the highest 34.77 g/L h LA productivity and 0.94-0.98 g/g yield. ∼34 times higher productivity was observed (in comparison to batch fermentation conducted in this study), when the continuous operations were carried out at the maximum dilution rate and wet cell weight i.e. 0.36 h-1 and 230 g/L, respectively. These results show the potential of this method for large-scale lactic acid production because it not only produces high titers but also ensures that glucose is used effectively. The method's superior performance in comparison to earlier studies suggests it as an affordable and sustainable alternative for the production of LA.


Asunto(s)
Reactores Biológicos , Fermentación , Glucosa , Ácido Láctico , Lactobacillus delbrueckii , Ácido Láctico/metabolismo , Ácido Láctico/biosíntesis , Glucosa/metabolismo , Lactobacillus delbrueckii/metabolismo , Lactobacillus delbrueckii/crecimiento & desarrollo
10.
J Environ Sci (China) ; 146: 237-240, 2024 Dec.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38969451

RESUMEN

Exploring the vast extraterrestrial space is an inevitable trend with continuous human development. Water treatment and reuse are crucial in the limited and closed space that is available in spaceships or long-term use space bases that will be established in the foreseeable future. Dedicated water treatment technologies have experienced iterative development for more than 60 years since the first manned spaceflight was successfully launched. Herein, we briefly review the related wastewater characteristics and the history of water treatment in space stations, and we focus on future challenges and perspectives, aiming at providing insights for optimizing wastewater treatment technologies and closing the water cycle in future.


Asunto(s)
Eliminación de Residuos Líquidos , Aguas Residuales , Purificación del Agua , Eliminación de Residuos Líquidos/métodos , Purificación del Agua/métodos , Vuelo Espacial
11.
Angew Chem Int Ed Engl ; 63(40): e202409255, 2024 Oct 01.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38984684

RESUMEN

With the large-scale application of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), a huge amount of spent LIBs will be generated each year and how to realize their recycling and reuse in a clean and effective way poses a challenge to the society. In this work, using the electrolyte of spent LIBs as solvent, we in situ fluorinate the conductive three-dimensional porous copper foam by a facile solvent-thermal method and then coating it with a cross-linked sodium alginate (SA) layer. Benefiting from the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) that accommodating the volume change of internal CuF2 core and SA layer that inhibiting the dissolution of CuF2, the synthesized CuF2@void@SEI@SA cathode with a pomegranate-like structure (yolk-shell) exhibits a large reversible capacity of ~535 mAh g-1 at 0.05 A g-1 and superb cycling stability. This work conforms to the development concept of green environmental protection and comprehensively realizes the unity of environmental, social and economic benefits.

12.
Angew Chem Int Ed Engl ; 63(32): e202401746, 2024 Aug 05.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38757221

RESUMEN

Over 79 % of 6.3 billion tonnes of plastics produced from 1950 to 2015 have been disposed in landfills or found their way to the oceans, where they will reside for up to hundreds of years before being decomposed bringing upon significant dangers to our health and ecosystems. Plastic photoreforming offers an appealing alternative by using solar energy and water to transform plastic waste into value-added chemical commodities, while simultaneously producing green hydrogen via the hydrogen evolution reaction. This review aims to provide an overview of the underlying principles of emerging plastic photoreforming technologies, highlight the challenges associated with experimental protocols and performance assessments, discuss recent global breakthroughs on the photoreforming of plastics, and propose perspectives for future research. A critical assessment of current plastic photoreforming studies shows a lack of standardised conditions, hindering comparison amongst photocatalyst performance. Guidelines to establish a more accurate evaluation of materials and systems are proposed, with the aim to facilitate the translation of promising fundamental discovery in photocatalysts design.

13.
Angew Chem Int Ed Engl ; 63(31): e202405653, 2024 Jul 29.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38764409

RESUMEN

Dithioacetals are heavily used in organic, material and medical chemistries, and exhibit huge potential to synthesize degradable or recyclable polymers. However, the current synthetic approaches of dithioacetals and polydithioacetals are overwhelmingly dependent on external catalysts and organic solvents. Herein, we disclose a catalyst- and solvent-free acetal-thiol click-like reaction for synthesizing dithioacetals and polydithioacetals. High conversion, higher than acid catalytic acetal-thiol reaction, can be achieved. High universality was confirmed by monitoring the reactions of linear and cyclic acetals (including renewable bio-sourced furan-acetal) with aliphatic and aromatic thiols, and the reaction mechanism of monomolecular nucleophilic substitution (SN1) and auto-protonation (activation) by thiol was clarified by combining experiments and density functional theory computation. Subsequently, we utilize this reaction to synthesize readily recyclable polydithioacetals. By simple heating and stirring, linear polydithioacetals with M ‾ ${\bar M}$ w of ~110 kDa were synthesized from acetal and dithiol, and depolymerization into macrocyclic dithioacetal and repolymerization into polydithioacetal can be achieved; through reactive extrusion, a semi-interpenetrating polymer dynamic network with excellent mechanical properties and continuous reprocessability was prepared from poly(vinyl butyral) and pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptopropionate). This green and high-efficient synthesis method for dithioacetals and polydithioacetals is beneficial to the sustainable development of chemistry.

14.
Environ Sci Technol ; 57(48): 20392-20399, 2023 Dec 05.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37976223

RESUMEN

Chlorate (ClO3-) is a toxic oxyanion pollutant from industrial wastes, agricultural applications, drinking water disinfection, and wastewater treatment. Catalytic reduction of ClO3- using palladium (Pd) nanoparticle catalysts exhibited sluggish kinetics. This work demonstrates an 18-fold activity enhancement by integrating earth-abundant vanadium (V) into the common Pd/C catalyst. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemical studies indicated that VV and VIV precursors are reduced to VIII in the aqueous phase (rather than immobilized on the carbon support) by Pd-activated H2. The VIII/IV redox cycle is the predominant mechanism for the ClO3- reduction. Further reduction of chlorine intermediates to Cl- could proceed via VIII/IV and VIV/V redox cycles or direct reduction by Pd/C. To capture the potentially toxic V metal from the treated solution, we adjusted the pH from 3 to 8 after the reaction, which completely immobilized VIII onto Pd/C for catalyst recycling. The enhanced performance of reductive catalysis using a Group 5 metal adds to the diversity of transition metals (e.g., Cr, Mo, Re, Fe, and Ru in Groups 6-8) for water pollutant treatment via various unique mechanisms.


Asunto(s)
Cloratos , Vanadio , Vanadio/química , Oxidación-Reducción , Agua/química , Cloruros , Concentración de Iones de Hidrógeno , Catálisis , Paladio/química
15.
Macromol Rapid Commun ; 44(5): e2200766, 2023 Mar.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36377472

RESUMEN

The enhancement in dielectric properties and self-healing ability for dielectric materials has been a challenging subject these years. Herein, a series of self-healed dielectric elastomers by combining the ferric ions and carboxyl-containing poly(sulfone siloxane)s is reported. Experimental results indicate the excellent dielectric properties of obtained elastomers, as the dielectric constant up to 12.8. SEM micrographs exhibit that carboxyl groups and ferric ions can aggregate together to generate clusters, which further result in interfacial polarization. Besides, high polarity dipole units including sulfonyl units and carboxyl groups contribute to dipole polarization. The overlay of the two mentioned polarization eventually results in the high dielectric property. The dielectric constant obviously increases with the contents of carboxyl groups and ferric ions. Moreover, the samples are feasible for recycling and reprocessing with high self-healing efficiency, owing to the reversibility of the coordination bond. A self-healing efficiency of 92.1% in tensile strength of the obtained samples can be reached after 2 h treatment at 60 °C. And the elastomers can also conveniently recover most mechanical properties after solution treatment. This work may offer a promising method for preparing dielectric elastomers with high dielectric properties and self-healing ability.


Asunto(s)
Elastómeros , Siloxanos , Elastómeros/química , Siloxanos/química , Resistencia a la Tracción , Iones
16.
Biodegradation ; 34(6): 533-548, 2023 12.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37354273

RESUMEN

Endocrine-disrupting phthalates (EDPs) are widely used as plasticizers for the manufacture of different plastics and polyvinyl chloride by providing flexibility and mechanical strength. On the other hand, they are categorized under priority pollutants list due to their threat to human health and the environment. This study examined biodegradation of a mixture of dimethyl, diethyl, dibutyl, benzyl butyl, di-2-ethylhexyl, and di-n-octyl phthalates using a CSTB (continuous stirred tank bioreactor) operated under batch, fed-batch, continuous, and continuous with biomass recycle operation modes. For operating the CSTB under biomass recycle mode, microfiltration using an indigenous tubular ceramic membrane was employed. Ecotoxicity assessment of the treated water was carried out to evaluate the toxicity removal efficiency by the integrated bioreactor system. From the batch experiments, the EDPs cumulative degradation values were 90 and 75% at 1250 and 1500 mg/L total initial concentration of the mixture, respectively, whereas complete degradation was achieved at 750 mg/L. In the fed-batch study, 93% degradation was achieved at 1500 mg/L total initial concentration of the mixture. In continuous operation mode, 94 and 85% degradation efficiency values were achieved at 43.72 and 52.08 mg/L⋅h inlet loading rate of phthalate mixture. However, continuous feeding with 100% biomass recycle revealed complete degradation at 41.67 mg/L⋅h inlet loading rate within the 84 h operation period. High seed germination index and low mortality percentage of brine shrimps observed with phthalate degraded water from the integrated bioreactor system revealed its excellent potential in the treatment and toxicity removal of phthalates contaminated environment.


Asunto(s)
Ácidos Ftálicos , Aguas Residuales , Humanos , Ácidos Ftálicos/metabolismo , Plastificantes , Agua , Reactores Biológicos , Biodegradación Ambiental
17.
Nano Lett ; 22(6): 2342-2349, 2022 03 23.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35285650

RESUMEN

Damage-free transfer of large-area two-dimensional (2D) materials is indispensable to unleash their full potentials in a wide range of electronic, photonic, and biochemical applications. However, the all-surface nature of 2D materials renders many of them vulnerable to surrounding environments, especially etchants and water involved during wet transfer process. Up to now, a scalable and damage-free transfer method for sensitive 2D materials is still lacking. Here, we report a general damage-free transfer method for sensitive 2D materials. The as-transferred 2D materials exhibit well-preserved structural integrity and unaltered physical properties. We further develop a facile TEM sample preparation technique that allows direct recycling of materials on TEM grids with high fidelity. This recycling technique provides an unprecedented opportunity to precisely relate structural characterization with physical/chemical/electrical probing for the same samples. This method can be readily generalized to diverse nanomaterials for large-area damage-free transfer and enables in-depth investigation of structure-property relationship.


Asunto(s)
Nanoestructuras , Electrónica/métodos , Nanoestructuras/química
18.
J Environ Manage ; 325(Pt B): 116612, 2023 Jan 01.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36323122

RESUMEN

This study conducted randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effectiveness of an environmental education class and the impacts of nudges and boosts implemented in this program on high school students' basic knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding environmental issues in Japan. This environmental education class consisted of a lecture on reducing the use of plastic products for energy conservation in daily life, a board game for learning how to reduce plastic waste, and a worksheet for reflection. Four types of worksheets were randomly distributed: nudges, in which students were asked to set a goal regarding their level of effort in not throwing away plastic products such as plastic bags, wet wipes, and plastic bottles; boosts, in which participants were asked to write an essay to help increase their empathy for the parties impacted by environmental issues; both nudges and boosts; and none (neither nudges nor boosts). After environmental education, an end-line survey was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of this class. This study found that the environmental education class significantly improved students' basic environmental knowledge and promoted their concerns about plastic waste. Although there was no evidence that nudges and boosts amplify the effects of the environmental education class on the students' knowledge, nudges were successful in making them more concerned about plastic waste. The results showed that students who received nudges or boosts were more likely to refuse free wet wipes offered at convenience stores but were not more likely to refuse plastic bottles. These results also indicated that interventions through environmental education can change students' pro-environmental behaviors only if the cost of behavioral change is low. The environmental education class not only increased students' environmental knowledge and attitudes, but the use of worksheets in administering nudges and boosts ensured the effectiveness of environmental education.


Asunto(s)
Educación , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Humanos , Empatía , Conocimiento , Plásticos , Estudiantes , Educación/métodos
19.
J Environ Manage ; 329: 117107, 2023 Mar 01.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36566732

RESUMEN

The massive spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) need to be recycled due to their increasing decommission in recent years. This paper aims to propose an effective process that uses self-supplied reductant roasting and acid leaching to recover Lithium, Nickle, Cobalt and Manganese from spent LIBs. In the absence of external carbon resources, the waste membrane from spent LIBs was used as the reductant in the self-supplied reductant roasting. A thermodynamic analysis was conducted to judge the possible reduction reaction between the cathode material and waste membrane. Then, the effects of roasting temperature, roasting time and membrane dosage on the crystal structure and phase transformation of roasting products were investigated and optimized. After the roasting process, the valence state of metals in the cathode material decreased and the structure became loose and porous. Moreover, the layer structure of the cathode material was transformed into groups of Li2CO3, Ni, Co, NiO, CoO and MnO. Further, the reduction effect of cathode powders under each roasting condition was verified under the same leaching conditions. After leaching for 30 min, the leaching efficiencies of Li, Ni, Co and Mn were over 99% under the optimum roasting conditions. Finally, economic assessments proved that the proposed process is profitable. The whole process demonstrates an effective and positive way for recycling spent LIBs and making full use of their waste membrane, which promotes resource recovery and environmental protection.


Asunto(s)
Litio , Sustancias Reductoras , Metales/química , Níquel , Cobalto , Suministros de Energía Eléctrica , Reciclaje
20.
Molecules ; 28(22)2023 Nov 09.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38005224

RESUMEN

As one of the most common forms of waste, waste PET is a serious pollutant in natural and human living environments. There is an urgent need to recycle PET. For this study, the complete degradation of PET was realized at a low temperature. A lipophilic hydrophobic membrane was formed on the surface of a stainless steel mesh (SSM) using a simple dip coating method, and an oil-water separation material was successfully prepared. After loading with degradation products, the surface roughness of SSM increased from 19.09 µm to 62.33 µm. The surface changed from hydrophilic to hydrophobic, and the water contact angle increased to 123°. The oil-water separation flux of the modified SSM was 9825 L/(m2·h), and the separation efficiency was 98.99%. The modified SSM had good reuse performance. This hydrophobic modification method can also be used to modify other porous substrates, such as activated carbon, filter paper, foam, and other materials. The porous substrate modified by the degradation product of waste PET was used to prepare oil-water separation materials, not only solving the problem of white pollution but also reducing the dependence on non-renewable resources in the conventional methods used for the preparation of oil-water separation materials. This study provides new raw materials and methods for the industrial production of oil-water separation materials, which have important application prospects.

SELECCIÓN DE REFERENCIAS
DETALLE DE LA BÚSQUEDA