Sr Promoted Ni/W-Zr Catalysts for Highly Efficient CO2 Methanation: Unveiling the Role of Surface Basicity.

This study explores the employment of CO2 methanation for carbon dioxide utilization and global warming mitigation. For the first time, in this work, we combine the interesting properties of the WO3-ZrO2 support and the benefits of Sr to improve the performance of Ni-based catalysts in this reaction. Sr loading on 5Ni/W-Zr samples is increased to 3 wt %, resulting in improved surface basicity through strong basic site formation. After 300 min, the 5Ni + 3Sr/W-Zr catalyst exhibits high activity and stability, achieving 90% CO2 conversion and 82% CH4 yield compared to 62 and 57% on 5Ni/W-Zr. Limited sintering and absence of carbon deposits are confirmed by temperature-programmed oxidation, XRD, Raman, and TEM analyses at 350 °C for 300 min. Sr promotion creates additional CO2 adsorption and conversion sites, enhancing the catalytic performance.

Plant-based proteins: advanced extraction technologies, interactions, physicochemical and functional properties, food and related applications, and health benefits.

Even though plant proteins are more plentiful and affordable than animal proteins in comparison, direct usage of plant-based proteins (PBPs) is still limited because PBPs are fed to animals as feed to produce animal-based proteins. Thus, this work has comprehensively reviewed the effects of various factors such as pH, temperature, pressure, and ionic strength on PBP properties, as well as describes the protein interactions, and extraction methods to know the optimal conditions for preparing PBP-based products with high functional properties and health benefits. According to the cited studies in the current work, the environmental factors, particularly pH and ionic strength significantly affected on physicochemical and functional properties of PBPs, especially solubility was 76.0% to 83.9% at pH = 2, while at pH = 5.0 reduced from 5.3% to 9.6%, emulsifying ability was the lowest at pH = 5.8 and the highest at pH 8.0, and foaming capacity was lowest at pH 5.0 and the highest at pH = 7.0. Electrostatic interactions are the main way for protein interactions, which can be used to create protein/polysaccharide complexes for food industrial purposes. The extraction yield of proteins can be reached up to 86-95% with high functional properties using sustainable and efficient routes, including enzymatic, ultrasound-, microwave-, pulsed electric field-, and high-pressure-assisted extraction. Nondairy alternative products, especially yogurt, 3D food printing and meat analogs, synthesis of nanoparticles, and bioplastics and packaging films are the best available PBPs-based products. Moreover, PBPs particularly those that contain pigments and their products showed good bioactivities, especially antioxidants, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial.

Seaweed for climate mitigation, wastewater treatment, bioenergy, bioplastic, biochar, food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics: a review.

The development and recycling of biomass production can partly solve issues of energy, climate change, population growth, food and feed shortages, and environmental pollution. For instance, the use of seaweeds as feedstocks can reduce our reliance on fossil fuel resources, ensure the synthesis of cost-effective and eco-friendly products and biofuels, and develop sustainable biorefinery processes. Nonetheless, seaweeds use in several biorefineries is still in the infancy stage compared to terrestrial plants-based lignocellulosic biomass. Therefore, here we review seaweed biorefineries with focus on seaweed production, economical benefits, and seaweed use as feedstock for anaerobic digestion, biochar, bioplastics, crop health, food, livestock feed, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Globally, seaweeds could sequester between 61 and 268 megatonnes of carbon per year, with an average of 173 megatonnes. Nearly 90% of carbon is sequestered by exporting biomass to deep water, while the remaining 10% is buried in coastal sediments. 500 gigatonnes of seaweeds could replace nearly 40% of the current soy protein production. Seaweeds contain valuable bioactive molecules that could be applied as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiviral, antifungal, anticancer, contraceptive, anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulants, and in other cosmetics and skincare products.

Rice straw for energy and value-added products in China: a review.

The rise of global waste and the decline of fossil fuels are calling for recycling waste into energy and materials. For example, rice straw, a by-product of rice cultivation, can be converted into biogas and by-products with added value, e.g., biofertilizer, yet processing rice straw is limited by the low energy content, high ash and silica, low nitrogen, high moisture, and high-quality variability. Here, we review the recycling of rice straw with focus on the global and Chinese energy situations, conversion of rice straw into energy and gas, biogas digestate management, cogeneration, biogas upgrading, bioeconomy, and life cycle assessment. The quality of rice straw can be improved by pretreatments, such as baling, ensiling, and co-digestion of rice straw with other feedstocks. The biogas digestate can be used to fertilize soils. The average annual potential energy of collectable rice straw, with a lower heating value of 15.35 megajoule/kilogram, over the past ten years (2013-2022) could reach 2.41 × 109 megajoule.

Strategies to save energy in the context of the energy crisis: a review.

New technologies, systems, societal organization and policies for energy saving are urgently needed in the context of accelerated climate change, the Ukraine conflict and the past coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. For instance, concerns about market and policy responses that could lead to new lock-ins, such as investing in liquefied natural gas infrastructure and using all available fossil fuels to compensate for Russian gas supply cuts, may hinder decarbonization efforts. Here we review energy-saving solutions with a focus on the actual energy crisis, green alternatives to fossil fuel heating, energy saving in buildings and transportation, artificial intelligence for sustainable energy, and implications for the environment and society. Green alternatives include biomass boilers and stoves, hybrid heat pumps, geothermal heating, solar thermal systems, solar photovoltaics systems into electric boilers, compressed natural gas and hydrogen. We also detail case studies in Germany which is planning a 100% renewable energy switch by 2050 and developing the storage of compressed air in China, with emphasis on technical and economic aspects. The global energy consumption in 2020 was 30.01% for the industry, 26.18% for transport, and 22.08% for residential sectors. 10-40% of energy consumption can be reduced using renewable energy sources, passive design strategies, smart grid analytics, energy-efficient building systems, and intelligent energy monitoring. Electric vehicles offer the highest cost-per-kilometer reduction of 75% and the lowest energy loss of 33%, yet battery-related issues, cost, and weight are challenging. 5-30% of energy can be saved using automated and networked vehicles. Artificial intelligence shows a huge potential in energy saving by improving weather forecasting and machine maintenance and enabling connectivity across homes, workplaces, and transportation. For instance, 18.97-42.60% of energy consumption can be reduced in buildings through deep neural networking. In the electricity sector, artificial intelligence can automate power generation, distribution, and transmission operations, balance the grid without human intervention, enable lightning-speed trading and arbitrage decisions at scale, and eliminate the need for manual adjustments by end-users.

Artificial intelligence for waste management in smart cities: a review.

The rising amount of waste generated worldwide is inducing issues of pollution, waste management, and recycling, calling for new strategies to improve the waste ecosystem, such as the use of artificial intelligence. Here, we review the application of artificial intelligence in waste-to-energy, smart bins, waste-sorting robots, waste generation models, waste monitoring and tracking, plastic pyrolysis, distinguishing fossil and modern materials, logistics, disposal, illegal dumping, resource recovery, smart cities, process efficiency, cost savings, and improving public health. Using artificial intelligence in waste logistics can reduce transportation distance by up to 36.8%, cost savings by up to 13.35%, and time savings by up to 28.22%. Artificial intelligence allows for identifying and sorting waste with an accuracy ranging from 72.8 to 99.95%. Artificial intelligence combined with chemical analysis improves waste pyrolysis, carbon emission estimation, and energy conversion. We also explain how efficiency can be increased and costs can be reduced by artificial intelligence in waste management systems for smart cities.

Synthesis and potential applications of cyclodextrin-based metal-organic frameworks: a review.

Metal-organic frameworks are porous polymeric materials formed by linking metal ions with organic bridging ligands. Metal-organic frameworks are used as sensors, catalysts for organic transformations, biomass conversion, photovoltaics, electrochemical applications, gas storage and separation, and photocatalysis. Nonetheless, many actual metal-organic frameworks present limitations such as toxicity of preparation reagents and components, which make frameworks unusable for food and pharmaceutical applications. Here, we review the structure, synthesis and properties of cyclodextrin-based metal-organic frameworks that could be used in bioapplications. Synthetic methods include vapor diffusion, microwave-assisted, hydro/solvothermal, and ultrasound techniques. The vapor diffusion method can produce cyclodextrin-based metal-organic framework crystals with particle sizes ranging from 200 nm to 400 µm. Applications comprise food packaging, drug delivery, sensors, adsorbents, gas separation, and membranes. Cyclodextrin-based metal-organic frameworks showed loading efficacy of the bioactive compounds ranging from 3.29 to 97.80%.

Microplastic sources, formation, toxicity and remediation: a review.

Microplastic pollution is becoming a major issue for human health due to the recent discovery of microplastics in most ecosystems. Here, we review the sources, formation, occurrence, toxicity and remediation methods of microplastics. We distinguish ocean-based and land-based sources of microplastics. Microplastics have been found in biological samples such as faeces, sputum, saliva, blood and placenta. Cancer, intestinal, pulmonary, cardiovascular, infectious and inflammatory diseases are induced or mediated by microplastics. Microplastic exposure during pregnancy and maternal period is also discussed. Remediation methods include coagulation, membrane bioreactors, sand filtration, adsorption, photocatalytic degradation, electrocoagulation and magnetic separation. Control strategies comprise reducing plastic usage, behavioural change, and using biodegradable plastics. Global plastic production has risen dramatically over the past 70 years to reach 359 million tonnes. China is the world's top producer, contributing 17.5% to global production, while Turkey generates the most plastic waste in the Mediterranean region, at 144 tonnes per day. Microplastics comprise 75% of marine waste, with land-based sources responsible for 80-90% of pollution, while ocean-based sources account for only 10-20%. Microplastics induce toxic effects on humans and animals, such as cytotoxicity, immune response, oxidative stress, barrier attributes, and genotoxicity, even at minimal dosages of 10 µg/mL. Ingestion of microplastics by marine animals results in alterations in gastrointestinal tract physiology, immune system depression, oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, differential gene expression, and growth inhibition. Furthermore, bioaccumulation of microplastics in the tissues of aquatic organisms can have adverse effects on the aquatic ecosystem, with potential transmission of microplastics to humans and birds. Changing individual behaviours and governmental actions, such as implementing bans, taxes, or pricing on plastic carrier bags, has significantly reduced plastic consumption to 8-85% in various countries worldwide. The microplastic minimisation approach follows an upside-down pyramid, starting with prevention, followed by reducing, reusing, recycling, recovering, and ending with disposal as the least preferable option.

Integrating life cycle assessment and characterisation techniques: A case study of biodiesel production utilising waste Prunus Armeniaca seeds (PAS) and a novel catalyst.

Prunus Armeniaca seed (PAS) oil was utilised as a waste biomass feedstock for biodiesel production via a novel catalytic system (SrO-La2O3) based on different stoichiometric ratios. The catalysts have been characterised and followed by a parametric analysis to optimise catalyst results. The catalyst with a stoichiometric ratio of Sr: La-8 (Sr-La-C) using parametric analysis showed an optimum yield of methyl esters is 97.28% at 65 °C, reaction time 75 min, catalyst loading 3 wt% and methanol to oil molar ratio of 9. The optimum catalyst was tested using various oil feedstocks such as waste cooking oil, sunflower oil, PAS oil, date seed oil and animal fat. The life cycle assessment was performed to evaluate the environmental impacts of biodiesel production utilising waste PAS, considering 1000 kg of biodiesel produced as 1 functional unit. The recorded results showed the cumulative abiotic depletion of fossil resources over the entire biodiesel production process as 22,920 MJ, global warming potential as 1150 kg CO2 equivalent, acidification potential as 4.89 kg SO2 equivalent and eutrophication potential as 0.2 kg PO43- equivalent for 1 tonne (1000 kg) of biodiesel produced. Furthermore, the energy ratio (measured as output energy divided by input energy) for the entire production process was 1.97. These results demonstrated that biodiesel obtained from the valorisation of waste PAS provides a suitable alternative to fossil fuels.

Strategies to achieve a carbon neutral society: a review.

The increasing global industrialization and over-exploitation of fossil fuels has induced the release of greenhouse gases, leading to an increase in global temperature and causing environmental issues. There is therefore an urgent necessity to reach net-zero carbon emissions. Only 4.5% of countries have achieved carbon neutrality, and most countries are still planning to do so by 2050-2070. Moreover, synergies between different countries have hampered synergies between adaptation and mitigation policies, as well as their co-benefits. Here, we present a strategy to reach a carbon neutral economy by examining the outcome goals of the 26th summit of the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP 26). Methods have been designed for mapping carbon emissions, such as input-output models, spatial systems, geographic information system maps, light detection and ranging techniques, and logarithmic mean divisia. We present decarbonization technologies and initiatives, and negative emissions technologies, and we discuss carbon trading and carbon tax. We propose plans for carbon neutrality such as shifting away from fossil fuels toward renewable energy, and the development of low-carbon technologies, low-carbon agriculture, changing dietary habits and increasing the value of food and agricultural waste. Developing resilient buildings and cities, introducing decentralized energy systems, and the electrification of the transportation sector is also necessary. We also review the life cycle analysis of carbon neutral systems.

Biochar for agronomy, animal farming, anaerobic digestion, composting, water treatment, soil remediation, construction, energy storage, and carbon sequestration: a review.

In the context of climate change and the circular economy, biochar has recently found many applications in various sectors as a versatile and recycled material. Here, we review application of biochar-based for carbon sink, covering agronomy, animal farming, anaerobic digestion, composting, environmental remediation, construction, and energy storage. The ultimate storage reservoirs for biochar are soils, civil infrastructure, and landfills. Biochar-based fertilisers, which combine traditional fertilisers with biochar as a nutrient carrier, are promising in agronomy. The use of biochar as a feed additive for animals shows benefits in terms of animal growth, gut microbiota, reduced enteric methane production, egg yield, and endo-toxicant mitigation. Biochar enhances anaerobic digestion operations, primarily for biogas generation and upgrading, performance and sustainability, and the mitigation of inhibitory impurities. In composts, biochar controls the release of greenhouse gases and enhances microbial activity. Co-composted biochar improves soil properties and enhances crop productivity. Pristine and engineered biochar can also be employed for water and soil remediation to remove pollutants. In construction, biochar can be added to cement or asphalt, thus conferring structural and functional advantages. Incorporating biochar in biocomposites improves insulation, electromagnetic radiation protection and moisture control. Finally, synthesising biochar-based materials for energy storage applications requires additional functionalisation.

Surface hydrophobicity and acidity effect on alumina catalyst in catalytic methanol dehydration reaction.

BACKGROUND: Methanol to dimethyl ether (MTD) is considered one of the main routes for the production of clean bio-fuel. The effect of copper loading on the catalytic performance of different phases of alumina that formed by calcination at two different temperatures was examined for the dehydration of methanol to dimethyl ether (DME). RESULTS: A range of Cu loadings of (1, 2, 4, 6, 10 and 15% Cu wt/wt) on Al2O3 calcined at 350 and 550 °C were prepared and characterized by TGA, XRD, BET, NH3-TPD, TEM, H2-TPR, SEM, EDX, XPS and DRIFT-Pyridine techniques. The prepared catalysts were used in a fixed bed reactor under reaction conditions in which the temperature ranged from 180-300 °C with weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) = 12.1 h-1. It was observed that all catalysts calcined at 550 °C (γ-Al2O3 support phase) exhibited higher activity than those calcined at 350 °C (γ-AlOOH), and this is due to the phase support change. Furthermore, the optimum Cu loading was found to be 6% Cu/γ-Al2O3 with this catalyst also showing a high degree of stability under steady state conditions and this is attributed to the enhancement in surface acidity and hydrophobicity. CONCLUSION: The addition of copper to the support improved the catalyst properties and activity. For all the copper modified catalysts, the optimum catalyst with high degree of activity and stability was 6% copper loaded on gamma alumina. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Artificial intelligence-enabled optimization of Fe/Zn@biochar photocatalyst for 2,6-dichlorophenol removal from petrochemical wastewater: A techno-economic perspective.

While numerous studies have addressed the photocatalytic degradation of 2,6-dichlorophenol (2,6-DCP) in wastewater, an existing research gap pertains to operational factors' optimization by non-linear prediction models to ensure a cost-effective and sustainable process. Herein, we focus on optimizing the photocatalytic degradation of 2,6-DCP using artificial intelligence modeling, aiming at minimizing initial capital outlay and ongoing operational expenses. Hence, Fe/Zn@biochar, a novel material, was synthesized, characterized, and applied to harness the dual capabilities of 2,6-DCP adsorption and degradation. Fe/Zn@biochar exhibited an adsorption energy of -21.858 kJ/mol, effectively capturing the 2,6-DCP molecules. This catalyst accumulated photo-excited electrons, which, upon interaction with adsorbed oxygen and/or dissolved oxygen generated •O2-. The •OH radicals could also be produced from h+ in the Fe/Zn@biochar valence band, cleaving the C-Cl bonds to Cl- ions, dechlorinated byproducts, and phenols. An artificial neural network (ANN) model, with a 4-10-1 topology, "trainlm" training function, and feed-forward back-propagation algorithm, was developed to predict the 2,6-DCP removal efficiency. The ANN prediction accuracy was expressed as R2 = 0.967 and mean squared error = 5.56e-22. The ANN-based optimized condition depicted that over 90% of 2,6-DCP could be eliminated under C0 = 130 mg/L, pH = 2.74, and catalyst dosage = 168 mg/L within ∼4 h. This optimum condition corresponded to a total cost of $7.70/m3, which was cheaper than the price estimated from the unoptimized photocatalytic system by 16%. Hence, the proposed ANN could be employed to enhance the 2,6-DCP photocatalytic degradation process with reduced operational expenses, providing practical and cost-effective solutions for petrochemical wastewater treatment.

Advancing sustainable water treatment strategies: harnessing magnetite-based photocatalysts and techno-economic analysis for enhanced wastewater management in the context of SDGs.

Herein, we explore the holistic integration of magnetite-based photocatalysts and techno-economic analysis (TEA) as a sustainable approach in wastewater treatment aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While considerable attention has been devoted to photocatalytic dye degradation, the nexus between these processes and techno-economic considerations remains relatively unexplored. The review comprehensively examines the fundamental characteristics of magnetite-based photocatalysts, encompassing synthesis methods, composition, and unique properties. It investigates their efficacy in photocatalytic degradation, addressing homogeneous and heterogeneous aspects while discussing strategies to optimize photodegradation efficiency, including curbing electron-hole recombination and mitigating scavenging effects and interference by ions and humic acid. Moreover, the management aspects of magnetite-based photocatalysts are examined, focusing on their reusability and regeneration post-dye removal, along with the potential for reusing treated wastewater in relevant industrial applications. From a techno-economic perspective, the study evaluates the financial feasibility of deploying magnetite-based photocatalysts in wastewater treatment, correlating reduced pollution and the marketing of treated water with social, economic, and environmental objectives. By advocating the integration of magnetite-based photocatalysts and TEA, this paper contributes insights into scalable and profitable sustainable wastewater treatment practices. It underscores the alignment of these practices with SDGs, emphasizing a comprehensive and holistic approach to managing wastewater in ways that meet environmental, economic, and societal objectives.

Utilization of iron fillings solid waste for optimum biodiesel production.

This study explores the innovative application of iron filings solid waste, a byproduct from mechanical workshops, as a heterogeneous catalyst in the production of biodiesel from waste cooking oil. Focusing on sustainability and waste valorization, the research presents a dual-benefit approach: addressing the environmental issue of solid waste disposal while contributing to the renewable energy sector. Particle size distribution analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Thermal analysis (TG-DTA), and FTIR analysis were used to characterize the iron filings. The response surface methodology (RSM) was used to guide a series of experiments that were conducted to identify the optimum transesterification settings. Important factors that greatly affect the production of biodiesel are identified by the study, including catalyst loading, reaction time, methanol-to-oil ratio, reaction temperature, and stirring rate. The catalyst proved to be successful as evidenced by the 96.4% biodiesel conversion efficiency attained under ideal conditions. The iron filings catalyst's reusability was evaluated, demonstrating its potential for numerous applications without noticeably decreasing activity. This work offers a road towards more environmentally friendly and sustainable chemical processes in energy production by making a strong argument for using industrial solid waste as a catalyst in the biodiesel manufacturing process.

Utilizing Undissolved Portion (UNP) of Cement Kiln Dust as a Versatile Multicomponent Catalyst for Bioethylene Production from Bioethanol: An Innovative Approach to Address the Energy Crisis.

This study focuses on upcycling cement kiln dust (CKD) as an industrial waste by utilizing the undissolved portion (UNP) as a multicomponent catalyst for bioethylene production from bioethanol, offering an environmentally sustainable solution. To maximize UNP utilization, CKD was dissolved in nitric acid, followed by calcination at 500 °C for 3 h in an oxygen atmosphere. Various characterization techniques confirmed that UNP comprises five different compounds with nanocrystalline particles exhibiting an average crystal size of 47.53 nm. The UNP catalyst exhibited a promising bioethylene yield (77.1%) and selectivity (92%) at 400 °C, showcasing its effectiveness in converting bioethanol to bioethylene with outstanding properties. This exceptional performance can be attributed to its distinctive structural characteristics, including a high surface area and multiple-strength acidic sites that facilitate the reaction mechanism. Moreover, the UNP catalyst displayed remarkable stability and durability, positioning it as a strong candidate for industrial applications in bioethylene production. This research underscores the importance of waste reduction in the cement industry and offers a sustainable path toward a greener future.

Nanostructured Mn@NiO composite for addressing multi-pollutant challenges in petroleum-contaminated water.

Efficient catalysts play a pivotal role in advancing eco-friendly water treatment strategies, particularly in the removal of diverse organic contaminants found in water-petroleum sources. This study addresses the multifaceted challenges posed by contaminants, encompassing a spectrum of heavy metals such as As, Cd, Cr, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, and Zn alongside pollutants like oily water (OIW), total suspended solids (TSS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), dyes, and pharmaceuticals, posing threats to both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Herein, we present the synthesis of biogenically derived Mn@NiO nanocomposite (NC) photocatalysts, a sustainable methodology employing an aqueous Rosmarinus officinalis L. extract, yielding particles with a size of 36.7 nm. The catalyst demonstrates exceptional efficacy in removing heavy metals, achieving rates exceeding 99-100% within 30 min, alongside notable removal efficiencies for OIW (98%), TSS (87%), and COD (98%). Furthermore, our photodegradation experiments showed remarkable efficiencies, with 94% degradation for Rose Bengal (RB) and 96% for methylene blue (MB) within 120 min. The degradation kinetics adhere to pseudo-first-order behavior, with rate constants of 0.0227 min-1 for RB and 0.0370 min-1 for MB. Additionally, the NC exhibits significant antibiotic degradation rates of 97% for cephalexin (CEX) and 96% for amoxicillin (AMOX). The enhanced photocatalytic performance is attributed to the synergistic interplay between the Mn and NiO nanostructures, augmenting responsiveness to sunlight while mitigating electron-hole pair recombination. Notably, the catalyst demonstrates outstanding stability and reusability across multiple cycles, maintaining its stable nanostructure without compromise.

Novel Approach to Photocatalytic Removal of Linezolid by Advanced Nano-Biochar/Bismuth Oxychloride Hybrid.

Herein, we introduce an innovative nanohybrid material for advanced wastewater treatment, composed of Corchorus olitorius-derived biochar and bismuth oxychloride (Biochar/Bi12O17Cl2), demonstrated in a solar photoreactor. This work focuses on the efficient degradation of linezolid (LIN), a persistent pharmaceutical pollutant, utilizing the unique (photo)catalytic capabilities of the nanohybrid. Compared with its individual components, the biochar/Bi12O17Cl2 hybrid exhibits a remarkable degradation efficiency of 82.6% for LIN, alongside significant chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) mineralization rates of 81.3 and 75.8%, respectively. These results were achieved within 3 h under solar irradiation, using an optimal composite dose of 125 mg/L at pH 4.3 ± 0.45, with an initial COD and LIN concentrations of 1605 and 160.8 mg/L and TOC of 594.3 mg/L. The nanohybrid's stability across five cycles of use demonstrates its potential for repeated applications, with degradation efficiencies of 82.6 and 77.9% in the first and fifth cycles, respectively. This indicates the biochar/Bi12O17Cl2 composite's suitability as a sustainable and cost-effective solution for the remediation of heavily contaminated waters. Further, the degradation pathway proposed the degradation of all of the generated intermediates to a single-ring compound. Contributing to the development of next-generation materials for environmental remediation, this research underscores the critical role of nanotechnology in enhancing water quality and ecosystem sustainability and addressing the global imperative for clean water access and environmental preservation.

Synthetic Degradable Polyvinyl Alcohol Polymer and Its Blends with Starch and Cellulose-A Comprehensive Overview.

Approximately 50% of global plastic wastes are produced from plastic packaging, a substantial amount of which is disposed of within a few minutes of its use. Although many plastic types are designed for single use, they are not always disposable. It is now widely acknowledged that the production and disposal of plastics have led to a plethora of negative consequences, including the contamination of both groundwater and soil resources and the deterioration of human health. The undeniable impact of excessive plastic manufacturing and waste generation on the global plastic pollution crisis has been well documented. Therefore, degradable polymers are a crucial solution to the problem of the non-degradation of plastic wastes. The disadvantage of degradable polymers is their high cost, so blending them with natural polymers will reduce the cost of final products and maximize their degradation rate, making degradable polymers competitive with industrial polymers that are currently in use daily. In this work, we will delineate various degradable polymers, including polycaprolactone, starch, and cellulose. Furthermore, we will elucidate several aspects of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and its blends with natural polymers to show the effects of adding natural polymers on PVA properties. This paper will study cost-effective and ecologically acceptable polymers by combining inexpensive natural polymers with readily accessible biodegradable polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA).

Hydrogen Production via Methane Decomposition over Alumina Doped with Titanium Oxide-Supported Iron Catalyst for Various Calcination Temperatures.

The decomposition of methane has been chosen as an alternative method for producing hydrogen. In this study, 20 % Fe was used as the active metal part of the catalyst. To better comprehend the impact of the supporting catalytic properties, alumina and titania-alumina composite were investigated as supports. Iron-based catalysts were prepared by impregnation method and then calcined at different temperatures (300 °C, 500 °C, and 800 °C). The catalysts were examined at 800 °C under atmospheric pressure with a 15 mL/min total flow rate and 2 : 1 CH4 to N2 feed ratio. The textural and morphological characteristics of the fresh calcined and spent catalysts were investigated. The catalytic activity and stability data demonstrated that Fe supported over TiO2-Al2O3 calcined at 500 °C performed the best of all evaluated catalysts with a more than 80 % hydrogen yield. The Raman spectra result showed that graphitic carbon was produced for all used titanium dioxide catalysts. Moreover, according to transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results, the carbon deposited on the catalysts' surface is carbon nanotubes (CNT).