Showing papers in "ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering in 2019"
TL;DR: In this article, a 3D Zn anode was constructed by electrodepositing Zn on a chemically etched porous copper skeleton, which exhibited reduced polarization, stable cycling performance, and almost 100% Coulombic efficiency as well as fast electrochemical kinetics.
Abstract: Zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) have attracted extensive attention in recent years, benefiting from their high safety, eco-friendliness, low cost, and high energy density. Although many cathode materials for ZIBs have been developed, the poor stability of zinc anodes caused by uneven deposition/stripping of zinc has inevitably limited the practical application of ZIBs. Herein, we report a highly stable 3D Zn anode prepared by electrodepositing Zn on a chemically etched porous copper skeleton. The inherent excellent electrical conductivity and open structure of the 3D porous copper skeleton ensure the uniform deposition/stripping of Zn. The 3D Zn anode exhibits reduced polarization, stable cycling performance, and almost 100% Coulombic efficiency as well as fast electrochemical kinetics during repeated Zn deposition/stripping processes for 350 h. Furthermore, full cells with a 3D Zn anode, ultrathin MnO2 nanosheet cathode, and Zn2+-containing aqueous electrolyte delivered a record-high capacity of 364 mAh g–1 at...
336 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, deep eutectic solvents (DESs) based on terpenes are identified and characterized, and four criteria are introduced to assess the sustainability of these hydrophobic DESs from a chemical engineering perspective.
Abstract: Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) based on terpenes are identified and characterized. 507 combinations of solid components are tested, which results in the identification of 17 new hydrophobic DESs. Four criteria are introduced to assess the sustainability of these hydrophobic DESs from a chemical engineering point of view. These criteria include a viscosity smaller than 100 mPa·s, a density difference between DES and water of at least 50 kg·m–3 upon mixing of the DES and water, low transfer of the DES to the water phase and minor to no pH change. The results show that five new hydrophobic DESs based on natural components satisfy these criteria; thymol and coumarin (2:1), thymol and menthol (1:1), thymol and coumarin (1:1), thymol and menthol (1:2) and 1-tetradecanol and menthol (1:2), and thus are promising DESs. These new DESs can be considered as natural deep eutectic solvents, which have the potential to be environmentally friendly. A selected group of the hydrophobic DESs were used for the extraction of ...
257 citations
TL;DR: Our biosphere comprises abundant biopolymers such as cellulose, chitin, and chitosan possessing highly desirable traits with biodegradability and renewability being prominent ones as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Our Biosphere comprises abundant biopolymers such as cellulose, chitin, and chitosan possessing highly desirable traits with biodegradability and renewability being prominent ones. The presence of ...
203 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a two-electrode configuration was proposed to produce nitrogen-doped porous carbon nanosheets using pine nut shells, an abundant biomass waste, as the precursor under the synergetic effect of KOH and melamine during the activation process.
Abstract: Graphene-like two-dimensional carbon nanosheets with properly modulated compositions and porosity are of particular importance for robust capacitance harvesting. Nevertheless, the large-scale and cost-effective production of such nanostructures still remains a great challenge. Herein, we innovatively produce nitrogen-doped porous carbon nanosheets using pine nut shells, an abundant biomass waste, as the precursor, under the synergetic effect of KOH and melamine during the activation process. The sole activation of the precursors with KOH can produce only traditional activated carbon particles of several micrometers, while interestingly, the extra introduction of melamine results in nitrogen-doped porous carbon nanosheets possessing high tunability. By construction of a two-electrode configuration, the supercapacitors with optimal nanosheets as the electrode materials can deliver a superior specific capacitance of 324 F g –1 at 0.05 A g–1, outstanding rate capability of 258 F g–1 at 20 A g–1, and extraordi...
169 citations
TL;DR: A combination of high porosity, robustness and structural tunibility makes these nanosorbents stand out as materials in environmental remediation as mentioned in this paper, and they have gained enormous research consideration for detection of contaminants in effluents and for treatment of wastewater.
Abstract: Environmental pollution and its after-effects have become global concerns in recent years. Among all types of pollution, water pollution has been considered as a major threat in recent years; this problem will be even worse in the near future. In the 21st century, water recycling has become a crucial issue as more regions across the globe are witnessing a water crisis. Detoxification of wastewater via adsorptive removal or photocatalytic degradation for achieving purified and drinkable water has been determined as environmentally benign, energy economic and cost-effective. In this context, porous materials have gained enormous research consideration for detection of contaminants in effluents and for treatment of wastewater. A combination of high porosity, robustness and structural tunibility makes these nanosorbents stand out as materials in environmental remediation. Metal–organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks and porous organic solids are among the versatile porous materials extensively invest...
167 citations
TL;DR: The design of flame-retardant biocomposites based on biobased flame retardants (FRs) represents a promising direction for creating a sustainable world as discussed by the authors, however, it remains a major challenge to expl...
Abstract: The design of flame-retardant biocomposites based on biobased flame retardants (FRs) represents a promising direction for creating a sustainable world. To date, it remains a major challenge to expl...
162 citations
TL;DR: Techniques which have been utilized to process chitin and to prepare chitIn-based functional materials, particularly in the production of fibers, films, beads, and hydrogels are discussed.
Abstract: Chitin is a promising natural polymer to produce functional materials due to the attractive combination of abundance, price, favorable biological properties, and biodegradability. However, multiple literature examples often confuse processing of chitosan, the deacetylated version of chitin, due to chitosan’s much higher solubility in traditional solvents. Nonetheless, despite current challenges to solubilize natural chitin, there is still a large body of literature demonstrating multiple ways to manipulate this polymer into materials of desired forms and properties. Here we review one such area where chitin promises both technological superiority and potential for commercial success, the use of chitin in biomedical research. We discuss techniques which have been utilized to process chitin and to prepare chitin-based functional materials, particularly in the production of fibers, films, beads, and hydrogels. Emphasis is given to the most recent methods and a compilation of a compelling collection of exampl...
158 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the prime technological requirement is the advancement of lithic-based electric vehicles (EVs), which is the primary technological requirement for a rapid shift from petrol-powered vehicles to electric vehicles.
Abstract: Environmental concerns and governmental policies have paved the path for a rapid shift from petrol-powered to electric vehicles (EVs). The prime technological requirement is the advancement of lith...
154 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed a water pollution caused by hazardous contaminants (e.g., heavy metal ions, emerging contaminants, organic dyes) is a serious issue because of acute toxicities and the carcinogenic nature of the pollutants.
Abstract: Nowadays, one of the most challenging sustainability issues faced by society is the safety of water resources. Water pollution caused by hazardous contaminants (e.g., heavy metal ions, emerging contaminants, organic dyes) is a serious issue because of acute toxicities and the carcinogenic nature of the pollutants. With the advent of materials engineering, unprecedented technical advances have been achieved through diverse technologies in recent decades, including photocatalytic oxidation, photo-Fenton, electron Fenton, adsorption, and separation. However, the applications of these technologies have suffered from several limitations, such as the uncompleted degradation efficiency, high energy consumption, narrow pH range for application etc. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have aroused increasing studies in gas storage, separation, sensing, water/air purification, and catalysis. The effectiveness of the above applications has been extensively recognized. In recent years, these highly ordered and porous cry...
149 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the different types of biomass and strategies available for the synthesis of carbon-based materials are discussed and factors influencing the efficiency of each strategy are analyzed and evaluated, and the utilization of carbonaceous materials in environmental, catalytic, electrical, and biological applications are reviewed.
Abstract: Current energy shortages and environmental crises have compelled researchers to look for inexpensive and sustainable resources that can be obtained via environmentally friendly routes to produce novel functional materials. Biomass has been identified as one of the promising candidates given its availability in large quantities and renewable nature. Among the various feasible synthetic strategies, hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) has been admired for its energy efficiency and ability to synthesize carbonaceous materials for use in a wide range of applications. In this review, the different types of biomass and strategies available for the synthesis of carbon-based materials are discussed. Furthermore, factors influencing the efficiency of each strategy are analyzed and evaluated. Subsequently, the utilization of carbonaceous materials in environmental, catalytic, electrical, and biological applications are reviewed to further demonstrate their functionalities across different fields.
148 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a critical review examines recent scientific and patent literature in the application of microwave reactors for catalytic transformation of biomass and biomass-derived molecules with a particular emphasis on heterogeneous catalysis.
Abstract: This critical review examines recent scientific and patent literature in the application of microwave reactors for catalytic transformation of biomass and biomass-derived molecules with a particular emphasis on heterogeneous catalysis. Several recent reports highlight dramatic reductions in reaction time and even superior selectivity when microwaves are used. However, there are still many controversies and unexplained effects in this area that deserve attention. We critically review the available sources attempting to establish trends and elucidate the actual status of this area of research. Additionally, where possible, we discuss the potential for scale-up and commercial utilization of microwaves and impediments that currently hold back their implementation. This critical review aims at highlighting the opportunity of combining catalysis with microwave technology for biomass conversion but also to stimulate the reader to generate future understanding of the influence of the microwaves in catalytic proce...
TL;DR: Li et al. as discussed by the authors developed a novel method for the selective recovery of lithium from spent LiFePO4 batteries through oxidizing LiFEPO4 to FePO4 with sodium persulfate (Na2S2O8).
Abstract: Lithium recovery from spent LiFePO4 batteries is significant to prevent resource depletion and environmental pollution. In this study, the employment of “water in salt” electrolyte in LiFePO4 battery enlightened us to develop a novel method for the selective recovery of lithium from spent LiFePO4 batteries through oxidizing LiFePO4 to FePO4 with sodium persulfate (Na2S2O8). Effect of several variables on the Li leaching efficiency was investigated. Additionally, combined thermodynamic analysis and characterization of XRD, XPS were employed to investigate the leaching mechanism. More than 99% of Li can be selectively leached in 20 min at ambient temperature with only 0.05 times excess of Na2S2O8. The high leaching efficiency can be ascribed to the stability and without destruction for the solid structure during the oxidation leaching. A closed-loop process was then proposed for recycling entire spent LiFePO4 batteries, and finally high purity Li2CO3 (99 wt %) was successfully prepared. The process is econo...
TL;DR: The replacement of noble-metal-based electrocatalysts with earth-abundant, low-cost bifunctional electrocalysts for efficient hydrogen generation is required as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The replacement of noble-metal-based electrocatalysts with earth-abundant, low-cost bifunctional electrocatalysts for efficient hydrogen generation is required. Herein, an amorphous and porous 2D N...
TL;DR: The thermal and long-term stability of carboxylic acid-choline chloride (ChCl) solvents has been investigated in this paper, showing that the mixture of choline chloride and carboxyl acid is stable.
Abstract: Mixtures of carboxylic acids and choline chloride are one of the most commonly used families of deep-eutectic solvents. The thermal and long-term stability of carboxylic acid–choline chloride (ChCl...
TL;DR: Aerogels, as ultralight three-dimensional (3D) highly porous materials, show great superiority in oil and organic pollutant cleanup as discussed by the authors, and have also attracted wide interest due to their ability to be used in many applications.
Abstract: Aerogels, as ultralight three-dimensional (3D) highly porous materials, show great superiority in oil and organic pollutant cleanup. Notably, biomass aerogels have also attracted wide interest due ...
TL;DR: Three types of nanocellulose are introduced (nanocrystalline, nanofibrillar, and bacterial) and their production processes are evaluated and the selection of proper source and processing techniques for nano cellulose production is facilitated.
Abstract: Nanocellulose, as a promising natural material, has recently received much attention because of its remarkable features including recyclability, biocompatibility, low risk of toxicity, and tunable ...
TL;DR: In view of the increasing concerns for environmental problems caused by the widespread use of antibiotics, there is an urgent demand to develop effective technologies for antibiotics removal from p... as discussed by the authors, the authors of this paper
Abstract: In view of the increasing concerns for environmental problems caused by the widespread use of antibiotics, there is an urgent demand to develop effective technologies for antibiotics removal from p...
TL;DR: In this paper, a template-free and self-doping approach is developed for fabricating N,O-enriched porous carbon spheres (PCSs) via direct carbonization/activation of melamine-glyoxal polymer.
Abstract: A template-free and self-doping approach is developed for fabricating N,O-enriched porous carbon spheres (PCSs) via direct carbonization/activation of melamine-glyoxal polymer. The interconnected spherical morphology of PCSs generates stacking porosities as ion reservoirs for rapid ion diffusion and affords conductive networks to shorten the transport lengths for electron transfer. Besides, PCSs exhibit a large surface area (1302 m2 g–1), ample ultramicropores (0.54 nm), and developed supermicro- and mesopores. This unique pore architecture provides optimized ion-accessible pore size to enhance double layer capacitance, and serves as ion-highways for rapid diffusion of electrolyte ions. Furthermore, high N/O elements (7.97/10.16 wt %) incorporated into PCSs improve surface wettability and supply additional pseudocapacitance. Therefore, the resultant PCS electrodes exhibit superior electrochemical performances, such as a high specific capacitance up to 344 F g–1 at 1.0 A g–1, remarkable rate capability, an...
TL;DR: In this article, photodegradation has been considered as an efficient environmental remediation technology to eliminate organic pollutants from wastewater, and the calling for high-performance photocatalysts is end...
Abstract: Photodegradation has been considered as an efficient environmental remediation technology to eliminate organic pollutants from wastewater, and the calling for high-performance photocatalysts is end...
TL;DR: In this article, flame-retardant (FR) cotton fabrics were successfully prepared with the reactive product of (3-piperazinylpropyl)methyldimethoxysilane and phytic acid, denoted as GPA, through a quick dip-coating t...
Abstract: Flame-retardant (FR) cotton fabrics were successfully prepared with the reactive product of (3-piperazinylpropyl)methyldimethoxysilane and phytic acid, denoted as GPA, through a quick dip-coating t...
TL;DR: Low-price, high-performance and strong-stability electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are highly significant in the application of clean energy d... as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Low-price, high-performance and strong-stability electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are highly significant in the application of clean energy d...
TL;DR: In this paper, a low-cost, environmentally friendly superwetting materials are urgently desired in industrial oily wastewater situations, using egg shell powders (ESP)-coated polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) mixtures.
Abstract: Low-cost, environmentally friendly superwetting materials are urgently desired in industrial oily wastewater situations. In our work, egg shell powders (ESP)-coated polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) m...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed to use water splitting to produce hydrogen, which can meet growing energy needs while balancing the impact of severe fossil fuel consumption. But it is still greatly desirable to obtain bifu...
Abstract: Electrochemical water splitting to produce hydrogen can meet growing energy needs while balancing the impact of severe fossil fuel consumption. To date, it is still greatly desirable to obtain bifu...
TL;DR: The development of inexpensive, efficient, and stable nonprecious-metal-based bifunctional catalysts for ORR and OER reactions remains an enormous challenge as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Development of inexpensive, efficient, and stable nonprecious-metal-based bifunctional catalysts for oxygen reduction (ORR) and evolution (OER) reactions remains an enormous challenge. This work re...
TL;DR: In this paper, a 2D/2D heterojunction of CuInS2/ZnIn2S4 nanosheets was proposed for solar hydrogen evolution. But the performance of the 2D2D H2 was not evaluated.
Abstract: Developing photocatalysts with a high-efficiency charge separation remains a challenge in the solar hydrogen production. Herein, we devised and prepared a unique 2D/2D heterojunction of CuInS2/ZnIn2S4 nanosheets for solar hydrogen evolution. Structural characterizations reveal that the CuInS2/ZnIn2S4 2D/2D heterojunction with lattice match consists of the thin thickness of nanosheets and has a large interface contact area, boosting charges transfer and separation. Benefiting from the favorable 2D/2D heterojunction structure, the CuInS2/ZnIn2S4 2D/2D heterojunction photocatalyst with 5 wt % CuInS2 yields the highest H2 evolution rate of 3430.2 μmol·g–1·h–1. In addition, the apparent quantum efficiency of 5%CuInS2/ZnIn2S4 2D/2D heterojunction reaches 12.4% at 420 nm, which is high among the ZnIn2S4-based 2D/2D heterojunctions. The enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution comes from the boosting charge separation. This work demonstrates that a 2D/2D heterojunction provides a potential way for significantly impro...
TL;DR: In this paper, the inferior plating/stripping Coulombic efficieness of metal zinc, with the advantages of low cost, low redox potential, and high capacity, is an ideal anode for aqueous zinc-ion batteries.
Abstract: Metal zinc, with the advantages of low cost, low redox potential, and high capacity, is an ideal anode for aqueous zinc-ion batteries. Nonetheless, the inferior plating/stripping Coulombic efficien...
TL;DR: In this article, a broad UV blocker based on Lignin has been proposed to meet the increasing sustainable requirement for the environment, which is called biodegradable and renewable UV shielding films.
Abstract: Biodegradable and renewable UV-shielding films are highly demanded to meet the increasing sustainable requirement for the environment. Lignin as a natural broad UV blocker has gained considerable a...
TL;DR: In this article, a stretchable Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 (PZT)-based stretchable piezoelectric nanogenerator (HSPG) was proposed.
Abstract: Stretchable piezoelectric nanogenerators are highly desirable for power supply of flexible electronics. Piezoelectric composite material is the most effective strategy to render piezoelectric nanogenerators stretchable. However, the generated output performance is unsatisfactory due to the low piezoelectric phase proportion. Here we demonstrate a high-performance Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 (PZT)-based stretchable piezoelectric nanogenerator (HSPG). The proposed HSPG exhibits excellent output performance with a power density of ∼81.25 μW/cm3, dozens of times higher than previously reported results. Mixing technique, instead of conventional stirring technology, is used to incorporate PZT particles into solid silicone rubber. The filler distribution homogeneity in matrix is thus remarkably improved, allowing higher filler composition. The PZT proportion in composite can be increased to 92 wt % with satisfactory stretchability of 30%. On the basis of the excellent electrical and mechanical properties, the proposed HS...
TL;DR: The orchestrated network of octahedron shaped Cu organic framework was developed via a simple aging protocol, and the partial cation swap reactions between Cu and Ni nodes in the Cu2-paddlewheel uni... as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The orchestrated network of octahedron shaped Cu organic framework is developed via a simple aging protocol, and the partial cation swap reactions between Cu and Ni nodes in the Cu2-paddlewheel uni...
TL;DR: In this paper, single Ru decorated TiO2 nanosheets rich in oxygen vacancies were synthesized, which greatly promoted photoreduction of aqueous N2 to NH3, affording an NH3 formation rate of 56.3 μg/h/gcat.
Abstract: Photocatalysis shows a great potential for N2 fixation to NH3 under mild conditions, which intrigues increasing research attention in recent decades. To this end, the design of efficient photocatalysts is the key. Herein, we report the synthesis of single atom Ru decorated TiO2 nanosheets rich in oxygen vacancies. Single Ru sites greatly promoted photoreduction of aqueous N2 to NH3, affording an NH3 formation rate of 56.3 μg/h/gcat. We found that isolated Ru atoms likely weakened the hydrogen evolution, promoted absorption of N2, and also improved the charge carrier separation, which led to enhanced N2 photofixation.