Emerging Research Trend in Chemical Technology Towards Sustainable Development

Abstract

The rapid industrialization and urbanization as well as rising global transportation have induced numerous challenges regarding energy security, environmental protection, waste management, and greenhouse gas emissions across the world. Addressing these current issues is crucial to guarantee the sustainable development, green environment, and circular economy. The implementation of advanced chemical technology in industrial production, worldwide transportation, and environmental treatment could contribute to efficiently solve these global challenges. This special issue of Chemical Engineering & Technology highlights the recent research trends in chemical technology towards sustainable development such as advanced material synthesis from various waste sources, biological and thermochemical processes for alternative biofuels and chemicals production. In particular, the synthesis of polysulfide from waste cooking palm oil and the production of hybrid films reinforced with cellulose nanofibers used as packaging materials are thoroughly discussed. Additionally, a comprehensive review regarding waste biomasses transformation to value-added biofuels and biochemicals via thermochemical processes, namely, liquefaction, gasification, torrefaction, and pyrolysis, is presented in this special issue. The environmental benefits associated with these approaches are also underlined. Computer-aided methods including simulation, modeling, and optimization of different chemical engineering processes for energy and environmental applications are offered as well. The contribution from authors across the world to this thematic issue is highly appreciated. The guest editors also acknowledge the valuable effort and constructive comments from reviewers for manuscript assessment. Lastly, we would like to appreciate the Editor in Chief Dr. Barbara Böck and the entire editorial office for their valuable support and guidance during the completion of this topical issue. Dr. Dai-Viet N. Vo, Institute of Applied Technology and Sustainable Development, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Vietnam Dr. Sumaiya Zainal Abidin, Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Malaysia Dr. P. Senthil Kumar, Department of Chemical Engineering, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, India Dr. Muthusamy Govarthanan, Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, South Korea Dai-Viet N. Vo Sumaiya Zainal Abidin P. Senthil Kumar Muthusamy Govarthanan