Mechanistic insights into nitrogen doping effects on cobalt-loaded biochar for peroxymonosulfate Catalysis.

Grand-canonical DFT applied to the electro-oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural on (substituted) NiOOH(0001)

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are gaining momentum as a promising secondary battery technology due to their high safety, environmental friendliness, abundant resources, and competitive energy density. These attributes position them as viable alternatives to traditional lithium-ion batteries. However, the commercialization of AZIBs faces significant challenges, including high desolvation barriers that complicate ion mobility, sluggish ion-transport kinetics, zinc dendrite growth, and detrimental side reactions. To address these issues, there has been a growing interest in utilizing biomass-based materials in the design of advanced AZIBs. These materials inherently possess excellent hydrophilicity, strong mechanical strength, and abundant active functional groups, all of which can enhance the performance of AZIBs. This review offers an in-depth examination of current progress, prevailing limitations, and potential solutions for biomass-derived electrode materials to achieve enhanced long-cycle stability and rapid electrochemical kinetics in AZIBs. Furthermore, this review systematically addresses pivotal issues and emerging research directions concerning the design of zinc anodes, while guiding the future optimization of AZIBs with exceptional electrochemical performance. Hence, it furnishes a comprehensive outlook on the prospective evolution of biomass-based AZIBs, while highlighting critical challenges, and opportunities that may accelerate their ongoing development, and facilitate their wider adoption in practical applications.

Abstract The pulp and paper industry (PPI) produces various lignocellulosic wastes, including paper sludge, which is rich in cellulose and suitable for biofuel production. Anaerobic digestion (AD) has emerged as a promising treatment technology due to its environmental and economic benefits. Biochemical methane production (BMP) assays were performed at different food-to-microorganisms (F/M) ratios: 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and a control (Inoculum). Among the four different F/M ratios, F/M 1.5 achieved the highest methane yield of 272 mL CH 4 /g VS, followed by 2.0 > 1.0 > 2.5 with methane yield of 250 > 247 > 227 mL CH 4 /g VS over a period of 42 days. The effect of the F/M ratio on specific methanogenic activity (SMA) was evaluated to support the interpretation of BMP assay results. Further effects of substrate biodegradability and methane production rate were also evaluated in a kinetic study using two simplified models, among them the modified Gompertz model provided the best fit (R 2 = 0.997) to the experimental data. Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA revealed that the F/M ratio significantly affected methane yield (p < 0.05). Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed the presence of active organic functional groups, which highlights the lignocellulosic degradation pattern before and after digestion. A phytotoxicity assay using Vigna radiata L. (mung bean) revealed a concentration-dependent decline in seed germination, shoot and root length, and biomass after digestion relative to the control. This study uniquely integrates F/M ratio optimization, biodegradability assessment, kinetic modeling, and statistical analysis to provide a complete understanding of methane production from PPI sludge. It also links process performance with environmental safety through phytotoxicity evaluation, offering a comprehensive waste-to-energy framework.

This study investigates the potential of Jamun Seed Activated Carbon (JSAC) derived from agricultural waste as an efficient adsorbent for the Crystal Violet (CV) and Malachite Green (MG). There is two distinct preparation routes: chemical activation and thermal (physical) activation. Thermal activation at 700 °C achieved the highest surface area (773 m2/g), outperforming chemical activation with H3PO4 (404 m2/g). Characterization using FTIR, BET, SEM, and zeta potential (−36.36 mV) confirmed high colloidal stability and the presence of active oxygen-containing functional groups (–OH and –COOH). Batch experiments achieved 98–99% removal with maximum adsorption capacities of approximately 3.233 mg/g for both dyes. Optimal parameters included contact times of 40–50 min, a dosage of 0.9 − 1.2 g, and temperatures of 35–45 °C. The Hill model provided the best fit for MG and the Redlich-Peterson model provided the best fit for CV. The pseudo-first-order model demonstrated the highest correlation coefficient for MG whereas the Elovich model was the best fit for CV, suggesting a chemisorption mechanism on a heterogeneous surface. The thermodynamic parameters show that the adsorption process is spontaneous and endothermic. Scale-up simulations further showed that JSAC can effectively treat large volumes of dye-contaminated water with practical adsorbent mass requirements.

Activated carbon was successfully synthesized from musk melon seeds and tested for its effectiveness as an adsorbent and photocatalyst in removing methylene blue (MB) from water. Compared to other adsorbents, it demonstrated superior removal efficiency. Maximum MB removal (94%) was observed at pH 6.0 using 0.1 g of adsorbent with initial dye concentration of 350 mg/L at room temperature (25 °C). It exhibited significant photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue, highlighting it as an efficient and sustainable dye removing agent. It was characterized using SEM, EDX, XRD, porosimetry, and FTIR techniques. FTIR showed the presence of active functional groups for binding the dye molecules, SEM, and porosimetry revealed porous structure with high surface area (800 m2g−1). XRD showed amorphous carbon structure with crystallinity, favorable for efficient methylene blue removal. Furthermore, fluorescence spectra showed strong interaction with methylene blue. The concentration of dye was analyzed by UV-visible spectrophotometry. The adsorption equilibrium data was analyzed using Langmuir and Freundlich models. Langmuir model showing better fit with maximum adsorption capacity of 193.050 mg/g. Kinetic data was evaluated using pseudo-first and second-order models, with the later providing a better correlation for the adsorption of MB. Furthermore, it exhibited significant photocatalytic activity under visible light, achieving 90% degradation of MB within 20 min. These results highlight musk melon seed-derived activated carbon as an efficient, sustainable, and multi-functional agent for wastewater treatment.

MXene, as a suitable and alternative 2D nanofiller incorporated into a proton exchange membrane (PEM), has recently received considerable attention because of desired mechanical stability, promising conductivity, and active surface functional groups. However, agglomeration or sedimentation in PEMs, as well as the water retention capacity under low humidity of MXene, are limiting factors in the field of PEMs. In this paper, modified MXene and TiO2 nanoparticles used as functional nanofillers were incorporated into sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) to prepare novel SPEEK-based composite PEMs. The effects of the nanofiller contents on self-humidifying and protonic conductivity of the composite PEMs were also investigated under different temperatures. When the contents of functionalized MXene and modified TiO2 are 5 wt.%, proton conductivity, water uptake and methanol permeability of the composite PEMs can be up to 0.143 S/cm, 60% and 2.27 × 10-7 cm2/s, respectively, which represent increases of about 192%, about 38% and a decrease of 47%, respectively, compared with that of primary SPEEK PEM. Under the synergistic action of functionalized MXene providing a higher number of exchangeable proton sites, modified TiO2 with inherent hydrophilicity enhancing water retention and Pt providing catalytic sites for the H2/O2 reaction to generate water in situ, the self-humidifying capability and proton conductivity of the composite PEMs were improved significantly.

Heavy metal pollution poses a serious threat to water resource security and ecological health, due to its high toxicity, persistence, and bioaccumulation. Accordingly, it is crucial to develop efficient, low-cost, and environmentally friendly adsorption materials. Biomass-based materials, as a widely available, renewable, and low-cost natural organic resource, exhibit significant advantages for water pollutant adsorption and removal due to their unique porous structures and abundant active functional groups. This review systematically summarizes the classification strategies, fabrication methodologies, and adsorption performances of biomass-based materials for aqueous heavy metal ion removal. Key factors governing adsorption behavior, including solution pH, temperature, initial ion concentration, and adsorbent dosage, are critically analyzed to elucidate structure-property-performance correlations. Particular emphasis is placed on the underlying adsorption mechanisms, encompassing physical adsorption, surface complexation, ion exchange, electrostatic interactions, and synergistic interfacial effects. By integrating recent advances in material design and mechanistic understanding, this review provides a comprehensive framework bridging fundamental research and practical implementation, and highlights future opportunities for engineering next-generation sustainable biomass adsorbents toward efficient heavy metal ion decontamination.

Boron-doped carbon dots with integrated functions: Highly sensitive pH monitoring, pH-triggered information encryption, and versatile vitamin B12 detection.

Atomic scale characterization of oxidation path of active functional groups and formation of by-products in coal regulated by oxygen concentration: Experimental and molecular dynamics simulation

Modified sustainable lignin-based glutaraldehyde-polyvinyl alcohol-assisted porous aerogels for CO2 adsorption.

Wormwood-mediated green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles for antioxidant and antibacterial activities

Hybrid composites of carbon component/nanosized FeCo particles were synthesized from solution by the co-precipitation method (multiwalled carbon nanotubes, graphene nanoplates, carbon black and carbon fiber were used as the carbon component, and the presence of phases of carbon substrates, cobalt, iron and its oxide forms was found. FeCo nanoparticles with sizes from 5 nm form agglomerates of 50–100 nm on the surface of carbon substrates; the localization of metal particles is characteristic of each substrate, which is associated with the distribution of active functional groups on the surface. The dielectric behavior of the composites in the microwave range and at low frequencies has been studied. It has been shown that carbon fiber/FeCo composites with ?? and ?" significantly exceeding the values of individual components have a significant interface between the components in the composite and a more uniform distribution of metal particles on the surface of carbon fiber compared to other substrates. All the composites obtained have pronounced magnetic properties and thermally stable to a temperature of 250 °C. The frequency dependences of absorption and reflection coefficients in the range from 1 to 40 GHz for the composites obtained are calculated. Several absorption mechanisms are realized simultaneously in the composites (absorption above -12 dB), which makes them an attractive component for creating effective electromagnetic radiation absorbers for different ranges.

This study presents a comparative investigation of marine algal biomasses (fresh and dried) and a zirconium-based metal–organic framework (UiO-66-NH₂) for the removal of reactive dyes from industrial wastewater. Three widely used textile dyes Reactive Yellow 2 (RY2), Reactive Red 195 (RR195), and Reactive Blue 19 (RB19) were selected as model pollutants. Adsorption experiments were conducted under unified experimental conditions to evaluate the effects of initial dye concentration, solution pH, adsorbent dosage, and contact time. Control experiments at acidic pH confirmed that dye removal occurred predominantly via adsorption rather than precipitation. Adsorption kinetics and equilibrium behaviour were analysed using kinetic models and Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The results demonstrated that dried algal biomass exhibited significantly higher removal efficiencies compared to fresh biomass, reaching up to 96% dye removal, due to enhanced surface area and availability of active functional groups. UiO-66-NH₂ showed high adsorption capacity and stability, particularly under acidic conditions, owing to strong electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and π–π stacking. Comparative analysis highlights the advantages and limitations of low-cost marine algal biosorbents relative to advance MOF materials. Overall, the findings provide valuable insight into sustainable, efficient, and scalable strategies for the treatment of dye-contaminated industrial wastewater.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-026-41983-5.

The rising necessity for available environmentally sustainable and low-cost effective soil remediation technology has driven our efforts to conduct this research investigation. A laboratory-based experimental approach has been designed and applied to assess the effective action of a new bacterial biomass for the biosorption-biodegradation of methylene blue dye (Mbd) from contaminated soil and wastewater. A dried biosorbent of Bacillus safensis strain SMAH biomass (BS-SMAH-B), was isolated from tannery wastewater, and identified by 16 S rRNA sequencing. The BS-SMAH-B performance was initially screened using synthetic Mbd solutions under controlled laboratory condition and successively followed by validation in real contaminated soil matrices. The screening experiments showed a high removal efficiency of 97%. However, when applied to real soil samples, the efficiency decreased to 82.05%, reflecting the complexity of the soil matrix. The BS-SMAH-B morphology and composition revealed uniform particles with average pore diameter (12.1 nm). The FT-IR spectral analysis of BS-SMAH-B confirmed numerous active functional groups including –COOH, –OH and –NH2. The elemental composition of C (51.72%), O (27.10%), N (14.97%), was investigated and assessed by the EDX analysis. The zeta potential (–25 mV) of BS-SMAH-B was identified to verify the surface negative sites which are therefore, capable of enhancing the biosorption process of cationic dyes as Mbd. Thermodynamic and kinetic analyses of Mbd biosorption from soil using the BS-SMAH-B revealed that the process is endothermic and taken place spontaneously. The biosorption behavior conformed to the pseudo-second-order, outlining chemisorption as the rate-limiting step. Furthermore, the equilibrium values were well correlated to Langmuir and Freundlich models, with a qmax 10.81 mg/g. To further elucidate the adsorption mechanism and removal efficiency, kinetics models including Elovich, Avrami, Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R), and Temkin were also applied, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the biosorption characteristics of Mbd. BS-SMAH-B exhibited high performance toward Mbd removal from real Mbd-polluted soil samples via two-step mechanism, involving the initial Mbd biosorption from soil surface by BS-SMAH-B, followed by the biodegradation step in which Mbd molecules were broken down into smaller and harmless products.

Nanocellulose-based ion-exchange membranes for salinity-gradient osmotic energy conversion.

The development of pure-blue perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) still lags behind that of green and red-emitting PeLEDs. Mixed halide (Br/Cl) perovskite nanocrystals (PeNCs) are commonly employed for blue emission but suffer from halide vacancies and ion migration. Here, we present a passivation strategy using the multifunctional fluorinated phosphonic acid molecule (1H,1H,2H,2H-heptadecafluorodec-1-yl)phosphonic acid (HFPA), which possesses active functional groups that improve the stability and electroluminescence performance of CsPb(Br/Cl)3 NCs. The HFPA molecule is shown to interact with uncoordinated Pb2+ on the PeNC surface through the phosphonate groups, concurrently establishing hydrogen bonds with adjacent halide ions. Moreover, the presence of fluorine atoms promotes ionic bond formation with the halide octahedra, thereby stabilizing the octahedral structure. The fabricated PeNC-LEDs exhibited a spectrally stable pure-blue emission peak at 467 nm, achieving a significantly improved external quantum efficiency (14.8%, 9-fold higher), maximum luminance (1052 cd·m-2, 10-fold higher), and half-life (342 s, 13-fold higher) compared to the device fabricated with unmodified CsPb(Br/Cl)3 NCs. Furthermore, the effective passivation of surface vacancies and stabilization of halogen ions by the HFPA molecules successfully suppressed ion migration in the PeNC-LEDs, thereby significantly enhancing the stability of the device.

Long-term soil fertility is governed by the metabolic plasticity of microbial communities, particularly during the decomposition of crop residues. This study investigated the straw-associated functional microbial profile associated with straw decomposition under the influence of 62 years of continuous management with mineral fertilization and liming. Using the Biolog EcoPlateTM approach combined with a modified litter-bag protocol, we assessed shifts in metabolic activity patterns of functional guilds and groups. PERMANOVA results revealed that the interaction between liming and fertilization (p < 0.05) was the primary driver of divergence in functional communities, rather than the individual effect of factors. Long-term treatments induced a significant reconfiguration of the functional niche, shifting from the native, generalist microbiome to specialized communities in treated variants, with carbohydrate (CH) guilds as dominant and indicators of community performance. Moderate levels of liming (L1) stimulated metabolic activity and maintained higher functional diversity across amino acid (AA) and polymers (Px) guilds. Intensive liming (L2), in contrast, restricted the activity of most microbial functional groups and favored amine (AM) and carboxylic acid (CX) guilds. Shifts from a generalist microbiome in native soil to specialized communities in treated soils show the capacity of microorganisms to adapt efficiently under agronomic management.

ABSTRACT Histidine is an essential amino acid for human growth and also functions as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. In this study, a novel, rapid, and sensitive sensor has been developed to quantify histidine levels using copper‐doped carbon quantum dots (Cu‐CQDs) immobilized on electrospun PVDF nanofibers. Black pepper extract was used as a green and sustainable carbon precursor for the synthesis of CQDs through a one‐pot and time‐efficient microwave method. Black pepper, rich in aromatic and nitrogen‐containing compounds, not only provides an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional chemical precursors but also introduces active surface functional groups that enhance the interaction with Cu 2+ ions. This facilitates a highly selective and sensitive fluorescence‐based detection of histidine, achieving a low detection limit of 0.1 µM. Doping with Cu 2+ ions effectively quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of the CQDs. Subsequent addition of histidine restored fluorescence through selective chelation between histidine residues and surface‐bound Cu 2+ ions, forming a stable complex. Synthesized samples were characterized using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, elemental mapping, and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. The fabricated sensor demonstrated excellent efficacy in detecting histidine in human serum and urine samples, yielding satisfactory recovery rates.

The transition to clean energy and sustainable technologies necessitates securing strategic materials, yet traditional land-based mining is increasingly unsustainable. Seawater holds immense potential as a mineral source, but its intricate ionic composition limits current extraction techniques. Here, we report a family of ion-exchangeable materials by grafting phosphate groups onto metal-organic framework glasses, followed by precise heat and aqueous treatments. This process introduces facile exchangeable ions and exposes active functional groups. The developed materials display progressively enhanced Mg2+/Ca2+ selectivity as solution complexity increases from binary and ternary mixtures to synthetic seawater. Across three different natural seawater samples, the optimized material achieves Mg2+ uptake of 7-10 mg g-1 and Li+ uptake of 2-3 mg g-1 within 10 min, highlighting high capacity and rapid kinetics under realistic conditions. Quantitative mechanistic analysis reveals that ion exchange contributes to 72% of the total uptake, while 28% arises from phosphate functional groups and pore surface interactions. This dual-mode sorption mechanism underpins the material's excellent selectivity and rate performance relative to a typical commercial resin. Our work thus presents a promising route for designing efficient adsorbents to extract valuable minerals from unconventional sources and help to secure the raw materials vital for a low-carbon future.