Material Cycles Research Articles

Integrating Temporal Dimensions in Circularity of the Built Environment Analysis of Two Flemish Industrial Parks

This manuscript explores how incorporating temporal dimensions into built environment research can promote a more circular society, adding societal improvements to efficiency-driven measures closing waste or material cycles. The current circularity approaches in industrial environments mainly focus on short-term innovations reducing resource extraction and waste, overlooking long-term circularity potentials of natural resource management such as living soils as a basis for all life. This study addresses this gap by investigating, analyzing, and drawing interplays between regenerative soil cycles and business development cycles in two Flemish industry parks, Kortrijk-Noord and Haasrode. Using diachronic mapping, a qualitative design and action research tool, the study aims to generate a space–time composite of soil and business cycles, integrating archival research, interviews, and policy document reviews. This method visually captures interplays between geology, land valuation, and economic development, demonstrating that integrating soil and business cycles can suggest new pathways for site-specific circular practices on Flemish industry parks, which can inform site-specific project frameworks for circular built environments. As such, the research advocates a paradigm shift in industry park (re)development, from product and material innovation within a ‘time is money’ framework to an integrated ‘time is life’ approach, where time’s historical and social dimensions are part of circular landscape development.

Influence of the Reduction Rate of Slag from Oxidation Process of Cu–Fe–Pb Alloy During Reduction (De-coppering) on Its Viscosity

AbstractThe production of copper based on a direct-to-blister flash smelting process made it necessary to introduce the technology for the reduction of flash smelting slag and subsequent refining of the resulting Cu–Fe–Pb alloy. Refining of Cu–Fe–Pb alloy produces a converter slag containing 7 ÷ 25 wt pct Cu, 3 ÷ 20 wt pct Fe , and 15 ÷ 45 wt pct Pb. This material is directed to the reduction (de-coppering) process, which allows the recovery of copper in the form of Cu–Pb alloy as well as the removal of lead from the copper material cycle in the form of lead-bearing material. The copper recovery rate in the form of Cu–Pb alloy depends on a number of factors, of which one of the primary ones is the viscosity of the medium (slag), which determines the rate of coalescence and sedimentation of the reduced metal droplets. The investigations on how the degree of reduction of metal oxides from the converter slag affects its viscosity are presented in the study. Viscosity tests were conducted in the range of 1000 ÷ 1450 °C and showed that the main factor affecting viscosity is the Cu2O content in the slag. Slags directed to the reduction process with a high Cu2O content have a lower viscosity than slags after the reduction process, which is due to a decrease in the copper oxide content of the slag. The viscosity of slags after reduction depends on the PbO content, the higher the PbO content the lower the slag viscosity. Furthermore, studies have shown that the viscosity of slags can be reduced by adding CaO to the slag.

Investigating the Element Geochemical Behavior and Provenance of Surface Sediments in the Offshore Area of Sierra Leone, Africa: Insights from Major and Trace Elements

The element geochemical behavior and provenance of marine sediments are of significance to understanding the oceanic material cycle. Here, we tested the grain size and major and trace elements of 35 surface sediments in the offshore area of Sierra Leone, analyzed the content characteristics and controlling factors of the elements, discussed the material source of the sediments, and made a comparative study with the sediments in the offshore area of China. The results show that sandy silt is the main sediment type in the research area, and the average sediment mean grain size (Mz) is 4.15Φ. The content of Ca in the samples is the highest among the major elements (except Si), with an average of 5.1%. The content of Sr is the highest among the trace elements (except Ti, P, and Mn), with an average of 378.2 μg/g. The results of correlation analysis and factor analysis show that there are three main sources of sediments in the research area, namely, terrigenous weathering products, ilmenite-dominated ore, and oceanic biochemical substances. Compared with the sediments in China offshore, the sediments in the study area are more affected by marine biochemistry and have special ore input characteristics.

Features of working with clients with paranoid adaptation

This article continues the cycle of materials on personality adaptations. The author examines the definitions and symptoms of paranoid personality disorder according to DSM-V and ICD-10 in order to differentiate the disorder itself and paranoid personality adaptation. Further, based on the work of Nancy McWilliams “Psychoanalytic Diagnostics” and the theory of personality adaptations by Joines and Stewart, the paranoid personality structure, paranoid adaptation and the processes that occur in therapy with clients who have this adaptation are described. The author gives recommendations on working with such clients and emphasizes that the most important thing in working with them is to create a safe psychotherapeutic alliance, since the issue of trust is a priority for a client with paranoid adaptation.

Multi-Level High Entropy-Dissipative Structure Enables Efficient Self-Decoupling of Triple Signals.

The theory of high entropy-dissipative structure is confined to high-entropy alloys and their oxide materials under harsh conditions, but it is very difficult to obtain high entropy-dissipative structure for smart sensors based on polymers and metal oxides under mild conditions. Moreover, multiple signal coupling effect heavily hinder the sensor applications, and current multimodal integrated devices can solve two signal-decoupling, but need very complicated process way. In this work, new synthesis concept is the first time to fabricate high entropy-dissipative conductive layer of smart sensors with triple-signal response and self-decoupling ability within poly-pyrrole/zinc oxide (PPy/ZnO) system. The sensor (SPZ20) amplifies pressure (17.54%/kPa) and gas (0.37%/ppm), reduces humidity (0.41%/% RH) and temperature (0.12%/°C) signals, simultaneously achieving the triple self-decoupling effect of pressure and gas in the complex temperature-humidity field because of the enlarged pressure-contact area, enhanced gas-responsive sites, altered vapor path and its own heat insulation function. Additionally, it inherits the strong robustness (500 rubbing, washing, and heating or freezing cycles) and endurance (10000 photo-purification cycles) of traditional high-entropy materials for information transmission and smart alarms in emergencies or harsh environments. This work gives a new insight into the multiple-signal response and smart flexible electronic design from natural fibers.

Multiscale approaches for optimizing the impact of strain on Na-ion battery cycle life

Abstract The high costs and geopolitical challenges inherent to the lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery supply chain have driven a rising interest in the development of sodium-ion (Na-ion) batteries as a potential alternative. Unfortunately, the larger ionic radius of Na limits the reversibility of cycling because of the extensive atomic rearrangements that accompany Na-ion insertion, which in turn limit diffusion and charging speed, and lead to rapid degradation of the electrodes. The Center for Strain Optimization for Renewable Energy (STORE) was established to address these challenges and develop new electrode materials for Na-ion cells. This article discusses the current state-of-the-art materials used in Na-ion cells and several directions that STORE believes are critical to understand and control the structural and volumetric changes during the reversible (de)insertion of large cations. Graphical abstract Highlights Understanding the fundamental way materials respond to localized strains at the atomic length-scale is a critical first step in the development of highly reversible, long cycle life, Na-ion insertion hosts. This perspective explores a variety of methods that can be employed to mitigate the detrimental effects of large strain. The insights gained from these investigations should help lay the foundation for the creation of more economical and sustainable batteries that could have immediate impact on global energy infrastructure. Discussion Although there is near universal agreement that electrochemical energy storage must be an integral part of a green-energy future, there is less agreement about how to reduce the cost of energy storage. Replacing high-cost lithium-ion cells with lower-cost sodium-ion batteries is one option frequently considered in future energy models, but the details of what can be achieve with optimized sodium cell performance remains unclear. Here we posit that developing methods to mitigating strain on the electrode particle length scale is a key factor for achieving long-cycle-life sodium-ion batteries. Mitigating strain on the atomic scale suppress electrode-level volume change. Allowing for fast cycling in materials without the problems of electrode cracking or delamination. We further posit that understanding volume change in sodium-ion electrodes at a fundamental level will lead to the designing new sodium-ion electrode materials that will allow for efficient, stable, lower-cost energy storage.

Efficient removal of estradiol using MnFe2O4 microsphere and potassium persulfate complex salt

In this study, MnFe2O4 microspheres were synthesized to activate potassium persulfate complex salt (Oxone) for the degradation of 17β-estradiol (17β-E2) in aqueous solutions. The characteristic of MnFe2O4 was detected by XRD, XPS and SEM-EDS. The experimental results indicated that the degradation of 17β-E2 followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. At 25 °C, 17β-E2 concentration of 0.5 mg/L, MnFe2O4 dosage of 100 mg/L, Oxone dosage of 0.5 mmol/L, and initial pH value of 6.5, the decomposition efficiency of 17β-E2 reached 82.9% after 30 min of reaction. Additionally, free radical quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance analysis demonstrated that SO4−• and •OH participated in the reaction process of the whole reaction system, with SO4−• being the main reactive oxygen species (ROS). The activation mechanism of the MnFe2O4/Oxone/17β-E2 system is proposed as follows: MnFe2O4 initially reacts with O2 and H2O in solution to generate active Fe3+-OH and Mn2+-OH species. Subsequently, Fe3+-OH and Mn2+-OH react with Oxone in a heterogeneous phase activation process, producing highly reactive free radicals. After four cycles of MnFe2O4 material, the removal rate of 17β-E2 decreased by 24.1%.

Effects of vanishing power-law tails of river flows caused by damming on downstream hydrological connectivity

High-intensity dam operations have severely disturbed the power-law behaviors of natural river flows, which have important implications for the entire ecosystem’s integrity, diversity, and sustainability. This study investigated the effects of vanishing power-law tails of river flows caused by damming on downstream hydrological connectivity in the Wanquan river–floodplain (China) and determined the consequent ecological responses. A two-dimensional hydrodynamic model was established to estimate inundation regimes under different hydrological scenarios, and a statistics-based method was used to generate vanishing power-law tails. Connectivity assessments quantified the duration, magnitude, accumulation, and efficiency of connection events in the river–floodplain system for historical hydrological processes, current dam operating schemes, and simulated flow series with compressed power-law tails. The results showed significant reductions in downstream connection duration, magnitude, accumulation, and efficiency with compression of the natural power-law tail, especially for small (P < 20 %) and large (P > 90 %) connection events. Under a fully modified scenario, the cumulative large connection events were reduced by as much as 50 %. Damming also diminished the seasonal fluctuations of lateral exchanges and weakened the synergetic relationships among inflows, inundation extents and connectivity in the river–floodplain system. Furthermore, increasing damming led to an exponential and accelerated loss of downstream connectivity, with noticeable inflection points. Reduced or insulated hydrological exchanges would weaken material cycling, energy flow, and information transmission in the river–floodplain system, ultimately impacting the entire aquatic ecosystem. Our study emphasizes the importance of the power-law tail in the estimation of natural flows, which, although accounting for only a small part of the whole flow series (approximately 6 % in this case), is of great significance for maintaining the downstream connectivity necessary for healthy aquatic ecosystems.

A compact X-ray source via fast microparticle streams

The spatiotemporal resolution of diagnostic X-ray images is limited by the erosion and rupture of conventional stationary and rotating anodes of X-ray tubes from extreme density of input power and thermal cycling of the anode material. Conversely, detector technology has developed rapidly. Finer detector pixels demand improved output from brilliant keV-type X-ray sources with smaller X-ray focal spots than today and would be available to improve the efficacy of medical imaging. In addition, novel cancer therapy demands for greatly improved output from X-ray sources. However, since its advent in 1929, the technology of high-output compact X-ray tubes has relied upon focused electrons hitting a spinning rigid rotating anode; a technology that, despite of substantial investment in material technology, has become the primary bottleneck of further improvement. In the current study, an alternative target concept employing a stream of fast discrete metallic microparticles that intersect with the electron beam is explored by simulations that cover the most critical uncertainties. The concept is expected to have far-reaching impact in diagnostic imaging, radiation cancer therapy and non-destructive testing. We outline technical implementations that may become the basis of future X-ray source developments based on the suggested paradigm shift.

The Effects of Low Concentrations and Long-Term Contamination by Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate on the Structure and Function of Bacterial Communities in the Lake-Terrestrial Ecotone.

Due to the growing focus on daily hygiene practices, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), a widely used surfactant, is increasingly found in domestic sewage and rainfall runoff. Upon entering the lake-terrestrial ecotone, SDS affects the composition, abundance, and functional capacity of soil bacterial communities due to its bacteriostatic properties. To investigate the effects of long-term discharge of sewage containing low concentrations of SDS on microorganisms in the lake-terrestrial ecotone, alterations in bacterial community structure, functional genes, and biomass were examined using a simulated continuous pollutant input. The results indicated the following: (1) The degradation rate of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) by soil microorganisms in the lake-terrestrial ecotone under long-term and low concentrations of SDS stress ranged from 11 to 16 mg/kg·d. (2) The effects of low concentrations and long-term SDS stress on bacterial community structure and gene function in the lake-terrestrial ecotone differed significantly from those of short-term pollution. The damage to microbial-promoted material cycling in the lake-terrestrial ecotone was more severe; however, the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria remained continuously suppressed. (3) Soil bacteria in the lake-terrestrial ecotone responded to the stress of long-term and low concentrations of SDS primarily by enhancing chemotaxis and tolerance.

Effects of cotton peanut rotation on crop yield soil nutrients and microbial diversity

Background and Aims Cotton-peanut rotation is a sustainable farming practice that enhances land utilization and promotes the sustainable development of agriculture. Crop rotation can reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases, as different crops have varying levels of resistance to such threats. Additionally, by alternating the types of crops grown, the soil environment is changed, which can lead to the elimination of favorable conditions for pathogens and pests, thereby alleviating the impact of these issues. Furthermore, cotton-peanut rotation can improve soil fertility.To investigate the effects of different crop rotation systems on crop yield, soil nutrients, and soil microbial communities. Methods: Using high-throughput sequencing technology, investigate the soil microbial diversity in the root zone after cotton-peanut rotation.Various planting patterns, including cotton continuous cropping (MC), peanut continuous cropping (HC), peanut-cotton-peanut rotation (HR), and fallow (X), were established to assess variations in crop yield, soil nutrients, and soil microbial diversity. Results: Significant differences were observed in crop yield, soil nutrients, and soil microbial community structure among different planting patterns. The HR system significantly increased the output compared with the HC and MC systems. Additionally, HR exhibited significantly lower total nitrogen (N) and basic nitrogen (BN) contents than HC and MC, whereas MC showed lower total potassium (K) and available potassium (AK) contents. HR led to a decrease in soil bacterial diversity but an increase in fungal diversity, with Ascomycota and Mortierellomycota being dominant. Various bacteria (Chloroflexi, Bacteroidota, and Actinobacteriota) associated with organic matter degradation and nutrient cycling were found across different planting systems, enhancing material cycling efficiency. Furthermore, Planctomycetota bacteria related to crop nutrient synthesis and Glomeromycota bacteria aiding plant nutrient absorption were significantly higher in the MC system than in the HR or HC systems. Redundancy analysis indicated a significant negative correlation between crop rotation and soil fungal community, whereas Ascomycota exhibited a significant negative correlation with organic matter.Conclusion: Peanut-cotton rotation can mitigate soil nutrient loss, enhance beneficial microorganism diversity, suppress harmful bacterial populations, stabilize ecosystems, and boost crop yield.

Effects of reduced flow gradient on benthic biofilm communities' ecological network and community assembly.

The intensification of human activities has led to flow reduction and cut-off in most global rivers, seriously affecting riverine organisms and the biogeochemical processes. As key indicators of river ecosystems' structure and function, benthic biofilms play a critical role in driving primary production and material cycling in rivers. This research aimed to investigate the characteristics of microbial communities' complexity and stability during river flow reduction. Benthic biofilms were grown in artificial channels and subjected to eight gradients of flow reduction (represented by flow velocity from 0.4 to 110 cm/s). Biofilms' biodiversity, ecological networks and community assembly of bacteria, fungi and algae were investigated by high-throughput sequencing. Results showed significant differences in community composition and structure under different flow conditions. The eight flow gradients' microbial communities were divided into three groups: low, medium and high flows. The flow reduction led to significant decreases in bacterial and fungal communities' Chao1 index. Low flow conditions enriched the bacterial phyla Oxyphotobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria and Mollicutes, but significantly decreased the fungal phylum Chytridiomycota. Lowering flow reduced the fungal network's number of nodes and increased the algal network's number of edges. Cross-domain interactions network analysis showed a gradual increase in node and edge numbers with decreasing flow, while decreasing average path length. The neutral model predicted stochastic processes primarily drove biofilm community assembly, and that model's explanations decreased as the flow gradient decreased. The null model analysis revealed diffusion limitation as the most common stochastic ecological process for bacterial and algal communities, with reduced flow reducing heterogeneous selection and increasing diffusion-limited processes. This study provides an in-depth analysis of flow reduction's effects on biofilm communities' ecological networks and community assembly.

From extraction to end‐uses and waste management: Modeling economy‐wide material cycles and stock dynamics around the world

AbstractMaterial stocks of infrastructure, buildings, and machinery are the biophysical basis of production and consumption. They are a crucial lever for resource efficiency and a sustainable circular economy. While material stock research has proliferated over the last years, most studies investigated specific materials or end‐uses, usually not embedded into an economy‐wide perspective. Herein, we present a novel version of the economy‐wide, dynamic, inflow‐driven model of material inputs, stocks, and outputs (MISO2), and present a global, country‐level application. Currently, MISO2 covers 14 supply chain processes from raw material extraction to processing, trade, recycling, and waste management, as well as 13 end‐uses of stocks. The derived database covers 23 raw materials and 20 stock‐building materials, across 177 countries from 1900 to 2016. We find that total material stocks amount to 1093 Gt in 2016, of which the majority are residential (290 Gt) and non‐residential buildings (234 Gt), as well as civil engineering (243 Gt), and roads (313 Gt). The other nine end‐uses covering stationary and mobile machinery, as well as short‐lived products, amount to 13 Gt. Material stocks per capita are highly unequally distributed around the world, with one order of magnitude difference between low‐ and high‐income countries. Results agree well with similar global country‐level studies. Low data quality for some domains, especially for lower‐income countries and for sand and gravel aggregates, warrant further attention. In conclusion, the MISO2 model and the derived database provide stock‐flow consistent perspectives of the socio‐economic metabolism around the world, enabling multiple novel and policy relevant research opportunities. This article met the requirements for a silver‐gold JIE data openness badge described at http://jie.click/badges.

Accounting for decarbonization impacts across the full life cycle of alternative concrete materials: A case-study for graphene-amended cementitious composites

Concrete's extensive use worldwide comes with significant environmental cost, contributing to 8% of annual global carbon emissions. This study investigates the use of life cycle assessment (LCA) and technoeconomic assessment (TEA) as tools to quantify anticipated reductions in global warming potential (GWP) arising from use of novel concrete mixtures or innovative production techniques, with specific focus on a case study related to graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) as functional fillers. LCA and TEA results are reported for several choices of functional unit (FU) and system boundaries (SB). This approach illustrates how various LCA and TEA framings are differently useful to articulate how changes in technical performance properties such as mechanical strength and durability influence overall life-cycle environmental impacts. Framing 1 make use of a nominal volume-based FU (1 m3) and cradle-to-gate SB. Under this framing, addition of GNPs to the base mix seems to increase GWP and production cost. Framing 2 makes use of a strength-normalized FU and cradle-to-gate SB. Under this framing, life-cycle GWP and production cost for the GNP-amended mortars are decreased relative to the control, due to the appreciable increase in mechanical strength of the GNP-amended mortars. Finally, Framing 3 makes use of the nominal volume-based FU (1 m3) and cradle-to-grave SB. Under this framing, GWP and production cost for the GNP-amended mortars again seem to decrease, due to improved durability which gives rise to longer estimated service life and reduced maintenance. This study illustrates that use of GNPs as functional filler is a seemingly promising strategy for decarbonizing concrete. More broadly, it is concluded that LCAs and TEAs of novel concretes should be framed in a way that articulates how changes in mechanical strength and/or durability properties contribute to changes in environmental impacts over all stages of the concrete life-cycle (i.e., cradle-to-grave). Such framing will help ensure that results that are meaningful to support decision-making in the area of sustainable construction materials.

Life Cycle Assessment and Experimental Mechanical Investigation of Test Samples for High-Performance Racing Boats

This paper investigates the environmental impact and mechanical performance of two composite sandwich structures, named Series 1 and Series 2, used in high-performance racing boats. Mechanical tests, including four-point bending and drop impact tests, were performed. It was found on a general basis that Series 2 has higher load-bearing capacity and limited deflection. Series 1, which has a higher density, was able to absorb more impact energy but was more susceptible to damage. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted to evaluate the environmental impact associated with the materials, considering also the testing phase, which plays an important role in the life cycle of materials and structures for advanced marine applications. In addition, two performance indexes were introduced to correlate the mechanical and environmental properties of the analyzed materials. This study emphasizes the importance of considering the testing phase in LCA, as the energy-intensive nature of mechanical testing contributes significantly to the overall environmental impact. The introduced indexes allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the balance between mechanical performance and environmental sustainability. The findings suggest a trade-off between mechanical performance and sustainability, calling for further research into recyclable composites and greener manufacturing processes to balance these competing priorities.

Characterization of the Community Structure of Rhizosphere Soil and Root-endophytic Bacteria in Different Shrubs

In the process of ecological restoration, vegetation plays a crucial role in restoring ecosystem functions. Soil microorganisms are essential components of soil ecosystems, driving material cycling processes and enhancing plant productivity and resilience. This study aimed to investigate the community structure characteristics of rhizosphere soil and root-endophytic bacteria in different shrubs. Specifically, the composition of rhizosphere soil and root-endophytic bacteria in Cotoneaster acutifolius Turcz., Lonicera japonica Thunb., and Cornus alba L. in the loess hilly area of northwest Shanxi was determined using Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology. The results revealed that the dominant phyla of rhizosphere soil bacteria and root-endophytic bacteria in different shrubs were Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. Additionally, the genera of rhizosphere soil and root-endophytic bacteria differed. Furthermore, the species richness and diversity index of rhizosphere soil bacteria were significantly higher than those of root-endophytic bacteria （P &lt; 0.05）. It was also observed that approximately 64% of the root-endophytic bacteria in the shrubs were present in the rhizosphere soil bacteria, indicating similarity in the bacterial community compositions of different niches. Redundancy analysis （RDA） and Pearson correlation analysis revealed that soil dehydrogenase, soil N-acetyl-β-D glucosidase, alkaline protease, pH, and total phosphorus were the main influencing factors on the bacterial community structures in root-endophytic bacteria （P &lt; 0.05）, while alkaline protease, pH, total carbon, and total nitrogen significantly impacted rhizosphere soil community structures （P &lt; 0.05）. Additionally, the partial least squares path model （PLS-PM） indicated that vegetation could directly affect bacterial communities and indirectly affect them by influencing soil physicochemical properties and soil enzyme activity. In conclusion, the findings of this study provide a theoretical foundation for further research on the relationship between endophytic bacteria and resistance in shrubs.

Factors influencing carbon and water use efficiency in changing environments

IntroductionVegetation plays a crucial role in terrestrial ecosystems, acting as a vital link connecting the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere in terms of energy flow and material cycling. Changes in surface vegetation significantly regulate the water cycle, energy flow within terrestrial surfaces, and global carbon balance.MethodsThis study focuses on nine major river basins in China to quantitatively investigate the impacts of climate factors, vegetation dynamics, and land use changes on carbon use efficiency (CUE) and water use efficiency (WUE).ResultsThe primary controlling factors of WUE trends are NDVI (average contribution: 33.75% ± 6.90%) and VPD (average contribution: 28.04% ± 3.98%). NDVI predominates in the Haihe, Yellow River, Yangtze River, Pearl River, and Songliao River basins, while shortwave radiation (Srad) dominates in the southeastern rivers and inland river areas, and humidity (Shum) in the southwestern river basins. For CUE trends, the main controlling factors are Srad (average contribution: 36.46% ± 3.40%) and precipitation (Pre) (average contribution: 26.72% ± 5.20%). NDVI negatively influences the Huaihe River and southeastern river basins, while Pre negatively influences the Songliao River and Yellow River basins, and Srad negatively influences the Huaihe and southwestern river basins. Pre predominates in the Huaihe, Songliao, Haihe, southwestern river basins, and inland river areas, while Srad predominates in the Pearl River, Yangtze River, and Yellow River basins.DiscussionClimate factors and vegetation dynamics have significant regional impacts on WUE and CUE across different river basins, especially the roles of NDVI and VPD on WUE, and Srad and precipitation on CUE. These differences underscore the importance of developing region-specific management strategies to optimize ecosystem services in each basin.

Assessment of the Carbon Footprint of Production of Construction Materials Used in Hydrogen Energy

The results of the analysis of production of construction materials used for manufacturing hydrogen life cycle equipment are presented. The aspects of the life cycle of the main construction materials (steel, aluminum, nickel, copper, titanium, platinum, carbon plastics) used in hydrogen power engineering are identified. The results of the carbon footprint assessment for the production of these materials are presented depending on the production technologies, the energy source used and the secondary raw materials. It is established that in the development of a hydrogen gas turbine unit (GTU) the main contribution to carbon footprint is made by titanium (50,9 %) and nickel (37,6 %) alloys, in spite of the fact that more than 50 % of GTU consists of steel. It has been determined that in the production of solid-polymer fuel cells the main contribution to the carbon footprint is made by the smallest construction materials — platinum (78,1 %) and carbon plastics (15,7 %) due to the fact that they have the largest carbon footprint per kg of produced material.

Sustainable extraction and recycling of non-ferrous metals: a review from a European perspective.

This review article provides a comprehensive examination of sustainable extraction and recycling methods for non-ferrous metals, which are critical to a wide range of industries including electronics, construction and renewable energy. Focusing on metals such as aluminium, copper and silicon, the study highlights the importance of recycling in conserving resources and minimizing environmental impact. It discusses the challenges posed by material diversity in recycling processes and the advances in recycling technologies that have emerged in response. Special emphasis is placed on the importance of a circular economy in maintaining a sustainable balance between consumption and conservation of metal resources. Through detailed analysis, it advocates innovative recycling practices and improved design for recyclability and highlights the role of policy, industry and consumer behaviour in achieving sustainability goals. The findings contribute to the discourse on strategic self-sufficiency in Europe through recycling, providing insights into how to improve efficiency and manage the complexity of the global material cycle. This work calls for a collaborative effort towards sustainable metallurgy and underlines the critical need for advances in recycling infrastructure and technology to ensure the long-term availability and environmental stewardship of non-ferrous metals.This article is part of the discussion meeting issue 'Sustainable metals: science and systems'.

Dual Modification Strategy for Enhanced Cycling and Rate Performance of Ni-Rich Cathode Materials in Lithium-Ion Batteries.

A great challenge in the commercialization process of layered Ni-rich cathode material LiNixCoyMn1-x-yO2 (NCM, x ≥ 80%) for lithium-ion batteries is the surface instability, which is exacerbated by the increase in nickel content. The high surface alkalinity and unavoidable cathode/electrolyte interface side reactions result in significant decrease for the capacity of NCM material. Surface coating and doping are common and effective ways to improve the electrochemical performance of Ni-rich cathode material. In this study, an in situ reaction is induced on the surface of secondary particles of NCM material to construct a stable lithium sulfate coating, while achieving sulfur doping in the near surface region. The synergistic modification of lithium sulfate coating and lattice sulfur doping significantly reduced the content of harmful residual lithium compounds (RLCs) on the surface of NCM material, suppressed the side reactions between the cathode material surface and electrolyte and the degradation of surface structure of the NCM material, effectively improved the rate capability and cycling stability of the NCM material.