EU Emissions Research Articles

A ternary dual-emission Eu(III)-functionalized HOF/COF hybrid: Tryptophan, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid ratiometric fluorescence detection and latent fingerprint identification

Fluorescent covalent organic framework (COFs) and lanthanide functionalized hydrogen-bonded organic framework have been widely studied in the field of fluorescence sensing due to their excellent properties. To our knowledge, there is no report about HOF/COF composites by combining HOF and COF. In our work, we propose a simple in-situ growth method to synthesize HOF/COF by adding pre-synthesized fluorescent COF into HOF preparation system. Based on the coordination post-synthetic modification, the ternary Eu(III) functional HOF/COF hybrid material (Eu@HOF/COF) is obtained, in which partial organic linkers of HOF are transformed to a new structure induced by Eu(III). At the single excitation wavelength, Eu@HOF/COF has two emission peaks corresponding to COF and Eu(III), respectively, and its luminescence is little affected by water molecules, which is relatively rare in previous work. Eu@HOF/COF, as a ratiometric fluorescence sensor can detect tryptophan and its metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid with high selectivity, fast response, good sensitivity and recovery. Eu@HOF/COF has good fluorescence emission of Eu(III) and COF, and a large number of free carboxyl groups of HOF react with residues in latent fingerprint (LFP), which is beneficial in LFP identification. In summary, this study not only provides a useful reference for the construction of hybrid materials with Eu(III) and COF dual-emission centers, but also reveals that the new structure formed after the coordination of Eu(III) and HOF to sensitize Eu(III) luminescence, and also has the potential for the early detection of depression and diagnosis of carcinoid tumors.

Comprehensive Photophysical and Nonlinear Spectroscopic Study of Thioanisolyl‐Picolinate Triazacyclononane Lanthanide Complexes

AbstractDetailed photophysical studies of luminescent lanthanide complexes are presented and elaborated using a newly developed thioanisolyl‐picolinate antenna and the related tacn macrocyclic ligand. The new ligand proved to sensitise Nd(III), Sm(III), Eu(III) and Yb(III) emission. Eu(III) complex showed complete energy transfer, yielding high quantum yield (44 %) and brightness, while the Tb(III) analogue underwent a thermally activated back‐energy transfer, resulting in a strong oxygen quenching of the triplet excited state. Transient absorption spectroscopy measurements of Gd(III), Tb(III) and Eu(III) compounds confirmed the sensitization processes upon the charge‐transfer antenna excitation. The triplet excited state lifetime of the Tb(III) complex was 5‐times longer than that of the Gd(III) analogue. In contrast, the triplet state was totally quenched by the energy transfer to the 4f‐metal ion in the Eu(III) species. Nonlinear two‐photon absorption highlighted efficient biphotonic sensitization in Eu(III) and Sm(III) complexes. In case of the Nd(III) compound, one‐photon absorption in 4f–4f transitions was predominant, despite the excitation at the antenna two‐photon band. This phenomenon was due to the Nd(III) 4f–4f transitions overlapping with the wavelength‐doubled absorption of the complex.

Shipping in the EU emissions trading system: implications for mitigation, costs and modal split

ABSTRACT EU recently decided to include shipping, meaning all intra-European shipping and 50% of extra-European voyages, in the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) beginning in 2024. This article provides an early assessment of the impacts of the EU ETS on the shipping sector’s potential reductions in greenhouse gas emissions for different types of ships. It further examines selected mitigation measures and the impact on modals split and costs. The study employs a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative estimates (based on data from the EU monitoring, reporting and verification system) with qualitative data and information from interviews with key actors and from previous literature. This approach aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impacts of the EU ETS. The inclusion of shipping in the EU ETS is expected to introduce significant incentives to reduce emissions. We estimate that switching to bio-methanol at an emissions allowance price of €90–100/tCO2 will be cost-effective for a minor share of shipping segments (representing about 0.5-5% of all ships), whereas at a price above €150/tCO2 it could be cost-effective for a considerable share (potentially 75%) of ships. In the short term, the costs incurred by the EU ETS will be passed on to transport customers as a surcharge. The increased cost may, unless properly addressed, drive carbon leakage. Meanwhile, a modal shift away from shipping may occur in the roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) and roll-on passenger (RoPax) segments due to direct competition with road and rail transport and the relative ease of shifting to other modes of transport.

Structure-changeable luminescent Eu(III) complex as a human cancer grade probing system for brain tumor diagnosis.

Accurate determination of human tumor malignancy is important for choosing efficient and safe therapies. Bioimaging technologies based on luminescent molecules are widely used to localize and distinguish active tumor cells. Here, we report a human cancer grade probing system (GPS) using a water-soluble and structure-changeable Eu(III) complex for the continuous detection of early human brain tumors of different malignancy grades. Time-dependent emission spectra of the Eu(III) complexes in various types of tumor cells were recorded. The radiative rate constants (kr), which depend on the geometry of the Eu(III) complex, were calculated from the emission spectra. The tendency of the kr values to vary depended on the tumor cells at different malignancy grades. Between T = 0 and T = 3h of invasion, the kr values exhibited an increase of 4% in NHA/TS (benign grade II gliomas), 7% in NHA/TSR (malignant grade III gliomas), and 27% in NHA/TSRA (malignant grade IV gliomas). Tumor cells with high-grade malignancy exhibited a rapid upward trend in kr values. The cancer GPS employs Eu(III) emissions to provide a new diagnostic method for determining human brain tumor malignancy.

Interpretable EU ETS Phase 4 prices forecasting based on deep generative data augmentation approach

This paper proposes an interpretable deep learning method based on generative data augmentation for forecasting carbon allowance prices in the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) Phase 4. Utilizing TimeGAN, we generate near-real expanded data to enhance the training sets. Temporal Fusion Transformer (TFT) is used to quantify the contribution of impact factors. The results show that the augmentation effectively improved the prediction accuracy. Interpretability analysis reveals that Brent crude oil, NBP natural gas, and Rotterdam coal are the top three contributors. Our findings offer a strong approach for the new phase price forecasting, helping market participants and policymakers in informed decision-making.

Structures, photoluminescence, and magnetism of 1D lanthanide coordination polymers dominated on 3,5‐dichlorobenzoate

AbstractTwo series of novel coordination polymers (CPs), namely, Ln3(3,5‐DCB)9(bipy) (H2O)2·(bipy) [Ln = Nd (1), Sm (2)] and Ln2(3,5‐DCB)6(bipy)H2O [Ln = Eu (3), Gd (4), Tb (5) and Dy (6)], have been synthesized by hydrothermal reaction of a bridging ligand, 3,5‐dichlorobenzoic acid (3,5‐HDCB), with LnCl3·nH2O and N‐donor neutral ligand, 2,2′‐bipyridine (bipy). Single‐crystal x‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and powder x‐ray diffraction (PXRD) for 1–6 are presented. CPs 1 and 2 exhibit trinuclear lanthanide architectures, in which the center Ln(III) are seven‐coordinated and eight‐coordinated adopting monocapped triangular prismatic, distorted square antiprism and bicapped trigonal prismatic coordination geometry, respectively, whereas CPs 3–6 are isostructural dinuclear structures. The center Ln(III) ions are also seven‐coordinated and eight‐coordinated with different coordinate modes adopting distorted monocapped triangular prismatic and square antiprism coordination geometry. Trinuclear CPs 1 and 2 are packed together via hydrogen‐bonding interaction to form the two‐dimensional (2D) supramolecular layers. CPs 3–6 exhibit 2D layers by the π–π interaction. CPs 2, 3, 5, and 6 display the characteristic fluorescent emissions of Sm(III), Eu(III), Tb(III), and Dy(III), respectively. CPs 1 and 4–6 exhibit corresponding weak anti‐ferromagnetic and ferromagnetic interactions of Nd(III), Gd(III), Tb(III), and Dy(III) in the low‐temperature range.

Forecasting EUA futures volatility with geopolitical risk: evidence from GARCH-MIDAS models

This paper examines whether the information contained in geopolitical risk (GPR) can improve the forecasting power of price volatility for carbon futures traded in the EU Emission Trading System. We employ the GARCH-MIDAS model and its extended forms to estimate and forecast the price volatility of carbon futures using the most informative GPR indicators. The models are examined for both statistical and economic significance. According to the results of the Model Confidence Set tests for the full-sample and sub-sample data, we find that the extended model, which accounts for the threat of geopolitical risk, exhibits superior forecasting ability for the full-sample data, while the model that includes drastic changes in geopolitical risk in Phase II and the model that considers serious geopolitical risk in Phase III have the best predictive power. Moreover, all GPR-related variables we use contribute to increasing economic gains. In particular, the threat of geopolitical risk contains valuable information for future EUA futures volatility and can provide the highest economic gains. Therefore, carbon market investors and policymakers should pay great attention to geopolitical risk, especially its threat, in risk and portfolio management.

Lanthanide metal organic frameworks as fluorescence sensors for temperature and antibiotics differentiation

Dual-emission ratiometric fluorescent sensors based on lanthanide metal-organic frameworks with excellent luminescent properties have become a class of emerging materials in luminescence. Herein, one three-dimensional lanthanide metal-organic framework [Eu2(NDC)3H2O] (CUST-619) (NDC: 1,4-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid) was successfully synthesized. Based on the excellent stability of CUST-619 in water environment, the fluorescent sensing and distinguishing for commonly used antibiotics in water is performed, in which tetracycline quenched the double fluorescence emission peaks of CUST-619, while tetracycline hydrochloride only causes the Eu emission peak in CUST-619 to quench. Subsequently, powder MOF crystals are physically mixed with the polymer polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) to prepare mixed matrix membranes (CUST-619@PVDF). CUST-619 and CUST-619@PVDF exhibits temperature sensing performance with consistent color changes under UV light and in CIE coordinates. This work provides a general approach to synthesize lanthanide metal-organic frameworks based materials for fluorescence sensing technology.

Photoluminescence lifetime stability studies of β-diketonate europium complexes based phenanthroline derivatives in poly(methyl methacrylate) films.

In this work, five phenanthroline derivatives substituted with different methyl groups have been selected to synthesize β-diketonate-based europium complexes to check the influence of the substitutions on the degradation effect of those complexes in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films. The photophysical properties of Eu(III) complexes, including absorbance, excitation, and emission have been carefully investigated in solution, solid-state, and doped in PMMA film. In all these states, the complexes exhibit an impressive red emission at 614 nm with a high photoluminescence quantum yield of up to 85 %. The films have been exposed under outdoor, indoor, and dark storage stability lifetime conditions for 1200 hours. The photoluminescence measurements recorded every 400, 800, and 1200 hours demonstrated that the film containing europium complex with phenanthroline ligand substituted by a high number of methyl groups (Eu(TTA)3L5) showed good photoluminescent stability in indoor and dark conditions, and exhibited better resistance to degradation in outdoor conditions compared to other complexes. This study has proved that phenanthroline ligands could be tuned chemically leading to better stability of those types of complexes in films which can be end-used for future stable optoelectronic devices such as luminescent solar concentrators.

Negative linear compressibility and strong enhancement of emission in Eu[Ag(CN)2]3·3H2O under pressure.

The framework material Eu[Ag(CN)2]3·3H2O exhibits a negative linear compressibility (NLC) of -4.2(1) TPa-1 over the largest pressure range yet observed (0-8.2 GPa). High-pressure single-crystal X-ray diffraction data show that the rapid contraction of the Kagome silver layers under compression causes the wine-rack lattice to expand along the c-axis. The hydrogen bonds between the water molecules and the main frameworks constrain the structural deformation under pressure and eventually a weak NLC effect generated. Furthermore, we found that the pressure-induced emission intensity increases almost 800-fold at 4.0 GPa, followed by a gradual decrease and disappearance at 8.1 GPa. Under compression, high pressure significantly tunes the triplet level positions near the Eu3+ ions, and horizontal displacement between a quenching excited state and the excited levels of Eu3+ facilitates the energy transfer process to the 5D0 excited state and limits the nonradiative corssover at elevated pressures, thus increasing the emission intensity. In addition, we observe a gradual band gap reduction with increasing pressure, and the sample could not be returned to the initial state after the pressure was completely released. By controlling the structural flexibility, we observe a coupled NLC and pressure-induced strong enhancement of the emission properties of Eu[Ag(CN)2]3·3H2O, which provides a new route for the design of new optical devices with intriguing luminescence properties under extreme environments.

Layered structure-induced quenching delay toward highly efficient and thermally stable red emission in Eu3+-activated borotellurate phosphors

A Na2Y2TeO4(BO3)2:Eu3+ red phosphor was developed. Layered structure-induced concentration quenching delay and good temperature quenching resistance are achieved simultaneously.

Controlling the europium oxidation state in diopside through flux concentration.

This paper explores the connection between the H3BO3 flux concentration and the co-existence of Eu2+ and Eu3+ dopants within CaMgSi2O6 crystals (diopside). The samples were synthesised using a solid-state synthesis method under varying atmospheric conditions, including oxidative (air), neutral (N2), and reductive (H2/N2 mixture) environments. Additionally, some materials underwent chemical modification by partially substituting Si4+ with Al3+ ions acting as charge compensation defects stabilizing Eu3+ luminescence. Depending on the specific synthesis conditions, the materials predominantly displayed either the orange-red luminescence of Eu3+ (under oxidising conditions) or the blue luminescence of Eu2+; however, the comprehensive results confirmed the co-existence of Eu3+/Eu2+ luminescence in both cases. This work shows that varying flux concentrations added during synthesis significantly affect the relative strength of Eu2+ and Eu3+ emissions in a manner dependent on the synthesis atmosphere. The emission of Eu2+ increases with a higher flux concentration in materials synthesised under oxidative and neutral atmospheres independent of the chemical modification. In contrast, for materials obtained under a reductive atmosphere, the changes in the Eu3+ emission intensity depended on the presence or absence of Al3+ ions namely the increase of flux increased the Eu3+ intensity in the case of unmodified materials and decreased in the Al-modified ones. All observed effects were qualitatively explained considering the double role of the flux in the studied system, which besides facilitating the diffusion of chemical species during synthesis acts as a charge compensating agent by creating B'Si centres stabilizing Eu3+ emission.

The response of European offshore wind power to national greenhouse gas emissions and the resulting environmental benefits

Renewable energy represents a pathway towards sustainable development and reducing dependence on fossil fuels for the international workforce. Following the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, the EU has been intensifying its transition towards clean energy, reaffirming its net-zero emissions goal. Under this goal, accelerating the development of renewable energy has become a necessity. Wind power holds a significant position among the EU's RES. Due to the high population density in the EU, offshore wind power, compared to onshore wind power, experiences faster wind speeds and more stable wind sources, making the boost of offshore wind energy a major development trend for the EU's new energy initiatives. The results indicate a significant positive correlation between offshore wind power generation and greenhouse gas emissions. On average, for every 100 million tons of GHG emissions, the EU should achieve an annual power generation of 3148.11 GWh through offshore wind power and increase the cumulative installed capacity of national offshore wind power to 768045 MW. In combination with the EU's carbon trading system and the carbon price and emission reduction effects of offshore wind power proposed by some scholars, an installed capacity of offshore wind power approximately accounts for 2.69% of the EU's emission reductions, potentially generating an economic benefit of 21825 billion euros.

Structure and optical properties of stable Bi/Eu codoped borophosphate La7O6(BO3)(PO4)2 phosphors for application in wLEDs

Rare-earth (RE) and/or transition metal (TM) ions (co)doped phosphors have garnered much attention for promoting development in the fields of solid state lighting (SSL) and displays. It is a meaningful work to design high-quality phosphor via intelligent assembling from wide variety of compounds with RE/TM ions. Herein, the lanthanum borophosphate La7O6(BO3)(PO4)2 (LOBP) and Bi/Eu were selected as host and dopants for constructing the phosphor LOBP: Bi/Eu via solid phase synthetic method due to simple synthesis, chemical/thermal stability, rich cationic sites, appropriate bandgap, and controllable optical tuning from synergistic effect of cyan (Bi) and red (Eu) emissions, respectively. The structure and site occupations were analysed via XRD and Rietveld refinements, showing Bi3+ ions were only resided in La3+ sites within the monoclinic matrix (P21/n) and appeared greater inclination towards the La sites with coordinate number (CN) = 8 as compared with CN = 7 due to the closer ion radius ratio. While Eu3+ ions entered into the two distinct La sites with almost the same probability. The morphology and elemental mapping were obtained via SEM/EDS, exhibiting irregular particle shape with micron-level size, and the chemical composition met expectation. Through energy transfer (ET) from Bi to Eu under n-UV excitation, the adjustable photoluminescence (PL) from cyan traversing white and finally to red could be achieved. The concentration quenching for both singly- (Bi) and co-doped (Bi/Eu) phosphors were charged by the d-d interactions. Finally, the stable as-fabricated n-UV pumped wLED via coupling the composition-optimized white-emitting LOBP: 2%Bi, 7%Eu to a commercial 305 nm n-UV LED chip shows splendid performances.

Unlocking color-tunable emission of Eu2+-activated phosphors through doping-free exploration of hidden sites

Reducing atmosphere modification (a doping-free strategy) leads to Eu2+ emission color changes from blue to cyan.

EU trilogue results for the aviation sector – key issues and expected impacts

In July 2021, the European Commission had proposed additional and tightening measures to reduce the climate impact of the air transport sector as part of its ‘Fit for 55 package’. In December 2022, so-called trilogue negotiations of the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union came to new rules for the EU emissions trading scheme (EU ETS) for aviation. In April 2023, further trilogue agreements on mandatory blending quotas for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) were reached. This paper aims at identifying and illustrating the agreed new rules and regulations for the aviation sector in comparison with the previous regime. In addition, key impacts on stakeholders and the environment will be discussed. So far, the trilogue parties have reached an agreement on a strengthened EU ETS for aviation, which integrates the global offsetting scheme CORSIA and creates incentives for the increasing use of SAF. Also, a monitoring, reporting and verification scheme for aviation's climate relevant so-called non-CO2 emissions will be introduced as a basis for a later integration of these emissions into the EU ETS. Aviation's non-CO2 emissions include H2O, aerosols, NOx, contrails and cirrus clouds. Moreover, a mandatory sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) blending quota, which rises gradually up to 70 per cent in the year 2050, has been agreed. However, further policy measures originally proposed within the ‘Fit for 55 package’, such as a European kerosene tax, are still subject to final negotiations. As our analysis indicates, several and diverse economic and environmental effects arising from these climate protection policies for European aviation can be expected.

Rеšаvаnје zаgоnеtkе еnеrgеtskе trаnziciје Srbiје: Vоžnја еlеktričnim vоzilimа dоvоdi dо vеćе еmisiје CO 2 nеgо vоžnја trаdiciоnаlnih vоzilа sа SUS mоtоrоm

his article delves into the intriguing paradox emerging in Serbia's transportation landscape, where electric vehicles (EVs) are projected to generate more carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions than internal combustion engine (ICE) until 2030. Driving an EV within Serbia over the upcoming five years is estimated to contribute to roughly 25% more CO2 emissions compared to ICE vehicles. The study unveils the underlying factors behind this paradox, including Serbia's energy mix dominated by lignite. By contrasting this with the European Union's cleaner energy sources, the article underscores the delayed CO2 emissions reduction from EVs in Serbia. Furthermore, it explores the carbon footprint associated with EV production and highlights the challenges posed by the country's energy infrastructure and vehicle fleet. The article concludes with insights into potential solutions, emphasizing the need for Serbia to accelerate its transition to renewables, aiming to align with 2030 targets, while parity with EU emissions levels is projected by 2040.

THE EUROPEAN EMISSIONS TRADING SCHEMES (EU ETS): SOME LEGAL PERSPECTIVES OF MARKET-BASED MECHANISMS

In this article, the implementation of the Paris Agreement by the European Union, the current stage in the development of the climate policy of the European community in the fight against global warming in accordance with the European Green Deal, which was based on the strategy of achieving climate neutrality by 2030 by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% to 2030 comparing with the level of 1990, are analyzed. The author researches some legal aspects of the implementation of the "Fit for 55" package of sectoral initiatives to the EU legislation, in particular the current phase of the EU Emission Trading Schemes (EU ETS), market mechanisms of interstate trading of certificates on emissions. The author draws special attention to the prospects of introducing EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) with the aim of determining a fair price for emissions during carbon-intensive production of goods that are imported into the EU, as well as stimulating cleaner industrial production in non-EU countries, and to related potential challenges and prospects for the development of climate diplomacy in order to achieve agreed compromises between the participants of the Paris Agreement in combating with global warming.

Eco-friendly alternative to autoclaved aerated concrete with heat storage/release function

The European climate law imposes a legal obligation to meet the EU’s climate target of reducing EU emissions by at least 55% by 2030. Consequently, numerous endeavours are underway to achieve this objective and ensure climate neutrality by 2050. Special efforts are being made to reduce the energy consumption associated with heating and cooling in buildings, as this need consumes a significant amount of energy. One of the emerging trends in these activities is the development of new materials with a reduced carbon footprint and new functionality related to the storage and release of heat, which can improve the energy efficiency of buildings. The article presents the results of tests on foamed concrete enriched with Microencapsulated Phase Change Materials (MPCMs) in the amount of 10% and 20% of the paste volume. The capacity of MPCMs to absorb and release substantial amounts of latent heat at a constant temperature offers the potential to decrease daily energy requirements for heating and cooling, thereby positively impacting global warming and climate change. Consequently, the incorporation of MPCMs in materials can significantly enhance the thermal functionality of the material. The densities of the tested foamed concrete were selected in relation to typical autoclaved aerated concrete products, i.e., 350 kg/m3, 500 kg/m3 and 700 kg/m3. The basic thermal and mechanical properties were examined. The obtained results indicate that the tested composites may be a promising alternative to commonly used autoclaved aerated concrete. The research used some results of the NRG-STORAGE project (H2020).

Adapting the EU Emission Trading System to Kenya: Assessing Socioeconomic Impacts and Policy Feasibility for Carbon Management

Adapting the EU Emission Trading System to Kenya: Assessing Socioeconomic Impacts and Policy Feasibility for Carbon Management