Friendly Approach Research Articles

Sustainable liquid-liquid microextraction and determination of inorganic arsenic species in nut-based beverages using hydrophobic natural deep eutectic solvents

Arsenic (As) is a carcinogenic, mutagenic, and toxic element, making its determination in food and beverages essential for assessing its impact on human health. Since the total As content alone does not provide adequate information on toxicity and bioavailability, it is crucial to develop methods for the speciation of As(III) and As(V). The aim of this work was to develop an efficient and selective method for the determination of inorganic As (iAs) species in complex samples such as nut-based beverages. This method involves the application of a hydrophobic natural deep eutectic solvent (HNADES) in the vortex-assisted liquid-liquid microextraction (VA-LLME) technique based on the solidification of floating droplets. The As(III) species was complexed with ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (APDC) and extracted using 50μL of HNADES capric acid:lauric acid (CAP:LAU) (2:1). Then, As(III) species was determined by hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG-AFS). Optimization of the sample volume, HNADES volume, vortex stirring time, and cooling time was performed using a multivariate study. The method contributes to the development of a more environmentally friendly analytical approach and offers several advantages, including 100% As(III) extraction efficiency, low limits of detection (0.11μgL⁻¹ for As(III) and 0.30μgL⁻¹ for As(V)), and excellent selectivity.

Multicomponent Synthesis of Structurally Diverse Spiroheterocycles using Bio-organic Catalyst in Aqueous Medium

Background: MCRs are one of the most significant tools in the synthesis of organic compounds. MCR is a rapid chemical technique that uses three or more reactants to produce products that sustain all structural and substructural properties of the initial components. MCRs are useful in all fields of synthetic chemistry because of their rapid rate of reaction, simple procedure and excellent yields. We reported an efficient and environmentally friendly domino approach for the synthesis of spiroheterocycles spiro annulated with indeno[1,2-b]quinoline. Method: The spiroheterocycles with privileged heterocyclic substructures have been synthesized using taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) as a green, sustainable, bio-organic and recyclable catalyst in a three-component reaction of isatins, 1,3-diketones, and 1-napthylamine in aqueous media. The present synthetic method is probably the first report to synthesize spiroheterocycles, spiroannulated with indeno[1,2-b]quinoline. Furthermore, the approach is valuable because of the excellent yield that results from the reaction in 15-20 min. Result: The optimization of reaction conditions is an important case of efficient synthesis. The solvent, temperature, time and catalyst loading were all examined. The reusability of the catalyst was also investigated experimentally. The used catalyst taurine has a high activity as well as good reusability. The present synthetic protocol will be extended to synthesise a library of hybrid compounds. The present synthetic approach is cost-effective, and time-efficient with an easy-workup methodology that gives outstanding yields (80–95%) in 15–20 min. Conclusion: Taurine-catalyzed multicomponent reaction is a novel and efficient method for the synthesis of spiroannulated indeno[1,2-b]quinolines. The high catalytic activity of taurine as a catalyst with water as a green solvent makes the process environmentally friendly. The special features of the synthetic protocol include synthetic efficiency, operational simplicity, and reusability of the catalyst and it is expected to make significant contributions not only to drug discovery studies but also to pharmaceutical and therapeutic chemistry in view of introducing molecular diversity in the synthesized molecules.

Environmentally friendly approaches for tailoring interfacial adhesion and mechanical performance of biocomposites based on poly(lactic acid)/rice straw.

In the present research, plant-based biocomposites containing poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and rice straw (RS) as an annually renewable agricultural waste were studied. To enhance the properties of these filled systems, two environmentally friendly pulping methods were applied to remove the non-cellulosic components of RS and fibrillate the fibers. In addition, two reactive compatibilizers based on functional epoxy and maleic anhydride groups were incorporated into the biocomposites, using a reactive extrusion process. By pulping the RS fibers and modifying the PLA/lignocellulosic filler interface, the plant-based biocomposites with enhanced performance were attained. Furthermore, the elastic modulus, tensile strength, tensile toughness, impact strength, hardness, density and Vicat softening point of PLA and filled PLA system with untreated RS were improved. The impact resistance, tensile strength and elastic modulus of neat PLA were enhanced by 40 %, 160 % and 100 % for the modified biocomposites containing the environmentally friendly RS pulps. The obtained results showed that, these biocomposites had even higher mechanical performance than the PLA biocomposites containing RS pulp obtained through common soda-pulping method. The reasons behind these improvements are the partial pulping of RS, as well as the chain extension of PLA macromolecules and PLA grafting onto the lignocellulosic fiber surfaces induced by the reactive compatibilizers.

Induction of antiherbivore defense responses in poplars using a methyl jasmonate and mesoporous silica nanoparticle complex.

Poplar in China has long been plagued by the fall webworm Hyphantria cunea. Enhancing plant immunity using chemical elicitors is an environmentally friendly approach to pest control. The phytohormone methyl jasmonate (MeJA) can stimulate the chemical defenses of poplars against herbivores but has been shown to have limited efficacy in practice. Here, we studied the effects of a MeJA and mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN) complex (MeJA@MSN) regarding the induction of poplar resistance to H. cunea, which may provide strategies for the effective use of MeJA. The silicon-based phytohormone complex (MeJA@MSNs) exhibited excellent biological and physiochemical properties, such as excellent biocompatibility and plant tissue transportability. The changes in metabolites in poplar leaves induced by MeJA, MSNs, and MeJA@MSNs were investigated by metabolic analysis. MeJA@MSNs led to highly potent induced resistance along with elevated salicylaldehyde content, which increased with the dose administered. The salicylaldehyde metabolite showed a strong antifeedant effect on H. cunea larvae at a dosage of 1 μg, with the 50% lethal dose being 20.4 μg/mg. Furthermore, transcriptional analysis showed that MeJA@MSNs upregulated key genes in biosynthetic pathways more than MeJA and MSNs. Our results show that MeJA and MSNs interact positively in poplar, leading to salicylaldehyde accumulation and increased induced resistance to H. cunea, providing new insights into the underlying resistance mechanisms induced by MeJA@MSNs. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Analyzing the impact of holistic building design on the process of lifecycle management of building structures

This research examines how Holistic Building Design (HBD) affects Lifecycle Management of Building Structures in the ever-changing construction market. HBD includes adaptability, environmental sustainability, maintenance, and disaster preparation. It is a key idea in the present boom in resilient and sustainable building techniques. A surprising dearth of quantitative empirical research on HBD’s impact on LMBS considering the field’s growing importance. This study uses a quantitative method to explore the relationship between essential HBD components and LMBS outcomes especially Extended Service Life (ESL) and Optimized Performance and Value (OPV) are critical factors to address this information gap. The quantitative study polled 171 construction industry professionals and utilized Structural Equation Modelling to examine the data. This approach was selected for its ability to explore complex relationships between variables and constructs. HBD components Adaptability and Retrofitting (AAR), Environmental Considerations and Sustainability (ECS), Maintenance and Inspection Programs (MIP), and Resilience and Disaster Preparedness (RDP) profoundly influenced the Enhanced Service Life (ESL) and Optimized Performance and Value (OPV) elements of LMBS. Building adaptation and retrofitting, maintenance and inspection programs, and other activities increased building value and lifespan. These findings have major theoretical and practical implications. The work potentially fills a research gap by providing actual evidence on HBD-LMBS linkages. Practically, the results advise construction industry specialists to use HBD ideas for sustainable building management. Finally, our work illuminates the vital roles of HBD components in LMBS and paves the way for ecologically friendly building approaches.

IoT- enabled crop waste mulching machine for sustainable farming: perspective of circular economy

Abstract A large amount of crop waste is generated after crop harvesting. A substantial quantity of waste on the farm is burnt to clear the field, contributing to environmental harm and global warming. The study aims to develop a technological solution for crop waste management (CWM) by designing and developing an IoT-enabled crop waste mulching machine. This initiative addresses the environmental and health issues caused by burning crop waste on farms. The research involves designing and developing an IoT-enabled mulching machine that can be attached to the back side of a tractor. The machine consists of power-transmitting elements, supports, and mechanisms to distribute mulching material evenly onto the plant bed. It incorporates advanced IoT load cell sensors, soil moisture sensors, and proximity sensors to optimize the mulching process based on soil moisture content and to prevent machinery blockages. The IoT-enabled mulching machine effectively manages crop waste by utilizing it in mulch, thus preventing the harmful practice of burning waste. This machine ensures a more efficient, safer, and environmentally friendly approach to mulching, offering significant improvements over traditional manual mulching methods. The novelty of this research lies in integrating IoT technologies within mulching machine. The mulching machine uses sensors to automate and optimize the mulching process, representing a significant technological advancement over conventional methods. The study offers practical benefits by reducing labour requirements, minimizing the risk of injuries, and ensuring a more uniform mulch application. This technology facilitates more sustainable farming practices, aligning with global sustainability goals. The study can potentially revolutionize the agricultural equipment manufacturing industry (AEMI) by shifting the focus toward environmental sustainability. It promotes replacing plastic film mulching machines with more eco-friendly crop waste mulching solutions. This technology has the potential to reduce air pollution, carbon emissions, and mitigate climate. It also enhances soil health through better mulching practices.

Photocatalysis and adsorption coupling in S-scheme K and P doped g-C3N4/GO/MgFe2O4 photocatalyst for enhanced degradation of Congo red dye

Abstract Photocatalysis is an environmentally friendly approach for harnessing solar light to degrade pollutants. This study investigates the degradation of Congo red (COR) dye by a visible light-active photocatalyst, with a primary focus on the efficiency and reusability of the photocatalytic material. We synthesized phosphorus- and potassium-doped graphitic carbon nitride photocatalysts attached to graphene oxide and MgFe2O4 (KPCN/GO/MgFe2O4). Doping graphitic carbon nitride enhanced light absorption, while graphene oxide improved the adsorption properties. The addition of magnetic MgFe2O4 enhanced charge separation and reusability. The KPCN/GO/MgFe2O4 composite was analyzed using a range of techniques. The activity of the synthesized materials for Congo red (COR) dye degradation was analyzed under visible light. The photocatalytic activities of bare, binary, and ternary photocatalysts were compared, and KPCN/GO/MgFe2O4 exhibited the highest photoactivity among all. The KPCN/GO/MgFe2O4 photocatalyst (60 mg) showed a 76% removal efficiency for 5 x 10-6 M Congo red within 60 minutes, which was 2.5 times higher than that of pure graphitic carbon nitride. The •OH and •O2- were the major reactive species during COR photodegradation. The photocatalyst also displayed good reusability after five cycles, enhancing its overall effectiveness.

An Investigation of the Batch Adsorption Capacity for the Removal of Phosphate from Wastewater Using Both Unmodified and Functional Nanoparticle-Modified Biochars

One of the most widely employed methods for adsorption is the utilization of biochar produced during pyrolysis. Biochar has attracted considerable attention due to its oxygen-containing functional groups and relatively high specific surface area. In alignment with the principles of cleaner production, the sludge generated from sewage treatment plants is typically classified as waste. However, it can be effectively repurposed as an adsorbent following pyrolysis and subsequent nanoparticle modification. This environmentally friendly approach presents an ecological alternative to conventional water treatment methods. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of batch adsorption for the removal of phosphate from wastewater using both unmodified and modified sewage sludge biochars (SSBs) that were produced at various temperatures (300 °C, 400 °C, 500 °C, and 600 °C) and modified with zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI-SSB300, nZVI-SSB400, nZVI-SSB500, and nZVI-SSB600). The findings indicate that biochar modified with functional nanoparticles is a highly effective adsorbent for the removal of phosphate from wastewater. As demonstrated by the research results, the adsorption capacity of modified biochar is approximately 3 to 3.5 times greater than that of the unmodified variants. The phosphate removal efficiency with modified biochars was optimal with nZVI-SSB600. In experiments with a phosphate concentration (25 mg/L), the modified sorbent biochar exhibited an equilibrium adsorption capacity of 23.74 mg/g, translating to a phosphate removal efficiency of 60%. Under similar test conditions, at an initial phosphate concentration of 50 mg/L, the adsorption capacity improved to 25.67 mg/g (75% efficiency); at 75 mg/L, it reached 27.97 mg/g (80%); at 100 mg/L, it was 28.44 mg/g (85%); and at 125 mg/L, it achieved 29.48 mg/g (89%). The models confirmed the observed adsorption behavior, yielding a maximum phosphate adsorption capacity (qe) of 19.00 mg/g for the 600 °C pyrolysis of modified biochar at the primary phosphate concentration (25 mg/L). Furthermore, this study indicates that the influence of solution pH on phosphate adsorption remains stable and maximal (nZVI-SSB600, ranging from 16.87 to 20.46 mg/g) within the pH range of 3 to 8. On average, the modified biochar (nZVI-SSB) demonstrated 20 to 30% superior adsorption performance compared to the unmodified biochar (SSB). Additionally, significant differences were noted between various ambient temperatures, ranging from 5 °C to 25 °C. As the ambient temperature increased, the sorption capacity of the adsorbent exhibited a considerable improvement. With a primary concentration of phosphate (100 mg/g) at 5 °C, the adsorption capacity of nZVI-SSB600 was measured at 7.99 mg/g; this increased to 14.33 mg/g at 10 °C, 21.79 mg/g at 20 °C, and 28.44 mg/g at 25 °C. This research highlights the potential application of biochar in wastewater treatment for phosphate removal, simultaneously enabling the effective utilization of generated sewage sludge waste through pyrolysis and coating with zero-iron nanoparticles, resulting in a sustainable solution.

Exploring the Sustainable Utilization of Deep Eutectic Solvents for Chitin Isolation from Diverse Sources.

Deep eutectic solvents (DES) represent an innovative and environmentally friendly approach for chitin isolation. Chitin is a natural nitrogenous polysaccharide, characterized by its abundance of amino and hydroxyl groups. The hydrogen bond network in DES can disrupt the crystalline structure of chitin, facilitating its isolation from bioresources by dissolving or degrading other components. DES are known for their low cost, natural chemical constituents, and recyclability. Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES), a subclass of DES made from natural compounds, offer higher biocompatibility, biodegradability, and the lowest biotoxicity, making them highly promising for the production of eco-friendly chitin products. This review summarized studies on chitin isolation by DES, including reviews of biomass resources, isolation conditions (raw materials, DES compositions, solid-liquid ratios, temperature, and time), and the physicochemical properties of chitin products. Consequently, we have concluded that tailoring an appropriate DES-based process on the specific composition of the raw material can notably improve isolation efficiency. Acidic DES are particularly effective for extracting chitin from materials with high mineral content, such as crustacean bio-waste; for instance, the choline chloride-lactic acid DES achieved purity levels comparable to those of commercial chemical methods. By contrast, alkaline DES are better suited for chitin isolation from protein-rich sources, such as squid pens. DES facilitate calcium carbonate removal through H+ ion release and leverage unique hydrogen bonding interactions for efficient deproteination. Among these, potassium carbonate-glycerol DES have demonstrated optimal efficacy. Nonetheless, further comprehensive research is essential to evaluate the environmental impact, economic feasibility, and safety of DES application in chitin production.

Climate Agenda in Russia: Shifting Guidelines and New Challenges

The changing of a geopolitical situation and a reorientation of Russian exports to the East were starting an adjustment the climate agenda took place in Russia, which determined the relevance of the research topic. The shift in the primary drivers of the agenda, coupled with the potential for adverse effects on the Russian real economy due to the implementation of cross-border carbon regulations within the European Union, has extended the duration of the transformational process. However, the commitment to transitioning towards a more environmentally friendly approach remains unchanged. In light of the observed change in business focus, the advancement of the climate agenda requires significant efforts from the government. Carbon neutrality and high environmental standards is economically feasible in the medium and long term. At the same time, Russia’s new key partners in the East are actively interacting with the West, which encourages them to act in line with Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. Therefore, these standards will eventually extend to Russian companies. The “green” transformation in domestic industries will mitigate the potential dangers of stricter carbon regulations in the East, while also providing additional competitive advantages for the Russian economy.

Layered Bio-Inorganic MXene Membranes: A Green Approach for Uranium Extraction from Seawater Using Genetically Modified E. coli.

With the growing demand for clean energy, efficient uranium extraction technologies are needed, especially from seawater, where uranium reserves are huge. Here, we developed a composite membrane by inserting Escherichia coli engineered with super uranyl-binding protein (SUP) within a two-dimensional (2D) MXene (Ti3C2Tx) layer. SUP endowed the bioinorganic hybrid membrane with ultrahigh selectivity for uranyl ions, while the engineered E. coli improved the mechanical strength and economy of the membranes. Experimental results showed that the membranes achieved precise recognition of uranyl ions and excellent ion screening performance (SFU/V ≈ 43, SFNa/U ≈ 158). Excellent separation performance and cyclic stability tests demonstrated the industrial application potential of the membrane. This method offers a green and sustainable solution, combining biological engineering and nanomaterial innovation, providing an environmentally friendly and efficient approach for uranium extraction from seawater, marking a significant advancement in the field of clean energy resource development.

Plasma-Driven Conversion of 2D Graphene into 3D Pouch for Improved Electromagnetic Absorption Performance.

Graphene-based materials are ideal for electromagnetic wave-absorbing materials (EAMs) due to their strong electrical and dielectric losses with reduced thickness and weight. To enhance the electromagnetic wave absorption performance of these materials, additional components are often incorporated. However, this approach not only increases the complexity of the synthesis process but also complicates and destabilizes the control of the material properties. In this study, we successfully employed a one-step method to reduce graphene oxide and transform 2D graphene into a 3D pocket-like structure through plasma treatment. This unique 3D structure is induced by the formation of uneven defects on the surface due to plasma treatment. The distinctive pouch-like structure of the reduced graphene oxide achieved remarkable electromagnetic wave absorption properties. Specifically, the material demonstrated a minimum reflection loss of -38.65 dB at 7.14 GHz, with an effective absorption bandwidth of 5.13 GHz and a thickness of just 1.9 mm. These results highlight the potential of plasma processing as a rapid, efficient, and environmentally friendly approach for the continuous production of advanced EAMs, paving the way for greener manufacturing practices in the industry.

Integrative application of biochar and bacteria for mitigating antimony toxicity and bio-accessibility in sorghum.

Antimony (Sb) toxicity is a serious concern due to its harmful effects on humans and plants. Biochar (BC) has become a popular amendment for remediating soils polluted with metals and metalloids. However, the exact interaction mechanism between BC, microbes, and the remediation of Sb-polluted soils remains unclear. To address this, a study was performed to determine the impacts of maize straw BC and a bacterial strain (Pseudomonas frederiksbergensis: PF) in mitigating the harmful effects of Sb toxicity on sorghum productivity. A pot experiment was set up with the following treatments: control, soil contaminated with Sb (1000 mg kg-1), Sb-contaminated soil + BC (2 %), Sb-contaminated soil + PF, and Sb-contaminated soil + BC (2 %) + PF. Antimony toxicity significantly reduced sorghum biomass and grain yield while increasing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2: 32.63 %), malondialdehyde (MDA: 68.96 %) reducing chlorophyll a (95.65 %) and chlorophyll b synthesis (92 %), increasing Sb accumulation plant parts and decreasing NPK (24.48 %, 8.01 % and 19.24 %) and magnesium availability, soil organic carbon (SOC: 16.36 %), microbial biomass carbon (MBC: 10.80 %) and soil urease (76.31 %) and catalase (130.52 %) activity. The combined application of BC and bacteria enhanced the promoted sorghum biomass and grain production by improving chlorophyll synthesis, antioxidant activity, osmolyte production, nutrient availability, SOC, MBC, soil enzymatic activities and reducing both H2O2 and MDA production. Co-application of BC and bacteria decreased soil Sb concentration by 38.84 % while they decreased Sb concentration in sorghum root, stem, leaves and grains by 54.58 %, 34.15 %, 30.96 % and 54.58 % respectively. The decrease of Sb concentration in soil and plant parts with BC and bacteria application could be attributed to increase in soil pH, SOC, MBC, enzymes activities. Additionally, BC in combination with bacteria also reduced bio-accessible Sb concentration by 83.82 %, and bio-accessibility of Sb by 36.45 % indicating their appreciable potential to produce safer sorghum production in highly polluted Sb soil Therefore, BC and PF can be used together to improve sorghum production and develop environmentally friendly approaches in Sb-contaminated soils.

Highly conducting Laser-Induced Graphene-Ag nanoparticle composite as an effective supercapacitor electrode with anti-fungal properties

This study presents a simple and an environmentally friendly approach to make Laser-Induced Graphene (LIG) based supercapacitor electrodes anchored with abundant Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs). LIG, was synthesized using a CO2 laser writing technique on polyimide substrate. The LIG-Ag composite was prepared using two techniques, drop-coating, and screen-printing. Ag nanoparticles prepared using the plant extract of Swietenia Macrophylla was utilized to drop-coat AgNP on LIG substrate. Screen-printing was done by using a commercial Ag-ink and a suitable mesh. The supercapacitor made from screen-printed electrodes and supercapacitor made form drop-coated electrodes showed a high specific capacitance of 118 mF/cm2, 38 mF/cm2, and a high energy density of 2.42 mWh/cm2, 0.05 mWh/cm2 respectively. The screen-printed composite of LIG and AgNP was further studied for its anti-fungal properties and proved to be effective against Candida sp.

Enhanced Emission in Polyelectrolyte Assemblies for the Development of Artificial Light-Harvesting Systems and Color-Tunable LED Device.

Artificial light-harvesting systems (LHSs) are of growing interest for their potential in energy capture and conversion, but achieving efficient fluorescence in aqueous environments remains challenging. In this study, a novel tetraphenylethylene (TPE) derivative, TPEN, is synthesized and co-assembled with poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) to enhance its fluorescence via electrostatic interactions. The resulting PSS⊃TPEN network significantly increased blue emission, which is further harnessed by an energy-matched dye, 4,7-di(2-thienyl)benzo[2,1,3]thiadiazole (DBT), to produce an efficient LHS with yellow emission. Moreover, this system is successfully applied to develop color-tunable light-emitting diode (LED) devices. The findings demonstrate a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach to designing tunable luminescent materials, with promising potential for future advancements in energy-efficient lighting technologies.

Phytoremediation of soil co‐contaminated with uranium and chromium by sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) enhanced with slow‐release composite chelating agent (EDTA/ammonium citrate)

AbstractBACKGROUNDSoil in uranium mining areas is contaminated by uranium and associated heavy metals, posing a significant threat to human health and ecological security. Chelating agent assisted phytoremediation is a cost‐effective and ecologically friendly remediation approach for uranium and associated heavy metals contaminated soil. In this work, a novel slow‐release composite chelating agent (SRCMC‐g‐CMCD‐EDTA/AC) was fabricated using carboxymethyl chitosan‐graft‐carboxymethyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (CMC‐g‐CMCD) as a slow‐release carrier and EDTA/ammonium citrate (AC) as a composite chelating agent through the spray drying method, which was used for phytoremediation of soil co‐contaminated with uranium and chromium.RESULTSCMC‐g‐CMCD exhibited superior slow‐release performance for both EDTA and AC in comparison with CMC and CMCD. When applied to soil contaminated with uranium (U) and chromium (Cr), SRCMC‐g‐CMCD‐EDTA/AC effectively regulated the release of U and Cr. Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus L.) grown in treated soil showed a significant increase in U and Cr uptake by 70.55% and 35.55%, respectively, and reduced leaching losses by 34.88% and 37.42%.CONCLUSIONSRCMC‐g‐CMCD‐EDTA/AC not only assists in the phytoremediation of soil co‐contaminated with U and Cr but also reduces the risk of leaching into groundwater during the soil phytoremediation process. SRCMC‐g‐CMCD‐EDTA/AC‐assisted phytoremediation technology was an effective and environmentally friendly remediation means for the removal of U and heavy metals from contaminated soils in uranium mining areas. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

Biosorption of dyes in wastewater using chitosan/polyethylene nanoparticle as adsorbent

Chitosan/low-density polyethylene (CHNP/LDPE) nanoparticles, sized at approximately 200 nm, were developed as effective adsorbents for removing dyes from wastewater. This study involved a systematic experimental investigation to evaluate the effects of several parameters: adsorbent dosage, contact time, temperature, pH, and initial dye concentration, all conducted in batch experiments at ambient temperature. The optimal adsorption conditions were identified; specifically, a pH of 5 was most effective for Methylene Blue (MB) dye, while a pH of 6 yielded the best results for Bromocresol Green (BG) dye. The highest removal efficiency was observed with an initial dye concentration of 50 mg/L and an adsorbent dosage of 0.05 mg/L. Equilibrium studies indicated that the adsorption process conformed to the Langmuir isotherm model for single systems. Notably, MB exhibited a higher adsorption capacity of 147 mg/g compared to BG’s capacity of 142.8 mg/g. These findings underscore the potential of CHNP/LDPE biocomposites as a novel biosorbent for dye removal in wastewater treatment applications, suggesting an efficient and environmentally friendly approach to managing dye pollutants.Graphical abstract

Reduced Graphene Oxide/Silica Based Electrode Material: Synthesis and Characterization

<span lang="EN-US">Developing a Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) synthesis method based on rice husk as a composite electrode material with silica has garnered particular attention for designing high-quality electrode materials. This research successfully synthesized rGO-Si material from rice husk-derived activated carbon through a one-step thermal reduction process at 200 °C. This method offers a simple, efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly synthesis approach. The resulting samples' morphology, surface composition, crystal structure, surface area, and pore diameter size were characterized using FE-SEM, EDX, XRD, and SAA-BET. EDX characterization results confirmed the predominance of carbon content in the samples. At the same time, the natural emergence of Si without external addition due to thermal reduction at 200 °C was an intriguing initial finding. The spherical crystal structure of silica between the wrinkled rGO layers was confirmed through FE-SEM and XRD analysis. The synergistic effect between Si and rGO significantly increased the sample's surface area, with a value of 34.17 m<sup>2</sup>/g for the rGO sample before thermal reduction, which increased to 121.24 m<sup>2</sup>/g after the thermal reduction process at 200 °C. This process also positively impacted the reduction in pore size of rGO-Si, with a value decreasing from 9.33 nm before thermal reduction to 4.89 nm after the thermal reduction process. The results of this study demonstrate that rGO-Si synthesized from rice husk-derived activated carbon holds great potential as a high-performance electrode material, combining the advantages of thermal reduction, natural Si content, and increased surface area for diverse applications.</span>

Applying machine learning for biomass gasification prediction: enhancing efficiency and sustainability

Abstract In the contemporary era, marked by the increasing significance of sustainable energy sources, biomass gasification emerges as a highly promising technology for converting organic materials into valuable fuel, offering an environmentally friendly approach that not only mitigates waste but also addresses the growing energy demands. However, the effectiveness of biomass gasification is intricately tied to its predictability and efficiency, presenting a substantial challenge in achieving optimal operational parameters for this complex process. It is at this precise juncture that machine learning assumes a pivotal role, initiating a transformative paradigm shift in the approach to biomass gasification. This article delves into the convergence of machine learning and the prediction of biomass gasification and introduces two innovative hybrid models that amalgamate the Support Vector Regression (SVR) algorithm with Coot Optimization Algorithm (COA) and Walrus Optimization Algorithm (WaOA). These models harness nearby biomass data to forecast the elemental compositions of CH4 and C2Hn, thereby enhancing the precision and practicality of biomass gasification predictions, offering potential solutions to the intricate challenges within the domain. The SVWO model (SVR optimized with WaOA) is an effective tool for predicting these elemental compositions. SVWO exhibited outstanding performance with notable R 2 values of 0.992 for CH4 and 0.994 for C2Hn, emphasizing its exceptional accuracy. Additionally, the minimal RMSE values of 0.317 for CH4 and 0.136 for C2Hn underscore the precision of SVWO. This accuracy in SVWO’s predictions affirms its suitability for practical, real-world applications.

3D reconfigurable hydroxylated carbon nanotubes-based water evaporators with long-distance transportation for continuous vapor generation

Utilizing solar-thermal power for water purification through interfacial solar steam generation represents an environmentally friendly approach to secure a clean water source. However, it is still challenging to simultaneously overcome short transport distances, low transport rates, and unsatisfactory solar-thermal energy conversion efficiency, as well as the salt accumulation problem. In this work, three-dimensional (3D) reconfigurable water evaporators are developed based on commercial fabric strings and hydroxylated carbon nanotubes. The specifically designed 3D architecture enables the fabric strings to have a long water transport distance and localized focusing of solar light that benefits the fabrication of 3D evaporators and water isolation with low heat loss. Besides, the hydroxylated carbon nanotubes with strong hydrophilicity as well as their inherent black color show high solar-heat conversion efficiency. A high evaporation rate of 3.234kg m-2h−1 is found and a solar-to-vapor efficiency of 123.21 % is also achieved by using a vertical evaporation structure due to the enlarged surface area allowing absorption of heat from the environment. Meanwhile, the accumulated salts do not block the water transport pathway and they can be easily removed in high-salinity water evaporation by employing the assembled rotating evaporator. The results suggest that the fabric rope is a good platform for exploring highly efficient evaporation structures. Combined with hydroxylated carbon nanotubes, as-designed 3D reconfigurable evaporators are promising for efficient freshwater generation.