Green Pathway Research Articles

Metal Oxide Nanoparticles’ Green Synthesis by Plants: Prospects in Phyto- and Bioremediation and Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants

Over the past few decades, the production of metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) has developed into an exciting and sophisticated research area. Green metal oxide nanoparticles have played an extremely imperative role in various fields, including biomedical, environmental, energy, agricultural applications, catalytic, bioactive, antibacterial, poisonous, and biocompatible. To achieve sustainability and adopt environmentally friendly practices, the production of MONPs is now increasingly focused on exploring green chemistry and alternative pathways. When made using green synthesis techniques, the metal oxide nanoparticles are especially important because they do not require external stabilizers, capping agents, dangerous chemicals, or harsh operating conditions (high pressure and temperature). Plant-mediated synthesis of different MONPs using either whole cells or extracts has several advantages, including rapid synthesis (compared with other biogenic processes (using fungi and bacteria)), being more stable than other types, being available in nature, and being non-toxic. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the green synthesis of MONPs using plant parts, factors affecting the synthesis, and the characterization of synthesized NPs. Additionally, it highlights the potential of these environmentally friendly nanoparticles that are widely used to treat environmental pollutants, including the removal of heavy metals, antibacterials, and the degradation of organic pollutants.

Transformation of glycerol and CO2 to glycerol carbonate over ionic liquids-composite catalysts: Activity, stability, and effect of Li/Al metal oxide

The direct conversion of glycerol and carbon dioxide (CO2) into glycerol carbonate (GC) provides a green pathway for utilizing both the waste glycerol and CO2. However, this reaction is hampered by low CO2 absorbency and H2O generation. Currently, high pressure and H2O trapping agents are employed to elucidate these problems. Our objective is to design a spongy metal oxide/ionic liquids (ILs) blended composite that can solve both limitations under moderate conditions. We created a glycol-modified biphasic cation with various anions aided ILs in combination with electrospin Li/Al nanofibers-500 (LANS-500). It achieved 98.40 % selectivity and 11.45 mmol g−1 cat., GC yield in 6 h at 4 MPa CO2 pressure, 140 °C, and 1.10 g catalyst. Furthermore, even after numerous recyclings, the catalyst yield or selectivity remain unaffected. Also, the LANS-500 catalyst has a porous nature which results in the formation of a strong “adduct” with CO2, as shown by Bode plot, FT-IR, and TGA analysis. ILs, conversely, are acidic, excellent thermal stability, low vapor pressure, and less viscosity. As a result, LANS-500 may be easily incorporated into ILs to produce a highly permeable network with high ratios of surface to volume to create a coordination structure that can absorb more CO2.

Heavy industrial aggregation area's green transformation optimisation pathways exploration with synergistic reduction pursue of CO2 and gaseous pollutants

A profound green transformation of China's heavy industrial aggregation regions is required to conquer severe air pollution, and fulfill carbon peak pledge. Here, to clarify the coordinated mechanism and an optimal roadmap for the reduction of CO2 and gaseous pollutants, we integrated input-output modelling, system dynamics, and multi-objective programming to construct a CO2 and gaseous pollutants synergistic reduction model initially; investigated incentive approaches from 2020 to 2035; Hebei, with the largest steel production in China, was adopted as a demonstrative region. Results revealed that intensive dual control of efficiency and structure in energy and industry can accelerate achieving carbon peak in 2029. In optimal case, CO2 emission intensity can reach a 75.2% reduction compared to 2020, and gaseous pollutants continue decline simultaneously (SO2 and NOx can drop by 63% and 48%); and the synergistic reduction level is expected to improve. Thus, vigorously develop decoupling between economy-air pollution-carbon reduction in Hebei. As opposed to efficiency improvement, structural adjustments were demonstrated to be more effective than short-term efficiency improvements. In addition, the estimated development potential of traditional heavy industries such as steel and petrochemicals is limited, whereas the equipment manufacturing industry, closely linked to traditional industries, is expected to continue its development. Furthermore, although in the electrification process, coal consumption is still needed because of its indispensable role in the production process of heavy industries. The results can facilitate policy-making for heavy industrial aggregation areas' green transformation in shaping policies and actions with clear objectives, effective measures, and sound coordination.

An Update on the Recent Green Synthetic Approaches for Imidazo[1,2-a] Pyridine: A Privileged Scaffold

Abstract: Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine is a fused bicyclic heterocycle that is known as a "drug prejudice" scaffold because of its numerous uses in organic and medicinal chemistry for the development of new drugs. As an outcome, numerous techniques for synthesizing this important class of compounds have been established. Some methods, however, are associated with toxic and corrosive catalysts, longer reaction times, poor yields, lower purity, and by-products in addition to the desired product. Green synthetic methods, which include microwave-assisted synthesis, catalyst-free, solvent-free, green solvent-based synthesis, mechanochemistry, and many others, are used to reduce the usage and production of harmful organic substances. These techniques improve reaction efficiency compared to conventional ones and also reduce the utilization and production of hazardous chemicals. Due to the implication of the imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine backbone as a biologically active ubiquitous fragment and the current demands of reducing toxic solvents, catalysts, and energy consumption, this review focuses on providing comprehensive highlights of the recent green synthetic pathways for imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine.

Picturing China's photovoltaic energy future: Insights from CMIP6 climate projections

Vigorous development of solar photovoltaic energy (PV) is one of the key components to achieve China's “30•60 Dual-Carbon Target”. In this study, by utilizing the outputs generated by CMIP6 models under different shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs) and a physical PV model (GSEE), future changes in PV power generation across China are provided for the outlined carbon neutralization period (2051–2070). The results reveal distinct spatiotemporal characteristics in the changes in PV output across China. Overall, compared to the historical period, annual PV power generation is projected to decrease in northern regions and Tibet Plateau with a maximum decrease of ∼4 % under the high emission scenario (SSP585), while southern and central regions exhibit significant increases. Remarkably, under the green development pathway (SSP126), PV power generation is expected to rise by over 10 % in these regions. The magnitude of decrease in the north and increase in the south is projected to become more pronounced with the continuous increase of future carbon emissions. It is anticipated that the three northern regions of China will experience greater decreases in PV power generation in winter compared to other seasons, especially under SSP585. Additionally, the southeast region shows the smallest increase in summer PV generation out of all seasons. Moreover, under SSP126 trajectory, most regions in China exhibit reduced inter-annual and intra-annual variability in PV generation compared to the historical levels. This suggests that pursuing a sustainable path could substantially mitigate potential risks associated with PV generation fluctuations in China.

Construction of a novel heteropoly molybdophosphate/graphitized carbon nitride s-scheme heterostructure with enhanced photocatalytic H2O2 evolution activity

The preparation of hydrogen peroxide using a photochemical energy conversion process is a promising green pathway. Herein, a series of graphite-phase carbon nitride/Polyoxometalate (CN-HMoP) composite photocatalysts were prepared by interlayer coordination and segregation strategies. During the synthesis process, the presence of –NH2 or H ions at the CN terminus makes it display a positive charge, which is capable of attracting HMoP with a polyanionic structure. Subsequently, the N atoms on the triazine ring preferentially coordinate with the Mo ions in HMoP to form Mo-N bonds, and the HMoP nanoparticles are able to be inserted layer by layer into the CN nanosheets by interlayer coordination to make the sheet exfoliation, which contributes to the enhancement of the transmission of photogenerated carriers. Notably, the establishment of the S-Scheme heterostructure facilitates the spatial separation of electron-hole pairs and maintains the strongest redox potential. More importantly, under solar/visible light irradiation, the H2O2 generation rate of CN-HMoP reached 137.1 μmol L-1h−1 and 113.1 μmol L-1h−1, which was 17.7 and 16.8 times higher than pristine CN. Therefore, this work can provide guidance for the synthesis of semiconductor photocatalysts for more efficient and green generation of H2O2.

Warming indirectly simplifies food webs through effects on apex predators

Warming alters ecosystems through direct physiological effects on organisms and indirect effects via biotic interactions, but their relative impacts in the wild are unknown due to the difficulty in warming natural environments. Here we bridge this gap by embedding manipulative field experiments within a natural stream temperature gradient to test whether warming and apex fish predators have interactive effects on freshwater ecosystems. Fish exerted cascading effects on algal production and microbial decomposition via both green and brown pathways in the food web, but only under warming. Neither temperature nor the presence of fish altered food web structure alone, but connectance and mean trophic level declined as consumer species were lost when both drivers acted together. A mechanistic model indicates that this temperature-induced trophic cascade is determined primarily by altered interactions, which cautions against extrapolating the impacts of warming from reductionist approaches that do not consider the wider food web.

Economic digitalization and energy transition for green industrial development pathways

This study explores the novel aspect of how economic digitalization moderates the effect of energy transition on green industrial development in the presence of urban agglomeration, international investment inflows, and economic prosperity. We examine G7 countries from 2003 to 2019, employing advanced empirical techniques, which indicate that economic digitalization induces a short- and long-term green industrial development promotion effect. Furthermore, the energy transition had positive short- and long-term consequences on developing the green industrial sector. Most notably, economic digitalization positively moderated the impact of the energy transition on green industrial development, with the effect being more pronounced in the long run. The short-run causality revealed a unidirectional causality from economic digitalization and moderation term to green industrial development, while other variables established a bidirectional causality link with the same. Policies strengthening the integrated coordination of digital and energy transition technologies are recommended to achieve a green industrial structure for sustainable development.

Agricultural transformation towards delivering deep carbon cuts in China’s arid inland areas

Since agriculture is a main source of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, reducing agricultural GHG emissions is crucial for achieving global climate goals. Nevertheless, there has been a lack of thorough and systematic assessment of the spatiotemporal distribution of agricultural GHG emissions at the county level, considering many factors such as crop and livestock products, different processes and gases, and the impact of carbon fixation. Furthermore, the potential of comprehensive technical strategies to reduce GHG emissions remains uncertain. Considering the unique attributes of agricultural development in arid areas of northwest China, this study aimed to explore long-term changes in agricultural net GHG emissions by county, product group, process, and gas and quantify the future reduction potential based on the Agricultural System-induced GreenHouse Gases INVentory (ASGHG-INV) econometric model. The results showed increasing trends in carbon emissions (CE), carbon sequestration (CS), carbon footprint (CF), crop carbon footprint per unit area (CFCF), and crop carbon footprint per unit product (CPCF) in various regions from 1991 to 2019, while there was a decreasing trend in livestock carbon footprint per unit product (LPCF). Focus on reducing GHG emissions in the crop-sector should be in Shihezi, Alaer, and Liangzhou; those of the livestock-sector should be in Xinyuan, Yecheng, Liangzhou, and Gaotai. Scenario analysis indicated that agricultural transformation could substantially reduce GHG emissions in all regions. Reducing the loss of reactive nitrogen was shown to be the most effective single strategy for reducing crop emissions. A comprehensive scheme further integrating the optimization of nitrogen fertilizer management, increasing water-saving, manure application, and straw returning measures, and using biochar and inhibitors can decrease CE, CF, CFCF, and CPCF by 22.62–43.45%, 40.55–111.60%, 41.38–111.78%, and 43.33–111.32%, respectively, increase CS by 9.07–39.97%. Optimizing forage composition was the most influential strategy for reducing livestock GHG emissions. The integrated strategy of further using forage additives, breeding low-emission varieties, and optimizing fecal management can reduce CF and LPCF by 37.32–76.42% and 40.51–78.70%, respectively. This study’s results can be a reference for developing more effective GHG emissions reduction and green transformation pathways for global dryland agriculture.

Ethiopia’s Path to Net Zero and Climate-Resilient Development: Policies, Costs, and Co-benefits

The paper specifically explores the corollary benefits for economic development and environmental sustainability of a low-carbon, climate-resilient, green pathway for Ethiopia—a pathway that is consistent with attaining the country’s medium- and long-term development goals. The analysis compares a net zero emissions (NZE) pathway with a business-as-usual (BAU) scenario. The BAU scenario embeds optimistic (high) economic growth assumptions from Ethiopia’s 10-Year Development Plan, and it incorporates the gradual and early incremental adoption of several climate initiatives proposed in the Climate Resilience and Green Economy Strategy. The NZE scenario builds on the implementation of Ethiopia’s nationally determined contribution (NDC) by 2030. The NZE scenario also incorporates additional climate policy options (adaptation and mitigation), resulting in net zero emissions by 2050.

Comparison of green ammonia and green hydrogen pathways in terms of energy efficiency

The global energy system transition necessitates new energy carriers with low greenhouse gas emissions. Chemical energy storage technologies provide a viable basis for long-term energy storage. Ammonia is a promising approach in this regard. This study takes a closer look on the energetic potential of ammonia as energy carrier compared to hydrogen. The efficiencies of five green ammonia and four green hydrogen pathways are evaluated for production, storage and utilisation on a power-to-X-to-power basis. The round-trip efficiency for each pathway is calculated by comparing the energy demand that each individual technology requires along the pathways and the usable electric energy that is provided at the end of the pathways. The most efficient pathway for ammonia turns out to be a combination of a decomposition-unit and a solid-oxide fuel cell with a round-trip efficiency of 28 ± 5 % for 30-day storage duration. This is similar to the value for the most efficient pathway using hydrogen. Pathways utilising ammonia are energetically particularly beneficial compared to the hydrogen pathways in case of long storage duration.

The Marriage of Hydrazone‐Linked Covalent Organic Frameworks and MXene Enables Efficient Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Electrochemical water splitting is long regarded as a green and feasible pathway to realize the scalable hydrogen production, while the overall hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) efficiency is largely dependent on the electrocatalytic ability of the cathode catalysts. Herein, the in situ growth of hydrazone‐linked covalent organic framework (COF‐42) nanocrystals with a unique nanoflower‐shaped morphology on 2D ultrathin Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets (COF/Ti3C2Tx) is achieved through a convenient and robust stereoassembly strategy. Strikingly, the marriage of COF‐42 and Ti3C2Tx nanosheets not only offers multiscale porous channels for the fast transportation of electrolyte and electrons, but also enables the full exposure and activation of numerous catalytically active centers. As a consequence, the optimized COF/Ti3C2Tx nanoarchitecture displays exceptional HER properties in terms of a very low onset potential of 19 mV, a small Tafel slope of 50 mV dec−1 as well as reliable long‐term durability, which are comparable to those of commercial Pt/C catalyst. Density functional theory calculations further disclose that the rational combination of COF‐42 with Ti3C2Tx provides more diversified active positions with appropriate ΔGH values, thus leading to a boosted hydrogen generation rate.

A clean route of biodiesel production using red mud-based potassium catalyst

In our work, a low-cost and high-efficiency red mud-based potassium composite (KRM) was successfully synthesized via solid-state method using red mud (RM) and potassium carbonate (K2CO3) as material, and then was applied to produce castor oil biodiesel through transesterification. The preparation conditions of red mud-based potassium composite were optimized. The synthesized catalysts were characterized by X-Ray diffractometer (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Hammett method and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). The maximum conversion from castor oil to biodiesel (94.52%) was acquired with methanol to oil molar ratio 18:1, catalyst dosage 5 wt%, reaction temperature 65 °C and reaction time 2.5 h. According to the thermo-kinetic results, the castor oil transesterification catalyzed by KRM catalyst was a first-order kinetics reaction and was not an exothermic and spontaneous reaction pathway. Particularly, the characterization results indicated that the brightly textural properties (small particle size, high basicity, high surface area and pore volume) were favorable factors for the high catalytic activity of KRM catalyst. The KRM catalyst showed excellent reusability after four cycles. Besides, turnover frequency (TOF), green parameter of transesterification process and cost analysis demonstrated that the transesterification process catalyzed by the high-efficiency KRM catalyst possessed green reaction pathway and the composite catalyst of KRM could effectively reduce the cost of biodiesel production.

Environmental and economic evaluation of decarbonization strategies for the Indian steel industry

Decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors, such as iron and steel, is critical to achieving climate change goals given the unique and often fossil fuel-based manufacturing processes. Evaluating the iron and steel sector for India is also pertinent, given the immense industrial growth expected in the upcoming decades (IEA, 2021). Cost and emission models have been developed and analyzed using the Sustainable Energy Systems Analysis Modelling Environment (SESAME) Industry and Industrial Fleet models. The models calculate cradle-to-gate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the levelized cost of several steel production pathways. In addition to plant-level analysis, the models estimate emissions and energy consumption for the Indian steel sector.From the marginal abatement cost (MAC) analysis, smelting technologies with carbon capture provide the best option with a MAC as low as $9/t CO2e and a 70% emission reduction relative to the BF-BOF. However, the green H2-DRI pathway reduces emissions even more (84%) with a higher MAC of $112/t CO2e. For existing NG-DRI plants, switching to hydrogen is more advantageous than carbon capture with MEA since the emissions are sensitive to natural gas upstream methane leakages. Sector scenario analysis with The Energy Resource Institute steel demand and International Energy Agency production pathway projections indicate that combined resource efficiency efforts and decarbonization pathways will aid in decreasing cumulative 2050 emissions by about 27% from the baseline scenario. Future steel production will need to be flexible to new fuels for reducing agents and potential CCS retrofitting to support the decarbonization efforts and mitigate climate change.

Who believes in green growth? Strategic framing and technology leadership in the UNFCCC negotiations

ABSTRACT Policymakers and governments increasingly frame climate protection in terms of green growth, arguing that continued economic growth and climate protection are complementary and mutually beneficial. With such framing, governments hope to overcome the global common goods problem associated with climate change and to enable higher ambition on climate action within and across states. Yet, no empirical evidence to date has been provided on how widespread the support for green growth is in international climate politics. This paper, therefore, investigates which countries employ green growth framings at UNFCCC negotiations, and whether this relates to domestic factors, in particular economic structure, level of development and climate impacts. We conduct panel-data analysis on green growth positions derived from hand-coding a unique dataset of High-level Segment statements at the Convention of the Parties (COPs) from 2010 to 2019 for 151 countries. The results reveal that, to date, green growth proponents are those countries with the most advanced national clean energy technology (CET) capacities – as measured by the Green Complexity Index. The findings highlight that green growth is not promoted by all countries at international climate negotiations. Key policy insights: In international climate negotiations, climate protection is increasingly framed as a green growth opportunity to motivate global ambition. Clean Energy Technology (CET) leading countries are more likely to use green growth framings than other less-technologically advanced peers and those with high exposure to climate risks. Mechanisms to support green growth pathways for all countries should be scaled up, including technology transfer and finance to foster local capacities and human capital. Given that green growth framings are not universally endorsed, further emphasis should be placed on additional co-benefits of climate action beyond economic growth, such as food and energy security, adaptation and resilience-building.

One-pot green synthesis and characterization of novel furan-based oligoesters

The synthesis of bio-based poly(5-hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxylate-co-ricinoleate) was investigated either from ricinoleic acid and 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxylic acid or directly from castor oil by green biocatalytic pathways. The reactions were carried out using commercially available native and immobilized hydrolases. The reactions were performed either in the absence of solvent or in different organic solvents or ionic liquids at various molar ratios and temperatures up to 80 °C. The lipase from Pseudomonas stutzeri showed the highest catalytic efficiency at 50 °C in t-butanol. To increase the sustainability of the process, in the next step, an original “one-pot” system consisting of two consecutive reactions catalyzed by the same enzyme was developed. Ricinoleic acid, obtained by in-situ hydrolysis of castor oil, was used together with 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxylic acid as raw material for the oligoester synthesis at 100 mbar pressure in a solventless reaction system, yielding a product with average molecular weight of about 5800 gmol-1, in optimized conditions. The insertion of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxylic acid units into the ricinoleic acid estolide backbone was demonstrated by MALDI-TOF MS and 2D NMR analysis. The thermal properties of the resulting products were evaluated by TG and DSC.

Applicability of Clay/Organic Clay to Environmental Pollutants: Green Way—An Overview

Natural clay mineral and its modifier called modified clay have been used in many environmental applications for a number of years. However, they are not capable enough to achieve a higher conversion rate and so-called ecological sustainability. This can be due to a lack of understanding of the selectivity of the clay and its modifier or a lack of compatibility between clay and pollutants. Recently, the development and implementation of green principles into practice have become an emerging field that brings together green chemistry and engineering practices to achieve a pollutant-free environment (air, water, and soil). This review summarizes the role of clay/modified clay in pollution control and discusses the role of green chemistry in creating global sustainability. In this context, this review sheds light on the complete classification of the clay family to identify its properties and to critically examine the applicability of clay and modified clay for air, water, and soil pollution control over the past decade. This is the unique point of this review, showing how the properties of clay/modified clay can be useful for removing any type of pollutant without focusing on a single type of pollutant or clay. Furthermore, the importance of green materials in clay research, as well as the future area of application, was discussed. Overall, this review places value on multidisciplinary researchers to determine the role of the green pathway in the application of clay and modified clay in achieving environmental sustainability.

Facile synthesis of novel interpenetrating polymeric network (IPN) from semi-IPN: comparative analysis of biodegradation studies for environmental remediation

Abstract This paper reports the novel synthesis of an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) from semi-IPN. This semi-IPN is based on naturally occurring Colocasia esculenta corn starch. The toxicity levels were compared through various biodegradation methods. The polymer network was synthesised from the corresponding semi-IPN via a green pathway by using green solvent (water) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as secondary monomer. The biodegradability of synthesized IPN was tested by vermi-composting, composting and soil burial methods. The study was divided into three stages that lasted up to 70 days. The synthesised IPN degraded 78.94 %, 69.23 % and 67.24 % within 70 days by vermi-composting, composting and burying in the soil, respectively. This was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy with electron dispersion analysis (SEM-EDX) for each stage. Therefore, the system could be considered for agrochemical release without affecting soil fertility.

Hydrogenation versus hydrogenolysis during alkaline electrochemical valorization of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural over oxide-derived Cu-bimetallics

The electrochemical conversion of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural, especially its reduction, is an attractive green production pathway for carbonaceous e-chemicals. We demonstrate the reduction of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural to 5-Methylfurfurylalcohol under strongly alkaline reaction environments over oxide-derived Cu bimetallic electrocatalysts. We investigate whether and how the surface catalysis of the MOx phases tune the catalytic selectivity of oxide-derived Cu with respect to the 2-electron hydrogenation to 2.5-Bishydroxymethylfuran and the (2 + 2)-electron hydrogenation/hydrogenolysis to 5-Methylfurfurylalcohol. We provide evidence for a kinetic competition between the evolution of H2 and the 2-electron hydrogenolysis of 2.5-Bishydroxymethylfuran to 5-Methylfurfurylalcohol and discuss its mechanistic implications. Finally, we demonstrate that the ability to conduct 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural reduction to 5-Methylfurfurylalcohol in alkaline conditions over oxide-derived Cu/MOx Cu foam electrodes enable an efficiently operating alkaline exchange membranes electrolyzer, in which the cathodic 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural valorization is coupled to either alkaline oxygen evolution anode or to oxidative 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural valorization.

Scalable and universal polyphenol-mediated prussian blue nanocomposite membranes: Underliquid dual superlyophobicity and catalytic self-cleaning

Self-adaptive biomimetic superwetting membranes with distinctive underliquid dual superlyophobic surfaces showcase attractive features for the on-demand separation of multifarious oil/water systems. It yet remains a great challenge for introducing the catalytic function into the design of underliquid dual superlyophobic membranes, to strengthen self-cleaning ability. Herein, a polyphenol-mediated interfacial assembly strategy was proposed to construct multi-functional membranes with underliquid dual superlyophobicity and catalytic self-cleaning, through self-assembly of metal-tannic acid (Fe-TA) networks and then in-situ coordination growth of Prussia blue (PB) nanocrystals at the interface at room temperature. We found that the PB/Fe-TA nanocomposite coating can make hydrophilic and hydrophobic porous membranes, as well as smooth surfaces being underwater superoleophobic and underoil superhydrophobic. The Fe-TA networks were favored for good growth of PB nanocrystals. Using quartz fiber (QF) membrane as the basement substrate, the PB/Fe-TA@QF nanocomposite membrane can separate light/heavy oil/water mixtures and oil-in-water/water-in-oil emulsions under gravity drive, with efficiencies above 99%. The PB/Fe-TA@QF nanocomposite membrane exhibits a superior degradation ability of carmine dye by peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation, with the removal ratio as high as 99.8% within 30 min and meanwhile has an excellent antifouling and catalytic self-cleaning performance after cycling emulsion separation. Excellent acid, alkali and salt toleration, as well as good repeatability, provide the potential for application in wastewater treatment. This research puts forward a green, versatile and scalable pathway to fabricate multifunctional superwetting membranes for various applications in the fields including the environment, energy and beyond.