Sustainable Process Research Articles

Non‐Isocyanate Synthesis of Covalent Adaptable Networks Based on Dynamic Hindered Urea Bonds: Sequential Polymerization and Chemical Recycling

AbstractThe development of environmentally sustainable processes for polymer recycling is of paramount importance in the polymer industry. In particular, the implementation of chemical recycling for thermoset polymers via covalent adaptable networks (CANs), particularly those based on the dynamic hindered urea bond (HUB), has garnered intensive attention from both the academic and industrial sectors. This interest stems from its straightforward chemical structure and reaction mechanism, which are well‐suited for commercial polyurethane and polyurea applications. However, a substantial drawback of these CANs is the requisite use of toxic isocyanate curing agents for their synthesis. Herein, we propose a new HUB synthesis pathway involving thiazolidin‐2‐one and a hindered amine. This ring‐opening reaction facilitates the isocyanate‐free formation of a HUB and enables sequential reactions with acrylate and epoxide monomers via thiol–Michael and thiol–epoxy click chemistry. The CANs synthesized using this methodology exhibit superior reprocessability, chemical recyclability, and reutilizability, facilitated by specific catalytic and solvent conditions, through the reversible HUB, thiol–Michael addition, and transesterification processes.

Preparation of 97% pure nickel-cobalt alloy from waste Ni-MH batteries by using waste glass as a fluxing agent

With the e-waste growing rapidly all over the globe due to growing demand of electronics, smartphones, etc., coming up with an efficient and sustainable recycling process is the need of the hour. The present work reports a novel and sustainable process of manufacturing Ni alloy by bringing together three major waste streams such as waste Ni-MH batteries, e-waste plastics, and waste glass. The chosen temperature (1550 °C) favours the reduction of nickel-oxide by e-waste plastic as the reductant and sends rare earth elements present in the waste Ni-MH battery as oxide mixture to the slag phase. Waste glass powder used in this process functions as the fluxing agent, hence not requiring any additional flux. The reduction mechanism is gas-based, controlled mainly by hydrogen and carbon monoxide gases released as a result of decomposition of e-waste plastic as reaction commenced from cold zone (∼300 °C) to hot zone (1550 °C) in the horizontal tubular furnace. Formation of nickel alloy and enrichment of slag with mixture of rare earth oxides were confirmed by XRD, SEM-EDS, and Rietveld refining analysis performed on the XRD spectra of slag phase. ICP-OES (Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy) and LIBS (laser induced breakdown spectrometer KT-100S) confirmed the high metal content in the alloy, thereby emphasizing the purity (∼98%) which is close to the composition of nickel super alloy. A maximum of 61% by weight REO enrichment was achieved in the slag phase, having La2O3:44.6%, Pr2O3:14.8%, and Nd2O3: 1.6% under optimised experimental conditions (1550 °C, 15 min, and 20% waste glass powder). This scientific investigation evinces a promising route for efficient utilisation of waste streams emanating from e-waste, thereby devising a sustainable recycling technique and protecting the environment, too.

Ozone processing of milk and milk products: a review of applications, quality effect and implementation challenges

Abstract The impact on the natural characteristics of dairy products during thermal processing warrants the investigation of non-thermal techniques. Ozone has proved to be an effective and sustainable processing technology for the dairy processing sector. This review delves into the effect of ozone processing on the microbiological, physiochemical, nutri-functional, and sensory quality of milk and milk products. Alongside this, the other ozone applications in the dairy processing sector (storage room disinfection, wastewater treatment, benefits in Clean-in-Place (CIP) system, toxin reduction) have been discussed. Current regulatory and industrial status, and safety requirements in the facility have also been highlighted. Overall, ozone treatment has lower microbial inactivation efficiency in milk and milk products than thermal treatment. Further, safety precautions are needed in the processing areas due to its potential health hazard concerns.

Green fabrication methods and performance evaluation of eco-friendly membranes for enhanced oil-water separation

A significant step toward sustainability in membrane technology has been made with the substitution of eco-friendly alternatives for conventional membrane fabrication techniques. A green fabrication process, which is derived from renewable and biodegradable materials, offers a promising solution to environmental concerns associated with conventional membrane fabrication. Additionally, by utilizing eco-friendly materials, the toxicity footprint of membrane fabrication techniques can be reduced considerably. This study aims to transform the non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) method into a green process, by utilizing a biodegradable polymeric base (polylactic acid; PLA), a green solvent (dimethyl sulfoxide; DMSO), and a green additive (deep eutectic solvents; DES). The membranes were thoroughly characterized to understand their structural transformations, and their performance was evaluated. Filtration experiments demonstrated a notable increase in the water flux using 20 wt% PLA polymer, DMSO as a solvent, and 1 wt% choline chloride: ethylene glycol (ChCl:EG) (1:2) as an additive. This resulted in a flux of 1138 L/m2.h, a notable increase compared to 554 L/m2.h achieved with 20 wt% PLA using a conventional solvent (PLA-C). This increase in flux was also complemented by an increase in the membrane's oil rejection efficiency, (oil rejection of 96 % for the modified membrane), as well as enhanced anti-fouling properties (maintained in interval flux recovery ratio; FRR of 80 %). The findings suggest that creating environmentally friendly membranes through a sustainable process has the potential to improve both ecological impact and performance, hence progressing environmentally conscious industrial practices.

Sustainable Biopolymer Composites From Perlite, Plasticized and Unplasticized Poly(Lactic Acid)

In recent years, ecological pollution has reached critical levels and that has been experienced as climate change by all living organisms. Slowing down the negative effects of climate change depends on changing our consumption behavior. Based on that, people tend to prefer more environmentally friendly, sustainable raw materials, products and processes. Since polymers are one of the most widely used raw materials in the world, any improvement regarding their recycling or biodegradation process can significantly reduce the damage to nature. Considering this fact, manufacturers are taking initiatives to develop such products in line with the demand from consumers. As known, Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), one of the most consumed biodegradable polymers in the market, however there are various problems especially in film production due to its rigid structure. Plasticization is the easiest route to minimize this disadvantage. The aim of this study is to produce and characterize PLA composites with increased flexibility by using sustainable natural materials. In this context, glycerol-plasticized PLA and unplasticized PLA composites were prepared using perlite, a natural additive, and their morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties were investigated.

Comparative Study of Immobilized Biolipasa-R for Second Generation Biodiesel Production from an Acid Oil.

The primary objective of this work is to develop a sustainable biocatalytic transesterification process for low-grade oils, aligning with EU green technology requirements for the shift to second generation biodiesel. Thus, we investigated the immobilization and subsequent application of the lipase Biolipasa-R on transesterification processes to produce fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) from both a sunflower oil and an acid oil which is a bioproduct of the biodiesel industry. The lipase was immobilized on biomaterials, such as diatomaceous earth, with a yield of 60 %, and commercial carriers such as methacrylic resins with a yield of 100 %. The enzyme demonstrated superior activity when immobilized on diatomaceous earth, particularly in reactions involving the acid oil, outperforming the benchmark enzyme Novozym® 435 (95.1 % and 35 % conversion respectively). This work highlights the potential of Biolipasa-R as a cost-effective and efficient biocatalyst for biodiesel production and emphasizes the environmental benefits of utilizing industrial byproducts and eco-friendly immobilization techniques. The findings suggest that Biolipasa-R is a promising candidate for industrial applications in biodiesel production, offering a sustainable solution for waste management and energy generation.

Enhanced Defect Management in Strawberry Processing Using Machine Vision: A Cost-Effective Edge Device Solution for Real-Time Detection and Quality Improvement

Managing defects in agricultural fruit processing is crucial for maintaining quality and sustainability in the fruit market. This study explores the use of edge devices, web applications, and machine vision algorithms to improve defect reporting and classification in the strawberry processing sector. A software solution was developed to utilize edge devices for detecting and managing strawberry defects by integrating web applications and machine vision algorithms. The study shows that integrating built-in cameras and machine vision algorithms leads to improved fruit quality and processing efficiency, allowing for better identification and response to defects. Tested in small organic and conventional strawberry processing enterprises, this solution digitizes defect-reporting systems, enhances defect management practices, and offers a user-friendly, cost-effective technology suitable for wider industry adoption. Ultimately, implementing this software enhances the organization and efficiency of fruit production, resulting in better quality control practices and a more sustainable fruit processing industry.

Experimental Verification of Low-Pressure Kinetics Model for Direct Synthesis of Dimethyl Carbonate Over CeO2 Catalyst

AbstractDimethyl carbonate (DMC) has emerged as a promising candidate for sustainable chemical processes due to its remarkable versatility and low toxicity. From a green chemistry perspective, the direct synthesis of DMC has been considered the most promising route, as water is the only byproduct generated in the reaction between CO2 and methanol. However, this synthetic route has faced significant thermodynamic limitations, even at elevated pressure conditions. Therefore, a two-part study explored low-pressure synthesis of DMC via the direct route, and a low-pressure kinetic model for the CeO2 catalyst was developed based on the results. Proposed Langmuir–Hinshelwood mechanisms were verified using experimental data generated in our labs. The investigation suggests that DMC formation in the direct synthetic route is a surface reaction of CO2 and methanol on the catalyst. The kinetic model predictions closely aligned with experimental data, demonstrating a 17% mean absolute percentage error and indicating a high level of predictability. Additionally, a rigorous assessment was conducted on CO2 fixations in DMC synthesis, quantifying CO2 capture and its conversion into stable or high-value products, formally designated as CO2 Fixation (CO2Fix). The CO2Fix analysis revealed that, at a conversion rate of 27%, the process can achieve a "net zero" state when operated at an approximate pressure of 30 bar, thereby supporting the viability of low-pressure synthesis. Increasing the conversion rate to levels exceeding 95% significantly enhances the CO2Fix metric, potentially surpassing 3.5 or higher.

Optimization of Combined Pre-Treatment Process for Bleaching of Cotton Woven Fabric Using Box–Behnken Design

ABSTRACT The conventional bleaching process for cotton woven fabrics is characterized by high consumption of chemicals, water, and energy, resulting in significant environmental impact through elevated energy use and wastewater discharge. To address these concerns and align with sustainable development goals, there is an urgent need for eco-friendly alternatives that minimize environmental footprint while maintaining fabric quality. This study presents the development and optimization of a novel one-bath pre-treatment process for cotton bleaching, employing the Box-Behnken design to enhance sustainability. The optimized process utilizes 32% hydrogen peroxide and 12% sodium hydroxide based on fabric weight, operating at 90°C. The application of the Box-Behnken design facilitated substantial reductions in chemical usage, energy consumption, and wastewater output. The results demonstrated notable improvements in fabric properties, with a whiteness index of 139.5, weight loss of 7.9%, and tensile strengths of 404.9 N (warp) and 259.5 N (weft). Moreover, fabric absorbency increased by 9.3% compared to conventional methods. The findings underscore the efficacy of the Box-Behnken design in optimizing a more sustainable and eco-friendly bleaching process, which not only significantly enhances fabric performance but also offers considerable environmental benefits. This approach presents a promising solution for the textile industry to achieve greener practices while maintaining high-quality standards.

Effect of Development Passion on Environmental Sustainability: Augmenting the Process through Effectuation

This paper studies the effect of the development of passion on environmental sustainability and the effect of effectuation as a mediator. Effectuation is gaining popularity among the research community due to its practicality and effectiveness. The samples of 348 respondents were collected to measure the three variables and their relationship. The study uses a self-reported instrument to gauge the effect of Entrepreneurial passion on enterprise environmental sustainability and the impact of effectuation as a mediator. SPSS version 25 is used for statistical analysis, and the Hayes process is employed for obtaining the mediation results. The study finds a strong link between effectuation as a mediator on enterprise environmental sustainability and recommends using the model of effectuation as a process for sustainability outcomes. Enterprise sustainability, economic or environmental is not linear and hence needs passion and resilience. The Effectuation process assists the passionate entrepreneur in employing his/her available resources to enhance their outcomes to achieve enterprise environment sustainability. This research adds to the current literature on how effectuation can become a process of environmental sustainability. It is observed that little studies are found on development passion and this study will augment the literature on development passion and its impact on environmental sustainability. This research recommends the suggestions of the effectuation model which proposes that an entrepreneur needs to develop a network for environmental sustainability instead of trying to do everything by them self.

The Impact of ESG on Corporate Financial Performance: The Case of Apple Inc

The purpose of this research paper is to examine the connection between corporate financial performance and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) aspects, with a particular emphasis on Apple Inc. Examining whether environmental, social, and governance factors significantly affect financial performance is the main research question. This study adds to the expanding corpus of research on the relationship between sustainability and financial performance by addressing the challenge of determining the degree to which ESG practices affect a company's financial outcomes. A mixed-method approach was used in the research, integrating qualitative findings with quantitative analysis. To evaluate Apple Inc.'s financial performance during a given time frame, financial data from the company was gathered and examined. Information pertaining to ESG was also looked upon. The study's findings show that Apple Inc.'s corporate financial performance and ESG factors are positively correlated. Financial data research showed that Apple's strong commitment to social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and sound governance processes had a favorable impact on its financial results. Additionally, the qualitative study pinpointed particular ESG activities that improved customer loyalty, brand reputation, and operational effectiveness—all of which eventually led to financial success. The results emphasize how crucial it is to include ESG considerations in company strategy since they have the potential to provide value and improve financial performance. The results may provide valuable insights for investors, policymakers, and stakeholders who seek to understand the relationship between ESG considerations and financial performance.

Recent Developments and Challenges in the Application of Fungal Laccase for the Biodegradation of Textile Dye Pollutants

Abstract: According to the European Environment Agency, the textile industry is responsible for 20% of global water pollution due to dyeing and finishing products, thus facing severe environmental challenges. It is essential to design more biocompatible and sustainable treatment processes capable of removing dyes from industrial wastewater to fight this environmental hazard. Chemical industries must change traditional chemical-based concepts to more environmentally friendly and greener processes to remove pollutants, including dyes. Enzymatic bioremediation is a smart tool and a promising alternative for environmental pollutant degradation. The use of enzymes in dye decolourization makes the process a green and clean alternative to conventional chemical treatments. Moreover, enzymemediated biocatalysis decreases the formation of toxic by-products compared to chemical reactions. The most used enzyme for the decolourization of dyes is laccase. Laccase is a multicopper oxidase found in diverse organisms such as fungi. It promotes the oxidation of phenolic compounds and has a wide range of substrate specificity, making it a promising enzyme for removing different dyes used by the textile industry, including recalcitrant aromatic dyes. The present article gives a comprehensive revision of textile dye decolourization, its types, recent developments in laccase-mediated dye bioremediation technologies, the mechanism of biocatalysis, and their limitations and challenges. Emphasis on the chemical pathways of laccase reaction mechanisms for dye bioremediation processes is also provided. In addition, a brief overview of textile industries and the respective traditional treatment processes for textile wastewater is presented.

The intersection of economic growth and environmental sustainability in China: Pathways to achieving SDG

This study explores the intricate relationship between economic development and ecological degradation in China to find ways to achieve the set goals of sustainable development within the framework of the SDGs. Fueled by the pursuit of sustainable development alongside economic growth, this study includes dimensions like carbon footprint, air and water pollution, and resource consumption in thirty-three provinces of China for the period of 2005–2015.Based on economic, environmental, and political perspectives, the existing research compares one policy measure the Chinese government has adopted to promote sustainable environmental development while continuing economic growth. This study, therefore, highlights the trade-offs and co-benefits between environmental conservation and development, based on an evaluation of large datasets and a review of literature. In analyzing the key findings, the paper notes significant progress and shortcomings in achieving the set Sustainable Development Goals. The findings indicate that sustainable clean water investments synergize with the protection of land-based ecosystems and climate action plans. Therefore, these findings enhance the understanding of China's sustainable development process, providing relevant knowledge to practitioners, policymakers, and scholars to tackle similar issues worldwide. The study demonstrates the need for policy coherence and intervention measures to align economic development with environmental conservation, contributing to the discourse on sustainable development.

Identifying influencing factors and characterizing key issues in urban sustainable development capacity through machine learning

In response to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and China’s “Dual Carbon” Goals (DCGs means the goals of “Carbon Peak and carbon neutrality”), this paper from the perspective of the construction of China’s Innovation Demonstration Zones for Sustainable Development Agenda (IDZSDAs), combines carbon emission-related metrics to construct a comprehensive assessment system for Urban Sustainable Development Capacity (USDC). After obtaining USDC assessment results through the assessment system, an approach combining Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression and Random Forest (RF) based on machine learning is proposed for identifying influencing factors and characterizing key issues. Combining Coupling Coordination Degree (CCD) analysis, the study further summarizes the systemic patterns and future directions of urban sustainable development. A case study on the IDZSDAs from 2015 to 2022 reveals that: (1) the combined identification method based on machine learning and CCD models effectively quantifies influencing factors and key issues in the urban sustainable development process; (2) the correspondence between influencing factors and key subsystems identified by the LASSO-RF combination model is generally consistent with the development situations in various cities; and (3) the machine learning-based combined recognition method is scalable and dynamic. It enables decision-makers to accurately identify influencing factors and characterize key issues based on actual urban development needs.

Aqueous ozone effects on wheat gluten: Yield, structure, and rheology.

This study investigates the impact of aqueous ozone (AO) on the yield, molecular structure, and rheological properties of wheat gluten separated using the batter procedure. Employing strong gluten flour (SGF) and weak gluten flour (WGF), we demonstrate that AO pretreatment significantly enhances the yield and purity of separated starch and gluten. Surface hydrophobicity, free sulfhydryl groups, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman, and size exclusion-high-performance liquid chromatography (SE-HPLC) analyses were used to evaluate the effects of AO on the molecular structure of gluten. Our analysis reveals that low concentrations of AO induce specific modifications in gluten proteins. AO treatment increases cross-linking in glutenin macropolymer (GMP), reduces surface hydrophobicity, and stabilizes secondary and tertiary structures. These changes include an increase in β-sheet content by approximately 9% and a corresponding decrease in β-turn structures, leading to enhanced viscoelastic properties of the gluten. The research highlights AO's potential as a sustainable and efficient agent in wheat flour processing, offering advancements in both product quality and eco-friendly processing techniques. Future research should optimize AO treatment parameters and explore its effects on different cereal types further to enhance its applicability and benefits in food processing. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Our work substantially advances the existing knowledge on wheat flour processing by demonstrating the multifaceted benefits of AO pretreatment. We unveil significant improvements in the yield and purity of starch and gluten when compared to conventional separation methods. Moreover, our in-depth analysis of molecular changes induced by AO, including increased cross-linking, alterations in surface hydrophobicity, and modifications in glutenin macropolymer content, provides new insights into how AO affects the viscoelastic properties of gluten. This contribution is pivotal for the development of more efficient, sustainable, and eco-friendly wheat flour processing technologies.

Synthesis and Density Functional Theory Study on the Functionalization of Carbon Nanotube Conjugates with Amino Compounds and Their Application in Dyeing Processes

AbstractThis study investigates the functionalization of graphene nanotube (GNTs) conjugates with an amino compound called 1‐amino‐2‐hydroxy‐4‐naphthalene sulfonic acid (AHNSA‐GNTs). The study also evaluates the potential application of these conjugates in dyeing processes. The goal is to modify GNTs to enhance their interaction with dyes, thus improving the efficiency of dyeing textiles and the colorfastness of the resulting products. Multiple characterization methods, such as X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to get a better look at the composites. The findings of the study indicate that AHNSA‐GNTs composites improve dye retention on wool fibers, which leads to a reduction in the consumption of excess dye and water. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were utilized to investigate the electronic properties and binding energies of the functionalized CNTs, providing insights into the molecular interactions between the CNTs and amino compounds. Overall, this study highlights the promising applications of graphene nanotubes in sustainable textile processes. Frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs) and global reactivity descriptors serve as key tools for understanding the stability and chemical reactivity of compounds. These tools were used to calculate FMOs and electronic parameters of compounds 1 and 2 at the B3LYP/6‐31G(d) level of theory. The study examined the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)‐lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy gap, which provides insights into molecular stability and reactivity. Various physical properties were derived from these calculations, including electron affinity (EA) and ionization potential (IP) to LUMO and HOMO energies. Compound 2 emerged as the most efficient electron donor, possessing the highest HOMO energy, while compound 1 excelled as the best electron acceptor with the highest LUMO energy.

Immobilized proline-based electro-organocatalyst for the synthesis of bis-β-diketone via Knoevenagel condensation reaction

In the quest for more sustainable chemical processes, we devised a technique using electro-organocatalysis to synthesize bis-β-diketone compounds via Knoevenagel condensation of benzaldehyde and dimedone. Our approach involves a modified electrode fabricated via anchoring L-proline onto a carbon fiber paper electrode supported by poly-3,4-diaminobenzoic acid (PDABA), which enhances efficiency in addition to the simple catalyst separation from the reaction mixture in heterogeneous catalysis. The electrochemical and surface topographical studies for the fabricated electrode were carried out, revealing high efficiency in comparison to the bare carbon fiber paper electrode. This electrochemical reaction operates under mild conditions utilizing lithium perchlorate and acetonitrile, yielding high amounts of the desired product. This study showcases a promising pathway for producing valuable organic compounds in an environmentally friendly manner, marking a significant stride forward in sustainable synthesis practices.

All-dry chemical engineering for high-performance packaging materials based on biodegradable polymer composites

As plastic waste from packaging continues to pose a serious threat to the environment, demand for naturally degradable packaging materials, such as biodegradable polymers, is increasing. However, packaging materials derived from biodegradable polymers often lack the mechanical and barrier properties required to replace conventional plastics. To address this issue, we propose an all-dry chemical engineering process to prepare high-performance biodegradable polymer composites incorporating cellulose nanofiber (CNF). Mechanochemistry (MC) is emerging as an effective method to induce chemical reactions between components using mechanical force under dry conditions. Through the MC process, we silanize CNFs and facilitate their chemical interaction with polybutylene succinate (PBS) matrix. This approach resolves the long-standing problem of CNF aggregation without using compatibilizers or solvents. The resulting PBS composite containing 3 wt% CNF exhibits improved mechanical and barrier properties comparable to polyethylene terephthalate, attributed to the formation of a uniform CNF network. Furthermore, its transparency and biodegradability demonstrate promising potential for replacing conventional packaging materials. Consequently, our study can offer a pathway to high-performance packaging materials based on biodegradable polymers, achieved through an environmentally and economically sustainable all-dry process. This contribution aligns with global efforts aimed at minimizing environmental damage from packaging waste.

Highly Efficient Production of Furfural from Corncob by Barley Hull Biochar-Based Solid Acid in Cyclopentyl Methyl Ether–Water System

Furfural, an important biobased compound, can be synthesized through the chemocatalytic conversion of D-xylose and hemicelluloses from lignocellulose. It has widespread applications in the production of valuable furans, additives, resins, rubbers, synthetic fibers, polymers, plastics, biofuels, and pharmaceuticals. By using barley hulls (BHs) as biobased support, a heterogeneous biochar Sn-NUS-BH catalyst was created to transform corncob into furfural in cyclopentyl methyl ether–H2O. Sn-NUS-BH had a fibrous structure with voids, a large comparative area, and a large pore volume, which resulted in more catalytic active sites. Through the characterization of the physical and chemical properties of Sn-NUS-BH, it was observed that the Sn-NUS-BH had tin dioxide (Lewis acid sites) and a sulfonic acid group (Brønsted acid sites). This chemocatalyst had good thermostability. At 170 °C for 20 min, Sn-NUS-BH (3.6 wt%) was applied to transform 75 g/L of corncob with ZnCl2 (50 mM) to generate furfural (80.5% yield) in cyclopentyl methyl ether–H2O (2:1, v/v). This sustainable catalytic process shows great promise in the transformation of lignocellulose to furfural using biochar-based chemical catalysts.

Constructing a standard system of city sustainable development assessment technology based on the SDGs

Given the rapid development of China’s new urbanization, cities with different locations and varying functional positioning, resource endowments, and development stages have insufficient scientific and applicable technical tools for implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). City managers and policymakers must urgently establish SDG benchmarks to diagnose city development. Moreover, successful experiences from similar cities regarding sustainable development and self-improvement must be learned from to promote diversified, sustainable development across the country. Furthermore, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, big data and 5G are widely used in smart cities. Therefore, there is a growing need for “knowledge-based, personalized and intelligent” technologies to support monitoring, evaluation, and decision-making processes facilitating sustainable development in cities. This paper uses standardization as the theoretical support and technical basis. This approach can help clarify the sustainable development processes in China and clarify the evaluation results of and provide data on horizontal city comparisons, which can be used to develop evaluation technology for sustainable development in cities and construct a standardized system. The results provide a standard framework for intelligent assessment and decision-making regarding cities’ sustainable development capabilities in China. Evaluating major international standardization institutions reveals that the practices of Chinese national standards should be fully absorbed and integrated to guide the evaluation of smart, resilient, and low-carbon cities. To this end, an indicator library of city sustainable development is proposed to provide standard evaluation technology methods. Finally, analyzing the response relationship of the indicator library to SDGs reveals the need for a standardized knowledge map of sustainable development assessment techniques and methods from the perspective of integrated management for sustainable development in cities.