Sustainable Environmental Technologies Research Articles

Sustainable Solutions for Co-Gasification of Sewage Sludge and Biomass: Insights from Aspen Plus, Response Surface Methodology, and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Integration

This paper presents a novel framework integrating process simulation, optimization, and multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) to identify sustainable co-gasification solutions for sewage sludge (SS) and biomass. Gasifier modeling in Aspen Plus, validated with experimental data, evaluated five feedstock blend routes. Sensitivity analysis was conducted on key gasification parameters, while Response Surface Methodology (RSM) optimized process routes by revealing complex relationships between variables and performance metrics. MCDM was applied to assess alternatives based on eight criteria covering environmental, economic, and social sustainability. The study introduced an integrated objective weighting method, leveraging data variations and correlations, alongside a vector-based ranking approach for prioritizing solutions. Results indicated that a biomass-to-sewage sludge ratio of 3:7, under co-gasification conditions of 649.72°C, 1.13atm, and a steam to feedstock ratio of 0.5, achieved the highest sustainability score of 0.506. This configuration outperformed other alternatives in terms of sustainability. Validation through three distinct analytic methods confirmed the robustness of the MCDM framework. In general, this work integrates simulation, RSM optimization, and MCDM analysis into a streamlined tool, offering a systematic progression from process simulation to decision-making. It reduces the reliance on costly trial-and-error experimentation while ensuring optimal operating conditions and comprehensive sustainability evaluation. These contributions tackle key challenges in data handling, optimization, and assessment, enabling more sustainable and cost-effective environmental technology innovations.

Tracked evolution of single biochar particle’s morphology during pyrolysis in operando x-ray micro-computed tomography

The engineering of biochars with desired morphologies and pore structures is a far-reaching objective towards sustainable pore-dependent environmental technologies, such as water and soil remediation or catalysis. We hereby report a series of experiments that allow the direct following of the shape and porosity of single biochar particles during pyrolysis. Particles ~ 1–2 mm in diameter of unwashed and water-washed raw walnut shells were continuously 3D imaged during pyrolysis to 575 ℃ at a 10 K min−1 in Ar to obtain time- and temperature-resolved x-ray micro computed tomographies to a 0.82 μm resolution. Results showed visual evidence of a 30% and 70% v/v particle shrinkage for unwashed and washed samples, respectively. Particle swelling between 200 and 300 ℃ in the unwashed sample provided evidence of the softening of native biopolymers associated with lignin in untreated biomass. A purpose-defined parameter Λ shows the temperature-dependence of pore re-distribution towards the center of the particle to be linear for both samples. Λ was found to be 3.2×10-4K-1\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$3.2\ imes {10}^{-4}{K}^{-1}$$\\end{document} in the washed sample, approximately 3.5 times faster than in the unwashed one. Such linear dependence is significantly slower than an exponential Arrhenius-like trend thereby providing a qualitative measure of the heat and mass transport phenomena limiting the chemical reactions in the porous medium. This evidence is key to resolving the pathways to the thermochemical decomposition of biomass leading to preparation of precision-engineered biochars.Graphical

Exploring public attention in the circular economy through topic modelling with twin hyperparameter optimisation

To advance the circular economy (CE), it is crucial to gain insights into the evolution of public attention, cognitive pathways of the masses concerning circular products, and to identify primary concerns. To achieve this, we collected data from diverse platforms, including Twitter, Reddit, and The Guardian, and utilised three topic models to analyse the data. Given the performance of topic modelling may vary depending on hyperparameter settings, this research proposed a novel framework that integrates twin (single and multi-objective) hyperparameter optimisation for the CE. We conducted systematic experiments to ensure that topic models are set with appropriate hyperparameters under different constraints, providing valuable insights into the correlations between CE and public attention. In summary, our optimised model reveals that public remains concerned about the economic impacts of sustainability and circular practices, particularly regarding recyclable materials and environmentally sustainable technologies. The analysis shows that the CE has attracted significant attention on The Guardian, especially in topics related to sustainable development and environmental protection technologies, while discussions are comparatively less active on Twitter. These insights highlight the need for policymakers to implement targeted education programs, create incentives for businesses to adopt CE principles, and enforce more stringent waste management policies alongside improved recycling processes.

Green synthesis of Mn3O4@CoO nanocomposites using Rosmarinus officinalis L. extract for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production and CO2 conversion

In response to the urgent need for sustainable environmental remediation technologies and clean energy production, this study introduces an eco-friendly synthesized Mn3O4@CoO nanocomposite (MCNC) leveraging the natural reducing capabilities of Rosmarinus officinalis leaves (L.) extract. Focused on the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and CO2 methanation, our findings reveal significant enhancements in photocatalytic activity and CO2 methanation efficiency. The MCNC exhibited a promising hydrogen production rate of up to 823 μmol g−1 h−1 and a CO2 conversion efficiency exceeding 84 % under optimal conditions. The investigation highlights the synergistic interfacial effect between Mn3O4 and CoO, contributing to notable performance improvements. Additionally, the study explores the role of catalyst quantity in optimizing reaction efficiencies, presenting a scalable and environmentally benign approach to address global energy and environmental challenges. The apparent quantum efficiency (AQE%) was calculated to be 1.92, 2.39, 2.73, 3.21, 3.44, and 3.56 % for mass values of 15, 25, 35, 45, 55, and 65 mg, respectively. Furthermore, the CO2 methanation also shows a rise with the increase in catalyst quantity. A mass of 0.35 mg achieved a remarkable CO2 conversion efficiency of 71.9 %, while its 0.5 mg counterpart showcased an even more striking CO2 conversion efficiency of 84.4 %. The green synthesis method, characterized by its low energy requirement and the absence of toxic chemicals, aligns with the sustainable practices sought in environmental chemistry and nanotechnology. This work not only opens new avenues for developing efficient photocatalysts but also contributes to the broader application of green synthesized nanomaterials in environmental remediation and clean energy generation.

Adsorption of Cobalt Ions by Activated Carbon Prepared from Agricultural Waste Residues and Treated with Magnetic Nanomaterials: A Review

General Background: The study of heavy metal adsorption is crucial for environmental protection and industrial wastewater management. Specific Background: The adsorption of cobalt ions (Co2+) by activated carbon derived from agricultural waste, enhanced with magnetic nanomaterials, has garnered significant interest due to its potential for cost-effective and efficient wastewater treatment. Knowledge Gap: Despite numerous studies, there remains a lack of comprehensive research on the specific combination of agricultural waste-derived activated carbon and magnetic nanomaterials for Co2+ adsorption. Aims: This study aims to meticulously review the existing literature on the preparation of activated carbon from agricultural residues, the enhancement of its properties with magnetic nanomaterials, and its effectiveness in Co2+ ion adsorption. Results: The review demonstrates that activated carbon with a large specific surface area and diverse functional groups significantly improves Co2+ adsorption. The incorporation of magnetic nanomaterials further enhances this efficiency due to increased surface area and magnetic properties. Novelty: This research uniquely combines agricultural waste valorization with advanced nanotechnology, presenting a sustainable and innovative approach to heavy metal adsorption. Implications: The findings underscore the dual environmental benefits of recycling agricultural waste and mitigating industrial pollution, offering a cost-effective and efficient solution for cobalt ion recovery from wastewater. This study serves as a valuable resource for researchers and engineers focusing on sustainable environmental remediation technologies. Highlights: Enhanced Adsorption: Magnetic nanomaterials boost activated carbon's efficiency. Sustainable Solution: Agricultural waste-derived activated carbon is eco-friendly and cost-effective. Comprehensive Insight: Review identifies research gaps and future directions. Keywords: cobalt ion adsorption, activated carbon, agricultural waste, magnetic nanomaterials, wastewater treatment

Going Sustainable or Going Extinct: The Consequences of Clean Technologies, Green Finance, and Natural Resources on the Environment

Although “green” and “clean” are key terms in sustainable environmental development, the literature on the relationship between green finance, clean environmental technology, and a sustainable environment is lacking. Furthermore, the exploitation of natural resources may provide a distinctive perspective on this interconnection, contributing to more promising policy ramifications for the future planet. Thus, this study examines the impact of sustainable environmental technologies, green finance, natural resource rents, and economic growth on environmental sustainability, proxied by the novel “Environmental Sustainability Index (ESI)”. This analysis utilizes data spanning from 2000 to 2021 for China, applying the cutting-edge “augmented autoregressive distributed lag (AARDL)” model. The findings indicate that sustainable environmental technologies do not effectively enhance long-term environmental sustainability, but rather provide a positive contribution to the environment in the short term. In addition, economic expansion and the exploitation of natural resources have adverse effects on environmental sustainability, both in the near term and over an extended period. Nevertheless, green finance has a significant role in promoting environmental sustainability in China. This study further reveals the causal relationship between the chosen variables. This study highlights the necessity of developing a comprehensive strategy aimed at enhancing environmental sustainability and green finance. This can be achieved by allocating funds towards the advancement of clean environmental technology and the extraction of eco-friendly natural resources.

One-pot synthesis of g-C3N4/N-doped CeO2 nanocomposites and their potential visible light-driven photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye.

In the pursuit of efficient photocatalytic materials for environmental applications, a new series of g-C3N4/N-doped CeO2 nanocomposites (g-C3N4/N-CeO2 NCs) was synthesized using a straightforward dispersion method. These nanocomposites were systematically characterized to understand their structural, optical, and chemical properties. The photocatalytic performance of g-C3N4/N-CeO2 NCs was evaluated by investigating their ability to degrade methylene blue (MB) dye, a model organic pollutant. The results demonstrate that the integration of g-C3N4 with N-doped CeO2 NCs reduces the optical energy gap compared to pristine N-doped CeO2, leading to enhanced photocatalytic efficiency. It is benefited from the existence of g-C3N4/N-CeO2 NCs not only in promoting the charge separation and inhibits the fast charge recombination but also in improving photocatalytic oxidation performance. Hence, this study highlights the potential of g-C3N4/N-CeO2 NCs as promising candidates for various photocatalytic applications, contributing to the advancement of sustainable environmental remediation technologies.

Exploring Circular Digital Economy Strategies for Sustainable Environmental, Economic, and Educational Technology

This research explores the strategic implementation of digital economy principles to achieve environmental sustainability and economic prosperity, utilizing the SmartPLS method. In an era marked by heightened awareness of environmental challenges and the urgent need for sustainable economic solutions, the digital economy emerges as a promising and innovative approach. This study primarily focuses on the integration of digital technologies throughout the product and service life cycle, with the objectives of extending product longevity, minimizing waste, and enhancing resource efficiency. Through an extensive review of literature and multiple case studies, we delve into various dimensions of the digital circular economy. These dimensions include innovative business models, the pivotal role of consumers, the challenges encountered during implementation, and their overall impact on economic growth. The findings underscore the crucial importance of cross-sectoral collaboration and the formulation of supportive policies to unlock the full potential of this economic model. Moreover, this research highlights the synergies between digital transformation and circular economy practices, suggesting that their convergence can significantly drive sustainable progress in contemporary society. By presenting comprehensive insights into the digital economic cycle, this study aims to contribute to the discourse on sustainable innovation and provide a roadmap for policymakers, businesses, and researchers to foster a more sustainable and prosperous future.

Sustainable Safety and Environmental Protection Technologies in Oil and Gas Industry

Aim: This paper examines the concepts of oil and gas production, effects of the operations on the environment and relevant environmental protection technologies to make the industry a sustainable one. Problem Statement: Reports show environmental pollution and ecosystem disruption emanating from oil and gas operations which are majorly exploration, production and distribution to end-users. This makes the environment to be unhealthy for living and causes breakage in food chain. Significance of Study: High relevance of oil and gas industry to the economic growth of a Nation has made it imperative to critically address the adverse effects attributed to the operations involved. Tackling the accorded problems via current environmental protection technologies will prevent operational accidents and minimize environmental pollution. With this, lives are protected, environment is kept safe, and the industry is enhanced for future sustainability. Discussions: The upstream, midstream and downstream operations that make up the oil and gas value chain were discussed. The philosophy of sustainability and sustainable development as pertained to environmental pollution and disruption of ecosystem by the operations of oil and gas industries were discussed. Reasons why round table talk should be conducted from time to time by all stakeholders as related to environmental sustainability of Oil and Gas industries in years to come were discussed. The adopted technologies to ensure there is safety and environmental protections were stated within. Conclusion: In conclusion, there is need for further research on effective technologies to improve the existing ones in terms of making safety and environmental protection from oil and gas industry a sustainable one.

Simultaneous solar steam and electricity generation from biochar based photothermal membranes

Clean water and energy are essential for reducing poverty, fostering economic growth and sustainable development while mitigating CO2 emissions. Considering that, solar-powered interfacial vapor or steam generation is sustainable and promising environmental technology for both water purification and energy generation while being CO2-free. Despite continuous research progress, most of the solar absorbers to capture sunlight following heat conversion for steam generation are generally made from expensive nanostructures, which in part prevents their widespread manufacturing for useful applications. Herein, we experimentally demonstrate a biomass-derived carbon composite membrane that nearly covers the entire sunlight spectrum as a solar absorber with an estimated absorptivity of 90%. As a result, the light absorbed yields a surface temperature of 55 °C at the surface of the B700 and 33 °C for water. Evaporation rates up to 1.26 and 1.16 kg/(m2 h) and solar-to-vapor efficiencies of 80 and 74% were recorded in presence of sodium chloride with two different types of biochar B700 and B300 based photothermal membranes, respectively, under 1 sun illumination. The water evaporation in presence of mixed sodium chloride/magnesium chloride reached up to 1.21 and 1.05 kg/(m2 h) with 77 and 69% efficiency with B700 and B300; due to different solar absorber geometry. Furthermore, by merging the thermoelectric technology, we exploit the concept of hybrid clean water and energy generation. At a relative humidity of 60%, the thermoelectric device may generate approximately 0.9 W/m2 power density. These results highlight the interactive effects of biochar and polyvinylidene fluoride with porous hierarchies and enhanced absorption of sunlight, thus enabling a considerable elevation of temperature with great potential for clean water and energy. Overall biochar photothermal membrane represents a significant advancement as low-cost sustainable technology, addressing both water and energy challenges by providing efficient, environmentally friendly solution for freshwater production and clean power generation.

Bacterial carbonic anhydrase-induced carbonates mitigate soil erosion in biological soil crusts

Soil erosion is a significant environmental issue worldwide, particularly in island regions where land resources are exceedingly scarce. Biological soil crusts play a crucial role in mitigating soil erosion, yet the precise effect and mechanism of biological soil crusts against erosion remain ambiguous. In this study, biological soil crusts at various developmental stages from a tropical coral island in the South China Sea were chosen to investigate the role of carbonic anhydrase in mitigating erosion. A cohesive strength meter, real-time quantitative PCR, and 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing were employed to assess variations in soil antiscouribility as well as bacterial abundance and composition during the formation and development of biological soil crusts. Scanning electron microscopy was utilized to detect carbonates induced by bacterial carbonic anhydrase and elucidate their role in the solidification of sand particles. The findings indicate that the formation and development of biological soil crusts significantly enhance anti-scouribility. Comparison to those of bare coral sand, the shear stress increased from 0.35 to 1.11 N/m2 in the dark biocrusts. Moreover, significantly elevated carbonic anhydrase activity was observed in biological soil crusts, demonstrating a positive correlation with antiscouribility. In addition, there was a significant increase in bacterial abundance within the biological soil crusts. The enrichment of Cyanobacteriales and Chloroflexales potentially contributed to the increased carbonic anhydrase activity and antiscouribility. Furthermore, three cyanobacterial strains with carbonic anhydrase activity were isolated from biological soil crusts and subsequently confirmed to enhance sand solidification through microbial carbonate precipitation. This study presents initial evidence for the role of microbial carbonic anhydrase in enhancing the antiscouribility of biological soil crusts during their formation and development. These findings offer novel insights into the functional and mechanistic dimensions underlying the mitigation of soil erosion facilitated by biological soil crusts, which are valuable for implementing sustainable biorestoration and environmental management technologies to prevent soil erosion.

Sustainable environmental technology to reclaim copper from industrial effluent

ABSTRACT Electronic manufacturing industries use copper in highest proportion in metals due to its unique properties. But there is a gap in demand and supply of this metal to the industry due to its huge requirement and lack of its proper recycling of copper containing equipments. Also, effluent generated from these industries carries substantial amount of this metal, which get discharged, and loss of metals to the environment. Present paper discusses about valuable copper metal recovery from industrial effluent in powder form using novel process flow-sheet. At start, bio-adsorptiontechnique was used to recover copper from industrial effluent due to its advantages like low cost, feasible method showing faster kinetics. Datura root powder was found to be potential bio-adsorbent for copper recovery from effluent having 997 mg/g adsorption capacity. It follows second-order rate reaction and Freundlich adsorption isotherm with 0.9711 regression coefficient. Further, copper-enriched solution obtained from this technique was subjected to cementation process using scrap iron rods to get copper powder. This can be used to produce value added products using its ingots. This is one of the approaches towards waste to wealth creation having tremendous potential to get commercialized.

A comprehensive review on analysis of functionalization techniques and techno-innovative uses of nano-cellulosic materials

Recently, the biopolymer cellulose-based versatile materials are investigated for multifunctional clean and sustainable environmental technologies. Because of unique structure and chemical properties, nano-cellulosic materials and cellulose by-products can be obtained through various physical and chemical processes, making such materials more abundant. Consequently, cellulose-based materials are widely scalable in various aspects like coatings, fabrics, research laboratories, healthcare products, and pharmaceuticals. Moreover, the cellulose-based sustainable materials are easy to tailor and handle with high mechanical strength and biodegradable features. Such materials have also been used to create adaptable and transparent catalysts for wastewater treatment and environmental applications. This review article, therefore, focussed on the functionalization techniques of sustainable cellulosic material with specific emphasis on nano- structures for multifunctional applications in various fields. The frontiers and challenges of advanced nano-cellulosic materials for clean and sustainable environmental technologies also form the subject matter of the review. The innovative improvements in such materials are critical to transforming and promoting the technologies in practice.

Purification and drying methods of sericin from Bombyx mori cocoons

Different methods of purification and drying of sericin were evaluated to obtain a material free of contaminating residues through the development of safer and sustainable environmental technology. Samples purified using different proportions of alcohol solvents and by freezing/thawing were compared, while drying was performed by lyophilisation and atomisation in a spray. No significant statistical differences were observed in the yield of the purification process compared with the evaluated methods. Thus, the freezing/thawing method has economic and environmental advantages over other methods. Drying by spraying and lyophilisation produced particles exhibiting different properties in terms of structure: β-sheets, random sheets, and β-turns. In general, these particles are amorphous. The particles obtained by spray drying were more luminous, soluble, and spherical. Thus, purification by freezing/thawing and drying by spray can be considered appropriate methodologies for obtaining contaminant-free sericin through sustainable environmental technology.

Multicomponent Reactions Promoted by Ecocatalyst from Metal Hyperaccumulating Plant Pluchea sagittalis

Phytoremediation has been considered a sustainable environmental technology for heavy metals decontamination. In this work, we evaluated the metal contents by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) of three plant species collected in a mine in the Brazilian Amazonia area. Based on this analysis, Pluchea sagitallis leaves were selected to prepare metallic ecocatalysts. The leaf ashes and the obtained ecocatalysts were characterized by ICP-OES, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and N2-physisorption measurements. Moreover, they were evaluated in the Biginelli and Hantzsch multicomponent reactions, furnishing the corresponding 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2-(1H)-ones and 1,4-dihydropyridines with good to excellent yields. The best ecocatalyst was easily recovered and recycled in up to six reactions without a significant decrease in its performance.

Does greenwashing obstruct sustainable environmental technologies and green financing from promoting environmental sustainability? Analytical evidence from the Indian economy

AbstractThis study aims at assessing the impacts of green growth, in the form of adopting sustainable energy technologies and financing green projects, on environmental conditions in India. Thus, this study is important from the point of view of India's efforts in formulating strategies linked with achieving the environmental development targets enlisted under United Nations SDG‐13 declaration. In this regard, it is assumed that strategies targeted at establishing green growth in India can fail in the presence of greenwashing. To test this hypothesis, a newly introduced econometric technique, namely the Augmented‐ARDL techniques of estimation is used. Accordingly, the results obtained firstly suggest the existence of long‐run and cointegrated relationship exists between the variables of choice. Secondly, it is very much striking to find out that the the there is an inverse relationship between use of sustainable environmental technologies and environmental sustainability across India. Hence, this particular finding points to the possibility of stimulating geenwashing in the context of technology adoption in order to improve the state of the environment in India. Lastly, financing of green projects is seen to promote environmental sustainability which, in turn, affirms the absence of greenwashing in the context of green financing initiatives.

Conjugated polymers S-scheme homojunction with large internal electric field and matching interface for efficient visible light photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin

Given the urgent demand and broad prospects for renewable energy and sustainable environmental technologies, the semiconductor-based photocatalysis represents an increasingly attractive frontline technique. Herein, a conjugated polymers S-scheme homojunction was prepared by electrostatic self-assembling the hollow tubular g-C3N4 (PCN) and nitrogen deficient boron doped g-C3N4 nanosheets (BCNx). The photocatalytic removal of the typical antibiotic ciprofloxacin (CIP) was conducted to verify the performance of PCN/BCNx. The pathway of S-scheme charge transfer was validated through the techniques, such as DFT calculations and Kelvin probe force microscope. The PCN/BCNx S-scheme homojunction features the efficient separation of carriers without compromise their redox potentials. The internal electric field (IEF) intensity of PCN/BCN3 was 2.34 times that of PCN and 1.40 times that of BCN3. Given the credit to the unique S-scheme carriers transfer route and the enhanced IEF intensity, under visible light illumination, the tallest CIP degradation percentage (94.9%) was gained in PCN/BCN3. The rate constants (0.0251 min−1) were 2.1 times that of BCN3 and 3.8 times that of PCN, respectively. Furthermore, the reactive oxygen species for CIP degradation was clarified based on chemical trapping experiment and ESR results. The conjugated polymers S-scheme homojunction with large IEF and matching interface was synthesized in the current study for treating antibiotics polluted waters.

Multifunctional cellulose-based biomaterials for dental applications: A sustainable approach to oral health and regeneration

Cellulose-based biomaterials, versatile and abundant biopolymers, present significant potential for generating sustainable, multifunctional dental materials. This work reports on recent advances in cellulose-based materials for dental applications. Their unique properties and modern processing techniques were presented. Nanocellulose, cellulose composites, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), and bacterial cellulose (BC) are discussed. The article provides a holistic view of these eco-friendly alternatives to traditional dental materials. Various dental applications that have benefitted from cellulose-based materials were presented, including dental restoration, bone tissue regeneration, wound dressings, dental adhesives, and dental implants. The unique characteristics of these materials enable controlled drug delivery, antibacterial activity, and bioactivity. This leads to better therapeutic outcomes and better dental health. The challenges and limitations associated with the application of cellulose-based materials in dentistry were discussed. Potential directions for future research to overcome these obstacles were provided. The significance of a multidisciplinary approach and a sustainability-focused mindset are emphasized, underscoring the potential of cellulose-based materials to drive innovation in the dental sector, especially considering sustainable environmental technologies. It resonates with the broader goal of evolving and boosting technologies toward more environmentally friendly practises through materials innovation.

Inorganic Skeleton Reinforcement-A Generic Approach to Improve the Mechanical Properties of Biochar.

Biochar is considered as a promising candidate for emerging sustainable energy systems and environmental technology applications. However, the improvement of mechanical properties remains challenges. Herein, we propose a generic strategy to enhance the mechanical properties of bio-based carbon materials through inorganic skeleton reinforcement. As a proof-of-concept, silane, geopolymer, and inorganic gel are selected as precursors. The composites' structures are characterized and an inorganic skeleton reinforcement mechanism is elucidated. Specifically, two types of reinforcement of the silicon-oxygen skeleton network formed in situ with biomass pyrolysis and the silica-oxy-al-oxy network are constructed to improve the mechanical properties. A significant improvement in mechanical strength was achieved for bio-based carbon materials. The compressive strength of well-balanced porous carbon materials modified by silane can reach up to 88.9 kPa, geopolymer-modified carbon material exhibits an enhanced compressive strength of 36.8 kPa, and that of inorganic-gel-polymer-modified carbon material is 124.6 kPa. Moreover, the prepared carbon materials with enhanced mechanical properties show excellent adsorption performance and high reusability for organic pollutant model compound methylene blue dye. This work demonstrates a promising and universal strategy for enhancing the mechanical properties of biomass-derived porous carbon materials.

Concept of the “modified reality” for the sustainable development and environmental technologies

The new concept named “Modified Reality” is discussed in this article. Sustainable development and environmental technologies will be important applications of the proposed concept. The proposed concept is focused on providing services in a user-friendly manner. In principle, the proposed solutions can be considered as an extension of the functionality defined by the concepts of “Augmented Reality” and “Virtual Reality”. Nevertheless, a number of features that led to the introduction of the term “Modified Reality” make it possible to single out this direction of further development of the telecommunication and information systems into a subject of independent research.