Sustainable Production Processes Research Articles

Laser-assisted chemical bath deposition of TiO2 nanoparticles for UV photodetection

Extensive research has been conducted on UV photodetectors employing titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs), which exhibit numerous advantageous qualities, notably encompassing fascinating switching behaviour and strong photosensitivity. An efficient TiO2 NPs synthesis process is essential for the quality and output of photodetectors. A quick synthesis process can lead to less energy and cost consumption, sustainable production processes, increased reaction rate, and improved homogeneity of the reaction resulting high quality films with low impurities. In this study, we exhibited a simple and quick laser-assisted chemical bath deposition (LACBD) method to synthesize high crystalline TiO2 nanoparticles for UV detection. The TiO2-NPs were synthesized by irradiating the tiny area between aluminium (Al) electrodes submerged in TiO2 precursor (in situ chemical bath) with a blue laser of wavelength (460 nm), power (1 W), and deposition duration (25 minutes). UV photodetector built from TiO2-NPs with (Al/TiO2-NPs/Al)/Glass architecture was examined, and our findings proved that TiO2 synthesized by LACBD has potential UV sensing and detecting properties. TiO2-NPs were examined by FESEM, EDX, and XRD. Measurements of current-voltage, I-V and current-time, I-T were employed to analyze the (Al/TiO2-NPs/Al)/Glass UV photodetector performance. Based on the results, it proved that the synthesis method of TiO2-NPs by LACBD is a promising and viable route, resulting in satisfactory reaction yield and low contamination. The responsivity, specific detectivity, and external quantum efficiency could reach as high as 1.36e-1 A/W, 2.87e+7 Jones and 46.1 % respectively at −5 V bias voltage.

Sustainable dye extraction: Annatto powder production in a fountain confined spouted bed

AbstractThis study proposes an efficient and sustainable process for annatto powder production using a fountain confined spouted bed. With widespread applications in industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, conventional extraction methods face environmental and economic challenges. Our study explores a solvent‐free and eco‐friendly approach using mechanical attrition within a fountain confined spouted bed, offering a cost‐effective solution for annatto cultivation. We systematically investigated the impact of four parameters—fountain confiner position and length, draft tube diameter, and airflow velocity—employing experimental design, multiple regression analysis, particle swarm optimization, and computational fluid dynamics–discrete element method (CFD‐DEM) simulations. The proposed optimization condition shows significantly higher collision intensity, improving annatto powder production compared to other central composite design tests. This study contributes to developing of a sustainable and economically viable method for dye production, with potential implications for annatto‐producing regions globally.

Combining healthiness and sustainability: An analysis of consumers’ preferences and willingness to pay for functional and sustainable snack bars

Despite the growing attention paid by consumers and policy makers to health and sustainability issues, contribution analyzing consumers attitude towards both health related and sustainability attributes of foods are lacking. This study aims to investigate consumers’ preferences and willingness to pay for sustainable functional foods, in particular snack bars with high anti-oxidant value and made with a sustainable production process. Results show consumers’ willingness to pay a price premium of 0.30€ for the purchase of such foods. The amount of price premium increases as income increases. Furthermore, women, health-conscious individuals and those more likely to try new foods are willing to pay more for the purchase of sustainable functional snack bars. The preferred attributes are those related to the healthiness, while those related to the sustainability are not considered relevant. The present study enriches literature on functional foods, also providing insights for policy makers and practitioners.

Hydrogen sulfide methane reforming: A kinetic modeling and techno-economic analysis study

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) methane (CH4) reforming (H2SMR) is a promising process for sustainable energy production from conventional fuels, offering triple benefits for generating clean hydrogen (H2), consuming toxic H2S, and producing an economically valuable by-product carbon disulfide (CS2). In this work, we studied the optimal operating conditions and assessed the economic feasibility of the non-catalytic H2SMR process, employing a combination of kinetic modeling, process modeling, and techno-economic analysis. Plug flow reactor simulations were performed with our newly developed mechanism to shed light on the optimal operating conditions. It was concluded that a H2S/CH4 molar feed ratio of 2 results in the highest hydrogen production rate, and a feed ratio of 1–2 and a temperature of 1100–1300 °C are needed to maximize the CS2 production rate. However, feed ratios higher than 2 increase the conversion rate of CH4 and therefore benefit the purity of the H2 product. Comparing the cases for a feed ratio of 2 at 1300 °C and a feed ratio of 9 at 1200 °C, the cost is significantly higher for the feed ratio of 9, mainly attributed to the higher electricity cost for higher inlet flow rate and H2S recycling, as well as the cost for the additional steam required during the preheating process. The cost of hydrogen production by H2SMR process could be as low as $1.47/kgH2 for a feed ratio of 2 and solar PV as an energy source, which is more competitive than a cost of $1.97/kgH2 for the steam methane reforming process. Furthermore, since CS2 is a valuable by-product, the higher amount of CS2 formed at a feed ratio of 2 becomes the main source of revenue, which completely covers the cost of hydrogen production. This study demonstrates the huge potential of H2SMR process as a clean and economic-competitive way to produce hydrogen.

Using Olive Cake as a Sustainable Ingredient in Diets of Lactating Dairy Cows: Effects on Nutritional Characteristics of Cheese

This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition, fatty acid profile and polyphenol content of Provola cheese made with cow’s milk from cows fed a diet incorporating olive cake. Cheese samples were analysed in different months in order to test diet and diet×season effects. The results show that the cheese composition was influenced by both factors. The most beneficial cheese from a human health point of view was produced with milk from cows fed the treatment diet in the spring. Supplementing the diet of dairy cows with olive cake reduced the atherogenic and thrombogenic indices while increasing the total polyphenols in the cheese product. With a 32.9% increase in polyphenols, the cheese from the TEST group has greater functional nutrients and properties than the cheese from the CTR group. The data show that, combining the benefits of a more sustainable production process with a better final product, the supplementation of dried and stoned olive cake in the dairy cow diet improves the nutritional and health composition of the cheese.

Reliable and efficient membrane processes for clean and sustainable production of fresh water from saline waste

AbstractBACKGROUNDIncreasing water scarcity due to growing demand highlights the urgency for innovative solutions. Seawater desalination is emerging as a crucial answer, with direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) emerging as a promising technology in this context. In particular, membranes produced from ionic liquids constitute a well‐established avenue for the preparation of membranes by non‐solvent phase inversion (NIPS) in the field of desalination.RESULTSThe tests carried out as part of the DCMD, using PVDF membranes modified with the IL MPF6 and TBAPF6 synthesized during this study, in particular those containing 50% TBAFP6, demonstrate a notable improvement in hydrophobicity and porosity (121,48°, 79%). The results suggest that the flux of the PVDF‐TBAPF6 membrane shows a clear improvement of 300% compared to the support alone. Various parameters such as salinity, temperature and flow rate were examined, highlighting their impact on membrane performance. The low energy parameters (Ea = 43,36 Kj/mol, ΔH≠ = 40,86 Kj/mol) indicate a diffusion mechanism of vapor molecules, occurring by successive jumps through the IL interaction sites.CONCLUSIONExtensive experimental investigations have carefully anticipated the permeate flow in DCMD, aiming to efficiently extract pure water. DCMD is positioned as a promising technology for desalination and treatment of BRINE solutions. Therefore, this study can make a significant contribution to the expansion of DCMD by facilitating the prediction and optimization of operational parameters, thereby paving the way for expanded application of this technology.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Innovative pilot-scale process for sustainable rare earth oxide production from coal byproducts: A comprehensive environmental impact assessment

This study developed a pilot-scale process feeding with two different materials resulting from a column leaching process and acid mine drainage (AMD) streams to recover rare earth elements (REEs). A life cycle assessment (LCA) study was done to evaluate the environmental impacts of rare earth production from deleterious material in the form of highly contaminated leachate (HCL) and low-contaminated leachate (LCL). The results indicate that the main contributors to environmental categories that produce RE-hydroxide stages are NaOH and electricity. Also, oxalic acid, Na2CO3, and hydrochloric acid significantly contribute to the production stage of individual rare earth oxides (REOs), including solvent extraction (SX) and precipitation steps. The HCL route has higher environmental impacts than LCL due to higher chemical/energy and H2SO4 usage, so 468 and 292 kg of carbon dioxide are generated to produce 1 t of individual REOs from HCL and LCL routes, respectively. Moreover, the carbon dioxide emitted from the process, including the RE-hydroxide production, SX, and REOs production, is less than 10 t CO2. A sensitivity analysis was also performed to assess the changeability of the environmental footprints of the main inputs in the SX process, as the main stage has a higher contribution to the whole process. This LCA study is the first step toward understanding the environmental influence of new processing methods to produce REEs from coal by-products through a developed pilot-scale process.

Sustainable considerations in additive manufacturing processes: A review

Efficient waste management practices are becoming increasingly necessary due to the negative environmental and health impacts of waste generation and disposal. One type of waste that has received particular attention is electronic waste (e-waste). This category of waste has the potential to cause significant environmental harm if not disposed of properly. The management of e-waste is crucial in the electrical/electronic industry which has led to the creation of models and institutional legislature to promote sustainable production processes. Among these processes, Additive manufacturing otherwise referred to as 3D printing is particularly effective in reducing waste generation and energy requirements by reusing spent parts and products as feedstock. Sustainability in the manufacturing and production sectors can be promoted through the inculcation of certain practices. Of these practices, reusing e-waste that would otherwise be disposed of in landfills has the potential to promote environmental cost savings. This article introduces the potential of e-waste being integrated into the manufacturing sector to promote sustainable production. The article also addresses the problem of geometric e-waste generation and suggests an efficient way of reusing waste from the electrical and electronic industries.

Analysis of Energy Consumption of Robotic Welding Stations

Analysis of the energy consumption of industrial robots during the implementation of a technological task can increase efficiency and minimize production costs, as well as extend the service life of robots, taking into account the rational use of energy sources. An important challenge in designing sustainable production processes is the selection of energy-saving technological equipment supporting the work of robots. Additionally, optimization of robot program codes, including parameters and robot movement paths, determines the energy efficiency of the robotic station. Welding is one of the most popular areas of process robotization due to its ability to increase production efficiency and improve the quality of part assembly compared to manual work. In these studies, an exemplary process of robotic welding of aluminum alloy parts was designed, analyzed, and optimized with an orientation towards sustainable development guidelines. This work also presents a review of current publications discussing the authors’ contribution to achieving energy efficiency in robotic welding processes. The purpose of this analysis is also to indicate directions for the development of future research work in order to minimize energy consumption in production processes with an appropriate level of product quality and increase production efficiency.

Towards the Industrial Implementation of Mn-based Catalyst for the Hydrogenation of Ketones and Carboxylic Esters.

There is a constant pressure in industry to move away from platinum group metals (PGM) and achieve more environmentally friendly and sustainable production processes in the future. Recently developed Mn-based catalysts offer an interesting opportunity to complement established catalysts based on Ru. In this article, recent achievements in the field are highlighted and recent achievements in the collaboration of Solvias AG with the group of Prof. M. Clarke towards the implementation of these catalysts on industrial scale are outlined.

Study of process parameters that enable direct spray drying synthesis of UiO-66-NH2

This study explores the direct spray drying synthesis of UiO-66-NH2, a zirconium-based metal-organic framework (MOF). Focusing on the impact of process parameters on yield and purity, this research employs a solvent-free approach, integrating continuous manufacturing principles for a more sustainable and efficient production process. The influence of gas flow rate, inlet temperature, feed flow rate, and precursor solutions solid loading (SL) were systematically investigated. The prepared samples, mainly at two different precursor solid loadings; labelled as 3%SL-UiO-66-NH2 and 6%SL-UiO-66-NH2, were fully characterised and benchmarked against the solvothermal prepared sample. X-Ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated the ability to prepare a totally crystalline UiO-66-NH2 at 150 °C inlet temperature at 3% and 6% SL, without any preheating/mixing steps, and regardless of the other process conditions. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated the presence of a higher degree of structural defects within the 3%SL-UiO-66-NH2 sample. The CO2 adsorption capacity was consistent with the decreasing order of surface area and defects as 3%SL-UiO-66-NH2 > STH-UiO-66-NH2 > 6%SL-UiO-66-NH2. This work provides insight into green synthesis and process optimization for MOF synthesis which is beneficial for industrial applications.

Fabrication of boron nitride reinforced carboxymethyl modified lignin-based re-crosslinkable hydrogel with excellent heat dissipation ability

In this work, a series of re-crosslinkable hydrogels comprising carboxymethylated lignin, PVA and 3-aminophenylboronic acid (3-ABA) was successfully synthesized. Incorporation of polydopamine (PDA) coated boron nitride (PDA@BN) endowed the hydrogel with significantly improved heat dissipation ability, mechanical strength and swelling resistance. The hydrogel containing 20 % of PDA@BN, namely Gel-20 %BN displayed an initial degradation temperature of 131 ℃ and a high thermal conductivity of 3.74 W/m·K, surpassing a plethora of different biobased hydrogels. Gel-20 %BN maintained stable morphology even under continuous heating at 200 ℃ for 15 min and exhibited low surface temperatures without undergoing melting or decomposition, thus demonstrating remarkable heat dissipation capability. The re-crosslinked hydrogel, referred to as Re.Gel-20 %BN, retained similar performance to Gel-20 %BN, maintaining excellent heat dissipation characteristics and stability at 130 ℃ over an extended period. Further investigation is warranted to explore degradation or recovery methods of this hydrogel in reservoir conditions, aiming to minimize the environmental impact of petroleum extraction and contribute to a greener and more sustainable oil production process.

Reducing the carbon footprint of the textile sector: an overview of impacts and solutions

The clothing, footwear, and household textiles sectors play a significant role, providing employment opportunities on a global scale. However, they are also associated with a considerable consumption of natural resources, leading to high levels of water pollution and emissions of greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change. The carbon footprint (CF) of textiles depends generally on fabric types and production processes. Natural fibers such as cotton, wool, and silk, generally have a lower CF when compared to synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon, requiring more energy and chemicals during production. In addition, fabrics manufactured through eco-friendly methods, such as closed-loop systems and sustainable production processes, have a significantly lower CF than those produced using conventional means. Accordingly, there is a perceived need for comprehensive studies that investigate the environmental and climate implications of the textile sector. Considering these concerns, a study was undertaken on the topic, encompassing a literature review and data collection so as to present an overview of the environmental impacts and CF associated with the textile sector. The results from the research show that the resource consumption associated with the textile sector, particularly its CF, demands urgent action in order to reduce its impacts. Also, actionable measures are needed so as to reduce the CF of the textile industry. These are described in the paper, along with the obstacles that need to be overcome so as not only to reduce the CF of this sector, but also to pursue the objectives outlined in the sustainable development goals.

Sustainable Management Practices: Green Marketing as A Source for Organizational Competitive Advantage

Objective: The objective of this research was to analyze the contributions of green marketing as a source of competitive advantage for organizations. Methodology: The research adopted the systematic review methodology, following the PRISMA guidelines, to analyze articles on sustainable management practices, green marketing and competitive advantage. Search platforms such as Google Acadêmico and Scielo were used, with inclusion criteria for scientific articles in Portuguese published between 2018 and 2023. Exclusion criteria were applied to discard non-pertinent works, resulting in the selection of 7 articles. Results and data analysis: As a result, it was possible to see that the systematic review highlighted green marketing as a source of competitive advantage for organizations, by integrating environmental concerns into market strategies. This enables differentiation, operational efficiency, and more sustainable production processes. In addition, the adoption of sustainable practices attracts consumers engaged with sustainability, increasing the profitability of production models. Certifications such as ISO 14001 demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, giving competitive advantage. Thus, green marketing favors the company's image and, at the same time, engages consumers in sustainable practices, contributing to the positioning of the organization in the market as a socio-environmentally responsible company. Conclusion: It is concluded, therefore, that green marketing not only improves the competitiveness of companies, but also fosters a culture of sustainability and preservation of natural resources, representing a significant contribution to organization, society and the environment.

Achieving 78.2 % Faraday Efficiency for Electrochemical Ammonia Production Via Covalent Modification of CNTs with B4C

AbstractElectrochemical reduction of N2 to NH3 provides an alternative to the Haber‐Bosch process for sustainable NH3 production driven by renewable electricity. Here, we reported carbon nanotubes (CNTs) covalently modified with boron carbide (B4C) as a nonmetallic catalyst for efficient electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) under ambient conditions. The structure of the catalyst was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), elemental mapping, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy. The catalyst held a superior selectivity for NRR with high Faraday efficiency of 78.2 % accompanying with NH3 yield rate of 14.0 μg mg−1cat. h−1 under the condition of 0.1 M Na2SO4 and −0.6 V vs. RHE. Electrochemical experiments including cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Tafel polarization curves were performed to explain the best electrochemical properties of B4C/CNTs among the samples. This work demonstrates that the strategy of covalent modification plays an important role to improve the selectivity of electrochemical NRR catalyst, thus allowing the reactions to proceed more efficiently.

Role of Sustainability and Ethics in Fashion Design and Production in South America

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the role of sustainability and ethics in fashion design and production.
 Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
 Findings: Sustainability and ethics are pivotal in fashion design and production, shaping decisions across the supply chain. They drive innovation, reduce environmental impact, and ensure fair treatment of workers. Brands prioritizing sustainability and ethics meet consumer demands, fostering industry resilience and positive social impact. Integrating these principles is crucial for promoting a sustainable and responsible fashion industry.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Sustainability theory, ethical fashion theory & systems theory may be used to anchor future studies on the role of sustainability and ethics in fashion design and production. Fashion designers and brands should prioritize sustainable materials, production processes, and supply chain practices. Governments and regulatory bodies play a critical role in establishing frameworks and incentives that encourage sustainable and ethical practices in the fashion industry.

Development of sustainable processes for production of monomers and a pharmaceutical ingredient from lignocellulosic biomass

Development of sustainable processes for production of monomers and a pharmaceutical ingredient from lignocellulosic biomass

Isolation and Identification of Some Bacteria Associated with Biogas Production from Food Waste and Rumen Content

The goal of this study was to investigate the bacterial community associated with biogas production from food waste and rumen content. Anaerobic mono-digestion and co-digestion were performed using mixture design within Design Expert, resulting in 100 experimental runs. Parameters such as food waste and rumen content, water content, temperature, pH, number of digester agitation per day and retention time were varied during the anaerobic digestion processes. Classical microbiological techniques were used to isolate and identify strict anaerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria from the food waste and rumen content before and after anaerobic digestion. Sixteen bacterial species belonging to 12 different generae were isolated and identified from the food waste, rumen content and composite digestates obtained from the 100 bio-digesters. These generae included Acetobacterium, Bacteroides, Clostridium, Enterobacter, Escherichia, Lactobacillus, Pseudomonas, Ruminococcus, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Syntrophomonas and Syntrophobacter. With the exception of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas sp., all other bacterial species identified in the substrates were also found in samples of the composite digestates, suggesting that they may have played important roles in the anaerobic digestion process inside the 100 bio-digesters. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the microbial community structure and function during biogas production from food waste and rumen content. The results could contribute to the development of more efficient and sustainable biogas production processes.

Production and characterization of Trichoderma asperellum chitinases and their use in synergy with Bacillus thuringiensis for lepidopteran control.

Despite their known negative effects on ecosystems and human health, synthetic pesticides are still largely used to control crop insect pests. Currently, the biopesticide market for insect biocontrol mainly relies on the entomopathogenic bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). New biocontrol tools for crop protection might derive from fungi, in particular from Trichoderma spp., which are known producers of chitinases and other bioactive compounds able to negatively affect insect survival. In this study, we first developed an environmentally sustainable production process for obtaining chitinases from Trichoderma asperellum ICC012. Then, we investigated the biological effects of this chitinase preparation - alone or in combination with a Bt-based product - when orally administered to two lepidopteran species. Our results demonstrate that T. asperellum efficiently produces a multi-enzymatic cocktail able to alter the chitin microfibril network of the insect peritrophic matrix, resulting in delayed development and larval death. The co-administration of T. asperellum chitinases and sublethal concentrations of Bt toxins increased larval mortality. This synergistic effect was likely due to the higher amount of Bt toxins that passed the damaged peritrophic matrix and reached the target receptors on the midgut cells of chitinase-treated insects. Our findings may contribute to the development of an integrated pest management technology based on fungal chitinases that increase the efficacy of Bt-based products, mitigating the risk of Bt-resistance development. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Physico-chemical properties of macadamia nut shell post-gasification residues and potential agricultural application

In–depth information about the characteristics and potential use of post-gasification residues is the key to unlock the sustainability potential of biomass gasification. This study aimed to explicate the physico-chemical properties of residues after the gasification of macadamia nut shell using a commercial gasifier. The results revealed an important amount of carbon content remained in the residues, marking the low conversion efficiency of the process. The obtained residues were deemed unsuitable for use as adsorbents due to low surface areas with non-porous structures. However, the surface of the residues contained multiple carboxyl and hydroxyl functional groups. Also, a remarkable amount of K (up to 86 wt% of the char’s total inorganic elements) was observed to be evenly distributed on the char surface. The results solidified the possibility of utilizing the residues as bio-fertilizers, and provided essential data for the development of sustainable energy production processes using macadamia nut shell for gasification.