Sustainable Solvents Research Articles

Recycling Solid Electrolytes from All-Solid-State Lithium-Ion Batteries by Using Deep Eutectic Solvents as Green Extractants.

All-solid-state lithium-ion batteries (ASSLIBs) are attracting significant attention due to their high energy density, conductivity and safety. However, they are expected to generate substantial waste in the near future, leading to resource depletion and environmental pollution. Therefore, it is crucial to achieve green, mild and safe recovery of ASSLIBs. Here, we for the first time to use green deep eutectic solvents (DESs) to effectively recover solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) fromASSLIBs at mild temperature. Results show that Li leaching efficiency can reach up to 87.5% with a superhigh Li/La selectivity of 1902 at a low temperature of 80 oC. Furthermore, 70 anti-solvents are screened to recycle the dissolved SSEs from leachate and 12 anti-solvents could precipitate SSEs from leachate at room temperature. This research opens new possibilities for recovering SSEs from ASSLIBs using the sustainable, cost-effective and safe solvents.

Xylose Acetals - a New Class of Sustainable Solvents and Their Application in Enzymatic Polycondensation.

The use of organic solvents in academic research and industry applications is facing increasing regulatory pressure due to environmental and health concerns. Consequently, there is a growing demand for sustainable solvents, particularly in the enzymatic synthesis and processing of polyesters. Biocatalysts offer a sustainable method for producing these materials; however, achieving high molecular weights often necessitates use of solvents. In this work, we introduce a new class of alternative aprotic solvents with medium polarity produced directly from agricultural waste biomass in up to 83 mol% yield (on xylan basis). The new solvents have a largely unmodified xylose core and acetal functionality, yet they show no peroxide formation and provide reduced flammability risk. We also demonstrate their successful application in enzymatic polycondensation reactions with Candida antarctica lipase B (CaLB). In particular, the solvent dibutylxylose (DBX) outperformed the hazardous solvent diphenyl ether and facilitated polycondensation of the lignin-derived diester pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylate, yielding polyesters with a Mn of >15 kDa. Computational modelling studies provided further insight into the molecular structure and dynamics of CaLB in the presence of new solvents. Lastly, up to 98 wt% of the new xylose acetals were successfully recovered and recycled, further contributing to the sustainability of the overall process.

Screening deep eutectic solvents as green solvents for efficient extraction of carbazole from model crude anthracene oil

Carbazole is a high value-added component of crude anthracene. Highly efficient and sustainable extraction solvents are extremely significant for carbazole separation. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs), as a new class of green solvents, have gained extensive attention from researchers in the field of separation. However, a large number of DESs are generated due to the enormous combinations of hydrogen bond acceptors (HBAs) and hydrogen bond donors (HBDs), which makes it challenging to identify the most suitable DES for specific separation process. Therefore, a reliable and effective method for DESs screening was highly desirable. In this work, a DESs screening method was proposed for the separation of carbazole. Initially, the COSMO-RS model was employed to calculate thermodynamic properties at infinite dilution. Subsequently, the liquid–liquid phase equilibrium behavior of prescreened DESs was further predicted by COSMO-RS to eliminate those that were miscible with toluene. Finally, the practical extraction performance of the top DES candidates was evaluated through experimental investigation. The results well validated the reliability of the screening method, identifying tetraethylammonium chloride/propionic acid (1:2) as the most promising DES for carbazole separation. Furthermore, the extraction mechanism was explored using FT-IR analysis and quantum chemical calculations.

Comprehensive study of the physicochemical properties of three-component deep eutectic solvents and their implications for microbial and anticancerous activity

Sustainable chemistry centers on substituting perilous solvents and materials with eco-conscious alternatives. Deep eutectic solvents (DES) hold substantial potential in this arena. This inquiry includes the formulation of three-component eutectic solvents and an exhaustive scrutiny of their physical and chemical attributes. These encompass solubility, boiling point, pH, density, viscosity, surface tension, refractive index, contact angle, conductivity, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, polarized optical microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. Furthermore, a biological exploration featured two bacterial strains and two fungal strains. The entire spectrum of ten three-component DES was administered to these microorganisms to discern plausible impacts. In addition, the biomedical promise of these DES was unveiled through anticancer assays employing MCF-7 and HeLa cell lines. The outcomes were favorable, underscoring robust anticancer potency, thereby hinting at future oncological utility. These interdisciplinary endeavors envelop the progression of sustainable solvent innovation, meticulous physicochemical scrutiny, microbial analysis, and anticancer appraisal. This study propels inventive resolutions with ecological and biomedical reverberations by amalgamating these distinct yet interconnected facets.

Post-synthetic modification of Zr-based metal organic framework by schiff base zinc complex for catalytic applications in a click reaction

A novel nanocatalyst, denoted as UiO-66/Sal-ZnCl2, has been synthesized and systematically characterized employing a range of analytical techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis. The comprehensive analyses collectively affirm the effective coordination of zinc chloride onto the functionalized UiO-66. Subsequently, the catalytic efficacy of UiO-66/Sal-ZnCl2 was assessed in a one-pot, three-component click reaction involving terminal alkynes, alkyl halides, and sodium azide, conducted in an aqueous medium. The catalyst demonstrated remarkable catalytic activity, showcasing the capability to facilitate the reaction with high yields and exceptional regioselectivity. Noteworthy attributes of this nanocatalyst and the method include its elevated efficiency, recyclability, convenient product workup, and, significantly, the utilization of a sustainable solvent medium. The synthesis, characterization, and catalytic performance of this catalyst collectively contribute to its potential as an innovative and reusable nanocatalyst for diverse synthetic transformations.

Untapping the coal reserves: Green desulfurization using phosphonium based ionic liquids

Thar coalfields of Pakistan are the 16th largest lignite coal reserves in the world. This untapped fuel source has high density for energy production. However, sulfur content limits its cleaner use the present research is a green practice for desulfurization of bituminous and lignite coal. For this purpose tetrabutylphosphonium hydroxide with anions precursor perchloric acid, dimethyl sulfate, and trifloromethanesulfonic acid was refluxed separately at room temperature to produce tetrabutylphosphonium trifloromethanesulfonate [P4444+][CF3SO3−], tetrabutylphosphonium perchlorate [P4444+][ClO4−], and tetrabutylphosphonium methyl sulfate [P4444+][MeSO4−]. The synthesized acidic nature phosphonium based room temperature ionic liquids (PRTILs) were characterized using standardized analytical techniques of FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, HPLC and TGA/DSC. TD50 order of PRTILs was 47 ºC< 253 ºC < 292 ºC for [P4444+][CF3SO3−], [P4444+][ClO4−], [P4444+][MeSO4−] respectively. The proximate and ultimate analysis of coal samples from Balochistan coal field indicated low moisture and high carbon content along with gross calorific value of 6938–7589 Kcal/Kg. The coal samples from Shahrig and Sor-range coal mines with highest sulfur content (6.9–11.8 %) were selected for desulfurization procedures by using PRTILs and assessed through FTIR, HPLC and CHNS analyzer. The solvents were found more effective in removal of thiophene, benzothiophene, and dibenzothiophene in an oxidative environment along with an increase of GCV of coal samples to 7204–7792 Kcal/Kg. The regeneration of spent PRTILs for three cycles in 25 % ethanol reveal them as sustainable solvents for the coal desulfurization process.

Determination of mometasone furoate solubility, using deep eutectic systems, and topical formulation- experimental and computational studies

The low solubility of some drugs in aqueous medium, is currently a challenge for the pharmaceutical industry, affecting drug bioavailability and treatment efficacy, so there is the need to find new solutions for this challenge. In this work, the solubility of a glucocorticoid drug, mometasone furoate (MF), in different deep eutectic systems (DES) is studied. DES present the advantage of being sustainable solvents, which can be used directly in the final formulation, and establish a synergistic effect with the drug. The solubility of MF in different DES is increased, when compared to the solubility of this drug in an aqueous medium, particularly in DES composed by levulinic acid and terpenes such as menthol and thymol, where the solubility of MF was of 24.1 and 103.3 mgMF/gDES, respectively. Solubility was also assessed using the computational determination of the Hansen solubility parameters of MF in these DES, in particular the total solubility parameter (δT) and Relative Energy Difference (RED). The obtained results correlate well with the MF measured experimentally, showing that this computational tool can be further used to predict MF solubility in DES. Furthermore, oil-in-water emulsions containing DES with MF were developed, allowing more versatility compared to the drug in powdered form, and were prepared containing 1 and 5 % of DES with MF. This work highlights that DES can have an important role in drug solubilization and in the development of new formulation strategies for the pharmaceutical industries.

Identification of molecules from tomato plant residues using sustainable green chemicals

AbstractHigh quantities of biomass produced in greenhouses create environmental problems as this side stream, and its downgraded products are not further used in the production cycle. The aim of our research was the identification and semi-quantification of molecules extracted from vegetative tomato plant residues with sustainable green alternative solvents using vacuum-assisted soxhlet and solid–liquid extraction to evaluate the possibilities for high-value applications for the first time. To identify compounds, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis and the Folin–Ciocalteau method were used. In sum, 285 different compounds have been assigned to 383 detected peaks using GC–MS analysis. The solvents 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MTHF) and ethyl acetate, compared with ethanol and hexane, provided better results with a maximum number of 99 ± 8.83 compounds, a maximum total concentration of 5894.82 ± 586.48 and 3363.02 ± 71.14 mg naphthalene equivalent (NEQ) kgdw−1, and a total phenolic content of 2143.25 ± 155.17 and 1605.92 ± 66.46 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) kgdw−1, respectively. With 781.2 ± 112.66 and 718.25 ± 54.89 mg NEQ kgdw−1, the compound neophytadiene was the most common terpene in ethyl acetate and 2-MTHF extracts, respectively. It can be concluded that vegetative tomato plant residues contain a large variety of bioactive molecules. Green solvents, such as 2-MTHF and ethyl acetate, enhance the extraction of these molecules from the solid matrix. Graphical abstract

Synergistic ternary deep eutectic solvents: An archetype for sustainable and eco-conscious Li and Co recovery from spent batteries

The development of sustainable materials for energy is a critical challenge in the pursuit of a circular economy. This study presents an innovative approach for recycling lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) using a novel, sustainable deep eutectic solvent (DES) composed of glycine, ascorbic acid, and water. This natural, chloride-free ternary DES leverages the biocompatible and eco-friendly properties of its constituents, achieving exceptional leaching efficiency of 99.1 % for lithium and 97.9 % for cobalt under optimized conditions. A multifaceted methodology integrating advanced factorial design, kinetic modeling, and machine learning was employed to refine the process parameters and enhance leaching efficiency. The extraction kinetics were predominantly governed by endothermic surface reactions, characterized by activation energies of 81.5 kJ/mol for Co and 110.9 kJ/mol for Li. An ensemble neural network model accurately predicted the extraction with an R2 > 0.95, demonstrating the robustness of the computational approach. The DES exhibited excellent recyclability over five cycles, thereby emphasizing its potential for practical industrial applications in the field of sustainable materials management. This approach facilitated the selective recovery of high-purity lithium oxalate and cobalt oxalate, underscoring the efficiency and environmental benefits of the process. DFT calculations provided insights into the extraction mechanism, revealing the crucial role of hydrogen bonding and synergistic effects of the DES components. This pioneering study not only advances LIB recycling but also establishes a comprehensive, quantitatively validated framework, paving the way for future innovations in sustainable materials management and supporting global efforts towards a circular economy in energy storage.

Structural and physicochemical characterisation of binary glutamine-based deep eutectic solvents

Amino acid-based deep eutectic solvents (AADES) are a new subclass of natural deep eutectic solvents with prospective applications especially in the energy and pharmaceutical industries. In this study, binary DESs were formulated, for the first time, from glutamine and lactic acid by the heating and stirring method. Subsequently, the effect of varying molar ratios of the DES components on their physicochemical, structural and thermal properties was evaluated. In this regard, the refractive index, water content, conductivity, viscosity and pH of the formulated DESs were analysed. Furthermore, the thermal stabilities of the DESs were determined using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry analysis, while the hydrogen bond interactions within the solvents were elucidated using nuclear magnetic resonance (1H and 13C NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Results showed that the densities (1.25–1.29 g/cm3), refractive indices (1.45–1.48), conductivity (0.19–0.51 mS cm−1), water contents (3.88–7.87 %), viscosities (867.34–8712.50 mPa·s) and pHs (1.85–3.37) of the DESs were significantly influenced by lactic acid. The NMR and FTIR spectra profiles confirmed the interactions of the hydrogen bond forming groups within the DESs. In addition, the solvents showed stability at room temperature up to 100 °C, after which decomposition set in until 400 °C; however, they formed no crystals between −40 °C and 100 °C. The glass transition phase of the DESs was also observed at −20 °C which highlights the potential application of the solvents in cryopreservation. Thus, this study presents valuable insights into the proposed utilisation of these GL-based DESs as sustainable solvents in industrial applications.

Theoretical insights into the diverse stabilizing effects of fenchyl alcohol/thymol eutectic solvent on carotenoids

Carotenoids, a class of vital natural pigments, are known for their antioxidant properties and are integral to various industrial applications. However, their instability during processing and storage has limited their broader utilization. This study investigated the stabilizing effects of a fenchyl alcohol/thymol-based deep eutectic solvent (DES) on a spectrum of carotenoids, including lutein, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, and β-carotene. Through a combination of ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations and quantum chemical calculations, we elucidated the molecular interactions and stabilization mechanisms within the DES environment (methanol as the benchmark). Our findings reveal that the DES could exert varying degrees of influence on the stability of different types of carotenoids. The temperature-dependent behavior of carotenoids in the DES suggested a complex interplay between hydrogen bonding, dispersion forces, and the inherent structural properties of carotenoids. AIMD simulations provided a detailed picture of the structural organization and hydrogen bond network topology within the DES, highlighting the role of temperature on the stability and orientation of solvent molecules around carotenoids. Energy decomposition analysis (EDA), Hirshfeld surface analysis, and visual study of interactions further dissected the non-covalent interactions, emphasizing the significance of electrostatic and dispersion forces-driven non-covalent interactions (van der Waals dispersion interactions) in stabilizing carotenoids within the DES matrix. In comparison to methanol, the interactions between components of the eutectic system and the target molecules demonstrate enhanced dynamism, increased complementarity, and a greater variety of interaction patterns. This research presented a novel perspective on the use of DESs for the stabilization of carotenoids, offering potential solutions to enhance their industrial applicability and performance. The insights gained from this study are crucial for the development of sustainable and eco-friendly solvent systems, aligning with the growing demand for green chemistry in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries.

3-Methylthiophene: A Sustainable Solvent for High-Performance Organic Solar Cells.

The use of harmful halogenated or aromatic solvents such as chloroform (CF), chlorobenzene (CB), and o-xylene (o-XY) is one of the greatest barriers to the industrial-scale manufacturing of high-performance organic solar cells (OSCs). Therefore, it is necessary to eliminate the effects of these solvents to ensure practical feasibility of OSCs. We found that the anthracene-terminated polymer donor and small-molecule acceptor BO-4Cl had good solubility in 3-methylthiophene (3-MeT). There were no toxicity labels in the SDS and exposure control limits for 3-MeT. An overall power conversion efficiency of 16.87% was achieved by using 3-MeT as the solvent for solar cell fabrication, which was higher than that of the cells made from CF (16.18%) and o-XY (15.69%). The best OSC based on PM6:D18:L8-BO and fabricated with 3-MeT exhibited a high PCE of 18.13%, which is one of the highest values for cells fabricated from halogen-free solvents. These results indicate that 3-MeT is an eco-friendly and low-toxicity solvent for the sustainable fabrication of the OSC active layer.

EFFICACY OF DEEP EUTECTIC SOLVENTS (DESs) FOR MITIGATING BIODETERIORATION IN CULTURAL HERITAGE: IN SITU EVALUATION

The preservation of stone materials faces significant challenges due to biological deterioration, compromising the visual appearance and structural integrity of artifacts. Current cleaning treatments use toxic chemical biocides, with a high impact on the environment and human health. Research is turning to eco-friendly alternatives, such as Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs), which offer a promising combination of biocidal properties and eco-friendly, as well as features such as biodegradability, non-flammability and non-volatility. This study defines the efficacy of Choline Chloride-based DESs reported in the literature as biocides in a real case study on an outdoor exposed magmatic effusive rock at the University of Calabria. Several analytical techniques were used to define DESs biocidal efficacy, monitoring their action for 6 months. This study contributes to the evidence of DESs' ability to keep treated surfaces clean, thus promoting the long-term preservation of materials. Macroscopic and microscopic observations, spectrocolorimetry, bioluminometry and FTIR spectroscopy have highlighted the significant potential of DESs as sustainable biocidal solvents for the preservation of stone materials exposed outdoors.

LCA analysis for assessing environmenstal sustainability of new biobased chemicals by valorising citrus waste

The global shift towards using biomass for biofuels and chemicals is accelerating due to increasing environmental concerns and geopolitical strategies. This study investigates a biorefinery model using citrus-processing-waste, specifically citrus pulp, to produce high-value products for various industries, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, flavours, fragrances, and food packaging. In Italy, particularly Sicily region, citrus processing generates significant amounts of waste, often improperly disposed of, contributing to environmental problems. Researchers have demonstrated that citrus waste can yield commercially valuable compounds. This study specifically focuses on orange peel waste (OPW), which constitutes about half of the fruit's weight, aiming to extract pectin and limonene through a combined process. The extraction process was carried out on a laboratory scale, and its sustainability was evaluated using a life cycle assessment (LCA) with SimaPro 8.1 software and the Impact 2002 + method. The functional unit adopted for this study is 300 g of OPW, obtained after the pre-treatment phase, from which 0.14 g of limonene and 8.22 g of pectin were extracted. The LCA results revealed that pectin extraction has a significantly higher environmental impact compared to limonene extraction, primarily due to the use of ethanol as a solvent, followed by electricity consumption. To mitigate this impact, the LCA assessed alternative, more sustainable solvents, resulting in a 73.4% reduction in the environmental footprint of the pectin extraction process. These findings underscore the critical role of LCA, even at the laboratory scale, in identifying environmental hotspots and providing insights for improving and optimizing processes for potential industrial-scale applications.

Application of terpenoids for the remediation of environmental water polluted with bisphenol A and its analogs using an in silico approach

Nowadays, there is a global concern over water quality and the impact of contamination on both natural ecosystems and human well-being. Plastics, ubiquitous in modern life, may release harmful chemicals when they reach aquatic environments. Among them, bisphenol A (BPA) and its alternatives, such as bisphenol S (BPS), bisphenol F (BPF), and others, are of special concern because their presence in water systems can have detrimental effects on human health and aquatic organisms due to their endocrine-disrupting properties.This study explores the potential of terpenoids, sustainable and environmentally friendly solvents, for efficiently removing bisphenols from contaminated environmental water. Using an in silico approach based on the Conductor-like Screening Model for Realistic Solvents (COSMO-RS) theory, more than 30 terpenoids were screened, and carvone was found to be an excellent candidate due to its high solvent capacity and low toxicity. The impact of pH, temperature, stirring conditions, and sample:extractant phase ratios on the extraction efficiency were investigated. A design of experiments revealed optimal conditions for the extraction process and demonstrated that carvone can effectively extract bisphenols (nearly 100 % for most of them) under a wide range of conditions, showing the robustness and efficiency of the extraction method, even in environmental samples.The paper provides valuable insights into the potential of terpenoids, specifically carvone, as a sustainable and eco-friendly solvent for removing bisphenol contaminants from environmental water bodies. The findings of this study offer a promising solution to address water contamination issues, aligning with the principles of Green Chemistry and contributing to a more environmentally responsible approach to water remediation.

The effect of electro blow spinning parameters on the characteristics of polylactic acid nanofibers: Towards green development of high-performance biodegradable membrane

Electro-blow spinning represents a novel and emerging hybridised technology for producing high-quality, large-scale nanofibers. The applied pressure, accompanied by an electric field, functions as a drafting force to generate ultrafine, homogeneous nanofibers. Herein, we utilised a sustainable solvent to produce polylactic acid nanofibers via the electro-blow spinning technique. A parametric study investigating the effect of polymer concentration, pressure, and voltage on the characteristics of the produced nanofibers was thoroughly conducted. The produced nanofibers were tested using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and tensile test. The findings revealed that air pressure plays a crucial role in the electro-blow spinning process, while introducing electric field enhances the spinnability and stretchability of nanofibers. Increasing the applied pressure and voltage led to finer fibres with improved crystallinity and mechanical strength. However, excessive pressure or voltage can cause jet instability, resulting in defects such as fused or broken fibres. Our study suggests that the most recommended parameters for uniform and high-quality nanofibers are 10 wt%, 5 bar, and 20 kV. Moreover, the polylactic acid nanofibers were further evaluated for air filtration performance using a customised filtration setup to determine their suitability as a facemask material. The results indicated a notably high filtration efficiency, reaching up to 98 %, with a corresponding pressure drop between 137 and 163 Pa. These preliminary findings strongly suggest that produced nanofibers are highly promising candidates for medical textile applications, particularly in the development of facemasks.

The dissolution of galactomannans in type II/III deep eutectic solvents: Effect of polysaccharide structure and interaction mechanism

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have garnered increasing attention as sustainable solvents for natural polysaccharides. Galactomannans (especially guar and locust bean gums) are abundant natural compounds used in food, medicine, agriculture and daily chemical products, whereas their high molecular weight and randomly distributed non-linear structures remain a huge challenge in solubilization and high value-added utilization. In this study, the dissolution of galactomannans in type II/III DESs was comprehensively investigated using density functional theory (DFT) calculation, experimental results, and molecular dynamics simulation (MD). The results indicated that immense anionic and neutral H-bonds supported by type II DESs (consisting of a quaternary ammonium salt and a metal chloride hydrate) could break and rebuild galactomannan H-bond networks, thereby exhibiting remarkable physical solubilization. A large number of active acid sites in type III DESs (consisting of a quaternary ammonium salt and a hydrogen bond donor) greatly improved solubility and cleaved the glycosidic bond, enabling the recovery of polysaccharides with a target molecular weight. Furthermore, significant correlations between solubility and the structure of galactomannans had been established, which meant that high molecular weight and rich galactose side-chains produced repulsive interactions with DESs, directly hindering dissolution. Overall, this work not only offered a framework for enhancing the dissolution of polysaccharides, but also proposed a promising strategy for development of task specific DESs promoting green chemistry and the use of sustainable bioresources.

Optical, thermal, and electrical characteristics of cashew gum/Polypyrrole/zinc oxide nanocomposites for next‐gen optoelectronics

AbstractIn this electronic era, there is a demand to switch from conventional polymers to conducting biopolymers. We developed conducting biopolymer nanocomposites of cashew gum (CG) and polypyrrole (PPy) with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofillers [CG/PPy/ZnO] via in‐situ oxidative polymerization using a sustainable solvent. These nanocomposites were characterized using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–visible spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The FTIR signal at 855 cm−1 confirms the successful inclusion of ZnO nanofillers into the biopolymer. UV–vis absorption of the blend nanocomposite increases with the nanoparticle doses. Among the various blend nanocomposites, the least bandgap energy was observed for 7 wt% ZnO loading. FE‐SEM revealed homogeneous dispersion of ZnO nanofillers in the CG/PPy blend at 7 wt% ZnO. TGA and DSC demonstrated that the CG/PPy/ZnO nanocomposites have better thermal stability and glass transition temperature than the pure polymer blend, indicating enhanced thermal properties. The CG/PPy/7 wt% ZnO showed the highest conductivity, 4.62 times greater than the pristine blend at 100 Hz. Dielectric constant, activation energy, AC conductivity and dielectric loss measurements demonstrated that the nanocomposites outperformed the pure polymer blend. Complex impedance analysis revealed increased impedance with rising temperature. Overall, CG/PPy/ZnO nanocomposites exhibit superior optical, morphological, thermal, electrical, and dielectric properties, making them promising for energy storage and optoelectronic applications.Highlights Ecofriendly synthesis of CG/PPy/ZnO nanocomposites Enhancement in optical, structural, and thermal properties of CG/PPy/ZnO Dielectric properties and temperature‐dependent AC conductivity are summarized. Blend nanocomposite shows higher AC conductivity and dielectric constant CG/PPy/ZnO nanocomposites are suitable for energy storage applications

Proposing novel predictive group and atomic contribution models for hydrogen sulfide absorption by Deep Eutectic Solvents

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is one of the most dangerous impurities of natural gas which cause human and environmental issues. Thus, the main process of gas sweetening plants is H2S removal from natural gas. Amine solutions are the commonly used solvents for gas-sweetening processes in petroleum industries. However, amin solutions are not safe and cause many environmental issues especially in the post-process treatment of used amine. Thus, the issue of proposing green sustainable solvents for gas sweetening is vital for petroleum industries. Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) are the most recently introduced green solvents which have shown good capability for H2S absorption. Thus, DESs are one of the most possible candidates for green solvents to replace amine solutions. Experimental studies to choose suitable solvents is a tough challenge because working with H2S is very dangerous and requires expensive facilities. Therefore, an accurate and global thermodynamic model is necessary to predict the solubilities of H2S in DESs without the requirement of experimental data. This study for the first time in open literature, proposes two accurate and global thermodynamic models of group contribution (GC) and atomic contribution (AC) for predicting the H2S solubilities in various nature DESs. The largest and most updated data bank for H2S solubility in DESs was developed from open literature, including 415 solubility data of 37 different nature DESs. The proposed GC and AC models were developed according to the gathered data bank and their results were analyzed by statistical parameters. Both GC and AC models show normal behavior and promising results concerning experimental data by the calculated AARD% of 9.64, and 12.86, respectively.

Concepts for Sustainable Organic Electrosynthesis

Organic electrosynthesis is frequently presented as an intrinsically sustainable, safe, and efficient method [1]. While this is indeed often the case, this assessment cannot be easily generalized, since several challenges need to be addressed on the way to more efficient and truly sustainable processes. These challenges comprise the necessity for employing large amounts of supporting electrolyte additives along with concomitant separation and waste issues [2]. Another separation problem arises when mediators have to be employed for controlling the selectivity [3]. In addition, highly flammable and toxic solvents are often used.The present contribution will provide an overview of our recent work on the development of new approaches toward improving the practicality and sustainability of electro-organic reactions. Several concepts will be discussed, including polymediator-guided electrosynthesis [4], multi-functional supporting electrolytes [5], and electrolysis in sustainable solvents [6].