Sustainable Technologies Research Articles

Platinum Metallenes: Advanced Electrocatalysts for Sustainable Energy Solutions.

Platinum (Pt) metallenes, an emerging class of ultrathin 2D nanomaterials, have redefined the field of electrocatalysis, offering physicochemical properties that are completely new to conventional catalyst materials. Characterized by their high surface-to-volume ratios, abundant active sites, and tunable electronic structures, Pt metallenes exhibit remarkable efficiencies across key reactions in fuel cells and electrolyzers, including the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and liquid fuel oxidation reaction (LFOR). Overcoming the inherent limitations of rigid Pt-Pt bonds and the face-centered cubic structure, recent advances in synthesis, such as bottom-up methods and top-down exfoliation, have enabled precise control over the atomic thickness, morphology, and composition of 2D Pt metallenes. In addition, advanced engineering strategies, such as defect creation, ligand modulation, and strain optimization, have further enhanced the intrinsic activity of the active sites and tailored the electronic structures to accelerate reaction kinetics. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the latest progress in Pt metallene research, emphasizing challenges in synthesis, structural design, and electrocatalytic applications. It is anticipated that the Pt metallenes, promising catalysts for sustainable energy technologies, will offer transformative solutions for efficient energy conversion and environmental remediation.

Waking up to the costs of green technology adoption integrating economic and environmental priorities

The politicization of environmental issues often creates divides between pro-economic conservatives and pro-ecology liberals. This study suggests that an integrative approach can bridge these ideological gaps, balancing ecological performance with economic profit for sustainable development. By combining the Diffusion of Innovations Theory (DIT) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the study investigates how individual attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and systemic factors influence Green Technological Innovation (GTI) adoption. Using Smart PLS 4, the analysis underscores the pivotal role of government support in enhancing cost-effectiveness, the importance of individual attitudes in fostering resource-conserving ideologies, and the need for understanding the synergy between ecological and economic benefits. The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers, organizations, and practitioners to promote sustainable technology adoption and achieve environmental goals. Future research should explore factors like organizational culture and financial constraints to further enhance understanding and facilitate widespread GTI acceptance.

Solid Waste Recovery for Solar-Driven Interfacial Evaporation: Review and Perspective.

Interfacial solar evaporation is considered as an emerging sustainable solar water technology, capable of capturing solar energy and localizing the generated heat for fast evaporation. Over the past decade, it has drawn significant attention in the design and optimization of materials, structures, and devices, to achieve higher energy conversion efficiency. However, practical applicationsare limited due to complex designs, high costs, and difficulties in large-scale implementation. In this perspective, it is focused on the low-cost recyclable waste utilized for interfacial solar evaporation, and the recent progress in these materials, structures, and devices. In addition, unsolved scientific and technical challenges are also discussed, and provide a forward-looking perspective, with the aim of continuously promoting the rapid development and application of cost-effective recyclable waste in interfacial solar evaporation technology, thereby alleviating energy and environmental issues.

Post-oxidation of all-organic electrocatalysts to promote O−O coupling in water oxidation

Covalently bonded metal-free electrocatalysts exhibit significant potential for sustainable energy technologies, yet their performances remain unsatisfactory compared with metal-based catalysts. Herein, we propose an all-organic electrocatalyst, MEC-2, that conforms to the infrequent oxide path mechanism in alkaline oxygen evolution reaction through post-oxidation modification. MEC-2 achieves an intrinsic overpotential of 257.7 ± 0.6 mV at 10 mA·cm−2 and possesses durability with negligible degradation over 100,000 CV cycles or 250 h of operation at 1.0 A·cm−2, being comparable to the advanced metal-based OER electrocatalysts. The 18O-labeled operando characterization and theoretical calculations unveil that post-oxidation modification enhances the electron affinity to OH intermediates, and adjusts the adsorption configuration and proximity distance of O intermediates, thereby promoting direct O−O radical coupling. In this work, we show a fresh perspective for understanding the role of non-metallic elements/functional groups in electrocatalysis, and to a certain extent, narrows the gap between all-organic electrocatalysts and metal-based electrocatalysts.

The impact of technology in addressing the water crisis within local government

Water is a fundamental resource for both ecosystems and society. Chapter 2 of the South African Constitution, which outlines the Bill of Rights, guarantees every person the fundamental right to adequate access to water. Johannesburg Water, a municipal entity of the City of Johannesburg (CoJ), is critical in ensuring clean and reliable water services to safeguard public health. This study examines the role of technology in mitigating risks associated with water management in the public sector, using CoJ as a case study. Employing a quantitative research methodology within a case study framework, the study collected data from 111 participants, with results analyzed using descriptive analysis in SPSS v29. It investigates the impact of aging infrastructure on water service delivery, emphasizing the associated risks to public health due to frequent disruptions and water losses. It explores how the strategic implementation of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies—such as real-time monitoring, leak detection, and optimized resource allocation—can enhance water management and mitigate these risks. Additionally, the study highlights the need for robust policy frameworks and sustained infrastructure investment to support sustainable water management practices, improve service delivery, and align with national water regulations and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6. The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers, municipal leaders, and stakeholders to leverage technology for effective risk management and long-term water sustainability.

Analyzing molecular descriptors with quantitative structure–property relationships for selective gas adsorption on g-C3N4

ABSTRACT Quantitative structure–property relationship (QSPR) frameworks are employed to predict the adsorption energies of CO2, O2, NO, NO2, SO2F2, HCHO, and CO on graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) surfaces. This study comprehensively evaluates various QSPR models, including K-nearest neighbors (KNN), partial least squares (PLS), support vector machine (SVM), and ordinary least squares (OLS). The KNN model, devoid of pretreatment, exhibits exceptional performance with minimal disparity between training and testing datasets, underscoring its robustness in predicting gas adsorption behaviors. In contrast, QSPR analysis reveals differing prediction accuracies across gases, with O2 displaying the highest correlation coefficient (R2 ) values, indicating strong interactions with g-C3N4‘s polarized regions. SVM and PLS models contribute insights into handling complex relationships and enhancing prediction accuracy for adsorption properties. Different structures of g-C3N4, demonstrate distinct affinities for gases such as O2, CO2, and NO, highlighting their potential in environmental remediation and gas separation applications. These findings establish g-C3N4‘s versatility and effectiveness in selectively capturing pollutants, suggesting its promising role in sustainable technologies.

Zero carbon agriculture: Sustainable practices and technologies for carbon-neutral food production

Since the Industrial Revolution, global expansion has primarily depended on the extraction of natural resources. Anthropogenic activities, such as the widespread use of fossil fuels, deforestation and other types of land-use change, have increased levels of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere, contributing to global climate change. The most essential task in the world is to become carbon neutral by 2050 to counteract the deteriorating global climate change. To achieve this goal, it is required and challenging to modify present industrial processes to minimise GHG emissions and enhance CO2 removal from the atmosphere. The study suggested technologies to accelerate our race to C neutrality in a variety of areas, including renewable energy, sustainable food systems (increasing soil C sequestration and lowering C emissions), preserving the health of earth's largest C stores (restoring and protecting marine and forest ecosystems) and C-neutral chemical industrial production. The wealth of information offered in this study has the potential to enthral the global population and encourage the creation of innovative solutions to avert climate change while also supporting human activities. It also includes carbon sequestration solutions to facilitate the energy sector's net zero.

Prospects of Vegetables as an Integrated Component in Aquaponics

Due to the growing population, urbanization, and industrialization, agricultural land has become limited, which increases the potential for aquaponics to improve food security. Aquaponics is an innovative and quickly growing sustainable farming technology that merges aquaculture (fish farming) with hydroponic systems (soil-less culture) to cultivate both fish and vegetables within a self-sustaining water ecosystem. It acts as a bio-integrated model for producing food sustainably. It minimizes the use of fertilizers and the release of water, making it a recommended sustainable venture. These systems utilize nutrient-dense water from aquaculture fish tanks as a natural fertilizer for growing vegetables without soil (hydroponics). The plants absorb nutrients, and the microbial process of nitrification allows for the recycling of the water in the fish tanks. This is an efficient technology that provides a symbiotic environment for producing both fish and vegetables. Therefore, integrating vegetables into aquaponics shows promise for addressing food security challenges through eco-efficient farming practices.

An Innovative and Sustainable Seed Coating Technology for Improving Seed Quality and Crop Performance

Seed coating technology has emerged as a transformative approach in modern agriculture, enhancing seed quality, germination, and overall crop performance. The application of advanced coating techniques facilitates the controlled release of nutrients, improves seed handling, and strengthens resilience against environmental stressors. Various coating materials, including polymers, bioactive compounds, and beneficial microbes, play critical roles in protecting seeds and promoting healthy seedling establishment. This paper explores innovative seed coating methodologies, their mechanisms, and their implications for sustainable crop production. By integrating advanced biological and chemical agents, seed coating technology offers a pathway to achieving food security and environmental sustainability. Additionally, seed coatings can reduce the overuse of fertilizers and pesticides, thereby contributing to eco-friendly agricultural practices. Recent advancements in seed coating have also introduced nanotechnology, smart coatings, and biopolymer-based formulations, expanding the potential of this technology beyond conventional applications. The incorporation of nanomaterials enhances nutrient delivery efficiency, while bio-based coatings provide an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic chemicals. This research also delves into potential challenges and future advancements in seed coating, emphasizing the need for further innovation and optimization. The scalability of these technologies, economic feasibility for small-scale farmers, and long-term ecological impacts are key areas requiring further investigation. Future studies should focus on the development of customized coatings tailored to specific crop requirements, ensuring maximum benefits and sustainability. With continued advancements, seed coating technology is poised to become an integral component of precision agriculture, fostering higher yields, improved soil health, and long-term agricultural sustainability.

Boosting Energy Transition of the Dairy alue Chain: a Life Project

The dairy sector faces several challenges, including economic instability, environmental concerns, and climate impacts, while striving to meet the EU’s Green Deal and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Nowadays, the sector contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, mainly from dairy cow breeding and energyintensive processes like milk processing. Yet, it is also vulnerable to climate change effects, including heat stress in livestock, reduced water availability, and declining soil fertility. To address these challenges, the sector must focus on sustainability, resilience, and decarbonization. Key strategies include reducing production costs, improving resource efficiency, mitigating environmental impacts, and adopting energy-efficient technologies. Beyond technological advancements, enhanced transparency and collaboration across the supply chain are critical. Open communication and data sharing among farmers, processors, distributors, retailers, and consumers can facilitate the development and implementation of sustainable practices. Stronger partnerships and collaborative initiatives can foster innovation, drive investment in sustainable solutions, and ensure that the dairy sector not only survives but thrives in a future marked by climate change and increasing societal expectations for environmental responsibility. Only through such a comprehensive and collaborative approach can the dairy sector effectively address its challenges and achieve its sustainability goals. The LIFE-CET-2022-funded BETTED project aims to accelerate the dairy sector’s energy transition by fostering the adoption of renewable energy and energy-efficient measures like heat pumps for milk processing and dairy product production. Targeting small and medium enterprises, the project emphasizes capacity-building, investments in sustainable technologies, and reducing fossil fuel dependency, ensuring the sector’s economic and environmental viability. This paper aims to present the toolbox developed under the project. Furthermore, this paper reviews existing Life Cycle Assessment and Environmental Product Declaration studies to analyze the environmental impacts of dairy products using a consistent cradle-tograve system boundary and functional unit for comparability. This analysis establishes benchmarks for key indicators like the Global Warming Potential to assess dairy system sustainability. This research contributes to scientific knowledge by enhancing the accuracy and consistency of environmental impact assessments in the dairy sector, thanks to the standardized toolbox and the comparable benchmarks provided. Furthermore, the developed benchmarks offer practical applications for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and consumers, enabling informed decision-making towards more sustainable dairy production and consumption practices.

Open-flask, ambient temperature direct arylation synthesis of mixed ionic-electronic conductors.

Conjugated polymers are widely studied for application areas ranging from energy technology to wearable electronics and bioelectronics. To develop a truly sustainable technology, environmentally benign synthesis is essential. Here, the open-flask synthesis of a multitude of conjugated polymers at room temperature by ambient direct arylation polymerization (ADAP) is demonstrated. The batch synthesis of over 100 grams of polymer in a green solvent and continuous droplet flow synthesis without any solid support is described. Polymers prepared by ADAP are characterized by improved structural order compared to materials prepared by other methods. Hence, organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) feature beyond state-of-the-art electrical properties, i.e., an OECT hole mobility μ as high as 6 cm2V-1s-1, a volumetric capacitance C* over 200 Fcm-3, and thus a figure of merit [μC*] exceeding 1100 Fcm-1V-1s-1. Thus, ADAP paves the way for the benign and large-scale production of high-performance conjugated polymers.

Ecofriendly Upcycling of Poly(vinyl chloride) Waste Plastics into Precious Metal Adsorbents.

Global interest in the recycling of precious metals (PMs) in various industrial sectors has spurred the exploration of high-performance PM adsorbents. Unfortunately, many adsorbents exhibit unsatisfactory PM adsorption performance and require complex fabrication protocols and toxic chemicals. Hence, further development of simple, efficient, and eco-friendly adsorbents is necessary. Herein, poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) waste plastics are simply transformed into high-performance PM adsorbents via benign solvent treatment and hydrazination. The resultant hydrazine-functionalized PVC (h-PVC) plastic can effectively recover gold, palladium, and platinum from real-world leachates owing to its combined reduction and chemisorption mechanisms. The PM-adsorbed h-PVC plastic can be regenerated, calcined into high-purity PMs, or directly employed as a catalyst, demonstrating its practical feasibility. Techno-economic and life-cycle assessments reveal that the h-PVC plastic-utilizing industrial-scale recovery of gold from electronic waste is cost-competitive and environmentally advantageous. The strategy supports environmental and sustainable technologies by enabling the sustainable maintenance of carbon and PM resources and provides an efficient and sustainable method for fabricating advanced adsorbent materials.

Blockchain evidence versus the State

RAIMUNDO is an innovative decentralized application (DApp) designed for the legal sector, leveraging Ethereum's sustainable blockchain technology (now based on Proof of Stake) to certify documents. By using a dual-hash system, it enables attorneys to produce tamper-proof "blockchain evidence," eliminating the need for state intermediaries. This empowers legal professionals, especially in regions with authoritarian regimes or corruption, to independently certify documents. However, judicial acceptance of blockchain evidence varies. Common law systems increasingly recognize it as valid, while civil law jurisdictions, with formal and state-centric traditions, often prioritize public certification over private digital methods. Factors such as blockchain's anonymity and the strict public certification duties of European notaries contribute to this divide. Although technically compatible with notarial roles in civil law, the integration of blockchain into regulatory frameworks remains uncertain, highlighting the need for ongoing evaluation of its evidentiary value compared to traditional public documents.

Analysis of Photovoltaic Railway Noise Barrier Configuration for Green Energy Generation

Sustainable energy is a crucial aspect of our urban development, with a rising demand for energy resources, having the ability to integrate sustainable energy generation technologies with the existing infrastructure represents a possible solution for the high energy demand in populated regions. The regulations in the European Union state the maximum allowable noise levels to be 55 dB(A) in residential areas during the day and 55 dB(A) during the night, with the rising demand for reliable means of transportation, railways are becoming an essential part of the urban infrastructure. The use of Photovoltaic noise barriers (PVNBs) is expanding globally to meet those needs, and different studies are being conducted to evaluate the performance of this technology in various scenarios and configurations. This study focuses on the performance of the Photovoltaic integrated panels without affecting the overall efficiency of the noise reduction barrier. The primary results for energy generation evaluation show that the best results can be obtained from a bifacial PVNB, meaning that the Photovoltaic segment is in a vertical configuration mounted on top of a railway noise barrier, as shown in the following figure, where three different configurations for the PVNB were studied and based on the results it is clear that bifacial PVNB outperforms the other configurations, with a difference of almost one-third in the AC energy generated. This study was conducted using PVWatt calculator. This tool was developed by the national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Although it is optimal to use the vertical configuration for the PVNB, noise mitigation efficiency is still an aspect to consider.

HARNESSING TECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT:EXPLORING THE ROLE OF INNOVATION IN ACHIEVINGTHESUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS)

This study discusses the role of technology and innovation in attaining the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The advances in technology can actually drive sustainabledevelopment while solving such crises as poverty, inequality, and climate change facingtheglobe. Key innovations examined in this study relate to renewable energy, smart agriculture, and digital healthcare, all with huge potential to ensure economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion. It goes on to underline how technological innovationandpolicy frameworks work hand in glove, which thus requires strategic cooperation betweengovernments, private sectors, and civil society in efforts toward solving this problem. Thisstudy pinpoints the potential barriers and points out actionable solutions to enhancetheadoption of sustainable technologies. The paper seeks to provide a comprehensive analysisthat informs how policy framers, researchers, and practitioners can use technology tocreateresilient, inclusive societies that direct world progress toward the realization of the SDGs.

The Use of Canola for Biofuel Production in the Context of Energy Security—A Systematic Literature Review

This study examines the evolving role of canola biofuel in achieving energy security, analyzing its historical significance, current challenges, and prospects. Once a dominant feedstock for biodiesel production in Europe, canola biofuel is facing a decline in relevance due to the emergence of second- and third-generation biofuels, which offer greater economic and environmental advantages. The research highlights key factors influencing this shift, including high production costs, resource-intensive cultivation, and suboptimal life cycle environmental performance. Through correlation and causality analyses, the study finds no definitive relationship between oil prices and the frequency of scientific publications on canola biofuels, suggesting other drivers, such as policy and technological advancements, play a more significant role. Despite its diminishing prominence, canola biofuel retains value in energy diversification and rural agricultural support, due to geographic, policy, and investment constraints. The findings emphasize the need for prioritizing the development of more sustainable and efficient biofuel technologies to address global energy and environmental challenges.

Emerging advancements in ecofriendly nanosorbent technology accompanied with natural fillers: a systematic review.

Remediation of oil spills from water and wastewater has drawn significant attention, driven by stringent government regulations and the increasing costs companies incur to minimize environmental threats and comply with zero liquid discharge policies. This review explores into the unique field of nanosorbent technology, a promising but still-evolving solution within the wastewater treatment industry. Specifically, the review focuses on nanosorbents suitable for oil/hydrocarbon sorption, which incorporate only biocompatible, non-toxic natural and synthetic polymeric materials and fillers. In addition, it provides a comparative evaluation of existing eco-friendly sorbents, presenting an integrated analysis based on sorbent materials, filler types, environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, and separation efficiency. The review also highlights emerging trends and future directions in oil-water separation, underscoring the demand for sustainable superhydrophobic nanosorbents. By consolidating a wide array of information, this review aims to inspire further research and innovation in sustainable sorbent technology for wastewater treatment.&#xD.

Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants by Sulfate Radicals Activated by Defective NH2-MIL-88B.

Photocatalysis has been recognized as a viable technology for pollutant degradation in wastewater, owing to its ability to generate reactive radicals under photoirradiation. Among these, sulfate radicals have been attracting significant attention due to their strong oxidizing properties; yet the specific mechanism of action has remained elusive thus far. In this study, defective NH2-MIL-88B (DNMB) is prepared via a facile hydrothermal procedure in the presence of potassium sodium tartrate and found to facilitate the production of sulfate radicals from sulfate anions under visible light irradiation, due to partial reduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+ in the NMB skeleton by the added tartrate that enriches the Fe3+/Fe2+ redox couples, in addition to other reactive species like superoxide radicals and hydroxy radicals. This effectively improves the degradation efficiency toward a variety of organic pollutants, including antibiotics such as tetracycline (TC), sulfamethoxazole (SMX), and levofloxacin (LEV), as well as common organic contaminants like bisphenol A (BPA) and rhodamine B (RhB), as compared to pristine NMB. Specifically, after 40 minutes of visible light irradiation, the degradation rate increases from 61.5% to 92.1% for TC, from 76.1% to 89.4% for SMX, from 60.5% to 75.2% for LEV, from 61.7% to 91.2% for BPA, and from 78.4% to 94.8% for RhB. The primary active species are identified to be sulfate radicals, with minor contributions from holes, superoxide radicals, and hydroxyl radicals, as demonstrated in quenching experiments and electron spin resonance measurements, and further confirmed by theoretical studies. Degradation pathways for the various pollutants are then proposed based on results from Fukui index calculations and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. These results underscore the crucial role of structural engineering in driving the advancement of green and sustainable technologies for environmental engineering.

Revolutionizing Food Processing: Innovative Sustainable Technologies and Future Opportunities

Everyone having access to or not to a sufficient supply of processed, safe, fresh, nutritional and in pocket-friendly food is a significant worldwide issue. By 2050, it could pose a major challenge for feeding 9 billion people, for which increasing food production technologies need to be addressed. Long term enhancement in food processing by reducing losses at every stage of the supply chain, managing the supply chain from production to consumption, including preservation, nutrient content, safety and shelf life. Massive amounts of streaming data, known as big data come under the Internet of Things (IoT). A new technology based platform helps in food production and processing technology by maintaining the big data and its further analysis. This review approaches scope and food production, food processing and its related technologies. Emerging technologies are saving the food supply and making the food economy more sustainable. Furthermore, this review is based on an overview of artificial intelligence, big data and sensors used in the food production sector.

Enhancing seed shelf life through modified atmospheric packaging: Mechanisms, benefits and future prospects

Efficient seed storage is crucial for maintaining seed quality, viability, and germination potential, which directly impact agricultural productivity and food security. However, prolonged storage leads to seed deterioration due to both biotic and abiotic factors, resulting in significant post-harvest losses. Modified atmospheric packaging (MAP) is a sustainable non-chemical technology that enhances seed storability by altering the gaseous environment around seeds. MAP operates through active packaging, which injects desired gases and passive packaging, where the product’s respiration modifies the atmosphere. By reducing oxygen (O2) levels, minimizing moisture absorption, and inhibiting microbial and insect activity, MAP extends seed shelf life. Typically, O2 is replaced with nitrogen (N2) or carbon dioxide (CO2), limiting oxidative reactions and metabolic activity. MAP benefits multiple seed types, including cereals, legumes, oilseeds, and horticultural crops. Physically, it reduces seed moisture, delaying deterioration and preserving seed coat color. Physiologically, it prolongs seed longevity by reducing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and conserving seed reserves. Biochemically, it minimizes lipid peroxidation, maintains enzyme activities like alpha-amylase and catalase and reduces electrolyte leakage. Additionally, MAP controls storage pests and pathogens; elevated CO2 inhibits insect proliferation and fungal contamination, mitigating mycotoxin risks. This review examines the strategic role of MAP in seed conservation for sustainable agriculture by comparing MAP with traditional storage methods and assessing its impact on seed viability and longevity.