Sustainable Chemistry

13 pages, 1267 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Toward Green Substitutes: Electrochemical Properties of Conductive Inks Containing Biochar

by Gordana Stevanović, Jovan Parlić, Marija Ajduković, Nataša Jović-Jovičić, Vojkan Radonjić and Zorica Mojović

Sustain. Chem. 2025, 6(3), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/suschem6030021 - 31 Jul 2025

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Abstract

Dry Turkish oak (Quercus cerris) sawdust, untreated and treated with three activators, (H₃PO₄, NaOH and H₂O₂) was pyrolyzed under limited-oxygen conditions to obtain biochar samples. The electrochemical properties of these samples were tested and compared to the properties of several commercial carbon blacks. The electrochemical characterization was performed via cyclic voltammetry, analyzing the response toward two commonly used redox probes, [Fe(CN)₆]^3−/−4− and [Ru(NH₃)₆]^2+/3+. The influence of the scan rate on this response was investigated, and the resulting data were used to obtain the values of the heterogenous charge transfer constant, k₀. Higher k₀ values were observed for carbon blacks than for investigated biochar samples. The detection of 4-nitrophenol and heavy metal ions was used to assess the applicability of biochars for electroanalytical purposes. The response of untreated biochar was comparable with the response of Vulcan carbon black, which showed the best response of all analyzed carbon blacks. Full article

17 pages, 7078 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis and Catalytic Performance of Cotton-Derived Mn–Ce and Mn–Co–Ce Biomorphic Fibers for Soot Combustion and CO Oxidation

by Nicolás Sacco, Ezequiel Banús, Juan P. Bortolozzi, Sabrina Leonardi, Eduardo Miró and Viviana Milt

Sustain. Chem. 2025, 6(3), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/suschem6030020 - 16 Jul 2025

Viewed by 613

Abstract

Biomorphic mineralization was employed to synthesize novel Mn–Ce and Mn–Co–Ce oxide fibers using commercial cotton as a biotemplate, aiming to assess their catalytic performance in diesel soot combustion and CO oxidation. Two synthesis protocols—one with and one without citric acid—were investigated. The inclusion of citric acid led to fibers with more uniform morphology, attributed to improved precursor distribution, although synthesis yields decreased for Co-containing systems. In soot combustion tests, Mn–Ce catalysts synthesized with citric acid outperformed their monometallic counterparts. While cobalt incorporation enhanced the mechanical robustness of the fibers, it did not significantly boost catalytic activity. Selected formulations were also evaluated for CO oxidation, with Mn–Co–Ce fibers achieving T₅₀ values in the 240–290 °C range, comparable to Co–Ce nanofibers reported in the literature. These results demonstrate that biomorphic fibers produced through a simple and sustainable route can offer competitive performance in soot and CO oxidation applications. Full article

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23 pages, 1593 KiB

Open AccessReview

Thermal Modification of Wood—A Review

by Veronika Jančíková and Michal Jablonský

Sustain. Chem. 2025, 6(3), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/suschem6030019 - 11 Jul 2025

Viewed by 730

Abstract

The thermal modification of wood has emerged as a sustainable and effective method for enhancing the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of wood without the use of harmful chemicals. This review summarizes the current state-of-the-art in thermal wood modification, focusing on the mechanisms of wood degradation during treatment and the resulting changes in the properties of the material. The benefits of thermal modification of wood include improved dimensional stability, increased resistance to biological decay, and improved durability, while potential risks such as reduced mechanical strength, color change, and higher costs of wood under certain conditions are also discussed. The review highlights recent advances in process optimization and evaluates the trade-offs between improved performance and possible structural drawbacks. Finally, future perspectives are outlined for sustainable applications of thermally modified wood in various industries. Emerging trends and future research directions in the field are identified, aiming to improve the performance and sustainability of thermally modified wood products in construction, furniture, and other industries. Full article

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21 pages, 3488 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sample Origin Effect on Chemical Reactivity of Tajogaite Volcanic Ashes for Ancient Mortar Repair

by Imren Basar, David Torrens-Martín, Lucía Fernández-Carrasco, Cristhian Caiza, Joan Martínez-Bofill and Marcel Hürlimann

Sustain. Chem. 2025, 6(3), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/suschem6030018 - 24 Jun 2025

Viewed by 554

Abstract

Volcanic ashes (VA) ejected by the Tajogaite Volcano were studied to determine their potential as pozzolanic materials for construction applications. A representative number of VA samples (15 in total) were collected from different geolocations and altitudes during and immediately after the volcanic eruption, in order to assess their reactivity as a function of position and environmental exposure. Various analytical techniques—XRD, FTIR, and SEM/EDX—were used to determine the initial microstructural composition of the VA samples. Additionally, saturated lime testing and the Frattini test were performed to evaluate their pozzolanic reactivity for use in historical mortars. The microstructural analyses revealed that the dominant mineral phases are aluminosilicates. The reactivity tests confirmed a good pozzolanic response, with the formation of C-A-S-H gels identified as the main hydration products at the studied curing times. Full article

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Sustain. Chem., Volume 6, Issue 3 (September 2025) – 4 articles

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