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1st SUSTENS Meeting: Advances in Sustainable Engineering Systems
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1st SUSTENS Meeting: Advances in Sustainable Engineering Systems

A special issue of Processes (ISSN 2227-9717). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Processes".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 October 2025 | Viewed by 4451

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Gerasimos Lyberatos

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Guest Editor
School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Iroon Polytechneiou 9, Zografou, 15780 Athens, Greece
Interests: biochemical engineering; environmental technologies; waste treatment and valorization
Dr. Leonidas Matsakas

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources, Luleå University of Technology, 971 87 Luleå, Sweden
Interests: biomass pretreatment and fractionation; organosolv; bioenergy; biofuels; biomaterials; heterotrophic growth of algae; production of nutraceutical compounds; lignin valorization; enzymatic processes
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Nikolaos A. Diangelakis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, 73100 Chania, Greece
Interests: process systems engineering; multi-scale process engineering; process optimization; process control
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue features contributions from the 1st SUSTENS Meeting, held online from June 4 to 5, 2025, showcasing high-quality scientific work of lasting significance.

This Special Issue aims to cover a wide range of innovative methods, tools, and paradigms that address current challenges in engineering and sustainability. These include advancements in process design, integration, and optimization; Carbon Capture and Storage/Utilization; circular economy models; the integration of cutting-edge technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence, digital twins, etc.) in chemical engineering; emerging green and innovative technologies; bioprocessing; and biotechnology.

The topics of the Special Issue are aligned with the topics of the 1st SUSTENS Meeting:

  1. Process design, modeling, and integration;
  2. Sustainable energy and circularity;
  3. Machine learning applications in engineering;
  4. Green and innovative chemistries and technologies;
  5. Advances in biotechnology.

Prof. Dr. Gerasimos Lyberatos
Dr. Leonidas Matsakas
Dr. Nikolaos A. Diangelakis
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Processes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • process design
  • sustainability
  • machine learning
  • green technologies
  • biotechnology

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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24 pages, 3124 KiB  
Article
Trends in Polychlorinated Biphenyl Contamination in Bucharest’s Urban Soils: A Two-Decade Perspective (2002–2022)
by Mirela Alina Sandu, Mihaela Preda, Veronica Tanase, Denis Mihailescu, Ana Virsta and Veronica Ivanescu
Processes 2025, 13(5), 1357; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13051357 - 29 Apr 2025
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are synthetic organic compounds that were widely used in industrial applications throughout the 20th century. Due to their chemical stability, resistance to degradation and ability to bioaccumulate and biomagnify through food chains, PCBs pose long-term environmental and health risks. Due [...] Read more.
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are synthetic organic compounds that were widely used in industrial applications throughout the 20th century. Due to their chemical stability, resistance to degradation and ability to bioaccumulate and biomagnify through food chains, PCBs pose long-term environmental and health risks. Due to these characteristics, PCBs have been globally regulated as persistent organic pollutants (POPs), despite being banned from production in most countries decades ago. This study investigates temporal trends in PCB contamination in urban soils of Bucharest over a 20-year period (2002–2022), focusing on six principal congeners (PCB 28, 52, 101, 138, 153, and 180) sampled from 13 locations, including roadsides and urban parks. Gas chromatography and spatial analysis using inverse distance weighting (IDW) revealed a marked reduction in Σ6PCB concentrations, declining from 0.0159 mg/kg in 2002 to 0.0065 mg/kg in 2022, with statistically significant differences confirmed by Kruskal–Wallis analysis (p < 0.05). This decline is primarily attributed to reduced emissions, source control measures, and natural attenuation. However, the persistence of PCBs in localized hotspots is influenced by secondary dispersion mechanisms, such as atmospheric deposition and surface runoff, which redistribute contaminants rather than eliminate them. Health risk assessments via ingestion, dermal absorption, and inhalation routes confirmed negligible carcinogenic risk for both adults and children. Although measurable progress has been achieved, the persistence of localized contamination underscores the need for targeted remediation strategies and sustained environmental monitoring to protect vulnerable urban areas from recontamination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 1st SUSTENS Meeting: Advances in Sustainable Engineering Systems)
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15 pages, 4205 KiB  
Article
Kinetics Study of Hydrogen Production by Aluminum Alloy Corrosion in Aqueous Acid Solutions: Effect of HCl Concentration
by Ana L. Martínez-Salazar, Luciano Aguilera-Vázquez, Pedro M. García-Vite, Nelson Rangel-Valdez, Carlos Vega-Ortíz and Marco A. Coronel-García
Processes 2025, 13(3), 798; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030798 - 9 Mar 2025
Viewed by 808
Abstract
The current high cost of producing green hydrogen, for use as an energy vector, has motivated the search for the development of non-conventional technologies for its production, joining forces on the path towards energy transition. Hydrogen production by aluminum corrosion in aqueous acid [...] Read more.
The current high cost of producing green hydrogen, for use as an energy vector, has motivated the search for the development of non-conventional technologies for its production, joining forces on the path towards energy transition. Hydrogen production by aluminum corrosion in aqueous acid solutions seems to be a promising alternative. In order to evaluate its technical feasibility, a kinetic study was carried out, analyzing the impact of HCl concentration (1.125 to 1.75 M) on the aluminum corrosion capacity under the presence of a saline environment and using a promoter, fitting the proposed models to the data obtained through experimental runs. Although other studies use the shrinking core model to describe the kinetics of this type of reaction, in most cases, it does not fit well with the experimental data and needs to be modified. Finally, by considering the corrosion dynamics (variations in diffusion coefficients and shell thickness) in the kinetic model equations, it was possible to describe its behavior. For low HCl concentrations, a single resistance controls the reaction of the particle throughout; however, for high HCl concentrations, a combination of related equations must be used. The results of this study enable viable continuous reactor designs for a given amount of green hydrogen production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 1st SUSTENS Meeting: Advances in Sustainable Engineering Systems)
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18 pages, 10824 KiB  
Article
Co-Producing Xylo-Oligosaccharides, 5-HMF, Furfural, Organic Acids, and Reducing Sugars from Waste Poplar Debris by Clean Hydrothermal Pretreatment
by Yuheng Yang, Ruibing Cui, Wei Tang, Bo Fan and Yucai He
Processes 2025, 13(3), 665; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030665 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 325
Abstract
The sustainable valorization of lignocellulosic biomass into value-added biobased chemicals has gained more and more attention on a large industrial scale. To efficiently utilize the abundant, inexpensive, and renewable biomass, it is necessary to employ an effective biomass pretreatment technology for breaking down [...] Read more.
The sustainable valorization of lignocellulosic biomass into value-added biobased chemicals has gained more and more attention on a large industrial scale. To efficiently utilize the abundant, inexpensive, and renewable biomass, it is necessary to employ an effective biomass pretreatment technology for breaking down hemicellulose and lignin. Hydrothermal pretreatment is an effective way to change the structure of lignocellulose and improve its enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency. The hydrothermal cleaning of waste poplar debris (PD) was conducted when the severity factor (LogR0) score was 5.49. At 220 °C and a solid–liquid ratio of 1:10 for 90 min, the pretreatment liquor contained 4.90 g/L of xylo-oligosaccharides, 1.23 g/L of furfural, 0.41 g/L of formic acid, 2.42 g/L of acetic acid, and 0.57 g/L of 5-HMF. Additionally, 74.9% xylan and 82.4% lignin were removed. After 72 h of enzymatic saccharification, a high enzymolysis efficiency of PD was obtained. A series of characterizations (such as chemical composition analysis, hydrophobicity, lignin surface area, and cellulase accessibility) indicated that hydrothermal pretreatment destroyed the surface structure of PD, improved cellulose accessibility, decreased lignin surface area and weakened lignin hydrophobicity. In general, hydrothermal pretreatment is a simple, green, and environmentally friendly approach for sustainable pretreatment of PD using water as a solvent. It can efficiently break the surface structure of PD and remove lignin and xylan, acquiring high enzymolysis efficiency and realizing the co-production of 5-HMF, furfural, xylo-oligosaccharides, and organic acids. It provides an innovative idea for the value-added utilization of wood-based and straw-based biomass in a sustainable and cost-effective way, showing high potential in industrial application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 1st SUSTENS Meeting: Advances in Sustainable Engineering Systems)
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16 pages, 2594 KiB  
Article
Study of the Viability of Separating Mixtures of Water–Bioethanol Using a Neoteric Solvent: 1-Decyl-3-methylimidazolium Bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide
by Maria-Pilar Cumplido, Javier de la Torre, Maria-Camila Arango, Josep Pasqual Cerisuelo and Amparo Chafer
Processes 2025, 13(2), 580; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13020580 - 18 Feb 2025
Viewed by 336
Abstract
Following the successful utilization of various 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ionic liquids (ILs) as effective solvents in the extraction of ethanol, 1-propanol, and 2-propanol from water, we conducted experiments to determine the liquid–liquid equilibria data for the ternary mixture comprising water, ethanol, and 1-decyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [...] Read more.
Following the successful utilization of various 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ionic liquids (ILs) as effective solvents in the extraction of ethanol, 1-propanol, and 2-propanol from water, we conducted experiments to determine the liquid–liquid equilibria data for the ternary mixture comprising water, ethanol, and 1-decyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([dmim][Tf2N]) at temperatures of 283.2 K, 303.2 K, and 323.2 K under atmospheric pressure. The thermodynamic parameters for both ternary mixtures were calculated using the non-random two-liquid (NRTL) and universal quasichemical (UNIQUAC) models, yielding favorable results across all investigated conditions (rmsd < 0.65%). Subsequently, we explored the efficiency of [dmim][Tf2N] in separating azeotropic mixtures by analyzing the distribution coefficient and selectivity (K2 and S greater than 1 in all cases, with maximum values of 3.551 and 10.878, respectively). Comparative assessments were made against the performance of various 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ILs and alcohols. The findings underscore the promising capabilities of [dmim][Tf2N] in achieving effective separation, providing valuable insights for potential applications in liquid–liquid extraction processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 1st SUSTENS Meeting: Advances in Sustainable Engineering Systems)
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18 pages, 2229 KiB  
Article
Occurrence, Transport, and Risk Assessment of Brominated Flame Retardants in Northern Wetland Multimedia
by Bo Meng, Xi-Mei Lu, Jing-Wen Jia, Fei Chen, Zhi-Zhong Zhang, Shan-Shan Jia, Ming-Song Wu, Zi-Feng Zhang and Yi-Fan Li
Processes 2025, 13(2), 423; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13020423 - 5 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1030
Abstract
Current studies have paid extensive attention to the occurrence of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in aquatic environments; however, there is a lack of exploration of BFRs in ice media in freshwater environments, and there are fewer studies on the distribution patterns and ecological [...] Read more.
Current studies have paid extensive attention to the occurrence of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in aquatic environments; however, there is a lack of exploration of BFRs in ice media in freshwater environments, and there are fewer studies on the distribution patterns and ecological risks of BFRs in different media. In order to fill this gap in the current research status, this study conducted four seasonal samplings in the Songhua River wetland in Northeast China. The distribution and risk of 14 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and 22 new brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) in water, ice, sediment, and soil were analyzed using liquid–liquid extraction sample pretreatment and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry instrumentation. A total of 18, 5, 8, 19, and 18 BFRs were detected in non-ice-covered water, ice-covered water, ice, sediment, and soil, respectively. NBFRs dominated contaminant concentrations in each medium. Significant correlations were found between BFRs in ice and subglacial water, suggesting that the sources of BFRs in these two media are similar and there is an exchange between them. The ice enrichment factor (IEF) revealed the water–ice distribution mechanism of BFRs, indicating that wetland ice acts as a temporary sink for 2-(Allyloxy)-1,3,5-tribromobenzene (ATE), 1,2-Dibromo-4-(1,2-dibromoethyl)cyclohexane (α-TBECH), 1,2,5,6-Tetrabromocyclooctane (TBCO), and 2-Bromoallyl 2,4,6-tribromophenyl ether (BATE). In order to achieve dynamic equilibrium, the exchange profile of BFRs between water and sediment requires the release of BFRs into water. The risk quotient (RQ) indicated that TBCO in water and ice poses a moderate risk to aquatic organisms, and its potential impact on wetland ecology cannot be ignored. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 1st SUSTENS Meeting: Advances in Sustainable Engineering Systems)
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Review

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21 pages, 1500 KiB  
Review
Machine Learning for the Optimization and Performance Prediction of Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells: A Review
by Mahmoud Makki Abadi and Mohammad Mehdi Rashidi
Processes 2025, 13(3), 875; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030875 - 16 Mar 2025
Viewed by 820
Abstract
Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) represent a promising technology because they have the potential to achieve greater efficiency than existing electrolysis methods, making them a strong candidate for sustainable hydrogen production. SOECs utilize a solid oxide electrolyte, which facilitates the migration of oxygen [...] Read more.
Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) represent a promising technology because they have the potential to achieve greater efficiency than existing electrolysis methods, making them a strong candidate for sustainable hydrogen production. SOECs utilize a solid oxide electrolyte, which facilitates the migration of oxygen ions while maintaining gas impermeability at temperatures between 600 °C and 900 °C. This review provides an overview of the recent advancements in research and development at the intersection of machine learning and SOECs technology. It emphasizes how data-driven methods can improve performance prediction, facilitate material discovery, and enhance operational efficiency, with a particular focus on materials for cathode-supported cells. This paper also addresses the challenges associated with implementing machine learning for SOECs, such as data scarcity and the need for robust validation techniques. This paper aims to address challenges related to material degradation and the intricate electrochemical behaviors observed in SOECs. It provides a description of the reactions that may be involved in the degradation mechanisms, taking into account thermodynamic and kinetic factors. This information is utilized to construct a fault tree, which helps categorize various faults and enhances understanding of the relationship between their causes and symptoms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 1st SUSTENS Meeting: Advances in Sustainable Engineering Systems)
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21 pages, 1939 KiB  
Review
Innovative Thermal Stabilization Methods for Expansive Soils: Mechanisms, Applications, and Sustainable Solutions
by Abdullah H. Alsabhan and Wagdi Hamid
Processes 2025, 13(3), 775; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030775 - 7 Mar 2025
Viewed by 613
Abstract
The thermal stabilization of expansive soils has emerged as a promising and sustainable alternative to conventional chemical stabilization methods, addressing the long-standing challenges associated with soil swelling and shrinkage. This review critically evaluates the mechanisms, applications, and advancements in thermal stabilization techniques, with [...] Read more.
The thermal stabilization of expansive soils has emerged as a promising and sustainable alternative to conventional chemical stabilization methods, addressing the long-standing challenges associated with soil swelling and shrinkage. This review critically evaluates the mechanisms, applications, and advancements in thermal stabilization techniques, with a particular focus on both traditional approaches (e.g., kiln heating) and emerging innovations such as microwave heating. This study synthesizes recent research findings to assess how thermal treatment modifies the mineralogical, physical, and mechanical properties of expansive soils, reducing their plasticity and improving their strength characteristics. Comparative analysis highlights the advantages, limitations, and sustainability implications of different thermal methods, considering factors such as energy efficiency, scalability, and environmental impact. While thermal stabilization offers a viable alternative to chemical treatments, key challenges remain regarding cost, field implementation, and long-term performance validation. The integration of thermal treatment with complementary techniques, such as lime stabilization, is explored as a means to enhance soil stability while minimizing environmental impact. By addressing critical research gaps and providing a comprehensive perspective on the future potential of thermal stabilization, this review contributes valuable insights for researchers and engineers seeking innovative and sustainable solutions for managing expansive soils. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 1st SUSTENS Meeting: Advances in Sustainable Engineering Systems)
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