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Advanced Materials and Technologies for Environmental Sustainability
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Advanced Materials and Technologies for Environmental Sustainability

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2026 | Viewed by 14885

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Andrzej Biessikirski

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Civil Engineering and Resource Management, AGH University of Krakow, Mickiewicza 30 Av., 30-059 Kraków, Poland
Interests: explosives; ANFO; ammonium nitrate(V); fragmentation; blast-induced vibration; fumes; critical raw materials; mineral extraction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Łukasz Kuterasiński

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Jerzy Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 30-239 Krakow, Poland
Interests: chemistry; zeolite; catalysis; XRD; IR; porosity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to invite you to contribute to this upcoming Special Issue entitled Advanced Materials and Technologies for Environmental Sustainability. This Special Issue aims to address the challenges posed by the increase in consumption, the transformation of the energy sector, and the increasing demand for high-tech solutions, particularly those involving raw materials. The extraction, processing, and manufacturing of such materials often result in environmental impacts, underscoring the urgent need for innovative approaches that align with the principles of sustainability.

The interdisciplinary nature of this Special Issue reflects the multifaceted research required to achieve sustainable development. We seek contributions that explore advancements in novel materials and cutting-edge technologies, process optimization, safety, and the development of policies related to critical raw materials. These contributions should span various industries, such as mining, construction, energy, chemical, and transportation, to ensure a holistic approach to sustainability.

The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

  • Energetic Transformation and Renewable Energy Technologies:

Smart grids, energy management systems, and the application of advanced materials to optimize energy use and reduce emissions.

  • Carbon Management:

Technologies for carbon dioxide capture, storage, and utilization.

  • Process Optimization:

Innovations in reducing energy, water, and material demands, and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.

  • Sustainable Transportation Systems:

Electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and their integration into energy-efficient mobility solutions.

  • Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency:

Practices for lifecycle analysis, resource recovery, and waste reduction to support sustainable supply chains.

  • Water Purification and Environmental Remediation:

Advanced technologies for water treatment and pollution control.

  • Sustainable Biomaterials and Agricultural Practices:

The development and application of eco-friendly materials and methods to improve soil health, conserve water, and reduce chemical usage.

We encourage submissions from researchers, industry experts, and policymakers that contribute novel insights or practical applications in these areas. We also welcome the submission of articles that include lifecycle analysis, techno-economic assessments, and case studies of successful implementations.

Prof. Dr. Andrzej Biessikirski
Dr. Łukasz Kuterasiński
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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

  • sustainable development
  • renewable energy technologies
  • renewable energy technologies
  • process optimization
  • resource efficiency
  • sustainable transportation systems
  • water purification technologies
  • pollution control
  • environmental remediation
  • sustainable agriculture
  • industrial ecology

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

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 1928 KB  
Article
Using Differentiated Waste Fees to Encourage the Sustainable Recycling of Organic Waste
by Henning Friege and Maike Hentschel
Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010052 - 19 Dec 2025
Viewed by 107
Abstract
The valorisation of household and commercial bio-waste into soil improvers helps to reduce disposable waste, mitigate climate change, and improve soil resilience. While the separate collection of bio-waste is mandatory in the European Union, this remains a challenging task, particularly for large cities, [...] Read more.
The valorisation of household and commercial bio-waste into soil improvers helps to reduce disposable waste, mitigate climate change, and improve soil resilience. While the separate collection of bio-waste is mandatory in the European Union, this remains a challenging task, particularly for large cities, due to quality problems in densely populated areas. In addition to various informational and motivational tools for households, financial incentives are becoming increasingly important. However, there is a lack of robust evidence regarding the optimal use of these incentives and their impact on the quantity and quality of collected bio-waste. We investigated the impact of different charging systems on the quantity and quality of bio-waste, basing our research on the experiences of more than twenty European cities and using a detailed questionnaire completed by the relevant administrators. The results confirm that cities, which provide financial incentives for waste sorting, yield a higher quantity of separated bio-waste. As introducing tiered fees can lead to quality issues, monitoring bio-waste and taking action against polluters seems to be unavoidable. Since the identification of polluters is very difficult in the case of multi-family homes, the results are discussed with a special focus on densely populated cities. Pilot projects for alternative options for the valorisation of organic waste, particularly in districts with high-rise buildings, should be evaluated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials and Technologies for Environmental Sustainability)
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18 pages, 4153 KB  
Article
Multi-Objective Optimization of Fatigue Performance in FDM-Printed PLA Biopolymer Using Grey Relational Method
by Ivan Peko, Nikša Čatipović, Karla Antunović and Petar Ljumović
Sustainability 2025, 17(24), 10902; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172410902 - 5 Dec 2025
Viewed by 252
Abstract
This study focuses on improving the fatigue strength and overall performance of sustainable biopolymer polylactic acid (PLA) components manufactured via Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) additive manufacturing process. PLA, as a biodegradable and renewable polymer derived from natural resources, represents a promising alternative to [...] Read more.
This study focuses on improving the fatigue strength and overall performance of sustainable biopolymer polylactic acid (PLA) components manufactured via Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) additive manufacturing process. PLA, as a biodegradable and renewable polymer derived from natural resources, represents a promising alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics in engineering and research applications. The influence of key FDM process parameters—layer height, infill density, and number of perimeters—on critical performance indicators such as filament consumption, printing time, and fatigue strength (number of cycles to failure) was systematically analyzed using the Taguchi L9 orthogonal array. Subsequently, Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) was applied as a multi-objective optimization technique to identify the parameter settings that achieve an optimal balance between mechanical durability and resource efficiency. The obtained results demonstrate that a proper combination of process parameters can significantly enhance the mechanical reliability and sustainability profile of FDM-printed PLA parts, contributing to the broader adoption of eco-friendly materials in additive manufacturing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials and Technologies for Environmental Sustainability)
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19 pages, 5398 KB  
Article
Activated Carbon from Selected Wood-Based Waste Materials
by Małgorzata Kajda-Szcześniak, Anna Mainka, Waldemar Ścierski, Mirosława Pawlyta, Dariusz Łukowiec, Krzysztof Matus, Kalina Turyła, Daniel Lot, Weronika Barańska and Anna Jabłońska
Sustainability 2025, 17(7), 2995; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17072995 - 27 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1238
Abstract
Extended producer responsibility (EPR) and the circular economy can address the growing challenge of managing wood-based waste in the context of sustainability. This research explores pyrolysis as an effective method for converting wood-based waste, i.e., bamboo flooring (BF) and high-density fiberboard floor panels [...] Read more.
Extended producer responsibility (EPR) and the circular economy can address the growing challenge of managing wood-based waste in the context of sustainability. This research explores pyrolysis as an effective method for converting wood-based waste, i.e., bamboo flooring (BF) and high-density fiberboard floor panels (HDF), into valuable products, particularly char. Char samples were activated through two distinct methods: (1) thermal activation at 700 and 850 °C and (2) chemical activation with KOH. Analytical techniques, including elemental and heavy metals analysis, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, and TEM were used to assess the chemical composition and surface characteristics of the produced chars. Elemental analysis showed a notable rise in the amount of carbon to 81% and 75% in BF and HDF, respectively. The nitrogen content was relatively high in HDF at 5.12%. Heavy metals analysis revealed total metal contents ranging from 3632 to 9494 ppm in BF chars and 1717 to 7426 ppm in HDF chars. Raman spectra exhibited characteristic D and G bands, with ID/IG ratios of 0.83 for BF and 0.85 for HDF after activation. SEM and TEM analyses revealed heterogeneous porous structures with dominant carbon elements. The high carbon content, low toxicity, and advantageous elemental composition of the chars make them suitable for environmental applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials and Technologies for Environmental Sustainability)
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12 pages, 1232 KB  
Article
Impact of the Type of Energetic Material on the Fume Emission in Open-Pit Mining
by Andrzej Biessikirski, Michał Dworzak, Mateusz Pytlik and Sonia Nachlik
Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 2075; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17052075 - 27 Feb 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1601
Abstract
This study examines the fume emissions from various energetic materials utilized in open-pit mining, emphasizing the influence of chemical composition on their environmental impact. The analysis of fume emissions based on data from an open-pit mine reveals that the annual consumption of approximately [...] Read more.
This study examines the fume emissions from various energetic materials utilized in open-pit mining, emphasizing the influence of chemical composition on their environmental impact. The analysis of fume emissions based on data from an open-pit mine reveals that the annual consumption of approximately 89.7 tons of ANFO, 121.4 tons of emulsion, or 137.8 tons of dynamite can result in total COx and NOx emissions ranging between 16,432.88 and 21,834.07 m3. The use of TNT boosters in ANFO and emulsion energetic material further amplified emissions; however, substituting TNT with dynamite for priming achieved a notable reduction in overall fumes by approximately 9–9.5%, depending on the energetic material used. The scale effect of energetic material mass highlighted the importance of optimized formulations for large-scale blasting. A three-year predictive model indicated fluctuations in energetic material demand, with reductions anticipated as deposits deplete. The result of this study offers pathways for reducing emissions and process optimization, particularly in large-scale mining operations, where the blasting technique is the major extraction method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials and Technologies for Environmental Sustainability)
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24 pages, 2724 KB  
Article
Indium Phosphide Semiconductor Technology for Next-Generation Communication Systems: Sustainability and Material Considerations
by Léa Roulleau, Laura Vauche, Didier Marsan, Hervé Boutry, Léo Colas, Jean-Baptiste Doré, Alexis Divay and Léa Di Cioccio
Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 1339; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17031339 - 6 Feb 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2925
Abstract
Indium phosphide (InP) semiconductor technology is being explored for radiofrequency (RF) applications, targeting frequencies exceeding 100 GHz, to support the next generation of 6G communication systems. When taking into account sustainability in designing this future generation, growing concerns are emerging regarding the environmental [...] Read more.
Indium phosphide (InP) semiconductor technology is being explored for radiofrequency (RF) applications, targeting frequencies exceeding 100 GHz, to support the next generation of 6G communication systems. When taking into account sustainability in designing this future generation, growing concerns are emerging regarding the environmental impact of communication networks and the reliance on raw materials for the production of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). The extraction, processing, and manufacturing of such materials and semiconductor technologies result in environmental impacts, but these impacts remain insufficiently documented. Firstly, this study evaluates the environmental impacts of manufacturing indium phosphide (InP) wafers based on industrial data and those of InP-based heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) based on early-stage research data. Secondly, this study attempts to highlight the challenges posed by the increasing demand for high-tech solutions, involving raw materials, by evaluating the potential demand for indium for RF 6G applications, with a deployment scenario. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials and Technologies for Environmental Sustainability)
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17 pages, 2023 KB  
Article
Valorization of Energetic Materials from Obsolete Military Ammunition Through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): A Circular Economy Approach to Environmental Impact Reduction
by Andrzej Maranda, Leszek Wachowski, Bożena Kukfisz, Dorota Markowska and Józef Paszula
Sustainability 2025, 17(1), 346; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17010346 - 5 Jan 2025
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2672
Abstract
Military ammunition and derivative materials that have reached the end of their service life are classified as hazardous waste due to the presence of explosives, necessitating proper decommissioning. Valorization of such materials through the reuse of energetic components offers a sustainable alternative, aligning [...] Read more.
Military ammunition and derivative materials that have reached the end of their service life are classified as hazardous waste due to the presence of explosives, necessitating proper decommissioning. Valorization of such materials through the reuse of energetic components offers a sustainable alternative, aligning with circular economy principles. This study aims to assess the environmental impact of civilian emulsion explosives (EEs) formulated with nitrocellulose powder derived from recycled ammunition, comparing these findings to traditional EEs and EEs containing standard nitrocellulose powder. The Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) was performed using the CML Baseline v3.07 methodology combined with the Ecoinvent 3.8 database, utilizing inventory data obtained from Polish sources. The results indicate that incorporating nitrocellulose powder into conventional EEs increases the overall environmental impact by 4.5%, while utilizing recycled nitrocellulose powder reduces the impact by 4.99%. This highlights the environmental benefits of recycling energetic materials for use in civilian applications, as it not only reduces hazardous waste and reliance on virgin materials but also supports the principles of the circular economy. By closing the loop on material use, this approach promotes environmental sustainability and resource efficiency, aligning with broader goals of sustainable development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials and Technologies for Environmental Sustainability)
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Review

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44 pages, 2549 KB  
Review
Natural Clay in Geopolymer Concrete: A Sustainable Alternative Pozzolanic Material for Future Green Construction—A Comprehensive Review
by Md Toriqule Islam, Bidur Kafle and Riyadh Al-Ameri
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10180; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210180 - 13 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1893
Abstract
The ordinary Portland cement (OPC) manufacturing process is highly resource-intensive and contributes to over 5% of global CO2 emissions, thereby contributing to global warming. In this context, researchers are increasingly adopting geopolymers concrete due to their environmentally friendly production process. For decades, [...] Read more.
The ordinary Portland cement (OPC) manufacturing process is highly resource-intensive and contributes to over 5% of global CO2 emissions, thereby contributing to global warming. In this context, researchers are increasingly adopting geopolymers concrete due to their environmentally friendly production process. For decades, industrial byproducts such as fly ash, ground-granulated blast-furnace slag, and silica fume have been used as the primary binders for geopolymer concrete (GPC). However, due to uneven distribution and the decline of coal-fired power stations to meet carbon-neutrality targets, these binders may not be able to meet future demand. The UK intends to shut down coal power stations by 2025, while the EU projects an 83% drop in coal-generated electricity by 2030, resulting in a significant decrease in fly ash supply. Like fly ash, slag, and silica fume, natural clays are also abundant sources of silica, alumina, and other essential chemicals for geopolymer binders. Hence, natural clays possess good potential to replace these industrial byproducts. Recent research indicates that locally available clay has strong potential as a pozzolanic material when treated appropriately. This review article represents a comprehensive overview of the various treatment methods for different types of clays, their impacts on the fresh and hardened properties of geopolymer concrete by analysing the experimental datasets, including 1:1 clays, such as Kaolin and Halloysite, and 2:1 clays, such as Illite, Bentonite, Palygorskite, and Sepiolite. Furthermore, this review article summarises the most recent geopolymer-based prediction models for strength properties and their accuracy in overcoming the expense and time required for laboratory-based tests. This review article shows that the inclusion of clay reduces concrete workability because it increases water demand. However, workability can be maintained by incorporating a superplasticiser. Calcination and mechanical grinding of clay significantly enhance its pozzolanic reactivity, thereby improving its mechanical performance. Current research indicates that replacing 20% of calcined Kaolin with fly ash increases compressive strength by up to 18%. Additionally, up to 20% replacement of calcined or mechanically activated clay improved the durability and microstructural performance. The prediction-based models, such as Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Multi Expression Programming (MEP), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB), and Bagging Regressor (BR), showed good accuracy in predicting the compressive strength, tensile strength and elastic modulus. The incorporation of clay in geopolymer concrete reduces reliance on industrial byproducts and fosters more sustainable production practices, thereby contributing to the development of a more sustainable built environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials and Technologies for Environmental Sustainability)
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49 pages, 6371 KB  
Review
The Role of Sustainable Lithium Processing in Renewable Energy Development: A Comprehensive Review and the Potential of Kazakhstan Deposits
by Daulet Sagzhanov, Labone L. Godirilwe, Batnasan Altansukh, Yasushi Takasaki and Atsushi Shibayama
Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 5903; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17135903 - 26 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2885
Abstract
Lithium, a critical element for clean energy and modern technologies, plays an indispensable role in advancing renewable energy storage, electric vehicles, and high-tech industries. The rapidly growing demand for lithium, along with its limited global production, has led to concerns about the sustainability [...] Read more.
Lithium, a critical element for clean energy and modern technologies, plays an indispensable role in advancing renewable energy storage, electric vehicles, and high-tech industries. The rapidly growing demand for lithium, along with its limited global production, has led to concerns about the sustainability of current extraction and processing technologies for efficient lithium recovery. This comprehensive review explores global trends in lithium processing, focusing on spodumene beneficiation and extraction techniques. While highlighting well-established conventional processes, such as dense media separation (DMS), flotation, high-temperature roasting, and acid or alkali treatment, it underscores the environmental and economic challenges of these processes, particularly when applied to low-grade lithium ores, which are increasingly being targeted to meet lithium demand. Innovative methods, such as microwave irradiation, are also explored for their potential to improve process efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and minimize environmental impact, offering promising pathways to overcome the limitations of traditional lithium recovery techniques. A significant contribution of this review is its focus on the largely untapped lithium resources of Kazakhstan, presenting geological insights and the potential for sustainable development. By addressing knowledge gaps and integrating technological, eco-friendly, and regional development perspectives, this study provides valuable insights for advancing lithium processing toward more sustainable and circular practices aligned with global climate and resource efficiency goals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials and Technologies for Environmental Sustainability)
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