Search Results (461)

Electrocoagulation (EC) processes have emerged as an efficient solution for different inorganic and organic effluents. The main characteristics of this versatile process are its ease of operation and low sludge production. The literature indicates that EC can be successfully used as a single process or a step within a combined treatment system. If used in a combined system, this process could be employed as a pre-, a post-, or middle treatment step. Additionally, the EC process has been used in both continuous and batch modes. In most studies, EC has achieved significant improvements in the treated water quality and relatively low total energy consumption. This review presents a comprehensive evaluation and analysis of standalone and combined continuous EC processes. The influence of key operational parameters on continuous EC performance is thoroughly discussed. Furthermore, recent advancements in reactor design, modeling, and process optimization are addressed. The benefits of integrating other treatment processes with the EC process, such as advanced oxidation, membranes, chemical coagulation, and adsorption, are also evaluated. The performance of most standalone and combined EC processes used for organic pollutant treatment and published in the last 25 years is critically analyzed. This review is expected to give researchers many insights to improve their treatment scenario with recent and efficient environmental experiences, sustainability, and circular economy. The clearly presented information is expected to guide researchers in selecting efficient, cost-effective, and time-saving treatment alternatives. The findings ensure the considerable potential of continuous EC treatment processes for organic pollutants. However, more research is warranted to enhance process design, operational efficiency, scale-up, and economic viability. Full article

The main advantage of using biomass for energy generation is the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. For a fast reduction effect, it is important to use biomass characterised by an annual growth cycle. These may be fallen leaves. The fuel properties of the leaves can change during the growth period. These changes can result from both the natural growth process and environmental factors—particulate matter adsorption. The main objective was to determine changes in the characteristics of leaves and needles during the growth period (from May to October). Furthermore, to determine the effect of adsorbed particulate matter, the washing process was carried out. Studies were carried out for three tree species: Norway maple, horse chestnut and European larch. Proximate and ultimate analysis was performed and mercury content was determined. During the growth period, beneficial changes were observed: an increase in carbon content and a decrease in hydrogen and sulphur content. The unfavourable change was a significant increase in ash content, which caused a decrease in calorific value. The increase in ash content was caused by adsorbed particulate matter. They were mostly absorbed by the tissues of the needle and leaves and could not be removed by washing the surface. Full article

Marine–continental transitional shale is a promising unconventional gas reservoir, playing an increasingly important role in China’s energy portfolio. However, compared to marine shale, research on marine–continental transitional shale’s fractal characteristics of pore structure and complete pore size distribution remains limited. In this work, high-pressure mercury intrusion, N₂ adsorption, and CO₂ adsorption techniques, combined with fractal geometry modeling, were employed to characterize the pore structure of the Shanxi Formation marine–continental transitional shale. The shale exhibits generally high TOC content and abundant clay minerals, indicating strong hydrocarbon-generation potential. The pore size distribution is multi-modal: micropores and mesopores dominate, contributing the majority of the specific surface area and pore volume, whereas macropores display a single-peak distribution. Fractal analysis reveals that micropores have high fractal dimensions and structural regularity, mesopores exhibit dual-fractal characteristics, and macropores show large variations in fractal dimension. Characteristics of pore structure is primarily controlled by TOC content and mineral composition. These findings provide a quantitative basis for evaluating shale reservoir quality, understanding gas storage mechanisms, and optimizing strategies for sustainable of oil and gas development in marine–continental transitional shales. Full article

Reducing the application of chemical fertilizers and remediating heavy metal pollution in soil are important directions in current agricultural research. Utilizing the plant-growth-promoting and remediation capabilities of bacteria can provide more environmentally friendly assistance to agricultural production. In this study, the Burkholderia alba YIM B08401 strain was isolated and identified from rhizospheric soil, subjected to whole-genome sequencing and analysis, and its Cd²⁺ adsorption efficiency and characteristics were confirmed using multiple experimental methods, including atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The results showed that the genome of strain YIM B08401 has a total length of 7,322,157 bp, a GC content of 66.39%, and predicts 6504 protein-coding sequences. It contains abundant functional genes related to nutrient conversion (phosphate solubilization, sulfur metabolism, zinc solubilization, siderophore production), plant hormone regulation (indole-3-acetic acid secretion, ACC deaminase production), phenolic acid degradation, root colonization, heavy metal tolerance, pathogen antagonism, and the production of antagonistic secondary metabolites. Additionally, strain YIM B08401 can specifically bind to Cd²⁺ through various functional groups on the cell surface, such as C-O-C, P=O, and O-H, enabling biosorption. In conclusion, strain YIM B08401 is an excellent strain with plant-growth-promoting, disease-resistant, and bioremediation capabilities, warranting further development as a biofertilizer for agricultural applications to promote green and sustainable agricultural development. Full article

In this study, we introduce a novel interdisciplinary framework that applies concepts from statistical physics, specifically lattice-gas models, to the classical order lot-sizing problem in supply chain management. Traditional methods often rely on heuristic or deterministic approaches, which may fail to capture the inherently probabilistic and dynamic nature of decision-making across multiple periods. Drawing on structural parallels between inventory decisions and adsorption phenomena in physical systems, we constructed a mapping that represented order placements as particles on a lattice, governed by an energy function analogous to thermodynamic potentials. This formulation allowed us to employ analytical tools from statistical mechanics to identify optimal ordering strategies via the minimization of a free energy functional. Our approach not only sheds new light on the structural characteristics of optimal planning but also introduces the concept of configurational entropy as a measure of decision variability and robustness. Numerical simulations and analytical approximations demonstrate the efficacy of the lattice gas model in capturing key features of the problem and suggest promising avenues for extending the framework to more complex settings, including multi-item systems and time-varying demand. This work represents a significant step toward bridging physical sciences with supply chain optimization, offering a robust theoretical foundation for both future research and practical applications. Full article

Direct Air Capture (DAC) is emerging as a critical climate change mitigation strategy, offering a pathway to actively remove atmospheric CO₂. This comprehensive review synthesizes advancements in DAC technologies, with a particular emphasis on the pivotal role of nanostructured solid sorbent materials. The work critically evaluates the characteristics, performance, and limitations of key nanomaterial classes, including metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), zeolites, amine-functionalized polymers, porous carbons, and layered double hydroxides (LDHs), alongside solid-supported ionic liquids, highlighting their varied CO₂ uptake capacities, regeneration energy requirements, and crucial water sensitivities. Beyond traditional temperature/pressure swing adsorption, the review delves into innovative DAC methodologies such as Moisture Swing Adsorption (MSA), Electro Swing Adsorption (ESA), Passive DAC, and CO₂-Binding Organic Liquids (CO₂ BOLs), detailing their unique mechanisms and potential for reduced energy footprints. Despite significant progress, the widespread deployment of DAC faces formidable challenges, notably high capital and operational costs (currently USD 300–USD 1000/tCO₂), substantial energy demands (1500–2400 kWh/tCO₂), water interference, scalability hurdles, and sorbent degradation. Furthermore, this review comprehensively examines the burgeoning global DAC market, its diverse applications, and the critical socio-economic barriers to adoption, particularly in developing countries. A comparative analysis of DAC within the broader carbon removal landscape (e.g., CCS, BECCS, afforestation) is also provided, alongside an address to the essential, often overlooked, environmental considerations for the sustainable production, regeneration, and disposal of spent nanomaterials, including insights from Life Cycle Assessments. The nuanced techno-economic landscape has been thoroughly summarized, highlighting that commercial viability is a multi-faceted challenge involving material performance, synthesis cost, regeneration energy, scalability, and long-term stability. It has been reiterated that no single ‘best’ material exists, but rather a portfolio of technologies will be necessary, with the ultimate success dependent on system-level integration and the availability of low-carbon energy. The review paper contributes to a holistic understanding of cutting-edge DAC technologies, bridging material science innovations with real-world implementation challenges and opportunities, thereby identifying critical knowledge gaps and pathways toward a net-zero carbon future. Full article

This study presents the synthesis, characterization, and application of magnetic magnetite–zirconium dioxide (Fe₃O₄–ZrO₂) nanoparticles as an efficient nanoadsorbent for fluoride removal from water. The nanoparticles were synthesized using a wet chemical co-precipitation method with Fe/Zr molar ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 1:4, and characterized using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of Fe₃O₄ and ZrO₂ functional groups, while XRD showed that increased Zr content led to a dominant amorphous phase. SEM and EDS analyses revealed quasi-spherical and elongated morphologies with uniform elemental distribution, maintaining the designed Fe/Zr ratios. Preliminary adsorption tests identified the Fe/Zr = 1:1 (M1) nanoadsorbent as the most effective due to its high surface homogeneity and optimal fluoride-binding characteristics. Adsorption experiments demonstrated that the material achieved a maximum fluoride adsorption capacity of 70.4 mg/g at pH 3, with the adsorption process best fitting the Temkin isotherm model (R² = 0.987), suggesting strong adsorbate–adsorbent interactions. pH-dependent studies confirmed that adsorption efficiency decreased at higher pH values due to electrostatic repulsion and competition with hydroxyl ions. Competitive ion experiments revealed that common anions such as nitrate, chloride, and sulfate had negligible effects on fluoride adsorption, whereas bicarbonate, carbonate, and phosphate reduced removal efficiency due to their strong interactions with active adsorption sites. The Fe₃O₄–ZrO₂ nanoadsorbent exhibited excellent magnetic properties, facilitating rapid and efficient separation using an external magnetic field, making it a promising candidate for practical water treatment applications. Full article

Contact electrification (CE), or triboelectrification, is an electron transfer phenomenon occurring at the interface between dissimilar materials due to differences in polarity, holding significant research value in tribology. The microscopic mechanisms of CE remain unclear due to the complex coupling of multiple physical processes. Recently, with the rise of triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) technology, solid–liquid contact electrification has demonstrated vast application potential, sparking considerable interest in its underlying mechanisms. Emerging experimental evidence indicates that at water–polymer CE interfaces, the process involves not only traditional ion adsorption but also electron transfer. Halogen-containing functional groups in the solid material significantly enhance the CE effect. To elucidate the microscopic mechanism of water–polymer CE, this study employed first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations, simulating the interfacial electrification process using unit cell models of water contacting polymers. We systematically and quantitatively investigated the charge transfer characteristics at interfaces between water and three representative polymers with similar backbones but different halogen-functionalized (F, Cl) side chains: fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), focusing on evaluating halogen’s influence and mechanism on interfacial electron transfer. The results reveal that electron transfer is primarily governed by the energy levels of the polymer’s lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) and highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO). Halogen functional groups modulate the material’s electron-donating/accepting capabilities by altering these frontier orbital energy levels. Consequently, we propose that the critical strategy for polymer chemical modification resides in lowering the LUMO energy level of electron-accepting materials. This study provides a novel theoretical insight into the charge transfer mechanism at solid–liquid interfaces, offers guidance for designing high-performance TENG interfacial materials, and holds significant importance for both the fundamental theory and the development of advanced energy devices. Full article

The aim of this work was to obtain biochar materials from plant biomass and to determine the changes occurring under the conditions of the pyrolysis process and physical activation, as well as to characterize the physicochemical characteristics of the produced products in terms of their practical use. The pyrolysis process was carried out at a temperature of 700 °C, under the flow of a protective gas, i.e., carbon dioxide, at a rate of 5.0 L/min. The pyrolysis processes were carried out in the absence and presence of an activating agent. For ecological safety, physical activation using water vapor was chosen. In the next stage of the work, biochars were produced and subjected to detailed physicochemical analysis. A scanning electron microscope with energy-dispersive SEM/EDS was used to determine the microstructure and changes in the chemical composition of the biochars. FTIR spectrophotometry was used to identify the functional groups present in the structures of biochars and to indicate changes occurring in the biomass during pyrolysis. Meanwhile, Raman spectroscopy was used to assess the ordering of the biochar structures based on the identification of spectral signals. The description of the specific surface areas of the biochars was made possible by studies conducted using a physical and chemical adsorption analyzer. Based on the obtained research results, the elementary structure, surface development, presence of functional groups on the surfaces of biochars and changes in the structure before and after activation with water vapor were determined. It was found that the biochars had functional groups, a well-developed specific surface area that increased after activation with water vapor, micropores and mesopores, as well as changes in structure under the influence of physical activation. It has been shown that the presence of functional groups influences the hydrogen sulfide sorption capacity. Full article

Penta-graphene, a novel two-dimensional carbon allotrope entirely composed of pentagonal carbon rings, has attracted increasing attention due to its unique geometric structure, mechanical robustness, and intrinsic semiconducting nature. In this study, we systematically investigate the adsorption behavior of three typical dissolved gases in transformer oil (CO, C₂H₂, and C₂H₄) on penta-graphene using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory. The optimized adsorption configuration, adsorption energy, charge transfer, adsorption distance, band structure, density of states, charge density difference, and desorption time are analyzed to evaluate the sensing capability of penta-graphene. Results reveal that penta-graphene exhibits moderate chemical interactions with CO and C₂H₂, accompanied by noticeable charge transfer and band structure changes, whereas C₂H₄ shows weaker physisorption characteristics. The projected density of states analysis further confirms the orbital hybridization between gas molecules and the substrate. Additionally, the desorption time calculations suggest that penta-graphene possesses good sensing and recovery potential, especially under elevated temperatures. These findings indicate that penta-graphene is a promising candidate for use in gas sensing applications related to the monitoring of dissolved gases in transformer oils. Full article

In this study, density functional theory (DFT) was used to analyze the processes that govern the interactions among triethylaluminum (TEAL), the Ziegler–Natta (ZN) catalyst, and the inhibitory compounds dimethylamine (DMA) and diethylamine (DEA) during olefin polymerization. The structural and charge characteristics of these inhibitors were examined through steric maps and DFT calculations. Combined DFT calculations (D3-B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p)) and IR spectroscopic analysis show that the most efficient way to deactivate the ZN catalyst is via the initial formation of the TEAL·DMA complex. This step has a kinetic barrier of only 27 kcal mol⁻¹ and a negative ΔG, in stark contrast to the >120 kcal mol⁻¹ required to form TEAL·DEA. Once generated, TEAL·DMA adsorbs onto the TiCl₄/MgCl₂ cluster with adsorption energies of −22.9 kcal mol⁻¹ in the gas phase and −25.4 kcal mol⁻¹ in n-hexane (SMD model), values 5–10 kcal mol⁻¹ more favorable than those for TEAL·DEA. This explains why, although dimethylamine is present at only 140 ppm, its impact on productivity (−19.6%) is practically identical to that produced by 170 ppm of diethylamine (−20%). The persistence of the ν(Al–N) band at ~615 cm⁻¹, along with a >30% decrease in the Al–C/Ti–C bands between 500 and 900 cm⁻¹, the downward shift of the N–H stretch from ~3300 to 3200 cm⁻¹, and the +15 cm⁻¹ increase in ν(C–N) confirm Al←N coordination and blockage of alkyl transfer, establishing the TEAL·DMA → ZN pathway as the dominant catalytic poisoning mechanism. Full article

Low-surface-energy and wettability-based antifouling coatings have garnered increasing attention in marine applications owing to their environmentally friendly characteristics. However, their limited functionality often results in suboptimal long-term antifouling performance, particularly under dynamic marine conditions. To address these limitations, a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based slippery (PSL) coating was fabricated on TC4 titanium alloy by integrating surface silanization via (3-Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES), antimicrobial Ag-TiO₂ nanoparticles, laser-induced hierarchical microtextures, and silicone oil infusion. The resulting PSL coating exhibited excellent oil retention and stable interfacial slipperiness even after thermal aging. Compared with bare TC4, low-surface-energy Ag-containing coatings, Ag-containing superhydrophobic coatings, and conventional slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS), the PSL coating demonstrated markedly superior resistance to protein adsorption, bacterial attachment, and diatom settlement, indicating an enhanced synergistic antifouling effect. Furthermore, it significantly reduced the diatom concentration in the surrounding medium without complete eradication, underscoring its eco-friendly and non-disruptive antifouling mechanism. This study offers a scalable, durable, and environmentally benign antifouling strategy for marine surface protection. Full article

Coal and gas outburst remains a critical and persistent challenge in coal extraction, posing a profound threat for mine safety. The underlying mechanisms of such disaster, particularly the gas-driven coal fragmentation, continue to elude comprehensive understanding. To explore this problem, in this paper, gas seepage regularity in different structural bituminous coal and its influence on outburst-coal breaking were investigated through strength tests, isothermal adsorption tests, and gas seepage tests of stressed coal under various conditions. The results indicated that coal permeability decreased as axial stress, confining pressure, and gas kinetic diameter increased. That meant outburst-induced abrupt stress unloading and coal matrix destabilization changed gas seepage characteristics. As a result, a self-reinforcing cycle effect where outburst-coal breaking and gas seepage are mutually stimulated was formed in a short time period when outbursts initiated, which further promoted outburst-coal breaking and outburst initiation. The findings of this study enhance our understanding of the mechanism of gas participating in coal fragmentation during outbursts, which are significantly conducive to gas disaster prevention, sustainable coal production, and efficient CBM development, further ensuring global energy security. Full article

Methane (CH₄) has attracted much attention regarding its use in electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO₂RR) due to its high mass-energy density; however, the uneven adsorption of intermediates on copper sites by conventional Cu-based catalysts limits the selective production of CH₄. The introduction of a second metal can effectively regulate the adsorption energy of intermediates on the Cu site. In this paper, a method of alloying Cu with oxyphilic metals (M) using rapid electrodeposition is presented; the synergistic effect of the bimetal effectively directed the reaction pathway toward CH₄. The best Faraday efficiency for methane occurred in the optimized Cu₃₀La₂₀ electrode, reaching 66.9% at −1.7 V vs. RHE potential. In situ infrared testing revealed that the *CHO intermediate—a critical species for the electrocatalytic conversion of CO₂ to CH₄—was detected on the Cu₃₀La₂₀ catalytic electrode. However, no *CHO intermediate was observed on the Cu₂₀La₃₀ electrode. Instead, the characteristic peak of the *OCCHO intermediate associated with C-C coupling emerged on the Cu₂₀La₃₀ catalyst. This indicates that the adsorbed oxygen-containing groups on lanthanum sites reacted with carbon-containing groups on copper sites to form C₂ products, serving as the primary reason for the shift in reduction products from methane to ethylene. Full article

The Sichuan Basin is a key area for shale gas energy exploration in China. However, the pore evolution mechanism and accumulation effect of the Lower Jurassic continental shale gas in the northeastern Sichuan Basin remain poorly understood. In this study, the pore structure characteristics of shale reservoirs and the dynamic accumulation and evolution of shale gas in the northern Fuling and Yuanba areas were systematically analyzed by adsorption experiments, high-pressure mercury injection joint measurement, and thermal simulation experiments. The results indicate the following: (1) The continental shale in the study area is predominantly composed of mesopores (10–50 nm), which account for approximately 55.21% of the total pore volume, followed by macropores (5–50 μm) contributing around 35.15%. Micropores exhibit the lowest proportion, typically less than 10%. Soluble minerals such as clay minerals and calcite significantly promote pore development, while soluble organic matter may block small pores during hydrocarbon generation, which facilitates the enrichment of free gas. (2) The thermal simulation experiment reveals that pore evolution can be divided into two distinct stages. Prior to 450 °C, hydrocarbon generation leads to a reduction in pore volume due to the compaction and transformation of organic matter. After 450 °C, organic matter undergoes cracking processes accompanied by the formation of shrinkage fractures, resulting in the development of new macropores and a significant increase in pore volume. This indicates that thermal energy input during the thermal evolution stage plays a key role in reservoir reconstruction. (3) The early Jurassic sedimentary environment controls the enrichment of organic matter, and the Cretaceous is the key period of hydrocarbon accumulation. Hydrocarbon generation and diagenesis synergistically promote the formation of gas reservoirs. The Cenozoic tectonic activity adjusted the distribution of gas reservoirs, and finally formed the enrichment model with the core of source–reservoir–preservation dynamic matching. For the first time, combined with dynamic thermal simulation experiments, this study clarifies the stage characteristics of pore evolution of continental shale and identifies the main controlling factors of shale gas accumulation in the Lower Jurassic in northeastern Sichuan, which provides a theoretical basis for continental shale gas exploration and energy resource development, offering important guidance for optimizing the selection of exploration target areas. Full article