Search Results (111)

Alkaline earth elements have emerged as crucial electronic modifiers for regulating active sites in catalytic systems, yet the influence of metal–support interactions (MSIs) between alkaline earth compounds and active metals remains insufficiently understood. This study systematically investigated Pt nanoparticles supported on alkaline earth carbonates (Pt/MCO₃, M = Mg, Ca, Ba) for low-temperature propylene combustion. The Pt/BaCO₃ catalyst exhibited outstanding performance, achieving complete propylene conversion at 192 °C, significantly lower than Pt/MgCO₃ (247 °C) and Pt/CaCO₃ (282 °C). The enhanced activity stemmed from distinct MSI effects among the supports, with Pt/BaCO₃ showing the poorest electron enrichment and lowest propylene adsorption energy. Through kinetic analyses, ¹⁸O₂ isotope labeling, and comprehensive characterization, the reaction was confirmed to follow the Mars–van Krevelen (MvK) mechanism. Pt/BaCO₃ achieves an optimal balance between propylene and oxygen adsorption, a critical factor underlying its superior activity. Full article

White-light-emitting diodes (wLEDs) are central to next-generation lighting technologies, yet their reliance on critical raw materials (CRMs), such as rare-earth elements, raises concerns regarding sustainability and supply security. In this work, we present a simple, low-cost method to produce photoluminescent carbon-based nanostructures—known as oxidative debris (OD)—via alkaline treatment of graphene oxide (GO) using KOH solutions ranging from 0.04 M to 1.78 M. The resulting OD, isolated from the supernatant after acid precipitation, exhibits strong and tunable photoluminescence (PL) across the visible spectrum. Emission peaks shift from blue (~440 nm) to green (~500 nm) and yellow (~565 nm) as a function of treatment conditions, with excitation wavelengths between 300 and 390 nm. Optical, morphological. and compositional analyses were performed using UV-Vis, AFM, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy, confirming the presence of highly oxidized aromatic domains. The blue-emitting (S2) and green/yellow-emitting (R2) fractions were successfully separated and characterized, demonstrating potential color tuning by adjusting KOH concentration and treatment time. This study highlights the feasibility of reusing GO-derived byproducts as sustainable phosphor alternatives in wLEDs, reducing reliance on CRMs and aligning with green chemistry principles. Full article

Biodiesel, a renewable and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels, has attracted significant attention due to its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, high production costs and complex processing remain challenges. Heterogeneous catalysts have shown promise in overcoming these barriers by offering benefits, such as easy separation, reusability, low-cost raw materials, and the ability to reduce reaction times and energy consumption. This review evaluates key classes of heterogeneous catalysts, such as metal oxides, ion exchange resins, and zeolites, and their performance in transesterification and esterification processes. It highlights the importance of catalyst preparation methods, textural properties, including surface area, pore volume, and pore size, activation techniques, and critical operational parameters, like the methanol-to-oil ratio, temperature, time, catalyst loading, and reusability. The analysis reveals that catalysts supported on high surface area materials often achieve higher biodiesel yields, while metal oxides derived from natural sources provide cost-effective and sustainable options. Challenges, such as catalyst deactivation, sensitivity to feedstock composition, and variability in performance, are discussed. Overall, the findings underscore the potential of heterogeneous catalysts to enhance biodiesel production efficiency, although further optimization and standardized evaluation protocols are necessary for their broader industrial application. Full article

Germanium/tin-containing silicon oxide [SiO–(GeO/SnO)] nanoclusters have been designed with different Si/Ge/Sn particles and characterized as electrodes for magnesium-ion batteries (MIBs) due to forming MgBe [SiO–GeO], MgBe [SiO–SnO], MgCa [SiO–GeO], and MgCa [SiO–SnO] complexes. In this work, alkaline earth metals of magnesium (Mg), beryllium (Be), and calcium (Ca) have been studied in hybrid Mg-, Be-, and Ca-ion batteries. An expanded investigation on H capture by MgBe [SiO–(GeO/SnO)] or MgCa [SiO–(GeO/SnO)] complexes was probed using computational approaches due to density state analysis of charge density differences (CDD), total density of states (TDOS), and electron localization function (ELF) for hydrogenated hybrid clusters of MgBe [SiO–GeO], MgBe [SiO–SnO], MgCa [SiO–GeO], and MgCa [SiO–SnO]. Replacing Si by Ge/Sn content can increase battery capacity through MgBe [SiO–GeO], MgBe [SiO–SnO], MgCa [SiO–GeO], and MgCa [SiO–SnO] nanoclusters for hydrogen adsorption processes and could improve the rate performances by enhancing electrical conductivity. A small portion of Mg, Be, or Ca entering the Si–Ge or Si–Sn layer to replace the alkaline earth metal sites could improve the structural stability of the electrode material at high multiplicity, thereby improving the capacity retention rate. In fact, the MgBe [SiO–GeO] remarks a small enhancement in charge transfer before and after hydrogen adsorption, confirming the good structural stability. In addition, [SiO–(GeO/SnO)] anode material could augment the capacity owing to higher surface capacitive impacts. Full article

The Mamuju region in West Sulawesi, Indonesia, is a High Background Natural Radiation Area (HBNRA) characterized by a significant enrichment of high field strength elements (HFSEs) and rare earth elements (REEs) within its lateritic deposits. This study investigates the geochemical behavior, mineralogical distribution, and enrichment processes of HFSEs and REEs in lateritic profiles of drill cores and surface samples derived from alkaline volcanic rocks. The mineralogy and geochemical content of HFSEs and REEs in the alkaline bedrocks indicate its potential to become a source of lateritic enrichment. An intense lateritic weathering process leads to the residual accumulation of HFSEs and REEs, particularly in B-horizon soils, where clay minerals and Fe–Al oxides are crucial in element precipitation. Moreover, groundwater redox conditions are a key factor for uranium precipitation in the lateritic profile. The findings provide insight into the potential of lateritic weathering as a natural mechanism for HFSE and REE concentration, contributing to the broader understanding of critical metal resources in Indonesia. These insights have implications for sustainable resource exploration and environmental management in areas with high natural radiation exposure. Full article

Selenium has been classified as a strategic element as it is required for the technology and energy industry. It is not found in abundance in the Earth’s crust, which is why about 90% of selenium is obtained from the treatment of anode slimes, which are a by-product of copper mining. In recent years, several hydrometallurgical treatments have been investigated; as a result, this article presents an alternative proposal using an alkaline-oxidizing medium (ClO⁻/OH⁻). The Taguchi method was used to design an experiment to evaluate the changes in the conditions and interactions found in previous studies with regard to the ClO⁻ concentration, temperature, and pH. The best combination of conditions was a ClO⁻ concentration between 0.53 and 0.68 M, pH between 11.0 and 11.5, and temperature of 55 °C, with which selenium dissolution values between 91.8 and 94.2% were achieved. According to the SEM/EDS analysis, it is evident that an increase in temperature allowed an increase in the selenium reaction, and the selenium was not trapped in the AgCl layer formed by the same selenium dissolution reaction; the slowness of the selenium dissolution mainly depends on the low availability of sodium hypochlorite over time. Full article

The introduction of alkaline earth oxides into Li₂O-Al₂O₃-SiO₂ glass components can improve the mechanical and optical performances of glass and glass–ceramics for various applications. In this research, microstructures, thermal properties, crystallization behavior, and mechanical performance changes in specific Li₂O-Al₂O₃-SiO₂ glass with the introduction of different alkali earth oxides, MgO, CaO, SrO, and BaO, were investigated. From Raman and NMR spectra microstructure analysis, it was confirmed that the addition of MgO could compete with Al as a network former and charge compensator, while increasing the bridging oxygen number with Si and affecting the chemical shift in ²⁹Si. Meanwhile, the glass structures slightly changed due to the introduction of CaO, SrO, and BaO, with larger ionic radii. Meanwhile, the glass transition and first crystallization temperatures increased due to MgO introduction and then decreased with larger-radii alkali earth oxides’ addition, due to different glass network connectivity. After heat treatment, the crystal phases in the glass–ceramics changed with the introduction of alkaline earth oxides. The main crystal phases varied from Li₂Si₂O₅, SiO₂, and LiAlSi₄O₁₀ in glass without alkali earth oxide introduction; to SiO₂, Li_xAl_xSi_3−xO₆, and MgAl₂Si₄O₁₂ in glass with MgO addition; to SiO₂ and Li_xAl_xSi_3−xO₆ with CaO addition; to SiO₂, LiAlSi₄O₁₀, and Li₂SiO₃ for glass with SrO addition; and further to Li₂SiO₅, SiO₂, and LiAlSi₄O₁₀ for glass with BaO addition. Moreover, in the mechanical performance of the glass–ceramics, the Vickers hardness and elastic modulus reached a maximum of 8.61 GPa for glass with MgO and 90.12 GPa for glass with BaO modification, respectively, probably due to different crystal phases. More importantly, the crack resistance values presented a large increase for MgO glass and MgO- or CaO-modified glass–ceramics. Full article

Biomass power plants generate a vast amount of biomass ash (BA) and release sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and other pollutants. In this study, a new idea of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) using BA was proposed for biomass power plants. The physicochemical properties, surface morphology, and microstructure of fly ash generated by a typical biomass power plant in the Shandong area of China were characterized using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results indicated that the BA contained alkaline-providing metal oxides, including alkali metal oxides (K₂O at 7.57% and Na₂O at 1.47%) and alkaline earth metal oxides (CaO at 10.52% and MgO at 4.52%). SiO₂ constituted the primary crystalline phase, while KCl, CaCO₃, and CaSiO₃ phases were also identified. BA has diverse morphological characteristics, including irregular angular/acicular, spherical, and flocculent-shaped particles, among which the flocculent-shaped particles were mainly the calcium oxide (CaO)-containing composite of alkaline earth metal oxides and quartz. The potential of BA to absorb SO₂ is attributable to CaO and other alkaline substances. The desulfurization experiment indicated that humidified BA allows for an effective FGD process that generates flaky crystalline solids of calcium sulfate (CaSO₄). Therefore, this method utilizes the alkalinity of BA for FGD in biomass power plants. Full article

Hydrogen production via water electrolysis and renewable electricity is expected to play a pivotal role as an energy carrier in the energy transition. This fuel emerges as the most environmentally sustainable energy vector for non-electric applications and is devoid of CO₂ emissions. However, an electrolyzer’s infrastructure relies on scarce and energy-intensive metals such as platinum, palladium, iridium (PGM), silicon, rare earth elements, and silver. Under this context, this paper explores the exergy cost, i.e., the exergy destroyed to obtain one kW of hydrogen. We disaggregated it into non-renewable and renewable contributions to assess its renewability. We analyzed four types of electrolyzers, alkaline water electrolysis (AWE), proton exchange membrane (PEM), solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC), and anion exchange membrane (AEM), in several exergy cost electricity scenarios based on different technologies, namely hydro (HYD), wind (WIND), and solar photovoltaic (PV), as well as the different International Energy Agency projections up to 2050. Electricity sources account for the largest share of the exergy cost. Between 2025 and 2050, for each kW of hydrogen generated, between $1.38$ and 1.22 kW will be required for the SOEC-hydro combination, while between $2.9$ and 1.4 kW will be required for the PV-PEM combination. A Grassmann diagram describes how non-renewable and renewable exergy costs are split up between all processes. Although the hybridization between renewables and the electricity grid allows for stable hydrogen production, there are higher non-renewable exergy costs from fossil fuel contributions to the grid. This paper highlights the importance of non-renewable exergy cost in infrastructure, which is required for hydrogen production via electrolysis and the necessity for cleaner production methods and material recycling to increase the renewability of this crucial fuel in the energy transition. Full article

Rare earth is an important strategic resource and a key mineral resource for global competition. As the depletion of primary rare-earth resources increases, a great number of rare-earth secondary resources, such as waste phosphor powder collected from fluorescent lamps, cathode-ray tubes, and other luminescent materials, continue to be generated and accumulated. How to achieve the low-carbon extraction and green and efficient utilization of these resources has become an urgent problem to be solved. In recent years, preliminary enrichment methods, such as flotation, magnetic separation, and adsorption, chemical methods, such as acid leaching and alkaline fusion, external-field-enhanced methods (including mechanical activation, microwave and oxidant, green solvent, etc.), and solvent extraction have been used for the separation and extraction of rare-earth elements (REEs), such as Y, Eu, Ce, Tb, La, and Ga, from waste phosphors. In this article, we systematically summarized the research progress of commonly used separation and extraction methods for REEs in waste phosphor powders, analyzed the advantages, disadvantages, and existing problems of different methods, and proposed potential directions for future research. Full article

Selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides with NH₃ (NH₃-SCR) was investigated deeper and deeper with poisoning factors such as H₂O, SO₂, heavy metals, etc. In order to remove the reheating process before the SCR reactor, the application trend of NH₃-SCR technology in the non-power industry is concentrated on the condition of low temperature even ultra-low temperature. The present study summarizes the research process of SO₂ and H₂O resistance of NH₃-SCR catalysts under low temperatures related to the working conditions of municipal solid waste incineration plants. In detail, the effects of a high content of H₂O and low concentration of SO₂ are reviewed. Other factors such as heavy metals, alkali, or alkaline earth metals in the reaction system, synergistic removal of NO_x, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) are addressed. Finally, the catalytic performance of assembled monolithic catalysts and pilot-scale experiments are also analyzed for the possibility of industrial application. Hopefully, in view of the questions outlined in this study, valuable insights could be taken into consideration for the development of NH₃-SCR in waste incineration. Full article

In water electrolysis, the use of an efficient catalyst derived from earth-abundant materials which is cost-effective and stable is essential for the economic sustainability of hydrogen production. A wide range of catalytic materials have been reported upon so far, among which Fe₂O₃ stands out as one of the most credible candidates in terms of cost and abundance. However, Fe₂O₃ faces several limitations due to its poor charge transfer properties and catalytic ability; thus, significant modifications are essential for its effective utilization. Considering the future of water electrolysis, this review provides a detailed summary of Fe₂O₃ materials employed in electrolytic applications with a focus on critically assessing the key electrode modifications that are essential for the materials’ utilization as efficient electrocatalysts. With this in mind, Fe₂O₃ was implemented in a heterojunction/composite, doped, carbon supported, crystal facet tuned system, as well as in metal organic framework (MOF) systems. Furthermore, Fe₂O₃ was utilized in alkaline, seawater, anion exchange membrane, and solid oxide electrolysis systems. Recently, magnetic field-assisted water electrolysis has also been explored. This comprehensive review highlights the fact that the applicability of Fe₂O₃ in electrolysis is limited, and hence, intense and strategically focused research is vital for converting Fe₂O₃ into a commercially viable, cost-effective, and efficient catalyst material. Full article

Ion-adsorption rare-earth deposits supply over 90% of the global market’s heavy rare-earth elements (HREEs). The genesis of these deposits, particularly HREE deposits, has garnered significant attention. To elucidate the metallogenic mechanisms of HREE deposits, a comprehensive study of the weathering profile of granite was conducted in Jiangxi Province, South China. This study focuses on the following two aspects: the petrogeochemistry of HREE-rich granite and the enrichment and fractionation of rare-earth elements (REEs) during the weathering process. The results suggest that the Dabu granites are a typical peraluminous, high-K, calc-alkaline granite series with high silica content (SiO₂: 74.5%–76.4%), relatively low phosphorus content (P₂O₅: <0.05%), and high HREE content (ΣLREE/ΣHREE: 0.16–0.66). Weathering advances the decomposition of minerals and the release of elements. REEs are mainly fixed in the regolith by scavengers, mainly clays, Fe–Mn oxides, and carbonates, and ΣREE can reach 799 ppm in the B horizon. However, HREEs tend to migrate further and preferentially combine with Fe–Mn oxides and carbonates as compared to LREEs, leading to a significant fractionation of REEs in the regolith (ΣLREE/ΣHREE = 0.2–1.1). Additionally, the differential weathering of REE-bearing minerals and the precipitation of secondary REE-bearing minerals are also vital for REE fractionation. Full article

Methane catalytic combustion, a method for efficient methane utilization, features high energy efficiency and low emissions. The key to this process is the development of highly active and stable catalysts. This study involved the synthesis of a range of catalysts, including NiO/CeO₂, NiO–M/CeO₂, and NiO-Ba/CeO₂. In order to modify the NiO/CeO₂ catalysts to improve their catalytic activity, various alkaline earth metal ions were introduced, and the catalysts were characterized to evaluate the impact of different alkaline earth metal ion doping. It was found that the introduction of Ba as a dopant yielded the highest catalytic activity among the dopants tested. Based on this, the influence of the impregnation sequence, the Ba loading amount, and other factors on the catalytic activity of the NiO/CeO₂ catalysts doped with Ba were investigated, and comprehensive characterization was conducted using a variety of analytical techniques, including N₂ adsorption/desorption, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, hydrogen temperature-programmed reduction, methane temperature-programmed surface reaction, and oxygen temperature-programmed oxidation. The H₂–TPR characterization results suggest that Ba introduction partially enhances the reducing property of NiO/CeO₂ catalysts, and improves the surface oxygen activity in the catalysts. Meanwhile, the CH₄–TPSR and O₂–TPO results indicate that Ba introduction also boosts the bulk-phase oxygen liquidity in the catalysts, renders the migration of bulk-phase oxygen to surface oxygen, and increases the surface oxygen number in the catalysts. These results provide evidence of the effectiveness of this catalyst in methane catalytic combustion. Full article

The contents of alkali and alkaline earth metals are higher in Zhundong coal, and there are serious problems of slagging and fouling during the combustion process. Therefore, it is of great significance to reveal the mechanism of slagging and fouling in the boiler of Zhundong coal. In this paper, first-principle calculations based on density functional theory are used to study the competition mechanism of alkaline metal oxides during the combustion process in Zhundong coal by establishing the Na₂O(110)/CaO(100)-SiO₂(100) double-layer interface model. The results show that the bond lengths of the surface of Na₂O(110) and CaO(100) with SiO₂(100) after adsorption were generally lengthened and the value of bond population became smaller, which formed a stable binding energy during the reaction. The electron loss of Na is 0.05 e, the electron loss of Ca is 0.03 e, and the electron loss of Na₂O is greater than that of CaO. The charge transfer on the surface of Na₂O with SiO₂ is obviously higher than that of CaO and the orbital hybridization on the surface of CaO with SiO₂ is weaker than that on the surfaces of Na₂O with SiO₂. Na₂O is easier to react with SiO₂ than CaO. The adsorption energies on the surface of Na₂O and CaO with SiO₂ are −5.56 eV and −0.72 eV, respectively. The adsorption energy of Na₂O is higher than that of CaO, indicating that Na₂O is more prone to adsorption reactions and formation of Na-containing minerals and other minerals, resulting in more serious slagging. In addition, the XRD analyses at different temperatures showed that Na-containing compounds appeared before Ca-containing ones, and the reaction activity of Na₂O is stronger than that of CaO in the reaction process. The experimental results have good agreement with the calculation results. This provides strong evidence to reveal the slagging and fouling of Zhundong coal. Full article