Search Results (166)

Superhydrophobic magnetic nanomaterials (SHMNMs) are emerging as multifunctional platforms for efficient oil–water separation due to their combination of extreme water repellency, strong oil affinity, and external magnetic responsiveness. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of recent advances in the design, synthesis, and environmental application of SHMNMs. The theoretical foundations of superhydrophobicity and the physicochemical behavior of magnetic nanoparticles are first outlined, followed by discussion of their synergistic integration. Key fabrication techniques—such as sol–gel synthesis, electrospinning, dip-coating, laser-assisted processing, and the use of biomass-derived precursors—are critically assessed in terms of their ability to tailor surface morphology, chemical functionality, and long-term durability. The review further explores the mechanisms of oil adsorption, magnetic separation, and material reusability under realistic environmental conditions. Special attention is paid to the scalability, mechanical resilience, and environmental compatibility of SHMNMs in the context of water treatment technologies. Current limitations, including reduced efficiency in harsh media, potential environmental risks, and challenges in material regeneration, are discussed. This work provides a structured overview that could support the rational development of next-generation superhydrophobic materials tailored for sustainable and high-performance separation of oil and organic pollutants from water. Full article

This study investigates the influence of different light sources (sunlight, green, red, and white LED) on the germination of Raphanus sativus L. sprouts and the potential use of their sprout extracts in the development of natural dermatocosmetic gels. The bioactive fractions were extracted using simple methods and analyzed for total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity. Statistical analysis of weight, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity of Raphanus sativus L. sprouts was performed using ANOVA. Sprouts exposed to green LED light showed the highest biomass (16.13 ± 0.38 g), while red LED light resulted in the highest total polyphenol content (3.28 ± 0.03 mg GAE/g fresh weight). The highest antioxidant activity (6.60 ± 0.08 mM Trolox/g fresh weight) was obtained under white LED. Although variations were observed, ANOVA analysis revealed that only sprout weight differed significantly among treatments (p < 0.001), while differences in polyphenol content and antioxidant activity were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The extract with the highest antioxidant activity was incorporated as an active ingredient into Carbopol-based hydrogel formulations containing natural gelling agents and gentle preservatives. The resulting gels demonstrated favorable pH (4.85–5.05), texture, and stability. The results indicate that the light spectrum influences the germination process and the initial development of seedlings. Moreover, radish sprout extracts, rich in bioactive compounds, show promise for dermatocosmetic applications due to their antioxidant, soothing, and antimicrobial properties. This study supports the use of natural resources in the development of care products, in line with current trends in green cosmetics. Full article

This work explores the synthesis of biomass-waste-derived cellulose nanocrystal hydrogel from aloe vera bagasse (AVB) and banana pseudostem (BPS). A wide variety of synthesis parameters such as acid concentration (45 wt.% and 55 wt.%), temperatures in the process of 25, 40, 45 and 50 °C, and reaction times of 30 and 60 min were analyzed during the acid hydrolysis to evaluate changes in the morphology, crystallinity, swelling, degradation temperature, and mechanical properties. The parameters that most influenced the crystallinity were the temperature and reaction time, showing good characteristics such as percentage crystallinity (89.66% for nanocellulose from C₄₅t₃₀T₅₀ up to 97.58% for CNC-BPS C₅₅t₃₀T₅₀), and crystal size (from 23.40 to 68.31 nm), which was worth considering for hydrogel synthesis. Cellulose nanocrystalline hydrogels from both biomass wastes can modify the crystallinity for tailored high-end engineering and biomedical applications, although using BPS obtained the best overall performance; also, properties such as swelling capability at pH = 4 of 225.39% for hydrogel C₅₅t₃₀T₂₅ (H7), porosity (60.77 ± 2.60%) for C₄₅t₆₀T₄₀ (H6), and gel % (86.60 ± 2.62%) for C₅₅t₆₀T₅₀ (H8) were found. The mechanical test revealed a tensile strength at maximum load of 707.67 kPa (hydrogel H6) and 644.17 kPa (hydrogel H8), which are properties conferred by the CNC from BPS. Overall, CNC from BPS is recommended as a reinforcement for hydrogel synthesis due to its good mechanical properties and functionals, making it a promising material for biomedical applications. Full article

Solid Fe catalysts supported on SiO₂ with Lewis and Brönsted acidity were synthesized using sol–gel methodology. FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, BET isotherms, and SEM characterized the materials. Subsequently, they were used to dehydrate xylose to obtain furfural. It was observed that increasing the metal loading from 0.5% to 1.5% by mass increases the selectivity of furfural up to 40.09%. In addition, the calcination temperature influenced the conversion because materials calcined at 450 °C presented higher xylose conversion than those calcined at 750 °C. Finally, the employed catalysts were active and effective in obtaining furfural from hydrolysates via hydrothermal treatments of a coffee crop’s residual biomass, producing an average of 9.11 mg/g of furfural per gram of biomass. Full article

Drought is a major environmental constraint that negatively affects crop germination, seedling establishment, and overall yield. This study presents a sustainable approach to improving wheat productivity under water-deficit conditions through the application of a gellan gum-based hydrogel enriched with the growth stimulant. The hydrogel was synthesized by inducing ionic gelation of gellan gum using potassium chloride and ammonium sulfate, forming a robust, cross-linked polymer network. Wheat seeds were coated with one to eight layers of the hydrogel using a sequential dipping and drying process. Optimal seedling performance was achieved with a two-layer coating, balancing sufficient water retention with adequate gas exchange. FTIR spectroscopy and pH analysis confirmed ionic interactions between Kaz-6 and the carboxyl groups of gellan, supporting its stable incorporation within the polymer matrix. Mechanical characterization showed that ammonium sulfate significantly enhanced gel strength and cross-linking density compared to potassium chloride. Laboratory germination assays and greenhouse trials demonstrated that seeds coated with gellan hydrogel containing Kaz-6 showed enhanced germination rates, greater biomass accumulation, and significantly improved drought tolerance—surviving up to 10 days longer than controls under water-limited conditions. These findings highlight the potential of biopolymer-based hydrogels as eco-friendly seed coating materials that can improve crop resilience and productivity in arid environments. The proposed formulation aligns with sustainable agriculture goals and represents a promising direction for future field-scale applications in climate-adaptive farming systems. Full article

β-glucans from filamentous fungi are important for human health. There is limited research on polysaccharides from filamentous fungi, and no reports have been published regarding the optimization of culture media to produce β-glucans from Rhizopus oryzae using liquid waste from potato starch processing. In this regard, the fermentation conditions to produce β-glucans from Rhizopus oryzae M10A1 were optimized using the one variable at a time (OVAT) and response surface methodology (RSM). The β-glucans were chemically characterized by determining moisture, nitrogen, protein, fat, ash, and total carbohydrates. The color, molecular weight, β-glucan content, monosaccharide composition, and structural and conformational characteristics were assessed by colorimetry, gel permeation chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. The microbial indicators, mesophilic aerobes, molds, yeasts, and Escherichia coli were quantified following ISO standard protocols. Optimization indicated that supplementation with 0.8% (w/v) glucose and ammonium sulfate enhanced heteroglycan production (3254.56 mg/100 g of biomass). The β-glucans exhibited high purity, a light brown color, a molecular weight of 450 kDa, and a composition predominantly consisting of glucose and galactose. These findings suggest that β-glucans from Rhizopus oryzae M10A1 could be used for food and health applications. Full article

Heteroatom-doped biomass-derived porous carbon materials show promising applications as electrode components in energy storage technologies. In this investigation, we present a template-assisted pyrolysis procedure to fabricate nitrogen–oxygen dual-doped carbon materials. Firstly, the precursor and template initially polymerized to form a white jelly-like gel, which was freeze-dried to create a nanosheet-assembled structure. Subsequent high-temperature pyrolysis induced the formation of a porous structure with nanosheet morphology. The CMC-ZnK sample derived from the dual template of potassium citrate and zinc acetate pyrolyzed at 800 °C exhibits optimal electrochemical performance, delivering a specific capacitance of 271.4 F g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹ in a three-electrode configuration, along with outstanding rate capability (90% retention, 244 F g⁻¹ at 10 A g⁻¹). The constructed supercapacitor demonstrated an energy density of 6.5 Wh kg⁻¹ under a power density of 500 W kg⁻¹. Furthermore, this study systematically investigated the performance variation mechanisms at different temperatures, revealing the relationship between structural composition and temperature in biomass materials. Full article

The expansion of the construction sector has contributed to the depletion of raw materials and an increased demand for resources; therefore, sustainable approaches are required to satisfy the construction demand. The present study explores the development of geopolymers by utilizing industrial by-products from mining, ceramics, olive oil production, and steel manufacturing. Specifically, slate stone cutting sludge (SSCS) and chamotte (CH) are used as aluminosilicate precursors, with olive biomass bottom ash (OSBA) acting as an alkaline activator, along with sodium silicate, and steel granulated slag (SGS) incorporated as an aggregate. Novel geopolymers were prepared with consistent proportions of SSCS and OSBA while varying the CH content from 10 to 2 wt.%. The SGS proportion was adjusted from 35 to 50 wt.%, and different Na₂SiO₃/OSBA ratios (0.35, 0.31, 0.19, and 0.08) were examined. To identify the optimal mix, a series of physical and mechanical tests was conducted, complemented by FTIR and SEM analysis to evaluate the chemical and microstructural changes. The best-performing formulation achieved a compressive strength of 42.8 MPa after 28 days of curing. FTIR analysis identified quartz and carbonate phases, suggesting that quartz did not fully dissolve and that carbonates formed during the heating process. SEM examination of the optimal mixture indicated that the incorporation of SGS (up to 45 wt.%) facilitated the creation of a compact, low-porosity structure. EDX results revealed the presence of Ca-, Na-, Si-, Al-, and K-enriched phases, supporting the formation of (N, C)-A-S-H gel networks. These results demonstrate the potential of utilizing SSCS, CH, OSBA, and SGS to create geopolymer concretes, showcasing the viability of using industrial by-products as eco-friendly substitutes for traditional construction materials. Full article

The use of tomato plant residues (i.e., stems, leaves, etc.) as a substrate for catalytic pyrolysis of biomass was investigated. A comprehensive study was conducted to investigate the impact of catalysts on the performance of different pyrolysis fractions (i.e., gas, biosolid, waxes, and bioliquid) as well as the distribution of products within the bioliquid. The catalysts employed in this study were derived from two distinct types of zirconia. The first type was synthesized by a conventional sol-gel method, while the second type was prepared with a modified method aimed at improving the presence of mesopores. This modification involved the incorporation of Pluronic 123. These materials were designated ZrO₂ and ZrO₂P25, respectively. Both types of zirconia were used as supports for tungstophosphoric acid (H₃PW₁₂O₄₀, TPA), a heteropolyacid with a Keggin structure, in the preparation of catalysts with strong acid sites. The results demonstrated that the bioliquid yield of the non-catalytic fast pyrolysis of tomato plant waste was approximately 23% and that the obtained bioliquid contained a wide variety of molecules, which were detected and quantified by GC-MS. In the presence of the catalysts, both the bioliquid yield and the distribution of bioliquid products were substantially modified. Furthermore, the possible sugar degradation pathways leading to the formation of the molecules present in the pyrolytic bioliquids were thoroughly examined. The results obtained from this study indicate that the physicochemical characteristics of the catalysts, specifically their pore size and acidity, have a significant impact on the selectivity of the catalytic processes towards valuable molecules, including anhydro-sugars and furanic derivatives such as furfural and furfuryl alcohol. Full article

This study investigates the potential of Spirulina biomass as a lubricating additive for drilling fluid formulations. In this work, this waste protein is evaluated as a lubricant alternative that may decrease the coefficient of friction while improving the rheological profiles and/or reducing fluid loss via permeation in drilling fluids. A processed and dried Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) biomass is incorporated into drilling fluid formulations and compared to standard lubricant additives for the drilling fluid properties of lubricity, rheology, and fluid loss. Rheological characterization includes the determination of yield stress, gel strength, and viscosity measurements. The major findings of this study include a friction value reduction of up to 30% and a fluid loss reduction of up to 51% by using 3 vol.% Spirulina. Parameters were fit to two rheological models (Bingham plastic and Herschel–Bulkley). After experimentation and analyzing the data gathered, it was determined that Spirulina and the Spirulina–Coastalube mixture in drilling fluids are good potential candidates as more environmentally benign and cost-effective alternative technologies for drilling fluids for decreasing the coefficient of friction, which results in increasing the lubrication performance of the drilling fluids. Full article

In recent years, there has been widespread cultivation of high-quality rice along the southeast coast of China, particularly in Shanghai. However, the specific changes in the yield and quality performance of rice in the Shanghai region have not been well understood. A study conducted on 194 rice varieties in the Shanghai region from 1994 to 2023 focused on yield, growth characteristics, and quality. The findings revealed significant increases in rice yield (+16.8%) and spikelets per panicle (+45.4%) in the Shanghai region over the past 30 years, along with a decrease in amylose content (−27.9%). However, parameters such as grain filling, 1000-grain weight, plant height, panicle length, chalkiness, and gel consistency showed no significant changes over the same period. Additionally, the study found that the yield, nitrogen application amount, growth period, and head rice rate of japonica rice and indica-japonica hybrid rice were higher than those of indica rice, although the panicle length was lower in comparison. Japonica inbred rice exhibited the lowest amylose content and superior taste. Correlation analyses suggested that the breeding of japonica rice varieties in the Shanghai region should focus on balancing nitrogen absorption and high chalkiness, plant biomass, and amylose content, and yield and the appearance and taste quality of rice. In addition, the potential rice yield per unit area in the Shanghai region in the future depends on the promotion of hybrid japonica rice planting and developing best management practices. Full article

This study developed a one-part alkali-activated slag/wood biomass fly ash (WBFA) binder (AAS) for preparing cemented paste backfill (CPB) as an alternative to traditional cement. Through multi-scale characterizations (XRD, FTIR, TGA, rheological testing, and MIP) and performance analyses, the regulation mechanisms of slag/WBFA ratios on hydration behavior, microstructure, and mechanical properties were systematically revealed. Results demonstrate that high slag proportions significantly enhance slurry rheology and mechanical strength, primarily through slag hydration generating dense gel networks of hydration products and promoting particle aggregation via reduced zeta potential. Although inert components in WBFA inhibit early hydration, the long-term reactivity of slag effectively counteracts these negative effects, achieving comparable 28-day compressive strength between slag/WBFA-based CPB (4.11 MPa) and cement-based CPB (4.16 MPa). Microstructural analyses indicate that the disordered gels in AAS systems exhibit silicon–oxygen bond polymerization degrees (950 cm⁻¹) comparable to cement, while WBFA regulates Ca/Si ratios to induce bridging site formation (900 cm⁻¹), significantly reducing porosity and enhancing structural compactness. This research provides theoretical support and process optimization strategies for developing low-cost, high-performance mine filling materials using industrial solid wastes, advancing sustainable green mining practices. Full article

This research investigates suitable bio-carriers for the anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) process. This study evaluates the efficiency of the anammox process by assessing nitrogen removal efficiency using five different bio-carriers: fine and coarse polyurethane (PU) sponges, a melamine sponge, Scotch Brite, and a loofah. Among the tested carriers, the reactor of the fine PU sponge media exhibited the highest nitrogen removal efficiency, achieving an 87% removal rate. This high efficiency was attributed to the substantial biomass containment, evidenced by a measured mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS) amount of 1414 mg/L. Subsequently, the fine PU sponge, exhibiting the highest efficiency, was selected for further modification with a polyvinyl alcohol–sodium alginate (PVA-SA) gel coating to study the impact of methanol inhibition on nitrogen removal efficiency. An optimal modification condition was determined, utilizing concentrations of 8% PVA and 1.8% SA for the fine PU sponge media. The modified PU reactor exhibited the highest resistance to methanol inhibition, followed by the attached growth fine PU sponge reactor and suspended growth reactor. These findings suggest that there are benefits to using modified PU media for the anammox process in the field. Full article

The increasing severity of salinity stress, exacerbated by climate change, poses significant challenges to sustainable agriculture, particularly in salt-affected regions. Soil salinity, impacting approximately 20% of irrigated lands, severely reduces crop productivity by disrupting plants’ physiological and biochemical processes. This study evaluates the effectiveness of zinc (Zn) and silicon (Si) nanofertilizers in improving maize (Zea mays L.) growth, nutrient uptake, and yield under both saline and non-saline field conditions. ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized via the co-precipitation method due to its ability to produce highly pure and uniform particles, while the sol–gel method was chosen for SiO₂ NPs to ensure precise control over the particle size and enhanced surface activity. The NPs were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, and TEM-EDX, confirming their crystalline nature, morphology, and nanoscale size (ZnO~12 nm, SiO₂~15 nm). A split-plot field experiment was conducted to assess the effects of the nano and conventional Zn and Si fertilizers. Zn was applied at 10 ppm (22.5 kg/ha) and Si at 90 ppm (201 kg/ha). Various agronomic, chemical, and physiological parameters were then evaluated. The results demonstrated that nano Zn/Si significantly enhanced the cob length and grain yield. Nano Si led to the highest biomass increase (110%) and improved the nutrient use efficiency by 105% under saline and 110% under non-saline conditions compared to the control. Under saline stress, nano Zn/Si improved the nutrient uptake efficiency, reduced sodium accumulation, and increased the grain yield by 66% and 106%, respectively, compared to the control. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) highlighted a strong correlation between nano Zn/Si applications with the harvest index and Si contents in shoots, along with other physiological and yield attributes. These findings highlight that nanotechnology-based fertilizers can mitigate salinity stress and enhance crop productivity, providing a promising strategy for sustainable agriculture in salt-affected soils. Full article

As a typical heavy metal pollutant discharged from industrial activities, nickel ions are highly bioaccumulative and carcinogenic, and low concentrations (>0.5 mg/L) can disrupt the balance of aquatic ecosystems and pose a threat to human health. In this study, a bifunctional adsorbent based on a carboxymethyl cellulose/boron nitride hydrogel was prepared for the treatment of nickel-containing wastewater with a high adsorption capacity of Ni²⁺ (800 mg/L, 344 mg/g), and after adsorption, the waste gel was converted into nickel-doped porous carbon material through carbonization and used as a bilayer capacitor electrode to achieve a specific capacitance of 40.6 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g. The capacity retention rate was >98% after 150 cycles. This strategy simultaneously solves the problems of nickel-containing wastewater purification (the adsorption method is applicable to medium- and high-concentration heavy-metal wastewater) and environmental pollution caused by waste adsorbents, and provides a new paradigm of the “adsorption-resourcing” closed-loop treatment of heavy-metal pollutants. Full article