Search Results (4,105)

The mounting global concern regarding the accumulation of plastic waste underscores the necessity for the development of innovative solutions, with particular emphasis on the incorporation of plant-based biofillers into polymer composites as a sustainable alternative to conventional materials. This review provides a comprehensive and structured overview of the recent progress (2020–2025) in the integration of plant-based biofillers into both thermoplastic and thermosetting polymer matrices, with a focus on surface modification techniques, physicochemical characterization, and emerging industrial applications. Unlike the prior literature, this work highlights the dual environmental and material benefits of using plant-derived fillers, particularly in the context of waste valorization and circular material design. By clearly identifying a current research gap—the limited scalability and processing efficiency of biofillers—this review proposes a strategy in which plant-derived materials function as key enablers for sustainable composite development. Special attention is given to extraction methods of lignocellulosic fillers from renewable agricultural waste streams and their subsequent functionalization to improve matrix compatibility. Additionally, it delineates the principal approaches for biofiller modification, demonstrating how their properties can be tailored to meet specific needs in biocomposite production. This critical synthesis of the state-of-the-art literature not only reinforces the role of biofillers in reducing dependence on non-renewable fillers but also outlines future directions in scaling up their use, improving durability, and expanding performance capabilities of sustainable composites. Overall, the presented analysis contributes novel insights into the material design, processing strategies, and potential of plant biofillers as central elements in next-generation green composites. Full article

Against the backdrop of global commitments to sustainable development and carbon neutrality objectives, the agricultural sector faces compelling imperatives to transition toward environmentally sustainable and resource-efficient production systems. Focusing on the critical role of agricultural inputs, this study investigates how China’s Zero Growth Policy for Fertilizer and Pesticide Use (ZGP), implemented in 2015, influences green transformation in the agricultural inputs sector through a quasi-natural experiment framework. Employing a staggered difference-in-differences (DID) design with comprehensive nationwide firm registration data from 2013 to 2020, we provide novel micro-level evidence on environmental regulation’s market-shaping effects. Our findings demonstrate that the ZGP significantly enhances green market selection, stimulating entry of environmentally certified firms, with effect heterogeneity revealing policy impacts are attenuated in manufacturing-intensive regions due to green entry barriers, while being amplified in major grain-producing areas and more market-oriented regions. Mechanism analyses identify three key transmission channels: intensified regulatory oversight, heightened public environmental awareness, and growing market demand for sustainable inputs. Furthermore, the policy has induced structural transformation within the industry, progressively increasing green enterprises’ market share. These results offer valuable insights for designing targeted environmental governance mechanisms to facilitate sustainable transitions in agricultural input markets. Full article

Petrochemicals currently represent the predominant global source of energy and consumer products, including the starting materials used in the platform chemical, plastic polymer, and pharmaceutical industries. However, in recent years, the world’s approaches have shifted towards green chemistry and bio-based chemical production in an effort to reduce CO₂ emissions and mitigate climate change. Over the past few decades, researchers have discovered that marine metabolites, primarily sourced from invertebrates, can be utilized to create sustainable and renewable chemicals. This review highlights the significance of advancing marine microorganism-based biotechnology and biochemistry in developing effective conversion systems to enhance the biological production of key platform chemicals, including those utilized as biomaterials and for energy. A background in marine metabolite biochemistry lays the groundwork for potential strategies to mitigate dependence on petroleum for consumer products. This is followed by a discussion of petroleum product replacement technologies, green chemistry alternatives, and CO₂ mitigation efforts for the production of sustainable and renewable key platform chemicals. Full article

The biological production of hydrogen offers a renewable and potentially sustainable alternative for clean energy generation. In Northeast Brazil, depleted oil reservoirs (DORs) present a unique opportunity to integrate biotechnology with existing fossil fuel infrastructure. These subsurface formations, rich in residual hydrocarbons (RH) and native H₂ producing microbiota, can be repurposed as bioreactors for hydrogen production. This process, often referred to as “Gold Hydrogen”, involves the in situ microbial conversion of RH into H₂, typically via dark fermentation, and is distinct from green, blue, or grey hydrogen due to its reliance on indigenous subsurface biota and RH. Strategies include nutrient modulation and chemical additives to stimulate native hydrogenogenic genera (Clostridium, Petrotoga, Thermotoga) or the injection of improved inocula. While this approach has potential environmental benefits, such as integrated CO₂ sequestration and minimized surface disturbance, it also presents risks, namely the production of CO₂ and H₂S, and fracturing, which require strict monitoring and mitigation. Although infrastructure reuse reduces capital expenditures, achieving economic viability depends on overcoming significant technical, operational, and biotechnological challenges. If widely applied, this model could help decarbonize the energy sector, repurpose legacy infrastructure, and support the global transition toward low-carbon technologies. Full article

Lung cancer remains a foremost cause of cancer-related impermanence globally, demanding innovative and effective therapeutic strategies. Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) have turned up as a promising transport system for drugs due to their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and capability to provide controlled and targeted release of therapeutic agents. This review offers a thorough examination of different polymeric NP platforms, such as chitosan, gelatin, alginate, poly (lactic acid), and polycaprolactone, highlighting their mechanisms, formulations, and applications in the treatment of lung cancer. These NPs facilitate the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents, gene therapies, and immune modulators, with enhanced bioavailability and reduced systemic toxicity. Additionally, advanced formulations such as ligand-conjugated, stimuli-responsive, and multifunctional NPs demonstrate improved tumor-specific accumulation and cellular uptake. The review also discusses quantum dots, magnetic and lipid-based NPs, and green-synthesized metallic polymeric hybrids, emphasizing their potential in theranostics and combination therapies. Preclinical studies show promising results, yet clinical translation faces challenges; for example, large-scale production, long-term toxicity, and regulatory hurdles. Overall, polymeric NPs represent a powerful platform for advancing personalized lung cancer therapy, with future prospects rooted in multifunctional, targeted, and patient-specific nanomedicine. Full article

Leaf nutrient resorption efficiency (NuRE) is critical for plant nutrient conservation, yet its relationship with leaf and root economic traits remains poorly understood in mangroves. We quantified nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) resorption across ten mangrove species (five trees and five shrubs) in Hainan, China, and related NuRE to key leaf (leaf mass per area, LMA; leaf dry mass content, LDMC; and green leaf nitrogen and phosphorus contents, N_gr and P_gr, respectively) and root (specific root length, SRL; root tissue density, RTD; root diameter, RD; and root nitrogen content, N_root) traits. We found that species with a lower leaf structural investment (LMA = 103–173 g m⁻², LDMC = 19–27%) presented a 6–45% greater N and P resorption efficiency than those with a higher structural investment (LMA = 213–219 g m⁻², LDMC = 26–31%). Contrary to global meta-analyses, higher green leaf N and P contents also predicted a greater NuRE, implying enhanced internal recycling under chronic nutrient limitation. Root traits (SRL, RTD, RD, and N_root) had no significant influence on NuRE, indicating decoupled above- versus belowground strategies. Trees and shrubs diverged in size but converged in NuRE–leaf trait relationships. These findings refine plant economics theory and guide restoration by prioritizing species with acquisitive, high-NuRE foliage for nutrient-poor coasts. Full article

Against the backdrop of increasingly severe global carbon emissions and China’s commitment to achieving carbon peaking by 2030, accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy has become an urgent priority. As fundamental microeconomic entities, enterprises play a crucial role in the national governance of carbon emissions. This study uses panel data on Chinese A share listed companies from 2019 to 2023 and employs fixed effects models that control for firm, year, and industry effect to analyze how ESG performance influences carbon emissions and through which mechanism. The findings indicate that improvements in ESG ratings significantly reduce firms’ carbon emissions. This effect operates primarily through the following two channels: (1) promoting green technological innovation, thereby enhancing environmental performance, and (2) increasing the attention of financial analysts, which strengthens external monitoring. The heterogeneity analysis further reveals that the mitigating effect of ESG improvement on carbon emissions is more pronounced in firms with a lower proportion of institutional ownership, while this effect is relatively weaker in firms with higher institutional ownership. This suggests that in contexts where institutional investors hold a smaller share, firms may place greater emphasis on the policy pressure and social responsibility expectations associated with ESG performance, thereby exhibiting stronger commitment to emission reduction actions. In contrast, in firms dominated by institutional investors, the implementation of ESG policy objectives may be partially compromised due to the investors’ short-term profit orientation. This study provides empirical evidence for firms to fulfill their environmental and social responsibilities and offers actionable insights for investors aiming to promote sustainable development. From a policy perspective, the findings also offer theoretical support for developing differentiated regulatory strategies based on variations in ownership and shareholding structures. Full article

Graphene, a two-dimensional material with remarkable electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties, has revolutionized the fields of electronics, energy storage, and nanotechnology. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of graphene synthesis techniques, which can be classified into two primary approaches: top-down and bottom-up. Top-down methods, such as mechanical exfoliation, oxidation-reduction, unzipping carbon nanotubes, and liquid-phase exfoliation, are highlighted for their scalability and cost-effectiveness, albeit with challenges in controlling defects and uniformity. In contrast, bottom-up methods, including chemical vapor deposition (CVD), arc discharge, and epitaxial growth on silicon carbide, offer superior structural control and quality but are often constrained by high costs and limited scalability. The interplay between synthesis parameters, material properties, and application requirements is critically examined to provide insights into optimizing graphene production. This review also emphasizes the growing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches, aligning with the global push for green nanotechnology. By synthesizing current advancements and identifying critical research gaps, this work offers a roadmap for selecting the most suitable synthesis techniques and fostering innovations in scalable and high-quality graphene production. The findings serve as a valuable resource for researchers and industries aiming to harness graphene’s full potential in diverse technological applications. Full article

This research addresses the difference between the green economy and corporate social responsibility (CSR), focusing on micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSEs) that produce textiles such as fabrics, clothing, footwear, and services in eastern Lima, Peru. In a global scenario where sustainability has become an essential pillar of economic, social, and environmental development, it is essential to understand how green economy concepts can be incorporated into local business activities. Given the significant role of MSEs in the national economy and their impact on employment and the social fabric, these companies face the challenge of balancing economic growth with responsible and sustainable practices. This study begins with a central question: how can sustainable economic practices promote CSR in this business sector? Using a quantitative approach, the study analyzes how the green economy acts as a driver of CSR in MSEs, as well as the degree of connection between the green economy and the implementation of social responsibility policies and actions in these companies. The results indicate a strong relationship between the two concepts (R² = 0.91), suggesting that the green economy may be an important factor in promoting social and environmental commitment within these organizations. In conclusion, the green economy represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen CSR in MSMEs, providing economic, social, and environmental benefits, although it also entails challenges related to resources, knowledge, and organizational adaptation. This integration could be crucial for sustainable development at both the local and national levels. Full article

Green hydrogen is gaining global attention as a zero-carbon energy carrier with the potential to drive sustainable energy transitions, particularly in regions facing rising fossil fuel costs and resource depletion. In sub-Saharan Africa, financing mechanisms and structured off-take agreements are critical to attracting investment across the green hydrogen value chain, from advisory and pilot stages to full-scale deployment. While substantial funding is required to support a green economic transition, success will depend on the effective mobilization of capital through smart public policies and innovative financial instruments. This review evaluates financing mechanisms relevant to sub-Saharan Africa, including green bonds, public–private partnerships, foreign direct investment, venture capital, grants and loans, multilateral and bilateral funding, and government subsidies. Despite their potential, current capital flows remain insufficient and must be significantly scaled up to meet green energy transition targets. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, drawing on primary data from utility firms under the H₂Atlas-Africa project and secondary data from international organizations and the peer-reviewed literature. The analysis identifies that transitioning toward Net-Zero emissions economies through hydrogen development in sub-Saharan Africa presents both significant opportunities and measurable risks. Specifically, the results indicate an estimated investment risk factor of 35%, reflecting potential challenges such as financing, infrastructure, and policy readiness. Nevertheless, the findings underscore that green hydrogen is a viable alternative to fossil fuels in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly if supported by targeted financing strategies and robust policy frameworks. This study offers practical insights for policymakers, financial institutions, and development partners seeking to structure bankable projects and accelerate green hydrogen adoption across the region. Full article

In response to the global push for sustainable development, green building certification systems have become a key policy instrument for reducing carbon emissions in the construction sector. In Taiwan, the EEWH (Ecology, Energy Saving, Waste Reduction, and Health) system serves as the primary framework for evaluating building sustainability. However, while government incentives such as floor area ratio (FAR) bonuses aim to encourage adoption, private sector participation remains limited, especially in the residential sector. This study investigates the cost implications and incentive benefits of upgrading green building certification from the Silver level to the Gold level under the EEWH system, using eight collective housing projects in the Taipei metropolitan area as case studies. Through a detailed analysis of certification components, upgrade strategies, and construction cost estimates, this research quantifies the additional costs required for each sustainability indicator and evaluates the alignment between upgrade investments and incentive rewards. The findings reveal that the average cost increase associated with the Silver-to-Gold upgrade ranges between 1% and 3% of total construction costs, with certain design strategies offering high cost-effectiveness. Moreover, the study examines whether the current FAR bonus policy provides adequate motivation for developers to pursue higher certification levels. The results provide valuable insights for policymakers seeking to optimize incentive structures and for developers considering sustainable building investments. Full article

Fuel cells have become a fundamental technology in the development of clean energy systems, playing a vital role in the global shift toward a low-carbon future. With the growing need for sustainable hydrogen production, perfluoro sulfonic acid (PFSA) ionomer membranes play a critical role in optimizing green hydrogen technologies and fuel cells. This study aims to investigate the effects of different environmental and solvent treatments on the chemical and physical properties of Nafion N−115 membranes to evaluate their suitability for both hydrogen production in proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers and hydrogen utilization in fuel cells, supporting integrated applications in the local and global green hydrogen economy. To achieve this, Nafion N−115 membranes were partially dissolved in various solvent mixtures, including ethanol/isopropanol (EI), isopropanol/water (IW), dimethylformamide/N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (DN), and ethanol/methanol/isopropanol (EMI), evaluated under water immersion and thermal stress, and characterized for chemical stability, mechanical strength, water uptake, and proton conductivity using advanced electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques. The results demonstrated that the EMI-treated membrane showed the highest proton conductivity and maintained its structural integrity, making it the most promising for hydrogen electrolysis applications. Conversely, the DN-treated membrane exhibited reduced stability and lower conductivity due to solvent-induced degradation. This study highlights the potential of EMI as an optimal solvent mixture for enhancing PFSA membranes performance in green hydrogen production, contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions. Full article

Amid global resource shortage and severe climate problems, green innovation has become the key for enterprises to achieve sustainable development, and supply chain digitization brings a new opportunity to enhance the green innovation capability of enterprises. Therefore, this paper empirically investigates the differential effects of supply chain digitization (SCD) on two different green innovation strategies, namely substantive green innovation (SGI) and tactical green innovation (TGI), with 38,548 observations of Chinese listed companies in the 17-year period from 2007 to 2023 using an innovative double machine learning model. It is found that SCD can significantly enhance the substantive and tactical green innovation capabilities of enterprises, and the promotion effect on the former is more obvious. Mechanism analysis shows that SCD promotes substantive green innovation by improving the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) performance of enterprises, and promotes tactical green innovation by improving the management efficiency of supply chain nodes. Heterogeneity analysis shows that SCD promotes green innovation more significantly for high-tech firms, firms with high degree of internal control and low financing constraints. Our paper can be informative in addressing this differential impact of supply chain digitization on different types of corporate green innovation. Full article

With the advancement of global climate governance, public attention—an emerging form of social capital—has played an increasingly important role in the carbon emission effects of green technological innovation. Based on panel data from 267 prefecture-level cities in China from 2012 to 2022, this study employed a two-way fixed-effects model to identify the nonlinear relationship between green innovation and carbon emissions, incorporated interaction terms to examine the moderating effect of public attention, and applied a spatial Durbin model to analyze the spatial spillover effects of green innovation. The results reveal an inverted U-shaped relationship between green innovation and carbon emissions, with the inflection point corresponding to 8.58 authorized green patents per 10,000 people—a threshold that most cities have yet to reach. Public attention significantly altered the shape of the carbon effect curve by making it steeper; in cities with a higher share of secondary industry, it delayed the inflection point, whereas in cities dominated by the tertiary industry, the turning point appeared earlier. In addition, green innovation had significant spatial spillover effects, and its impact on carbon emissions in neighboring cities displayed a U-shaped pattern. This paper proposes an analytical framework of “socially empowered innovation” to reveal the nonlinear moderating mechanism through which public attention influences the carbon effects of green innovation. The findings offer important policy implications: efforts should focus on long-term innovation, promote regional coordination, guide rational public participation, and avoid short-sighted and unsustainable mitigation practices. Full article

With the intensification of the global energy crisis, green, low-carbon, and environmentally friendly biomass materials have become the focus of research. Among them, biomass-derived carbon dots (B-CDs), a novel class of sustainable zero-dimensional carbon nanomaterials, attract significant interest due to their environmental friendliness, low toxicity, and unique optical properties. Research findings indicate that B-CDs, utilizing biomass materials as carbon sources, demonstrate significant potential in numerous application fields through structural design and photo-functionalization. However, the underlying mechanisms and formation processes of B-CDs remain inadequately elucidated, and systematic summarization still requires further refinement. Therefore, this review systematically summarizes the synthesis methods, precursor structures, formation mechanisms, luminescent properties, and prevailing applications of B-CDs, with a particular emphasis on recent advances in their use for sensing, anti-counterfeiting, bioimaging, and optronics. In addition, the challenges encountered in performance-oriented controllable preparation and large-scale production were also clarified. This comprehensive review provides a theoretical foundation for further research and multidisciplinary applications of B-CDs, thereby contributing to promoting large-scale commercialization and industrial implementation. Full article