Search Results (2,238)

Ion-imprinted polymers (IIPs) are advanced adsorbents featuring selective recognition cavities for targeted metal ion capture, offering a promising route to high-efficiency separation in extractive metallurgy. In the present work, the evolution, design principles, synthesis strategies, separation mechanisms, and practical applicability of IIPs for metal recovery from complex aqueous matrices are overviewed. Key material components, including functional monomers, crosslinkers, template ions, initiators, solvents, and support materials, are discussed in relation to adsorption capacity, selectivity, kinetics, stability, and recyclability. Major preparation routes, such as surface imprinting, bulk polymerization, in situ polymerization, and sol–gel methods, are critically compared to clarify their advantages and limitations. Recent applications for base metals, precious metals, and rare-earth elements demonstrate that IIPs can achieve high specificity and rapid equilibrium under optimized conditions. However, their translation from simulated solutions to real leachates remains constrained by interfering ions, organic contaminants, mass transfer resistance, incomplete template removal, and matrix complexity. Mitigation strategies, including sample pretreatment, improved polymer architecture, and hybrid supports, are therefore emphasized. Additionally, chemometric modelling, machine learning, or artificial intelligence-assisted design may be implemented to advance the prospects of IIPs in industry. Conclusively, IIPs represent a strong separation platform, yet industrial deployment requires robust validation with real feed streams and scalable regeneration protocols during column operation, as well as under chemically aggressive conditions at scale. Full article

The positional arrangement of BN and CC units in B₆C₆N₆ cyclic nanorings profoundly influences their stability, electronic structure, optical response, and reactivity. Here, we comparatively investigate eight positional isomers (C1–C8) using DFT and TD-DFT calculations. Among C1–C8, C1 is the most stable, and C8 is the most unstable in the range of 200–1000 K. Their relative stability is governed by B-N charge separation, homonuclear B-B and N-N defects (charge repulsion), and bond-angle distortion (ring tension). The HOMO–LUMO gaps range from 4.40 eV (C3) to 8.45 eV (C2), indicating distinct kinetic stability. Aromaticity analysis reveals that all isomers are nonaromatic. In the gas phase, the lowest-energy absorption bands of C1 and C3 are located at about 429 nm and 606 nm, respectively. Due to different transition mechanisms, namely locally excited (LE) for the former and charge-transfer (CT) for the latter, solvent polarity has dramatically different influence on these two absorption bands. Compared to their positions in the gas phase, these absorption bands are blue-shifted about 20 nm and 220 nm in water, respectively. Reactivity analysis identifies the B-B bond in C7 as the strongest electrophilic site (LEAE = −2.93 eV), with the surrounding framework serving as nucleophilic domains, endowing C7 with the strongest bifunctional reactivity. This work establishes a comprehensive structure–property map for B₆C₆N₆ isomers, providing guidance for designing BCN-based nanorings for catalysis, molecular recognition, and optoelectronics. Full article

Polyester–cotton (PES/CO) blends represent one of the most widely used textile classifications globally, yet their fibre-to-fibre recycling remains technically challenging due to the chemical dissimilarity of the two fibres. Existing reviews typically address textile recycling in broad terms, leaving a gap in critically evaluating the specific separation chemistries, recovered-fraction quality, and industrial maturity of PES/CO recycling routes. This review addresses that gap by providing a focused and comparative assessment of technologies designed for PES/CO fractionation. The paper analyses both polyester-removal and cellulose-removal routes, covering depolymerisation (hydrolysis, glycolysis, methanolysis, aminolysis), dissolving systems (NMMO, ionic liquids, DES, cold alkaline), and enzymatic or acid-based degradation. Each route is evaluated using technical criteria including fraction purity, cellulose degree of polymerisation, polyester monomer recovery, fibre quality, chemical consumption and energy requirement, solvent recovery, reaction conditions, and scalability. The review finds that chemical depolymerisation of PES and selective dissolution of cellulose currently show the strongest potential for high-quality fibre-to-fibre recycling, particularly when solvent recovery systems are integrated. However, significant barriers remain, including incomplete fraction purity, degradation of cellulose DP, limited recovery of high-quality polyester intermediates, high chemical consumption, and insufficient industrial-scale demonstrations. Overall, this review provides a differentiated and critical synthesis of PES/CO recycling technologies, clarifying their readiness levels and outlining the key scientific and industrial challenges that must be addressed to enable circularity in blended textile waste streams. Full article

The surface modification of polyolefin separators for lithium-ion batteries using polymer particles has been extensively investigated to enhance their electrolyte wettability, thermal resistance, and mechanical properties. However, the traditional polymer synthesis and/or polymer-based separator modifications have mostly been carried out using harmful and expensive organic solvents. In this study, a powder-type polyimide (PI) was synthesized using water as a solvent, and then PI-particle-containing coating slurries were prepared in an aqueous dispersion medium. The coating slurries were applied on a polyethylene (PE) separator to obtain PI-particle-coated PE (PI-PE) separators. Thermal and mechanical properties were evaluated for the PI-PE separators. Electrolyte uptake, porosity, air permeability, and ionic conductivity of the separators were also evaluated. The electrochemical properties of coin cells assembled with the PI-PE separator were evaluated by charge–discharge property. Coating of PI particles improves the thermal stability and electrolyte wettability of the PE separator, and LiCoO₂/PI-PE separator/Li half-cells showed battery performance similar to that of bare PE half-cells. This work offers insights into the simple, eco-friendly preparation of a separator with excellent thermal stability, electrolyte wettability and effective ionic conductivity. Full article

The development of efficient visible-light-driven semiconductor photocatalysts is essential for scalable and sustainable green hydrogen production. Among ternary metal oxides, MV₂O₆ (M = Zn, Ni, Cu, Mn, Co, etc.) metavanadates have attracted considerable interest because of their narrow band gaps (~1.8–2.5 eV), strong visible-light absorption, and unique edge-sharing VO₆ octahedral framework that promotes charge separation. This review summarizes recent advances in the design, synthesis, and electronic engineering of MV₂O₆-based photocatalysts for solar water splitting. Since direct particulate overall water splitting has only been demonstrated for MnV₂O₆, whereas ZnV₂O₆, NiV₂O₆, and CuV₂O₆ have mainly been investigated as photoelectrodes, both particulate photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems are critically examined. The review clearly distinguishes these two configurations, highlighting how PEC studies provide valuable insights into charge transport, interfacial processes, and reaction kinetics while recognizing the additional challenges associated with suspension-based photocatalysis. Fundamental crystal structures, electronic band alignments, and charge-transfer characteristics of MV₂O₆ compounds are discussed, followed by recent advances in synthesis strategies, including hydrothermal, sol–gel, and deep eutectic solvent (DES)-assisted methods, together with morphology and defect engineering. Particular attention is given to oxygen-vacancy formation and its influence on visible-light absorption and charge separation. Modification strategies, including elemental doping, cocatalyst loading, and the construction of Z-scheme and step-scheme (S-scheme) heterojunctions, are critically evaluated for improving photocatalytic efficiency. Finally, the review discusses the key challenges that limit practical applications, including unfavorable band-edge positions, rapid carrier recombination, sluggish surface reaction kinetics, photostability, and the need to establish composition–structure–activity relationships. Future perspectives emphasize rational materials design through advanced characterization, theoretical calculations, and scalable synthesis approaches to accelerate the development of efficient MV₂O₆ photocatalysts for solar-driven hydrogen production. Full article

Urtica dioica L. (stinging nettle) is a perennial herb with a long ethnomedicinal history and diverse pharmacological potential. This comprehensive review consolidates current knowledge on its phytochemistry, extraction technologies, bioactivities, and molecular mechanisms. However, recent reviews have generally addressed these aspects separately, and an integrated assessment linking green extraction technologies and phytochemical profiles to molecular mechanisms and gene expression modulation is still lacking. U. dioica contains abundant polyphenols (rutin, quercetin, kaempferol, and chlorogenic acid), sterols (β-sitosterol and stigmasterol), vitamins, carotenoids, and the antiviral lectin Urtica dioica agglutinin (UDA). Advances in green extraction technologies, such as ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), pressurized liquid extraction, and natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES)-based systems, have significantly improved yield, purity, and environmental sustainability compared to conventional maceration and Soxhlet methods. Comprehensive chromatographic and spectroscopic profiling (HPLC, GC–MS, FTIR, NMR, and LC–MS/MS) has established detailed chemical fingerprints linking bioactive constituents to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties. Mechanistic studies reveal that U. dioica exerts its therapeutic effects through modulation of oxidative stress, inhibition of the NF-κB and COX-2 pathways, enhancement of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, and regulation of apoptotic gene expression. Moreover, NADES–MAE extracts demonstrate potential as sustainable, high-efficacy formulations for nutraceutical and cosmetic applications. Despite extensive preclinical evidence, clinical standardization and dosage optimization remain major challenges. This review underscores U. dioica as a multifunctional medicinal plant with significant promise for next-generation phytotherapeutics and molecular nutrition. Full article

This study investigates the synergistic effects of compaction pressure and vapor-induced phase separation (VIPS) on the morphological, mechanical, and initial filtration properties of activated carbon/polyethersulfone composite block membranes. Membranes were fabricated using varying compaction pressures (5 and 10 kg/cm²) and VIPS exposure times (0 and 10 min) prior to direct non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS). Surface wettability analysis revealed that the optimized 50 wt.% activated carbon configurations were superhydrophilic (0° water contact angle), exhibiting instantaneous fluid absorption driven by strong capillary forces within the highly hygroscopic matrix. Morphological and gravimetric evaluations demonstrated that minimizing compaction (5 kg/cm²) and bypassing VIPS generated large macrovoids, resulting in the highest bulk internal porosity (61.05%) and maximum continuous gravity-driven water flux. Conversely, incorporating a 10-min VIPS exposure shifted the internal structure toward an interconnected sponge-like network. This structural transformation yielded the highest bovine serum albumin (BSA) rejection rate (12.97%) when paired with low pressure, as the network extended fluid residence time and maximized exposure to the activated carbon adsorption sites. Applying high compaction pressure (10 kg/cm²) to VIPS-treated membranes induced excessive polymer encapsulation of the active particles, significantly reducing separation efficiency while concurrently maximizing initial uniaxial tensile strength. Ultimately, these findings establish a foundational and highly tunable framework, demonstrating that calibrating mechanical compression alongside phase inversion dynamics balances permeability, adsorptive selectivity, and inter-particle binding cohesion for composite block membranes. Full article

Aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) provide a versatile, fully aqueous platform for probing solute–water interactions and protein structure. This review first surveys the diversity and phase behavior of biphasic aqueous systems formed by polymers and salts. We describe how phase diagrams characterize ATPS formation and composition and how both polymer chemistry and salt identity, rather than molecular size alone, govern phase separation by modulating the solvent properties of water. Building on a modified binodal model, we show that phase separation and solute partitioning can be understood in terms of changes in aqueous solvent dipolarity/polarizability, hydrogen-bond donor/acceptor properties, hydrophobicity, and electrostatics, quantified via solvatochromic probes and homologous solute series. These measurements underpin solvent interaction analysis (SIA), in which the partition coefficients of small molecules and proteins across panels of ATPSs are used to generate “structural signatures” that sensitively report on amino acid substitutions, conformational changes, aggregation, ligand binding, osmolyte effects, and post-translational modifications, independent of protein size. We discuss how SIA can be implemented in vial-, plate-, and microfluidic formats and combined with diverse analytical readouts (HPLC, MS, colorimetric assays, and immunoassays), and we contrast this structure-focused approach with conventional concentration-only proteomic and biomarker strategies. Particular emphasis is placed on structure-based biomarker discovery, where disease-relevant shifts in proteoform distributions—especially glycosylation changes—are often more informative than bulk protein levels and where SIA can complement or simplify complex glycomics and top-down proteomics workflows. As a case study, we describe the recently FDA-approved IsoPSA assay, which applies SIA principles to prostate-specific antigen by measuring cancer-associated structural alterations in circulating PSA via its partition behavior in a proprietary ATPS. IsoPSA generates a single index that discriminates between high-grade prostate cancer and benign and low-grade conditions. Prospective, longitudinal, and MRI-integrated clinical studies demonstrate that IsoPSA improves pre-biopsy risk stratification, reduces unnecessary biopsies, and provides robust negative and positive predictive values within the PSA “gray zone.” Collectively, the data support aqueous solvent interaction analysis as a broadly applicable, mechanistically grounded technology for protein characterization, drug–protein interaction studies, and structure-centric biomarker development, exemplified by the clinical translation of IsoPSA. Full article

Self-supported gradient bilayer NaA zeolite membranes were hydrothermally converted from geopolymer precursors for pervaporative dehydration of the propylene glycol methyl ether (PGME)/water azeotrope. XRD confirms crystallization of amorphous geopolymer into NaA zeolite. The 9 mm-thick membrane comprises a thin surface NaA-selective layer and a porous substrate providing low-resistance feed transport. The membrane shows preferential water adsorption and separates via the adsorption–diffusion mechanism. Performance depends on feed temperature and PGME concentration. At 30 °C and 95 wt% PGME, it achieves a flux of 1.1 kg·m⁻²·h⁻¹ and an ultrahigh separation factor of 2695, far exceeding conventional PVA membranes. This low-cost membrane demonstrates excellent potential for lab-scale organic solvent dehydration. Full article

Hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDESs) have been recognized as effective environmentally friendly extraction media for the recovery of lipophilic bioactive chemicals. Nonetheless, their incorporation with sophisticated delivery systems remains mostly unexamined. This study aimed to develop a curcuminoid-rich powder formulation from turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and to evaluate its physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity, and effects on cell metabolic activity in vitro. Initially, 30 HDES systems based on thymol or menthol were prepared and compared in terms of their curcuminoid extraction performance. The thymol/lactic acid system (2:1, molar ratio) produced the highest total curcuminoid concentration among the screened HDES systems. The extraction parameters were subsequently optimized using a Box–Behnken response surface design. Under the optimized conditions, the total curcuminoid concentration in the analyzed extract solution was 6692.12 ppm. Then, the obtained extracts were incorporated into a double-layer emulsification system by high-pressure homogenization and converted into encapsulated powder form by spray-drying. The particle distribution index (PDI) of the prepared emulsion system was determined as 0.282, indicating a homogeneous distribution of particles within the emulsion system. The total curcuminoid-based encapsulation efficiency of turmeric powders obtained using a double-layer encapsulation system was determined to be 87.33%. Under separately simulated gastric and intestinal conditions, the detected curcuminoid recovery values were similar, at 31.24% and 31.10%, respectively. The ABTS radical-scavenging activity measured after the simulated intestinal treatment reached 81.57%. However, the possible contribution of residual HDES components to this activity could not be determined. The encapsulated powder caused a concentration-dependent reduction in the metabolic activity of DU-145 prostate cancer and Caco-2 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells in the MTT assay. To conclude, the integrated approach enabled the production of a curcuminoid-rich powder with high encapsulation efficiency. The findings support further investigation of the formulation’s technological and biological properties. Full article

The development and validation of a sensitive, rapid, and specific gas chromatography method for the evaluation of 19 common Class 2 and Class 3 solvents frequently used in nanomedicine formulation is described. Method validation was performed using PerkinElmer’s headspace gas chromatograph system with flame ionization detection and an Elite 624 Crossbond 6% cyanopropylphenyl-94% dimethylpolysiloxane or DB-Fatwax-Ultra Inert column with helium as the carrier gas. Validation characteristics such as linearity, spike recovery, method precision, specificity, sensitivity, limit of detection/quantitation, and analyte stability were evaluated. The validated methods showed excellent linearity, with a correlation coefficient > 0.99, and good precision, with intra-day precision < 7.4% for all tested analytes. The percent recoveries ranged 83–104% within the method’s quantitation range. In comparison to previously reported methods, the current method has a much shorter equilibration time, higher sensitivity, better separation for many solvents, and a wide concentration detection range. The current method is also perfectly suitable to analyze short chain fatty acids such as formic acid, acetic acid, butyric acid, and valeric acid without requiring additional extraction or derivatization steps. Notably, the method was found to be suitable for analysis of formic acid—a common solvent in certain nanoformulations and one in which there is no prior gas chromatography method available which does not require this additional sample manipulation—down to approximately 75 ppm. Herein, the method is demonstrated using various nanoformulations, including the commercial Doxil formulation as well as several research nanoformulations, including polymeric, cross-linked polymeric, and dendrimer platforms. Full article

Polymers based on tricyclic decane skeleton in the role of high-performance polycarbon, polyester, polyacrylate, etc., are used in optical equipment, dental restoration, photoresist, and other fields because of their rigid ring structure and corresponding excellent heat/weather/impact/scratch resistance. The preparation process of monomer tricyclodidecane dimethanol is complex and has engineering safety problems. Also, it has been monopolized by a few enterprises for a long time, and the price is expensive. There is a lack of systematic reviews on the synthesis of tricyclodecane dimethanol. In this paper, focusing on the preparation process of tricyclic decane dimethanol, the preparation process of bicyclic decane dimethanol to be prepared by dicyclopentadiene is summarized, including the reaction path, catalytic system and separation method, and the homogeneous catalysis, aqueous/organic two-phase catalysis and heterogeneous catalysis in the hydroformylation of high-carbon olefins are discussed, as well as the difference between stripping, extraction, membrane separation and other methods in the separation methods of catalyst and product. Then, the current research status at home and abroad is summarized, and the advantages and disadvantages of the above reaction methods are analyzed according to the reaction system, catalyst used, solvent, reaction conditions, and final reaction level. Finally, the downstream application and market of tricyclic decane dimethanol are analyzed. It provides a reference for the design and optimization of the preparation process of tricyclodecane dimethanol. Full article

The solvent dehydration tower in Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA) production is characterized by strong multivariable interactions, slow vapor–liquid dynamics, and high sensitivity to upstream disturbances, often limiting the effectiveness of conventional proportional–integral (PI) control. Despite increasing interest in model predictive control (MPC) for separation systems, its application to industrial-scale PTA dehydration under realistic disturbance scenarios and operational constraints remains limited. This study develops a 5 × 5 multivariable model predictive control (MMPC) strategy for an industrial PTA dehydration tower based on a validated nonlinear first-principles UniSim^® Design R500 model and a complete 25-element first-order plus dead time (FOPDT) prediction model identified from systematic dynamic tests. The proposed MMPC was evaluated against the existing industrial PI controller under four representative industrial disturbance scenarios, including feed temperature, feed flow rate, and feed composition variations in two inlet streams. The results show that the proposed MMPC reduced the Integral Absolute Error (IAE) and Integral Squared Error (ISE) by approximately 87–100%, depending on the disturbance scenario and controlled variable. The greatest improvement was obtained under feed composition disturbances, where the MMPC achieved IAE and ISE values of 117.9 and 21.5 for Stream 1, and 8.1 and 0.1 for Stream 2, respectively. The only exception was the inlet temperature disturbance, for which the existing industrial PI controller remained slightly superior because of the predominantly local thermal dynamics and relatively weak process interactions. These results demonstrate that MMPC is particularly effective for strongly coupled multivariable disturbances and provide a practical framework for implementing advanced control in industrial PTA dehydration systems using validated process models. Full article

Rubusoside is the major sweet bioactive compound in Rubus chingii var. suavissimus (S.K.Lee) L.T.Lu, characterized by high sweetness, low caloric value, and favorable safety, with potential applications as a natural sweeteners and in functional foods. However, efficient green extraction technologies and their mechanisms remain insufficiently explored. Here, a microwave-assisted deep eutectic solvent (DES) system was developed for rubusoside recovery. The ternary DES composed of choline chloride, 1,2-propylene glycol, and 1,3-butanediol (1:2:2) showed the best performance and outperformed microwave-assisted water extraction. Response surface methodology identified optimal conditions of 33% moisture content, a liquid–solid ratio of 21 mL/g, 6 min, and 320 W, yielding 7.89 ± 0.25% rubusoside. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, electrostatic potential, atoms-in-molecules theory, and independent gradient modelling based on Hirshfeld partition analyses revealed significant non-covalent interactions between the ternary DES and rubusoside. Scanning electron microscopy showed that DES and microwave treatment synergistically disrupted plant tissues and enhanced mass transfer. LX-28 macroporous resin enabled rubusoside separation, and the recovered DES retained stable performance after five reuse cycles. These results demonstrate a green, efficient, and recyclable strategy driven by cooperative hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions between the ternary DES and the rubusoside glycosyl moiety, together with DES–microwave-induced tissue disruption and mass-transfer enhancement. Full article

This work reports the design and validation of a reusable platinum (Pt) electrode platform (ST-E) for green electrochemical analysis. The device integrates Pt working and counter electrodes with an external Ag/AgCl reference and is engineered for repeated regeneration and refunctionalization. Surface renewal by alumina polishing followed by electrochemical activation in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ restores a clean, reproducible Pt surface, as confirmed by diffusion-controlled, reversible ferricyanide voltammetry over 5–150 mV s⁻¹ with near-Nernstian peak separation and i_pa/ipc ≈ 1. Platform versatility is demonstrated in two applications. First, ST-E is functionalized with PFOA-selective molecularly imprinted nanoparticles on an APTES layer, enabling trace determination of perfluorooctanoic acid (1–5 pg mL⁻¹), with a detection limit of 0.50 pg mL⁻¹ and sensitivity of 3.16 μA (pg mL⁻¹)⁻¹. Responses correlate with an equivalently modified commercial screen-printed electrode (r = 0.990, p < 0.005), with Bland–Altman analysis confirming concordance. Second, after regeneration, electropolymerization of o-phenylenediamine yields an insulating poly(o-phenylenediamine) film that attenuates redox currents and increases ΔE_p, illustrating compatibility with diverse surface chemistries. Green metrics (AGREE, AGREEprep ≈ 0.80; BAGI = 75.0) highlight reduced waste and solvent use versus single-use transducers and compatibility with portable potentiostats, supporting circular electrochemical sensing. Full article