Search Results (290)

This review explores the catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into glycerol carbonate (GC), positioning this pathway as a sustainable strategy that couples environmental mitigation with the valorization of surplus glycerol from biodiesel production. Glycerol carbonate maintains extensive industrial utility as a green solvent, chemical intermediate, and functional component in polymers, cosmetics, and packaging. Distinct from prior literature, this study specifically evaluates the use of amorphous silica from rice husk ash (RHA) as a sustainable, low-cost support, analyzing the synergistic effect between Nb₂O₅, NiO, and ionic liquids in hybrid catalyst architectures. The review evaluates diverse catalytic frameworks, with a primary focus on heterogeneous systems. Silica-based materials are highlighted, particularly those synthesized from rice husk ash, which is an abundant amorphous silica source. The sol–gel method is identified as a robust route for engineering porous matrices with high surface areas and tunable structural properties. Furthermore, the doping of silica with metal oxides, such as niobium oxide (Nb₂O₅) and nickel oxide (NiO), is discussed as a strategic approach to introduce synergistic acid–base sites and redox properties that facilitate CO₂ activation. The integration of ionic liquids into hybrid systems is also examined as a promising frontier to enhance reaction kinetics and selectivity. Finally, this review delineates the nexus between agro-industrial waste management and the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, proposing a circular economy framework for the biodiesel value chain. Full article

We investigated the influence of transition metal coordination on the optical dispersion and thermo-optic behavior of the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate ([BMIM][SCN]). Refractive index measurements in the visible–near-infrared range (400–1000 nm), combined with temperature-dependent characterization (298–323 K), demonstrate that coordination with Al³⁺, Cd²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Mn²⁺ consistently increases the refractive index relative to the neat ionic liquid. All systems exhibit normal dispersion, following the hierarchy n(Al) > n(Cd) ≳ n(Zn) > n(Mn) > n([BMIM][SCN]), which reflects cooperative contributions from metal-centerd polarizability and coordination-induced modifications to density and electronic structure. Negative thermo-optic coefficients are measured for all samples, with [BMIM]₃[Al(SCN)₆] displaying the highest temperature sensitivity. Abbe diagrams and group-velocity dispersion analyses confirm a predictable index–dispersion trade-off and show that dispersion-related transport parameters are less temperature dependent than n(T). Collectively, these findings establish a structure–property framework for tuning refractive index, chromatic dispersion, and thermo-optic response via coordination chemistry, supporting the targeted design of thiocyanate-based ionic liquids for photonic components, thermal lenses, and dispersion-managed optical devices. Full article

A flexible polyionic liquid (PIL) nanofiber membrane-supported phosphomolybdic acid catalyst (PM-PIL) was fabricated via stepwise chemical transformation of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber membranes. The nitrile groups of PAN were converted into pyridine units, followed by quaternization and anion exchange with phosphomolybdic acid (PMo), resulting in a polyionic liquid membrane with uniformly immobilized PMo species. Benefiting from its nanofibrous architecture and ionic liquid characteristics, the PM-PIL membrane simultaneously acts as a heterogeneous catalyst and a Pickering emulsion stabilizer, enabling efficient interfacial catalytic oxidation desulfurization. The PM-PIL membrane exhibited excellent catalytic performance toward dibenzothiophene (DBT) oxidation in an H₂O₂-based model oil system. Under optimized conditions (60 °C, O/S = 150:1), more than 90% DBT removal was achieved within 90 min, and complete desulfurization was obtained within 2 h. Compared with phosphomolybdic acid and poly(pyridine), the PM-PIL membrane showed markedly enhanced activity and stability, maintaining over 90% efficiency after six cycles. Product analysis confirmed selective oxidation of DBT to dibenzothiophene sulfone. This work provides a robust and recyclable membrane-based catalytic platform for efficient oxidative desulfurization. Full article

The aim of this work is to prepare and characterize a composite adsorbent comprising the hydrophilic ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate [EMIM-Ac] composite supported on mesoporous silica gel for application in adsorption heat storage systems. Water adsorption/desorption isotherms were measured gravimetrically at T = 40, 50, 70 °C across a relative humidity (RH) range of 0–0.8, demonstrating a high adsorption capacity (up to 0.71 g/g at 50 °C and RH = 0.8, for a 50 wt % [EMIM-Ac] loading). Full process reversibility and negligible ad/desorption hysteresis were also verified. Thermal stability of the prepared silica/[EMIM-Ac] composites was confirmed up to approximately T = 200 °C. Structural stability of samples subjected to repeated ad/desorption aging cycles was verified via FT-IR, High-Resolution Solid-State NMR, and Time-Domain NMR spectroscopy. Finally, the thermodynamic analysis based on adsorption experimental data indicated that the silica/[EMIM-Ac] composite is highly suitable for adsorption heat storage, providing a volumetric density of 600–920 MJ/m³ at regeneration temperatures below 100 °C. Full article

Ionic liquid (IL) N-methyl-N′-1-(4-t-butylphenylphosphinyl)butylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulphonyl) imide was used for the first time as an ion carrier in membrane systems to selectively transport Au(III), Pt(IV), and Pd(II) ions. Au(III), Pd(II), and Pt(IV) were transported from HCl solutions utilizing a polymer inclusion membrane (PIM) with cellulose triacetate as the support, o-nitrophenyl pentyl ether as the plasticizer, and ionic liquid as the mentioned ion carrier. The modifications of source and receiving aqueous phase compositions are examined. High selectivity for Au(III) using the ionic liquid in the membrane was achieved at elevated HCl concentrations (≥0.5 M). When a 0.010 M KI solution was used as the receiving phase and a membrane with the optimal composition was applied, the extraction of Au(III) ions reached a maximum recovery rate of 93%. Moreover, PIM studies showed that carrier molecules doped in the membrane creates complexes with the Au(III) ion with a molar ratio of 1:1. The extractability of Au(III) through PIMs exceeded that of other metal ions, with the selectivity of transported metal ions ranked as follows: Au(III) >> Pt(IV), Pd(II). The recovery factors for gold, platinum, and palladium ions after 6 h of transport were 94%, 8%, and 1%, respectively. Full article

Rare earth elements (REEs) are increasingly critical for advanced technologies like high-tech electronic devices, electric vehicles, catalysts, and supercapacitors. However, separating and purifying the REEs is challenging due to their similar physicochemical properties, such as ionic sizes and oxidation states. Traditional methods like solvent extraction require extensive use of organic solvents, involving multiple stages that generate large volumes of acidic liquid wastes. This article introduces membrane separation technologies as a more efficient approach that minimizes waste generation and offers higher selectivity and recovery rates in a single step. Membrane separation methods utilize free energy gradients and differences in ionic size or material affinity to selectively reject or allow ion adsorption and diffusion through the membrane pores. In this review paper, we critically evaluate recent advancements in the development and implementation of membrane-based systems and focus on exploring different membrane materials for REE separation, including polymer inclusion membranes, ion-imprinted membranes, nanofiltration membranes, electrodialysis membranes, metal-organic frameworks, and supported liquid membranes. The advantages, potential challenges, and technical issues with implementing these technologies are discussed, and possible areas for improvement and insights for further research are presented. Full article

The aza-Michael reaction is a fundamental transformation for carbon–nitrogen bond formation, providing efficient access to β-amino carbonyl compounds, nitriles, and related nitrogen-containing building blocks of broad importance in medicinal chemistry and organic synthesis. Over the past two decades, ionic liquids (ILs) have attracted considerable attention as alternative reaction media, promoters, and catalysts for aza-Michael reactions, owing to their distinctive physicochemical properties and tunable structures. This review presents a comprehensive and critical overview of ionic-liquid-mediated aza-Michael reactions, emphasizing the evolution of IL design from early imidazolium-based systems to modern task-specific, supported, and bio-derived ionic liquids. Conventional room-temperature ionic liquids are discussed as non-innocent solvents capable of stabilizing charged intermediates and enhancing electrophilicity, thereby enabling catalyst-free or metal-assisted aza-Michael additions. Subsequent sections focus on task-specific ionic liquids incorporating Brønsted acidic, basic, hydrogen-bond-donating, or bifunctional motifs, highlighting how rational structural design translates into improved activity, selectivity, and substrate scope. Particular attention is devoted to guanidine-, DABCO-, and DBU-based ionic liquids, where mechanistic studies reveal cooperative activation modes rather than simple acid–base catalysis. Recent advances in supported and polymeric ionic liquids are also reviewed, demonstrating effective strategies to combine IL-like reactivity with enhanced recyclability and operational simplicity. Overall, this review clarifies the diverse roles of ionic liquids in aza-Michael chemistry and outlines current challenges and future perspectives toward more sustainable and efficient C–N bond-forming methodologies. Full article

Umami taste in lager beer not only determined body fullness and the backbone of aftertaste, but also affected the controllability and interpretability of flavor expression across the entire brewing process. Based on stage-wise sampling, peptidomic profiles were established on wort fermentation day 0, day 1, day 3, and day 9. A total of 25,592 peptides were identified by reversed-phase liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (RPLC-QTOF-MS). Molecular informatics screening was performed using UMPred-FRL (a feature representation learning-based meta-predictor for umami peptides) and TastePeptides-Meta (a one-stop platform for taste peptides and prediction models), yielding 7255 potential umami peptides. From these, 145 peptides were further selected for molecular docking. In addition, 6 representative umami peptides were selected for receptor-level validation and structural analysis. Mechanistically, the umami receptor taste receptor type 1 member 1/taste receptor type 1 member 3 (T1R1/T1R3) belonged to class C G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) and relied on the extracellular Venus flytrap (VFT) domain for ligand capture. Ligand-induced VFT conformational convergence transmitted changes to the transmembrane region and triggered signal transduction. Docking and energy decomposition indicated that the ionic group primarily contributed to orientation and anchoring. Salt-bridge or hydrogen-bond networks were formed around Lys228, Arg240, Glu206, Asp210, Asn141, and Gln138, thereby reducing conformational freedom. Meanwhile, hydrophobic side chains obtained major binding gains within a hydrophobic microenvironment formed by Val135, Ile137, Leu165, Tyr166, Trp78, and His79. These results reflected a synergistic mode in which charge pairing enabled positioning and hydro-phobic complementarity promoted VFT closure. To experimentally confirm sensory relevance, 6 representative peptides were individually spiked into 4 brewing-stage beer samples, which produced a clear stratification pattern across stages. Notably, peptides with favorable docking-derived binding propensity did not necessarily enhance umami perception, and several longer peptides showed persistent negative sensory shifts, supporting that binding affinity alone could not be treated as a proxy for perceived umami in the beer matrix. At the node level, the cumulative abundance of umami peptides showed a significant positive correlation with umami scores, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of r = 0.963 and p = 0.037. This result indicated good linear consistency between umami peptide content and the upward shift in umami taste in lager beer. Umami peptide clusters were further proposed as a more appropriate functional unit, and an umami peptide cluster database spanning the full process was constructed. This database provided a reusable resource for process control and flavor prediction. Full article

The article presents the preparation method of a green composite material composed of cellulose and lignin using an ionic liquid as a solvent. In the process, cellulose and lignin are dissolved in the ionic liquid and subsequently regenerated into a composite film via coagulation in ethanol/water bath. The research focused on evaluating the mechanical properties of the resulting composite, which exhibited a high tensile strength exceeding 100 MPa, demonstrating its robustness and potential for various applications. Importantly, the simultaneous integration of lignin enabled a favorable balance between high mechanical strength and enhanced biodegradability, addressing a common trade-off in sustainable materials. Additionally, the biodegradation behavior of the composite in soil was investigated, showing that it gradually decomposes, making it environmentally friendly. Toxicity tests on soil bacteria indicated that the composite does not adversely affect microbial activity, supporting its suitability for ecological use. Furthermore, the gas permeability and water vapor transmission of the composite film was assessed, providing insight into its barrier properties. Overall, the study highlights the potential of cellulose-lignin composites produced via ionic liquids as sustainable and biodegradable materials with promising mechanical and environmental properties. Full article

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a key biological matrix that reflects the physiological and pathological states of the central nervous system (CNS). It supports brain function by regulating ionic balance, facilitating molecular transport, and clearing metabolic waste. In this article, we present a standardized protocol for CSF collection along with an integrative multiplatform metabolomic workflow that combines proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H-NMRS) and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). Integrating these complementary analytical modalities enhances metabolite coverage and improves analytical robustness, enabling a more comprehensive and reliable characterization of the CSF metabolome. This workflow supports the discovery of potential biomarkers and advances our understanding of neurochemical alterations within the CNS. Full article

This paper presents a practical thermal control strategy to enhance the output performance of oxide-based all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs), which typically exhibit low ionic conductivity at room temperature. A lightweight polyimide (PI) film heater was designed, fabricated, and integrated into the cell stack to locally maintain the optimal operating temperature range (≈65–75 °C) for electrolyte activation. Unlike previous studies limited to liquid or sulfide-based batteries, this work demonstrates the direct integration and coupled numerical–experimental validation of a PI film heater within oxide-based ASSBs. The proposed design achieves high heating efficiency (~92%) with minimal thickness (<100 μm) and long-term stability, enabling reliable and scalable thermal management. Finite-element simulations and experimental verification confirmed that the proposed heater achieved rapid and uniform heating with less than a 10 °C temperature deviation between the cell and heater surfaces. These findings provide a foundation for smart battery management systems with distributed temperature sensing and feedback control, supporting the development of high-performance and reliable solid-state battery platforms. Full article

Plastic streams dominated by polyethylene (PE) including PE HD/MD (High Density/Medium Density) and PE LD/LLD (Low Density/Linear Low Density), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) across Europe demand a design framework that links synthesis with end of life reactivity, supporting circular economic goals and European Union waste management targets. This work integrates polymerization derived chain architecture and depolymerization mechanisms to guide selective valorization of commercial plastic wastes in the European context. Catalytic topologies such as Bronsted or Lewis acidity, framework aluminum siting, micro and mesoporosity, initiators, and strategies for process termination are evaluated under relevant variables including temperature, heating rate, vapor residence time, and pressure as encountered in industrial practice throughout Europe. The analysis demonstrates that polymer chain architecture constrains reaction pathways and attainable product profiles, while additives, catalyst residues, and contaminants in real waste streams can shift radical populations and observed selectivity under otherwise similar operating windows. For example, strong Bronsted acidity and shape selective micropores favor the formation of C₂ to C₄ olefins and Benzene, Toluene, and Xylene (BTX) aromatics, while weaker acidity and hierarchical porosity help preserve chain length, resulting in paraffinic oils and waxes. Increasing mesopore content shortens contact times and limits undesired secondary cracking. The use of suitable initiators lowers the energy threshold and broadens processing options, whereas diffusion management and surface passivation help reduce catalyst deactivation. In the case of PVC, continuous hydrogen chloride removal and the use of basic or redox co catalysts or ionic liquids reduce the dehydrochlorination temperature and improve fraction purity. Staged dechlorination followed by subsequent residue cracking is essential to obtain high quality output and prevent the release of harmful by products within European Union approved processes. Framing process design as a sequence that connects chain architecture, degradation chemistry, and operating windows supports mechanistically informed selection of catalysts, severity, and residence time, while recognizing that reported selectivity varies strongly with reactor configuration and feed heterogeneity and that focused comparative studies are required to validate quantitative structure to selectivity links. In European post consumer sorting chains, PS and PC are frequently handled as separate fractions or appear in residues with distinct processing routes, therefore they are not included in the polymer set analyzed here. Polystyrene and polycarbonate are outside the scope of this review because they are commonly handled as separate fractions and are typically optimized toward different product slates than the gas, oil, and wax focused pathways emphasized here. Full article

Carbon capture plays a crucial role in mitigating carbon emissions, which is essential for curbing global warming. Owing to its benefits, such as the absence of secondary pollution, operational simplicity, and low energy consumption, adsorption has been widely used in carbon capture. Accordingly, the design of high-efficiency adsorption materials is critical to achieving superior carbon capture performance. In this review, we systemically outline the adsorption mechanisms, influencing factors, and various adsorption materials, including porous carbon-based material, zeolites, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), solid amines, and emerging adsorbents (porous liquids and supported ionic liquid phase), along with their recent research progress in carbon capture. Furthermore, we point out the design strategies for enhancing CO₂ capture performance and potential research directions in the future. Full article

The photocatalytic reduction of CO₂ in aqueous media offers a sustainable route for solar-to-fuel conversion, yet remains challenged by CO₂’s thermodynamic stability and kinetic inertness, low solubility, and competitive hydrogen evolution. Here, we investigate the interplay between ionic liquids (ILs), photocatalyst supports, and additive composition in directing product selectivity among CO, CH₄, and H₂. Using imidazolium acetate as a benchmark, we demonstrate that ILs not only pre-activate CO₂ but can also undergo decomposition pathways under illumination, notably Kolbe-type reactions leading to methane formation from acetate rather than from CO₂. Comparative studies of Pd-decorated TiO₂ and g-C₃N₄ nanosheets reveal distinct behaviors driven by their interfacial interactions with the imidazolim-based ionic liquid: weak interaction with TiO₂ strongly promotes hydrogen evolution, whereas strong coupling with g-C₃N₄ synergizes with C₁C₄ImOAc to trigger acetate-derived Kolbe reactivity. The systematic evaluation of alternative salts confirms the determinant role of anion basicity and medium-pH-basic anions facilitate CO₂ activation, whereas weakly basic or non-coordinating anions favor water splitting. Overall, these results clarify the dual role of ionic liquids as both CO₂ activators and sacrificial agents, and highlight design principles for improving product selectivity and efficiency in aqueous CO₂ photoreduction systems. Full article

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is an effective method for processing wet sewage sludge without prior drying. This study investigates the influence of temperature (200 °C and 210 °C), residence time (15 and 30 min), and pH (neutral and acidic, pH = 2) on the properties of hydrochar and the liquid fraction. Increasing process severity enhanced carbonization, increasing carbon content from 36% in raw sludge to 43% in acidified samples. Under neutral HTC conditions, ash content exceeded 40%, while acidic conditions reduced it to 28%, indicating mineral dissolution and transfer into the liquid phase. Hydrogen and nitrogen contents remained within 3–6%, contributing to the fuel characteristics. The solid yield decreased from 1.04% in raw sludge to 0.22–0.37% after HTC, confirming intensified organic matter conversion. Acidic conditions significantly improved nutrient release to the liquid phase. PO₄³⁻ concentration increased from 337 to 375 mg/L under neutral conditions to over 675 mg/L, while P₂O₅ exceeded 509 mg/L. Conductivity rose from approximately 2.0 to 4.25 mS/cm, reflecting high ionic content. These results highlight the potential of the liquid fraction as a nutrient-rich stream that can be used for fertilizer recovery, particularly via struvite precipitation, and confirm that precise HTC parameter control supports resource recovery in line with circular economy principles. Full article